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SIM Cards
We advertise that China has censored the internet for no china citizens, Please try to have a SIM card that includes VPN ( Virtual Private Network ) To explain more about this sim cards we have made some comparisons.
The best SIM card for China is China Unicom - your phone will work, 5G is fast in cities, and you get a local number so apps like WeChat and Alipay actually work. But if you want Google and WhatsApp without extra steps, go with SIMCardChina.
Local SIMs are cheaper, but also kind of annoying: you need your passport, find a store, deal with staff who may not speak English, and wait around. And most of them still block Google and WhatsApp anyway (SIMCardChina is the only one that doesn't).
And if you want to skip all that, grab a Holafly eSIM before you land. Unlimited data, bypasses the firewall automatically, no passport needed, works the second you touch down.
You've got three options worth considering. China Unicom is the go-to for most tourists, CMLink works across mainland and Hong Kong, and SIMCardChina is the only one that doesn't block Google. Here's how they compare:
| Provider | Price (from) | Data | Validity | Network coverage | Where to buy | Best for |
| China Unicom | ~$14 | 5GB + 100 mins | 30 days | 5G nationwide, excellent in cities | Airports, carrier stores, authorized retailers | Best overall for tourists; foreign phone compatible |
| China Mobile (CMLink) | ~$2/day | 500MB-2GB/day | 1-10 days | 5G/4G across mainland, HK, Macau, Taiwan | Online, airports | Greater China coverage; eSIM available |
| SIMCarChina | $12.90 | 5G/4G, no daily limit | 7 days | 5G/4G via big three carriers | Airport pickup, hotel delivery | VPN included; local number; no firewall hassle |
When choosing between these options, consider these factors:
These are the three best local SIM card options for tourists visiting China, selected for their coverage quality, tourist-friendly plans, and accessibility. Keep in mind that exact plans and pricing can change, so confirm details at official carrier stores or their websites upon arrival.
China Unicom is the top pick for tourists, and the only carrier that reliably works with phones bought outside China. A local number unlocks everything in China - WeChat, DiDi (ride-hailing), Alipay (payments), JD (shopping), and Baidu Maps all work better or require a Chinese number.
Plans are prepaid with no contracts, and you can top up online from anywhere if you run low. Their 5G network covers all major cities.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 30 days | 5GB + 100 mins | ~$14 | Standard tourist plan |
| 30 days | 20GB + 300 mins | ~$28 | Heavy data + calls |
| Top-up | ¥100 / ¥300 / ¥500 | ~$14 / $42 / $70 | Recharge anytime online |
| Keep Your Number | 1 year | $32 | For repeat visitors |
| Keep Your Number | 2 years | $64 | Long-term option |
Quick verdict: Best for most tourists. Works with foreign phones, 5G in cities, and a local number means apps like DiDi and Alipay actually function properly. Downside: still blocked by the Great Firewall, meaning you'll need a VPN for Google and WhatsApp.
CMLink is China Mobile's international tourist product, covering mainland China plus Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan on one SIM. Available as physical SIM or eSIM, with 24/7 English customer support. Plans are valid for 365 days from purchase, so you can buy early and activate when you land. Supports hotspot sharing.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 1-10 days | 500MB/day + unlimited slow | From ¥15 (~$2)/day | Budget option, throttled after 500MB |
| 1-10 days | 1GB/day + unlimited slow | From ¥23 (~$3.20)/day | Mid-tier, good for maps + messaging |
| 1-10 days | 2GB/day + unlimited slow | From ¥35 (~$4.85)/day | Heavy use, streaming-friendly |
Quick verdict: Best if you're also visiting Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan - one SIM covers all four. Physical SIM or eSIM available, 24/7 support, and plans don't expire for a year. Downside: still subject to the Great Firewall on the mainland, so you'll need a VPN for Google and WhatsApp.
SIMCardChina is a tourist-focused provider that partners with China's big three carriers. The key difference: VPN is built in, so you can access Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram without extra setup.
You also get a local Chinese number for WeChat, DiDi, and Alipay. Pick up at airport counters in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, or get it delivered to your hotel.
| Plan | Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| Easy SIM | 7 days | 5G/4G, no daily limit | $12.90–$19.90 | Budget pick, top-up available |
| Easy SIM | 15 days | 5G/4G, no daily limit | $15.90–$28.90 | Most popular |
| Easy SIM | 30 days | 5G/4G, no daily limit | $20.90–$50.90 | Long stays |
| Smart SIM | 7 days | 10GB + 80 mins calls | $13.90 | Fixed plan with calls |
| Smart SIM | 15 days | Flexible usage | $26.80 | Includes ¥200 deposit |
| Smart SIM | 30 days | Flexible usage | $36.80 | Includes ¥300 deposit |
Quick verdict: The only tourist SIM that includes VPN, a local number, AND airport pickup with staff assistance. Rated 4.2/5 by travelers. Slightly pricier than buying direct from carriers, but you skip the firewall headache entirely.
