Best Phone Plans for Tourists in China: What to Get at the Airport vs in Town

If you’re visiting China, getting a local SIM card might feel like solving a riddle in a language you don’t speak—with a time limit 🧩⏳.

Do you grab a SIM at the airport when you land? Or should you wait until you’re in town? Will it even work with your phone? Will you need a passport or, gulp, a Chinese ID? Here’s the honest breakdown of how to get connected in China as a tourist—without losing your cool (or your data).

1. First, You Need a Local SIM—Here’s Why

International roaming in China is notoriously expensive 💸. Also, without a local number, you’ll struggle to:

• Register on apps like WeChat, Didi, Meituan
• Receive verification codes (for online orders or taxis)
• Use local payment platforms (most need a Chinese number)

So yes, a local SIM is a must—even for short stays.

2. Airport SIM Cards: Convenient but Pricey

Once you land in major airports like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, you’ll find SIM card kiosks right after customs. They’ll usually advertise in English and accept foreign passports.

Pros:

• Instant setup right after landing
• Staff usually speak some English
• No need to hunt down a shop in the city

Cons:

• Plans are often overpriced 🧾
• Limited data (watch for tiny daily limits)
• You might be buying from a reseller, not an official carrier

Typical airport plan: ~200 RMB ($30 USD) for 20–30GB, valid for 30 days. Some include limited calling minutes and work immediately.

3. Buying a SIM in Town: Better Value, More Hassle

Once in the city, you can visit an official shop of China Mobile (中国移动), China Unicom (中国联通), or China Telecom (中国电信). These are the 3 major carriers.

Things to know:

• You must show your passport. China requires real-name registration for SIM cards.
• Some shops may not speak English. Try large branches in tourist areas or tech malls.
• Be prepared for some back-and-forth, but it’s manageable with translation apps.

Pros:

• Lower prices for better plans 📶
• You can customize your plan: more data, fewer minutes, etc.
• Top-up and manage online later (via app or Alipay)

Cons:

• Takes more time
• Language barrier
• Some staff may not be familiar with foreigner setup processes

4. eSIMs: A Solid Option If Your Phone Supports It

If your phone supports eSIMs (iPhones XS and up, some Google Pixels), you can buy a China-compatible plan online before you arrive.

Popular eSIM providers include Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. These won’t give you a Chinese phone number, but they’ll give you fast data access.

Great for tourists who mainly want to access the internet (maps, translation, food delivery) and don’t need local phone services.

5. Data-Only vs Voice + Data

Most tourists are fine with data-only plans. But if you plan to:

• Call hotels or restaurants
• Use Didi or other ride apps (which might call you!)
• Get verified on WeChat or Alipay

… then having a phone number is very helpful.

6. Can I Use My SIM Card to Access WeChat and Pay Apps?

Yes—but you’ll need to register your Chinese number with the apps. Alipay and WeChat require SMS verification for key functions.

Tips:

• Set up your apps while still on Wi-Fi at the hotel
• Keep your SIM card active for the duration of your stay (no roaming)
• Some functions may require additional passport info for verification

7. Useful Phrases to Use When Buying a SIM in Person

If you’re buying at a local shop, these phrases might help:

• 我要一张SIM卡 (wǒ yào yì zhāng SIM kǎ) – I want a SIM card
• 我想用微信和支付宝 (wǒ xiǎng yòng Wēixìn hé Zhīfùbǎo) – I want to use WeChat and Alipay
• 有流量套餐吗？(yǒu liúliàng tàocān ma?) – Do you have data plans?
• 这个可以充话费吗？(zhège kěyǐ chōng huàfèi ma?) – Can this be recharged?

Final Advice

If you’re staying in China for less than a month and need something fast and simple: airport SIM cards work fine, just expect to pay more.

If you want better value and don’t mind a bit of adventure: head into town and get a local plan. You’ll get more for your money—and maybe a story to tell 📱🇨🇳.

Either way, getting connected is worth the small headache. In modern China, a working phone isn’t optional—it’s your map, translator, wallet, and lifeline.