[Official Guide] China's Mobile Carriers Compared: Which SIM Should You Get? (2026)

Kurokun

Stay2CN Official Guide | Mobile & Internet | May 2026

If you're staying in China for more than a week, getting a local SIM card is worth it. Here's how the three major carriers compare for foreign users.

The Big Three

China Mobile (中国移动)
• Coverage: Best in China — 5G in every city, strong rural signal
• Speed: Consistently fast in urban areas
• Foreigner-friendly: Moderate — main branches handle foreigners well
• Price: Slightly more expensive
• Best for: Long-term stays, rural travel, reliability

China Unicom (中国联通)
• Coverage: Excellent in cities, weaker in very remote areas
• Speed: Fast 5G, often the best speeds in major cities
• Foreigner-friendly: Good — historically more experience with international customers
• Price: Mid-range
• Best for: Urban dwellers, business travelers

China Telecom (中国电信)
• Coverage: Strong in southern China, decent elsewhere
• Speed: Good, slightly behind Mobile and Unicom in some cities
• Foreigner-friendly: Varies by branch
• Price: Competitive, good data deals
• Best for: Southern China, budget-conscious users

Popular Plans for Foreigners (2026)

Short-term tourist plan (30 days):
• ¥100–200 for 20–40GB data + some call minutes
• Available at airport kiosks with passport
• Usually China Mobile or Unicom

Long-term prepaid plan:
• ¥50–100/month for 30–60GB
• Requires passport registration
• Available at any carrier store

Data-only SIM:
• ¥30–60/month for 20–50GB
• No call minutes
• Good for tablets or secondary devices

What You Need to Buy a SIM

• Original passport (copies not accepted)
• A Chinese address (hotel address works fine)
• Cash or mobile payment
• Sometimes a facial recognition scan

Where to Buy

Airport kiosks: Convenient but more expensive. Good for immediate connectivity.
Official stores: Best for long-term plans. Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if possible.
Online (Taobao/JD): Cheapest options, but requires Chinese language skills and an address for delivery.

eSIM Alternative

If you only need data and don't want the hassle:
• Airalo: $15–20 for 10GB/30 days. Good coverage in cities.
• Holafly: Similar pricing, unlimited data options available.
• Nomad: Competitive pricing, flexible durations.

Trade-off: eSIMs don't give you a Chinese phone number, which some services require.

Which carrier are you using in China? How's the coverage been?

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