Buying a SIM card in China requires your passport for mandatory real-name registration. Here are your options:
For many travelers, alternatives to a local SIM card are often easier, especially on short trips. You don’t need to visit a store, show your passport, or deal with registration - everything is set up before you arrive.
An eSIM is a digital SIM you download before your trip. It activates instantly, giving you data as soon as you land, and bypasses China’s internet restrictions so apps like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram work automatically.
Quick comparison table:
| Provider | Price (from) | Data | Validity | VPN/Firewall bypass | Best for |
| Holafly | $3.90 | Unlimited | 1 day | Yes (built-in) | Heavy users, unrestricted access |
| Airalo | $4.00 | 1GB | 3 days | Yes (via roaming) | Budget travelers, short trips |
| Nomad | $4.00 | 1GB | 7 days | Yes (via roaming) | Flexible plans, multi-country trips |
Here’s a look at how the top three eSIMs compare:
Holafly stands out for its unlimited data plans, built-in VPN functionality, and 24/7 customer support. The eSIM activates instantly via QR code, and you can share up to 500MB daily via hotspot.
Their China eSIM routes through international servers, allowing access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all other blocked services without any additional setup. The main drawback is the higher price point compared to fixed-data competitors.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 1 Day | Unlimited | $3.90 | Layover or day trip |
| 5 Days | Unlimited | $19.50 | Short city break |
| 10 Days | Unlimited | $36.90 | Standard tourist trip |
| 15 Days | Unlimited | $50.90 | Extended vacation |
| 30 Days | Unlimited | $74.90 | Month-long stay |
Read our in-depth Holafly eSIM review for performance insights before you buy.
Airalo is the world's largest eSIM marketplace, offering flexible data packages at competitive prices. Their China plans operate on China Unicom's network and bypass the Great Firewall through international roaming. The app makes it easy to track usage and top up if needed.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 3 Days | 1GB | $4.00 | Light user, short trip |
| 7 Days | 3GB | $10.50 | Moderate use |
| 15 Days | 5GB | $15.00 | Maps, messaging, light browsing |
| 30 Days | 10GB | $26.50 | Two-week active trip |
| 30 Days | 50GB | $49.99 | Heavy |
Read our comprehensive Airalo eSIM review for pricing details and traveler ratings.
Nomad offers some of the longest validity periods available (up to 90 days), making it ideal for extended stays or digital nomads. Their China eSIMs bypass the Great Firewall via international routing. One unique feature: they offer day plans with set daily data allowances that reset every 24 hours.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 7 Days | 1GB | $4.00 | Budget starter |
| 10 Days | unlimited | $33 | Heavy users |
| 30 Days | 3GB | $7.00 | Light use, extended trip |
| 30 Days | 10GB | $30 | Popular tourist option |
| 90 Days | 90GB | $90 | Long-term stays |
Check our detailed Nomad eSIM review for real traveler results and speed performance.
For most tourists, China Unicom offers the best balance of foreign phone compatibility, solid 4G/5G coverage, and accessible customer service. If you need unrestricted internet access without VPN hassles, a travel eSIM from Holafly, Airalo, or Nomad is the easier choice.
Yes, foreigners can purchase prepaid SIM cards in China, but you must present your passport for mandatory real-name registration. This is required by Chinese telecommunications law. The registration process typically takes 5-15 minutes at official carrier stores or airport kiosks.
Prices vary significantly based on where you buy. Airport SIMs cost $14-42 for tourist packages, while city carrier stores offer plans from $7-14. eSIMs range from $4-7 for budget plans to $27-75 for unlimited monthly data.
Yes, if you use a local Chinese SIM, you need a VPN to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other blocked apps. If you use a travel eSIM or a SIM with a built-in VPN, everything works automatically without extra setup.
With a local Chinese SIM card alone, no - these services are blocked by the Great Firewall. However, travel eSIMs (Holafly, Airalo, Nomad) route your data through international servers, bypassing censorship automatically.
Yes, eSIMs work in China and are often the simplest solution for tourists. Foreign travel eSIMs connect through international networks, providing unrestricted internet access including Google, WhatsApp, and social media.
Holafly is the best eSIM for travelers who want unlimited data and guaranteed access to blocked apps. Their China eSIM includes built-in VPN functionality and 24/7 support. For budget-conscious travelers, Airalo and Nomad offer flexible data packages starting at just $4.
Most modern unlocked smartphones work in China. Check that your device supports these bands: 4G LTE Band 3, Band 8, Band 20, and Band 38 (China's primary bands). iPhones from 2018 onward and recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other flagship Android devices are generally compatible.
Yes, but international roaming is typically expensive ($5-20/day). The advantage is that roaming usually bypasses the Great Firewall since your data routes through your home carrier's network. Check with your provider about China coverage and data rates before relying on this option.
You can buy a SIM card at Beijing (PEK/PKX) and Shanghai (PVG) airports from China Unicom kiosks in the arrivals hall. They’re usually open 24/7, and you’ll need your passport for registration.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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