A SIM card for China: Best options and where to buy one

The communication and SIM card situation in China

Travelers in China face a unique connectivity challenge. Unlike most destinations, it’s not just about choosing the right prepaid card or deciding between voice and data plans. The bigger issue is censorship and restrictions under the Great Firewall of China.

Many of the apps and sites you probably rely on every day won’t work on a local network in China, including:

• Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Docs, and Drive).

• Social media like Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, Snapchat, and Pinterest.

• Messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, and even some Slack/Discord features.

• Major Western news outlets.

Some services do still work without issue, like FaceTime, iMessage, and WeChat, but their reliability varies depending on your connection. 

A common question is "Is FaceTime free internationally?" As long as you’re using Wi-Fi or mobile data, FaceTime doesn’t charge extra fees like traditional calls. In China, though, you’ll need to budget enough data in your plan and rely on a VPN to keep FaceTime (and most other apps) running reliably.

Types of SIM cards available in China

If you’re looking for a China SIM card for tourists, you’ll find several options.

• China data SIM card: Usually the cheapest and most popular option for tourists.

• China prepaid SIM card: Pay upfront and control your costs. Available as data only or with calls/texts included.

• China travel SIM card: Special short-term plans designed for visitors.

• China SIM card with a phone number: Useful if you need to receive SMS verification codes or make local calls.

• Local SIM card with unlimited data: More expensive but convenient if you rely heavily on streaming, maps, or work apps.

• An eSIM for China: A fully digital option. No need to swap a physical card, and usually the easiest choice for short-term travelers.

SIM card carriers in China 

China has three main mobile providers: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All of them offer prepaid SIMs and data packages, but their strengths vary.

China Mobile 

China Mobile is the country’s largest mobile service provider, with excellent 4G and 5G coverage almost everywhere, including smaller towns and rural areas.

Pros:

• Best coverage nationwide

• Strong 5G rollout in cities

• Stable speeds for maps, browsing, and everyday use

Cons:

• Pricier prepaid packages

Best for: Travelers who need dependable service in remote areas or are staying in China for longer periods.

China Unicom 

China Unicom SIM cards are often considered the most convenient for tourists. They’re the most foreigner-friendly carrier, and the plans are easy to find online in advance.

Pros:

• Affordable prepaid and data SIMs

• Reliable service in major cities

• Straightforward setup for tourists

Cons:

• Weaker coverage outside big cities

Best for: Visitors staying mainly in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen who want an affordable and easy setup.

China Telecom 

China Telecom SIM cards stand out for good coverage in the west of mainland China, including Tibet, Xinjiang, Sichuan — areas where other carriers are patchy.

Pros:

• Strong coverage in western China

• Decent data speeds

• Competitive prepaid packages

Cons:

• Tricky setup for foreigners

• Some language barrier issues in local shops

Best for: Travelers heading to less-visited regions where Unicom or Mobile may not have stable service.

How much does a travel SIM card cost in China?  

Prices vary depending on the carrier, data package, and whether you buy online in advance or at a local shop. The table below illustrates what you can generally expect:

Not sure how much data you’ll need? A data usage calculator will help you estimate based on your habits, like how often you stream, navigate with maps, or make video calls. This way, you can pick the right plan without overpaying.

Where and how to buy a SIM card in China 

You have two main options for getting a SIM card in China: Buy one when you arrive or arrange it before your trip. Buying in China is cheaper, but there’s paperwork (passport scans and local forms), long lines, and language barriers. Ordering online beforehand saves time and hassle.

Buying a SIM card at the airport 

Most major airports, including Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao’an, have SIM kiosks right in the arrivals area. It’s convenient, but prices are usually higher than buying in the city. Staff are used to dealing with foreigners, so the process is quick: Show your passport, choose a plan, and your card is activated.

Buying a SIM card online

Many international platforms sell Chinese SIMs. The easiest way to get one is typically to pick a plan, pay online, and either get a physical card shipped to you or activate your eSIM instantly.

Some providers also offer a SIM card for Asia, which works in multiple countries, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. If your trip includes several destinations, this option is more cost-effective than buying separate cards for each country.

