The Best SIM Cards for Travel to China
Traveling to China is incredibly exciting! But staying connected with friends and family back home can be challenging. Public Wi-Fi is scarce and often of low quality. Choosing the right prepaid SIM Card for your trip to China makes everything so much easier, but there are things you need to know in order to get a compatible SIM card.
With a prepaid SIM card from China you’ll still be blocked from accessing popular sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and anything Google like Google Maps & Search. Even Line and WhatsApp are blocked by the Great Chinese Firewall.
But don’t worry, I’ll list the things you need to know to easily get a good SIM Card and we wrote an article on the best VPNs that work in China so you can access all your social media to share amazing pictures, the ability to live stream on Instagram and look up your next hostel on the fly.
One more thing… will you be traveling to Hong Kong before your adventure into mainland China? Check out our other article on Getting a SIM for Hong Kong, you may find picking up a roaming card from Hong Kong your best choice for China too. I’ll list this option down below.
SIM Cards Available in China
- Jump To China Mobile
- Jump To China Unicom
- Jump To China Telecom
- Jump To Hong Kong Roaming SIM Cards
- Jump To 3rd Party Vendors
Choosing the right SIM Card is a personal choice, unfortunately there aren’t a whole lot of options available depending on your phone’s compatibility. Similar to the countries we covered in our SIM Cards of South Asia article, China has few competitors, and they are all partly or wholly state owned businesses.
So, I’ll list the Best Value, Best Price & Monster Data for each of the three major networks. But before that please read through the following 5 things you need to know.
1. Where to Buy a SIM Card?
In China, the best place to buy a SIM Card is at the Official Shops, ideally the flagship stores of the big three companies: China Mobile, China Unicom & China Telecom. The second best option is to pick one up at the airport shops. Both of these options will have a higher chance of having some service in English and be able to process your passport for registration, a requirement I’ll touch on further down.
You may find SIM cards for sale on the street at market stalls but these are probably unregistered cards, in a local’s name and you won’t be able to get any support or top-ups. Plus it’s becoming less common as authorities are cracking down on this illegal sale.
Lastly, 3rd party vendors sell some SIM Cards online for a premium. Easily 3X the normal price. But this is the most convenient option.
2. China SIM Card Requirements
Buying a SIM Card at an official store will guarantee that you can get it working. There is always a chance that your home network never unlocked your phone when you asked them to. Bell in Canada is notorious for failing to unlock phones, so it doesn’t hurt to check with your provider.
You need an unlocked phone to access these networks!
In order to legally acquire a SIM Card in China, you’ll need to officially register with your Passport! So even if you buy a SIM on the street, you’ll still need to visit a store to register it.
3. Check Your Phone Compatibility
Your phone needs to be compatible with the SIM provider’s network. What does this mean?
There are two network types worldwide: CDMA and GSM. China uses a unique version of CDMA called TD-SCDMA and for LTE service, TDD-LTE. Sounds complicated right?
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know the details because nice internet people have come through for us! Check out WillMyPhoneWork.NET. Here is what you need:
- Your Phone Brand (Apple ,Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei etc…)
- Your Phone Model (Samsung Galaxy S9, IPhone X, etc…)
- Your Phone Sub-Model Number (Model A1532) May also have to know your carrier (Verizon, Sprint, Rogers etc…)
- The country you are visiting (China, Japan etc…)
- The carrier whose network you’ll be using (China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, etc…)
Example of Compatibility
- Brand: Apple
- Model: IPhone 5C
- Sub-Model: N# on the back of the phone A1532.
- There are two options: Verizon CDMA and GSM (other carriers). I’m not with Verizon so it must be GSM (North America)
- Country: China
- Carrier: China Unicom
Compatibility Result: 2G & 3G but only maybe 4G LTE. Next I checked China Mobile, but I only had 2G compatibility on their network.
4. Top Ups, Cancellations and Account Status
In my other articles like The Best SIM Cards for Japan, I don’t bother with these details too much because they are pretty straight forward… You buy a top-up voucher at store, add the code and good to go. Or since the SIM Cards are prepaid you don’t need to worry about cancellation.
But China SIM Cards are a little more annoying.
- Recharging (topping up) your SIM card with more credit requires going to a shop and having them directly recharging your SIM. If you have a Chinese friend, they may be able to do it online with a Chinese Credit Card or WeChat Wallet.
- Cancellation: You must also visit a store in person to cancel your prepaid SIM, otherwise the account will remain active and draw down the remaining balance. Worse, active SIMs will go into overdraft (below the 0 balance) and you’ll end up with an outstanding bill that could easily get you blacklisted and unable to get a SIM Card in China in the future. In order to cancel your SIM, the balance needs to be below 25 RMB ($5 USD).
