As a digital nomad who has called China home for years, I’ve helped dozens of friends from abroad navigate the process of getting a local phone number. Think of a Chinese number as your ultimate travel lifeline—it’s essential for everything from Alipay and WeChat Pay to hailing rides, ordering food, and even checking into hotels. Ready to get connected? Let’s dive into how you can secure a China SIM card or eSIM, including passport requirements, the best carrier options, budget-friendly plans, and handy top-up tips.
How to Get a Local Phone Number in China
How to Get a Local Phone Number in China
Step One: Get Verified with Real-Name Registration
Getting a legitimate Chinese phone number requires real-name verification—it’s the law, and there’s simply no way around it. For travelers, all you need is your passport and a valid Chinese visa (whether it’s for tourism, work, or study). Be sure to steer clear of unregulated “no-ID” SIM cards sold by street vendors; they’re often deactivated within days and won’t work with essential payment apps. Always stick to official telecom stores for a reliable connection.
These are the only methods that truly stand up to daily use. I’ve put all three to the test with friends—here’s the inside scoop:
Physical SIM Card (The Gold Standard for Full Functionality)
This is the ultimate essential for anyone planning a stay of a week or longer. It integrates seamlessly with every app, payment platform, and service—no exceptions!
I always recommend that friends head straight to official carrier stores rather than resellers—it’s just so much simpler. Here’s the lowdown on how it works:
- Pack your passport (visa included) — it’s the only document you’ll need for your short getaway!
- Make your way to an official carrier store (China Mobile, Unicom, or Telecom). Keep an eye out for uniformed staff and official signage. While airport kiosks are super convenient for when you first land, they do come with a small price premium; you'll find better deals at stores in the city.
- Just let the staff know how long you’ll be staying—whether it’s a quick two weeks or a six-month adventure—and they’ll set you up with a flexible prepaid plan. No contracts, no stress, just pure travel freedom!
- They’ll scan your passport, snap a quick photo for verification, and activate your SIM right on the spot. You’ll be up and running with a working number in just 5 minutes!
Pro tip for travelers heading to Shanghai: The China Mobile kiosk at Pudong Airport has partnered with SPD Bank to make your life easier! They can help you open a local bank account and link it to Alipay or WeChat Pay all in one go. It’s a total time-saver for your trip!
Virtual Number (For Pre-Arrival SMS Verification Only)
Virtual numbers are just a quick, temporary fix—so don't count on them for anything more than signing up for apps before you arrive (like Trip.com)!
I’ve known friends who’ve tried Global Call Forwarding and similar services. While they’re handy for receiving verification codes before you touch down, they won’t work for linking to Alipay, WeChat Pay, or your bank accounts. Definitely steer clear of unregulated virtual numbers—they’re unreliable and can stop working without warning. If you need this, stick with reputable providers to be safe!
eSIM (Perfect for Dual-SIM Travelers)
If you’d rather skip the hassle of swapping out physical SIM cards—I totally get it, my phone has two slots, but fumbling with them is the worst—an eSIM is the perfect solution. Just pair it with an affordable number retention plan, and you’re all set for your next adventure!
How to snag yours:
- Check if your phone is eSIM-compatible (most newer models like the iPhone 12+, Samsung S21+, and Pixel 6+ are ready to go!).
- Head over to an official store, present your passport, and simply ask for an “eSIM data plan.” For travelers, China Unicom and China Mobile offer the best options to keep you connected on your adventure!
- Simply scan the QR code provided. Activation is a breeze and takes just 2 minutes, after which you'll be all set with a standard +86 number!
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China’s 3 Major Telecom Carriers: Which One Should You Choose?
China’s 3 Major Telecom Carriers: Which One Should You Choose?
I’ve put all three to the test over the years—here’s the honest breakdown, straight up and fluff-free:
Carriers | Perfect For | Top Highlight |
China Mobile | For the cross-country adventurers and those who love to travel often | Nationwide coverage (including remote gems like Dunhuang and Inner Mongolia) |
China Unicom | Perfect for short getaways, city-dwelling expats, and students on the move | Budget-friendly prepaid plans and flexible data options to keep you connected on the go. |
China Telecom | Stays in Southern China (Guangzhou/Shenzhen) | The best 5G coverage in southern cities |
For most travelers, China Unicom is a solid choice for city stays, while China Mobile is your best bet for cross-country adventures. China Telecom works wonders if you're sticking to the south—otherwise, it's safer to go with the first two options.