Buying a SIM card at a convenience store 

Some 7-Eleven or FamilyMart stores sell prepaid SIMs, but they’re not always reliable for foreign registration. They’re fine if you just need a data SIM for browsing, but don’t expect staff at these outlets to speak English.

Buying a SIM card at official carrier shops

Carrier shops (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) are the most reliable places to get an official SIM with a local number. Downsides include having to fill out forms, make passport copies, and endure a bit of waiting.

How do you set up a SIM card with a VPN in China? 

To get your SIM working properly in China, you’ll need to pair it with a VPN. Follow these steps:

1. Install a VPN app before entering China. The App Store/Google Play may block VPN downloads once you’re inside.

2. Buy your local SIM card or eSIM (online, airport, or shop).

3. Activate it according to carrier instructions.

4. Turn on mobile data. Test that your SIM is working.

5. Open your VPN app and connect to a server outside China.

Alternative ways to stay connected in China 

Because of the Great Firewall and the hassle of registering the local SIM, many travelers look for simpler options such as pocket Wi-Fi, international roaming, or eSIMs. These alternatives are a good fit if you’re visiting for a short time or need to connect multiple devices.

Pocket Wi-Fi in China

Renting pocket Wi-Fi for China is a popular choice for travelers who don’t want to deal with SIM cards. You can book one online before your trip or pick it up at major airports. Once connected, you can share the Wi-Fi with your phone, laptop, or tablet.

However, it’s not cheap. Daily rental fees add up quickly, and you’ll still need a VPN to access blocked apps. Most pocket Wi-Fi devices also need charging during the day, which is a hassle when you're sightseeing.

Public Wi-Fi in China

Public Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, airports, cafes, and shopping centers. It’s free and easy to find, but it’s far from perfect. Most public networks require a Chinese phone number for login verification, making access tricky for new arrivals. Even when you do connect, speeds are often slow and connections unreliable.

If you plan to use public Wi-Fi in China, always connect through a VPN to keep your data secure — public hotspots are notorious for weak encryption and snooping risks.

Roaming SIM card in China

Using a roaming-enabled SIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected in China, especially if you’d rather not deal with local registration rules. Because these SIMs connect to international partner networks, they often offer more open access to essential apps and websites compared to local Chinese SIMs.

The trade-off is cost. Roaming SIMs are usually much pricier than local or prepaid options, especially for heavy data users.

International roaming in China

Most international SIMs allow data roaming in China. This option gives you a familiar connection and often bypasses some local internet restrictions, meaning apps like Google or WhatsApp may still work.

That said, roaming charges tend to skyrocket quickly. Even casual browsing or map use will lead to hefty bills if your plan doesn't include international data.

eSIM in China

An eSIM in China is by far the most convenient option for most travelers. It lets you activate internet access instantly without swapping a physical card or visiting a store. You can buy and install an eSIM before you fly, scan a QR code, and start browsing as soon as you arrive.

The benefits of eSIM go beyond convenience: You can keep your home number active while adding a new data plan, manage multiple plans from your phone, and avoid the hassle of paperwork or language barriers. The only limitation is that not all phones support eSIMs yet, so check compatibility before purchasing.

Which SIM card is the best in China? 

The best China SIM for tourists depends on your trip. If you’re staying mostly in big cities, China Unicom SIM cards are affordable and easy to use. For more remote travel, a China Telecom or China Mobile SIM card may give better coverage.

But the most convenient option for most visitors is downloading an eSIM app. Just choose a plan, scan a QR code, follow a few simple steps, and you’re good to go! Once you’re in China, your phone will automatically connect to a local network. 

Before buying, make sure your phone supports eSIM technology: Head to your smartphone settings, type "eSIM" into the search bar, and if the option to add an eSIM appears, you’re set.

Saily’s eSIM app is one of the simplest ways to stay connected without worrying about carrier shops or local restrictions. Saily’s eSIM data plans for China are as follows:

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Saily Ultra plan offers unlimited international data, 8% cashback in Saily credits, and exclusive extras like a NordVPN subscription and premium support.