- Account Status “prepaid”:Finally, make sure the person setting up your SIM Card has the status as prepaid. It’s possible to get a subscription without any credit card on file, which would again lead to the possibility of wracking up an outstanding bill.
To summarize,
- Try to load enough credit for your trip from the start. Top Ups are annoying
- Cancel the SIM Card in person before you leave
- Confirm the account is “prepaid”
5. Unwanted Advertisements
Chinese SIM Cards get a lot of incoming phone calls for advertisements. Don’t call anyone back that calls you. You’ll get charged premium calling fees and quickly draw down the credit balance on your card.
They even call in the middle of the night so make sure your phone is set to airplane mode when you go to bed or not using it.
I know this seems like a lot. So depending on the length of your trip, it may not be worth it to pick up a SIM Card. But… English is very uncommon outside of the major tourist areas. In my opinion, having the convenience of a SIM Card in China far outweighs the 5 minute check list to get one working. I recommend saving this article, and come back to it when you are looking to pick up a SIM Card.
China Mobile: 4G Global – Data & Local Minutes
- Pre-purchase Online: No. Official English Site
- Available Locations: China Mobile Official Stores
- Top Ups: Yes, but difficult to get. Avoid if you can.
- Note: 0.29 RMB per additional MB or 60 RMB ($10 USD) per additional GB each day if you exceed the original amount. Unused data rolls over to the next month.
- Must activate in store
- Send Text “1091” to 10086 to check data balance
- Send Text “ye” to 10086 to check account balance
SIM Price
- Best Value: 88 RMB ($13.75 USD) For the SIM with 2 GB of Data and 220 local calling minutes for 30 days.
- Best Price: 38 RMB ($5.95 USD) For the SIM with 300 MB of Data and 80 local calling minutes for 30 days.
- Monster Data: 588 RMB ($92.00 USD) For the SIM with 30 GB of Data and 4000 local calling minutes for 30 days.
China Unicom: 4G Value Pack – Data & Local Minutes Plan
- Pre-purchase Online: No.
- Available Locations: Unicom Shops and Kiosks
- Top Ups: Yes, at the automated kiosks in stores.
- Note: Subscription (not prepaid), so you’ll need to cancel or dial 10010 to change the status to dormant. 5 RMB Fee ($1 USD) but you can reactivate it on a future trip!
- Note2: 30 RMB for 100 MB of data over the limit, but only 60 RMB for every additional GB of data.
- Note3: May charge a large deposit on the bigger plans
SIM Price
- Best Value: 76 RMB ($11.89 USD) for the SIM with 800 MB of Data and 200 local calling minutes for 30 days.
- Best Price: 56 RMB ($8.76 USD) for the SIM with 500 MB of Data and 100 local calling minutes for 30 days.
- Monster Data: 596 RMB ($93.25 USD) for the SIM with 11 GB of Data and 3000 local calling minutes for 30 day
China Telecom: 4G Data Plan
- Pre-purchase Online: No.
- Available Locations: China Telecom Flagship Stores
- Top Ups: Yes, at the automated kiosks in stores.
- Note: Ask for a Single Month SIM Card
- Note2: Access to unlimited Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Note3: 0.3 RMB/MB over data limit to 60 RMB for each GB.
SIM Price
- Best Value: 100 RMB ($15.65 USD) for the SIM with 3 GB of Data for 30 Days
- Best Price: 50 RMB ($7.82 USD) for the SIM with 1 GB of Data for 30 Days
- Monster Data: 600 RMB ($93.85 USD) for the SIM with 12 GB of Data for 365 Days
Hong Kong, Macau & Mainland China Roaming SIM Cards (If in HK first!)
Top Choice for China Mobile Network: 4G/3G Big Bay Area 30 Day SIM Card
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, China Mobile Website but must pick up at an outlet store if not a resident of Hong Kong.
- Available Locations: CMHK Shops, Airport Kiosk
- Top Ups: Yes, 50 HK with a 30% bonus in credits.
- Note: You’ll need to call-free #193193 to set the language to English. SIM Card Account is Valid for 90 Days, No registration required.
SIM Price
- 78 HK ($9.93 USD) Online, regular price is 98 HK ($12 USD) for 1 GB & 50 Minutes & 50 SMS for 3 Days.
- 118 HK ($15 USD) Online, regular price is 148 HK ($19 USD) for 2 GB & 100 Minutes & 100 SMS for 10 Days.
- 158 HK ($20.12 USD) Online, regular price is 198 HK ($25 USD) for 4 GB & 100 Minutes & 100 SMS for 30 Days.
- 390 HK ($50 USD) Online, regular price is 488 HK ($62 USD) for 8 GB for 365 Days.
In our Best SIM Cards for Hong Kong article, we listed another China Mobile Hong Kong Card called the “Individual Traveler SIM”. This one is similar but valid for 30 days. No registration of your passport is required and no censorship. You can access all your social media and google (precious google!) while in China. This is our top pick for phones compatible with the China Mobile Network.