China Phone Plan Pricing
China Phone Plan: Starting at just RMB 8
Chinese phone plans are surprisingly affordable—you’ll likely spend no more than RMB 50 (≈AU$10.00) a month for all the data and talk time you need. Here’s the inside scoop (I’ve helped plenty of friends get set up, so rest assured, it’s the real deal):
Plan Type | Price | What You Get | Perfect For |
Keep Your Number | RMB 8 (≈AU$40) per month | Phone number only (no data or calls included) | Frequent travelers (keep your loyalty number for years) |
Short-Term Traveler | ¥19–49 (approx. AU$95–$245)/month | 5–30 GB of data + 100–500 minutes of calls | 1–4 week getaways |
Long-Term Stays (3+ Months) | RMB 49–99 (approx. AU$245–$495) per month | 30–100+ GB of 5G data + unlimited calls | Professionals/Students |
The RMB 8 (≈AU$2.10) number retention plan is the real deal—but don't expect staff to offer it right away. You’ll need to be persistent! Try using a translation app to say, “I want the RMB 8 monthly number retention plan,” or ask a local friend to help you out. I’ve successfully set this up for five friends already—it’s totally worth it if you find yourself visiting China every year.
How to Top Up Your China Phone Number
Top Up Your China Phone Number
Topping up is easier than you might think—there’s no need for a Chinese bank account! Here are the methods I always recommend to my friends:
1. Carrier Apps (The Easiest Way to Go)
Download the official app for China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom—they all offer English versions! Simply link your foreign credit card (Visa or Mastercard work perfectly) and top up with RMB 50–100 (approx. AU$10–$20) at a time. It’s super quick and takes just a minute to get you connected.
2. Taobao
Just search for “mobile top-up” on Taobao. Simply enter your Chinese phone number, select the amount you’d like to add, and pay using your foreign credit card. A friend of mine from Canada uses this method every month—it works like a charm!
3. Alipay/WeChat Pay (if you have them)
If you’ve already set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (using a local bank account or a foreign card), simply head over to the “Top Up” section, pop in your number, and you’re all set. It’s super fast and easy!
4. A Little Help from Friends
If navigating the apps feels a bit overwhelming, don't hesitate to ask a local friend to top up for you! You can simply send them the funds via PayPal—most Chinese friends are more than happy to lend a hand (I do this for newcomers all the time!).
Pro tip: If you're planning an extended stay, enable auto-top-up in the carrier's app to ensure you stay connected without any unexpected interruptions.
How to Keep Your China Phone Number Active While Traveling Abroad
How to Keep Your China Phone Number Active While Traveling Abroad
Want to hold onto your number for your next adventure? It’s a breeze, and you don’t even need to be in China to do it:
- Be sure to snag the RMB 8 (≈AU$2.10) number retention plan first!
- To keep your service active, simply top up RMB 100 (≈AU$20) every 6 months using the carrier's app or Taobao—it's that easy to stay connected on your travels!
- Make sure to enable international roaming—it’s free to activate right through your carrier’s app! You’ll be able to receive SMS verification codes while abroad at no extra cost, which is a total lifesaver for logging into Alipay or WeChat on the go.
Avoid using data or making calls while abroad—it can get expensive! To stay connected without the high costs, just keep roaming enabled for SMS only.
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FAQs about China Phone Number
Can foreigners get a Chinese phone number?
Yes, foreigners can get a Chinese phone number legally and easily. The only mandatory requirement is real-name registration with a valid passport and a current Chinese visa (tourist, work, student, etc.). You can obtain a number via three main channels: physical SIM cards from official telecom stores, eSIMs for compatible devices, or virtual numbers (for SMS verification only, not for payment apps like Alipay/WeChat Pay).Can foreigners get SIM cards in China?
Absolutely. Foreigners can purchase physical SIM cards from China’s three major telecom carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) at airport kiosks, official city stores, or authorized retailers. All you need is your passport for real-name verification—no extra documents are required for short stays. Prepaid plans are the most popular option for foreigners, as they have no contracts and flexible top-up options.Does eSIM give you a Chinese number?
eSIMs from China’s official telecom carriers provide a standard 11-digit Chinese phone number (with the +86 country code), just like a physical SIM card. The eSIM works with all local apps and services, including Alipay and WeChat Pay, as long as you complete real-name registration with your passport. It’s a great flexible option for travelers who want to keep their home number active alongside a Chinese number. But eSIM from some travel platforms may not have numbers.