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

Where can you buy a SIM card in China?

Keen travelers know that one of the best places to get a SIM card is an airport. All the biggest Chinese airports have kiosks, vending machines, and service desks for the most popular SIM providers. SIMs at the airport might be a little pricier than at a small corner shop by your hotel, for example, but buying one there is a good option if you need a connection immediately as you land.

• Shanghai Airport. Shanghai Airport is a major world airport so if you land here, you'll have no trouble getting a SIM card. They're available at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 or designated kiosks in the arrivals hall.

• Beijing Daxing Airport. Beijing Airport is the largest in mainland China, handling up to 45 million passengers every year, so fear not — you'll find a kiosk for the most popular mobile network operators, including China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

• Shenzhen Airport. Shenzhen Airport is smaller than the Beijing or Shanghai airports, but finding a SIM card upon arrival will not be a problem. You'll see kiosks selling SIM cards with data and call plans in the international arrival sections of both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

• Hong Kong Airport. Hong Kong is a popular airport among travelers keen to explore the coastline of China. Like any other local airport, you'll find Telecom service desks or vending machines in the arrivals area.

• Guangzhou Airport. If your destination is Guangzhou Airport, look for prepaid SIM cards at kiosks in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3.

Other ways to get a SIM card for China

If you don't want to wander around an airport after a long flight, you can take care of your SIM card before leaving home or after you sleep off the jet lag.

• Get a prepaid SIM card online. Amazon, Simify, or 3G Solutions have a wide selection of prepaid SIM cards designed for travelers that can be delivered to your house or hotel. Another option you can grab online is an eSIM — just a few clicks and your data needs are covered for your entire stay in China.

• Visit a China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom official store. You'll find stores of major mobile operators like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom in downtown Shanghai or Beijing.

• Check convenience stores. You can also buy a SIM card at convenience stores in China. However, doing so might not be as simple as in other countries. Places like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart might have them, but don't expect a vast selection or much help setting one up.

Prepaid SIM card options and prices in China

If you plan to stay in China for a while, think about grabbing a local plan from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom. Just keep in mind that you'll need your passport to register, and the process might take a bit longer if the store staff doesn't speak English. But once you're set up, you'll have cellular data and minutes for local calls while you're in China.

China Mobile

China Mobile is the largest mobile service provider in the country and has the widest coverage, so it's perfect if you're planning to visit the countryside or the mountains. It offers nationwide coverage of the 5G network, but remember, China Mobile plans might be a tad pricier than the other providers. Basic plans with less than 5 GB start at a little over US$4, while 10 GB or 20 GB plans start from around US$20. Alongside mobile data, you'll get some local calls and SMS messaging. But keep in mind that some plans may not include international minutes, so consider if you will need them.

China Unicom

Unicom is the middle-ground option. It has extensive coverage in cities and big tourist areas but might drop a few bars if you're out in the sticks. Its plans are known for good value for money, so if you take a break from sightseeing and binge watch a show at your holiday home, you'll have plenty of data for a fair price. Small data plans with 1 GB of data start at less than US$3, and 20 GB options vary from US$15 to US$20. China Unicom plans often include unlimited domestic SMS and calls.

China Telecom

The smallest of this trio, China Telecom, offers seamless connectivity in urban areas. So if you plan to travel to places like Beijing or Shanghai, go with Telecom. It offers competitive rates great for bargain hunters. Its plans with 1 GB start from US$3, while large packages with 10 GB start from US$15.

eSIMs: The top pick for travelers in China

If the idea of wandering around airport kiosks or mobile provider shops in metropolises like Shanghai or Beijing sounds like too much of a headache, why not make life easier and order an eSIM before your trip? eSIM apps like Saily are easy to install and use — just pick a plan that fits your needs, scan a QR code, follow a few simple steps, and you're good to go!

Once you land in China, your eSIM will automatically connect you to a local network. Just 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. If it doesn't, no biggie — you'll just have to use a physical SIM card.

With an eSIM in China, you can focus on exploring rather than swapping out your SIM cards. Plus, you can keep your usual phone number (in case your mama needs to reach you). At the end of the day, your adventure should be about soaking up the sights and sounds of China, not stressing over how to stay connected.

Bottom line

Staying connected in China is a must, whether for sending a photo to your bestie or just navigating the buzzing streets of Beijing. Sure, you can grab a SIM from local mobile service providers like China Mobile or China Telecom, but when it comes to convenience, downloading an eSIM app is the way to go. It's easy to install, activate, use, and top up. Plus, you'll skip the mission of looking for a vending machine or a kiosk to buy a SIM card and the tricky activation process that sometimes comes with it.