Runner Up China Mobile Network: Multi-Byte Info – 365 Day 5 GB Data Package
- Pre-purchase Online: No.
- Available Locations: Hard to Find. Check Prepaid.com.hk
- Top Ups: Yes, Vouchers available for 50 – 200 HK
- Note: Mainland China company.. less user-friendly than the HK options.
- Account is Valid for 365 Days
SIM Price
- 258 HK ($32.87 USD) for 5 GB for 365 Days. Includes 98 HK credit for local, int. calls and text.
- Must input “*126*99 # ” to activate SIM
Multi-Byte SIM Cards are included in this list because they offer extended duration SIM Cards that can be used in Hong Kong and Mainland China. These SIM Cards are not censored by the China Firewall and may be a great choice for working trips for English teachers or business men. The Data on the 365 day SIM can be used anytime, so it’s perfect for people flying in and out of Hong Kong regularly who don’t want the hassle of buying a new SIM each time they go. For most travelers, this SIM Card is excessive.
Top Choice China Unicom Network: Three – China, Hong Kong & Macau Roaming Mobile Data Prepaid SIM
- Pre-purchase Online: No.
- Available Locations: 7-eleven, 1010 centers, Circle K shops & 3Shop
- Top Ups: Yes, vouchers for 50 & 100 HK credits are available at 3Shops and Online by Credit Card.
- Note: Full 2 GB available for roaming! Automatic activation once inserted. No packages required but are available for more data after the initial 2 GB 30 day period.
- Account is Valid for 90 Days
SIM Price
- 88 HK ($11.20 USD) for 2 GB for 30 Days. Includes 98 HK credit for local, int. calls and text.
- Must input “*127 *8 # ” to activate free Wi-Fi
Three’s China, Hong Kong & Macau Roaming SIM is our first choice overall on the Unicom Network. The SIM offers coverage in all three regions with a full 2 GB of Data. Most importantly, the SIM can be used in Mainland China without any censorship by the Great Firewall, giving travelers access to Facebook, Instagram and Google Maps in China without using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). With 30 days available, it’s perfect if Hong Kong is your starting point into a multi-week trip into China!
Runner Up China Unicom Network: SmarTone Travel Data SIM Card
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, but only to Hong Kong address.
- Available Locations: 7-eleven, 1010 centers, Circle K shops & SmarTone Shops.
- Top Ups: No, card is one time sue
- Note: When Data Cap is reached, card will automatically deactivate.
SIM Price
- 100 HK ($12.75 USD) Online for 1 GB for 7 Days, 118 HK in Stores ($15 USD).
- Activate when you start using the Data.
3rd Party SIM Card Providers
China Unicom Network: 3G Solutions – 4G SIM Card with Data & Voice
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes. 3G Solutions Official Site
- Available Locations: Ship to Your Hotel for Pick Up.
- Top Ups: Yes, online.
- Note: Censored Internet Access – Chinese SIM.
- Account is Valid for 90 Days
SIM Price
- $23.50 USD for 1 GB for 30 Days.
- $33.50 USD for 2 GB for 30 Days.
- $43.50 USD for 3 GB for 30 Days.
China Unicom Network: SIM Easy 3G/4G Data
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes. SIM Easy Website
- Available Locations: Ship Internationally or to your Hotel for Pick Up.
- Top Ups: No.
- Note: Delivery can take 12-14 days
SIM Price
- $30.00 USD for 2 GB for 30 Days.
- $42.50 USD for 3 GB for 30 Days.
- $77.55 USD for 6 GB for 30 Days.
If convenience is bliss, check out 3G solutions or SIM Easy. You can order the SIM to be delivered directly to you or your hotel, do the registration in advance and be ready to go! No time wasted! The SIM Card will be censored by the Great Chinese Firewall, but you can download a VPN to bypass it.
Obviously, this convenience comes at a price, somewhere around 3X the cost of buying the same SIM Card once there. Just be sure to confirm your phone is compatible!
More Info on China
We realize this is a lot of information. So take your time and come back to this page when you need it. We’ll keep it up to date to ensure you get the best deals! Before you go, maybe look at our Toilet Tips for Asia article... Could be worth it. Also have a list of destinations of articles on China with some fun tips on what to do like visiting the Great Wall, or rock climbing. Lastly, we put together a guide to the best hostels in China for budget travelers.
Because your phone’s compatibility may be the biggest factor in deciding which SIM Card to pick, we listed everything we could find. Ideally we could recommend just one SIM Card for everyone, but each traveler has their preferences and needs, different budgets and length of trips.
The internet in China is censored, meaning you can’t get access to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Google anything. Learn how to travel better with a VPN, something worth picking up for a good price. Also check out our list of books, movies and documentaries for pre-trip research!
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