Plan to travel to China? Here is your guide to the top mainland SIM Cards Includes prepaid SIM cards with validity from 3 days to 365 days, featuring unlimited data + price comparisons + top-up methods. Recommended for short trips or long-term business stays in mainland China.
【5% Off】Popular China SIM Cards & eSIM Plans 2025
Need a China SIM Card or China eSIM? Get cheap plans for 4/5G data. Buy online via Trip.com with 5% Off now!
5G China Mailand SIM Card
- CoverageMainland China
- Data30GB
- Calls500 mins
- Pricefrom AU$51.47
China (HK & Macau) SIM Card
- CoverageChina (HK & Macau)
- Data365 days 5GB HK-Macau pass
- DaysLong-term SIM card
- Pricefrom AU$8.21
China Taiwan 5G/4G SIM Card
- CoverageChina Taiwan
- DataUnlimited data
- Validity3-30 days
- Pricefrom AU$12.45
Where can I Buy a China SIM Card?
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You don’t need a local ID—just your passport. These are the most convenient places to buy, no matter which city you land in:
Purchase Channel | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
At the Airport upon Arrival | Kiosks for China Unicom, China Mobile, China Telecom. Located in arrival halls of major airports. | Immediate Connectivity English Support Hassle-free Registration | Slightly Higher Price:Plans are often more expensive than in the city. |
Official Carrier Stores in the City | Branded stores for the three carriers, found on shopping streets and malls. | Access to full range of local, cost-effective plans. Staff can assist with installation. | Language Barrier:Limited English support. More Effort:Requires finding a store and waiting in line. |
Purchase a SIM or eSIM voucher online before your trip. | Secure a connectivity plan before departure. English Interface | Less Flexibility:Plans are pre-packaged; may not be as customizable as buying directly in-city. |
Why Trip.com Is Your Best Option to Buy a China SIM Card
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China SIM Card | Seamless Pre-Travel Booking in Your Language
- Hassle-Free Experience: Avoid the stress of negotiating in English at an airport kiosk or navigating a Chinese-only mobile carrier website. Trip.com’s full English interface allows you to compare, purchase, and secure your SIM or eSIM voucher effortlessly before you even leave home.
- Clarity and Transparency: All data allowances, validity periods, and prices are clearly listed in your local currency, with no hidden fees or confusing translations.
China SIM Card | Guaranteed Compliance and Reliability
- Authentic Products: Trip.com partners directly with official carriers like China Unicom. You are guaranteed a legitimate, fully registered SIM card, unlike some third-party sellers on other marketplaces.
- Pre-Arranged Registration: The mandatory real-name registration process is handled seamlessly. You receive clear instructions, and the SIM card is prepped for quick activation, saving you time and potential confusion upon arrival.
China SIM Card | Integrated Travel Support
- One-Stop Travel Shop: By booking your SIM card with Trip.com, you keep all your travel arrangements in one place (Trip.com travel package). Your itinerary, flights, hotels, and now your connectivity are managed within a single, trusted app.
- Customer Support: If any issues arise, Trip.com offers customer support in multiple languages, providing a safety net that you won’t get when buying directly from a local carrier without a language barrier.
How to Buy a China SIM Card on Trip.com?
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Step 1: Select Your Plan on Trip.com/Trip App
- Browse our SIM card options.
- Choose between a physical SIM or an eSIM.
- Select the data plan that matches your itinerary.
Step 2: Complete Your Purchase
- Fill in your traveler info, including name, ID type/number, etc.
- Select pickup location (usually fixed)
- Enter your contact info (name/email address)
Step 3: Get Connected
- Physical SIM: Show your booking info at the airport pickup counter.
- eSIM: Scan your QR code to install and activate.
Types of SIM Cards in China
Currently, there are three major telecom operators in China that provide tourist SIM cards, all featuring nationwide coverage and high-speed networks:
- China Mobile: As the largest mobile communication operator in China, it offers extensive network coverage and stable service quality. China Mobile provides a variety of tourist SIM packages to suit different usage needs.
- China Unicom: The second-largest telecom operator in China, with widespread 4G/5G network coverage. China Unicom also offers diverse tourist SIM card packages, which are highly popular among travelers.
- China Telecom: The third-largest telecom operator in China, known for its competitive pricing and a range of SIM card packages suitable for tourists. However, it’s important to note that many of its 4G SIM cards are designed for domestically produced phones and may not be fully compatible with some international mobile devices.
China SIM Card | Get Ready Before Departure
Ensure a smooth and connected trip by preparing your phone before you leave. Follow these essential steps.
China SIM Card | Software & App Preparation
- ✅ Update Your OS & Apps:Ensure your phone's operating system (iOS/Android) and all essential apps (maps, banking, airline) are updated for the best performance and security.
- ✅ Install Essential Travel Apps in China:
Category | Key Apps & Services |
Astrill, ExpressVPN, LetsVPN | |
Communication | WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram |
Google Maps (Offline), Baidu Maps, Amap | |
Translation | Google Translate, Microsoft Translator |
Finance & Payments | Wechat Pay, Alipay, TourCard |
China SIM Card | Connectivity & Unlocking
- ✅ Confirm Phone Unlock:Contact your carrier to ensure your phone is "unlocked" from their network, allowing you to use a local SIM card.
- ✅ Research Connectivity Options: China SIM/eSIM or International Roaming Plan.
China SIM Card | Financial & Security
- Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid having your cards flagged for fraud.
- Set Up Secure Payments: Ensure mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are set up and linked to a working card.
- Enable "Find My Phone": Activate features like "Find My iPhone" or "Find My Device" to locate, lock, or erase your phone if it's lost or stolen.
China SIM Card | Physical Preparation
- Get a Protective Case & Screen Protector: Protect your device from bumps and scratches.
- Purchase a Power Adapter: Research the plug type (China uses Type A, I, and C) and voltage (220V) of your destination and buy the correct adapter.
- Consider a Portable Charger/Power Bank: Essential for long days of sightseeing and using maps.
China Hotel Recommendation
NO.1
FAQs China SIM Card
Is the network coverage good with China SIM Card by Trip.com?
Yes. Trip.com's SIMs use major national carriers, providing strong coverage in all cities and popular tourist areas.What if the China SIM card doesn’t work when I arrive?
Trip.com's customer support team is available to assist you, providing a safety net you won’t get with a local kiosk purchase.Can I use the China SIM card in Hong Kong or Macau?
Of course you can! Check the availability in different packages.Why choose Trip.com's China SIM card plans over buying locally?
For convenience, transparent pricing, English support, and peace of mind. You solve a problem before it exists.