Get a Chinese SIM card: bring your passport and test it

Before you pay

1. Confirm your phone is unlocked and compatible with the plan. A working home SIM does not prove another carrier will work.
2. Ask for the total first payment, monthly charge, included data/calls, top-up method and cancellation procedure. Ask staff to write them down.
3. Tell staff how long you are staying. Ask whether the number can receive the calls and SMS needed for the services you plan to use.

Test before leaving

1. Turn off Wi-Fi and load a page using mobile data.
2. Ask staff to test a call and incoming SMS if the plan includes them.
3. Save your number, agreement and the operator’s support contact from the receipt. Ask how to top up and cancel before leaving China.

Data-only products and eSIM

A travel data SIM or eSIM may provide internet without a mainland voice/SMS number. That can be fine for maps but unhelpful when a courier needs to call.

eSIM availability depends on the exact phone, carrier and product. Ask about your model rather than assuming every foreign phone can use a mainland eSIM. If keeping your home SIM for bank messages, check its roaming costs and data settings. Can I get a Chinese phone eSIM with a foreign passport?