In China, it's almost impossible to get by without a mobile number, because you'll need it for everything from opening a bank account to registering food delivery/ride-hailing apps, booking scenic spot tickets, and even connecting to public WiFi.
This guide covers all aspects of getting a mobile phone card after you arrive in China, including required documents, carrier selection, plan comparison, and some tips to help you get it done in as little as 30 minutes.
Required Documents for Getting a Chinese Mobile Number
- Passport: Your original passport within its validity period
- Entry stamp: No need to carry it; it will be checked online on-site
- Cash: For the initial top-up of your phone credit
Choosing a Carrier
In China, the three major carriers—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—cover almost all mobile users nationwide, each with its own advantages:
- China Unicom: Most friendly to international users, first choice
- China Mobile: Widest network coverage
- China Telecom: Good network coverage, can be a backup option
How to Get a SIM Card
- Make it clear that you need a SIM card, not an eSIM
- After getting your queue number, while waiting, download the corresponding carrier's app in advance—this is crucial when opening the card
- Hand over your passport to the counter and directly choose the most cost-effective plan below:
8 RMB Number-Retention Plan
This is a "number-holding" plan. Clearly tell the clerk you want this when opening the card. If the counter says they don't have it, you can ask them to check the system (they likely do). If that doesn't work, choose any plan with the lowest monthly rent, and you can change it later.
Initial Top-Up and Monthly Rent
- Initial top-up: You need to pre-pay phone credit, you can ask them to pre-load 100 RMB first
- Monthly rent: You can check the monthly rent in the carrier's app after the SIM card is processed
Real-Name Verification
Some carriers may ask you to read a passage and record it. This is part of the normal real-name verification process.
Other Plans
I know you may need a lot of data. But please remember:
- First use your passport to activate the lowest monthly rent plan to get a Chinese mobile number
- Do not upgrade to an expensive data plan on the spot
Wait until your mobile number is working normally, then find the data package entry in the carrier's app and choose the cheapest data package.
Tips
- You don't need to specifically find a store with English-speaking staff. Prepare the above content, and with a translation app, you can efficiently get your card
- Chain/large stores have more proficient business handling and are better at dealing with passport card opening. It is recommended to prioritize these
- The number's归属�?(registered location) may vary by city/store. If you will be in Shanghai long-term, try not to get a card in Beijing, as it may cause unnecessary roaming/异地业务 issues in the future
- Download the corresponding carrier's app in advance. In China, you need to monitor your plan and bill at all times, and data packages also need to be purchased through the carrier's app
- After activation, be sure to log in to the store app to check the original plan content. If there are any unnecessary extra services, you can cancel them together
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a SIM card at the airport? Yes, but it is not recommended. Airport counters usually have more expensive plans and lack low-cost "number-retention plans," making subsequent changes more troublesome.
Can I keep the number for use after returning home? Yes. Before departure, activate international roaming in advance and ensure your account balance is sufficient.
How do I use the SIM card after getting it? Insert the card and it's ready to use. Generally, no additional APN settings are needed. If it doesn't work normally, you can try restarting your device.