I bought a Chinese SIM card at Beijing Capital. It took 40 minutes and cost ¥200.
My friend from Brazil landed at Beijing Capital Airport. She needed a Chinese phone number. Not a luxury — a necessity.WiFi at hotels? Needs SMS verification.
Didi? Needs a Chinese number for the driver to call.
Food delivery? Needs a phone number.
Bank account? Needs a phone number.
Everything in China starts with a +86 number.
The process at Beijing Capital Terminal 3:
Step 1: Find the telecom counter
After customs, follow signs to "Mobile Services" or ask "SIM card?" Most staff understand.
Counters are usually near the exit, next to currency exchange and car rental.
Step 2: Choose your plan
She had three options:
China Unicom (中国联通):
• Tourist SIM: ¥200 ($28) for 10GB data, 30 days
• 5G coverage, good in cities
• Works with most foreign phones
China Mobile (中国移动):
• Tourist SIM: ¥250 ($35) for 15GB data, 30 days
• Best coverage nationwide, including rural areas
• Slightly more expensive
China Telecom (中国电信):
• Tourist SIM: ¥180 ($25) for 8GB data, 30 days
• Good for city use
• Some older foreign phones don't support their bands
She chose China Unicom.
Step 3: Passport registration
The staff asked for her passport. Took a photo. Typed her details into the system.
This is mandatory in China. All SIM cards must be registered to a real identity. No exceptions.
Step 4: SIM activation
They inserted the SIM into her phone. It worked immediately.
She downloaded the China Unicom app to check data usage.
Total time: 40 minutes (mostly waiting in line).
What you need:
• Passport (original, not a copy)
• Unlocked phone (must support Chinese bands)
• Cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay
Phone compatibility:
China uses different 5G bands than the West. Most modern iPhones (iPhone 12+) and Samsung Galaxy phones work fine.
But some older or carrier-locked phones don't. Check your phone supports:
• China Unicom: Bands 1, 3, 8, 41, 78
• China Mobile: Bands 38, 39, 40, 41
If unsure, China Unicom has the best compatibility with foreign phones.
Where to buy:
At the airport (easiest):
• Beijing Capital/Daxing: Counters in arrivals hall
• Shanghai Pudong: Counters near exit A
• Guangzhou Baiyun: Counters in Terminal 2
• Price: ¥200-300 for tourist plans
• Pros: Immediate, English-speaking staff, no city navigation needed
• Cons: More expensive than city stores
In the city (cheaper):
• Official stores: 营业厅 (yíngyètīng)
• Bring your passport
• Price: ¥100-150 for similar plans
• Pros: Cheaper, more plan options
• Cons: Staff may not speak English, need to find the store
Online before arrival:
• Trip.com sells SIM cards with airport pickup
• Some eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) offer China plans
• Pros: No airport queue, often cheaper
• Cons: Need to pick up at specific counter
Do you actually NEED a Chinese SIM?
YES if:
• Staying longer than 2 weeks
• Need to book attractions via WeChat mini-programs
• Want to use Didi without issues
• Need bank account or work permit
• Heavy data user
NO if:
• Short trip (under 1 week)
• eSIM works for your phone
• Hotel WiFi is sufficient
• Not booking attractions yourself
Important tips:
• Your phone must be unlocked. Carrier-locked phones won't work.
• Keep your home SIM safe. You'll switch back when you leave.
• Download the carrier app to monitor data. Top-up is easy via Alipay.
• International roaming from your home carrier is usually 10x more expensive.
• If you're traveling to rural areas (Tibet, Xinjiang, remote Yunnan), get China Mobile for better coverage.
My Brazilian friend's verdict: "I spent 40 minutes and ¥200 at the airport. For the next 3 weeks, I had a working phone number, 5G internet, and the ability to book anything in China. It was the most important purchase I made."
Anyone else got a SIM card in China? Which carrier and how was the experience?
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