To buy a prepaid SIM card in China, bring your passport, visit any China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom store, and choose a plan starting from 30 RMB. That’s the short answer. But as a wholesale market insider, I’ll tell you what really matters: avoid tourist trap packages and get a local plan that actually works in the regions you visit.
Which Carrier Should You Choose?
China Mobile has the widest coverage, especially in rural areas. China Unicom is faster in cities and has better international calling options. China Telecom is reliable in southern provinces. For most travelers, China Mobile’s prepaid tourist card (7–30 days, 1–10 GB data) is the safest bet.
Where to Buy: Airport vs. City Stores
Airport kiosks are convenient but often push expensive tourist SIMs (like 100 RMB for 2 GB). City stores offer better deals: a standard prepaid card with registration costs around 50 RMB. In wholesale markets like Huaqiangbei, you can find SIM cards even cheaper – but they may require Chinese ID. Stick to official carrier stores for reliability.
Documents and Registration
You need your original passport (not a copy) and sometimes a visa photo. The store will take a photo of your passport and scan it. Registration takes 10–15 minutes. If you buy from a market stall, they might skip registration – don’t risk it. Unregistered SIMs are blocked after 24 hours.
Top Plans at a Glance
| Carrier | Plan | Price (RMB) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | Tourist Easy Go | 70 | 1 GB/day | 7 days |
| China Unicom | Traveler 25 | 50 | 5 GB total | 15 days |
| China Telecom | Bao Bao Card | 30 | 2 GB total | 30 days |
Tips from the Wholesale Trenches
If you’re sourcing electronics in Shenzhen, you know the drill: always test the SIM card in your phone before paying. Check that data and calls work. At Soudangkou, our market stalls insist on testing every batch of phone accessories – same logic applies to SIMs. Avoid any card that requires a deposit for unused data.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I buy a SIM at the airport? | Yes, but it’s pricier. A 7-day card costs about 100 RMB vs. 50 in the city. |
| Do I need a Chinese phone number to use apps? | For WeChat and Didi, yes. Your prepaid SIM gives you one. |
| Can I use eSIM instead? | eSIMs are available for China Unicom and China Telecom, but you still need to register in person. |
| How do I top up? | Via carrier apps (use Wi-Fi to download) or buy recharge cards at convenience stores. |
| Is there an unlimited data plan? | No true unlimited, but some plans offer 2 GB per day with throttling after. |
One final note: if you’re visiting multiple cities, a national roaming plan is worth a few extra RMB. China Mobile’s “M-zone” plans include free nationwide roaming. At Soudangkou, we see travelers who buy cheap local SIMs and lose signal outside the city. Don’t be that guy.
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