How to Get a China SIM Card: 2025 Guide for Singapore Tourists

Struggling to stay connected while travelling in China? With the new 30-day visa-free policy for Singaporeans, exploring China’s rich history, culture, and cutting-edge cities has never been easier, but navigating without reliable internet can be frustrating. Deciding between a local China SIM Card, a China eSIM, or roaming can be tough. This guide compares the best options to keep you connected without the high costs.

The Best Way to Get SIM Card in China

To get a SIM card in China, bring your passport and buy one at the airport, a mobile store (like China Mobile or China Unicom), or online before your trip. You must register with your real name. Tourist SIM cards with data and a local number are easy to find and work well for short stays.

Can foreigners get a China SIM card with local number?

The answer is yes. Foreigners can get a China SIM card with a local number. You need to show your passport and register in person. Most SIM cards for tourists come with a Chinese phone number and data plan. 

Where and How to Buy a China SIM Card in Singapore?

If you want to stay connected right after landing in China, you can buy a China SIM card in Singapore before your trip. Many travel shops and online platforms sell prepaid China SIM cards.

Where to Buy

• Travel stores like Changi Recommends
• Online on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, or Trip.com
• Some telcos or phone shops may also carry them

How to Buy

1. Choose a plan (validity, data, call time)
2. Make sure it supports real-name registration (some may need passport info online)
3. Collect at the airport or get it delivered
4. Insert and activate the SIM when you arrive in China

Tip: Prepaid tourist SIMs are usually plug-and-play. Great if you want to avoid the hassle at the airport.

SIM Card Credit Top Up Process

The most straightforward method to top up your credit is via mini apps within Alipay or Wechat, platforms that are integral to daily life in China. If you're considering alternative methods, you can also recharge your credit at official telecom stores.

However, it's crucial to be aware that some tourist SIM cards come with a fixed validity and do not permit credit top-ups. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions of your SIM card package to avoid any unexpected connectivity issues during your travels.

What Documents Do You Need for Getting A China SIM Card?

To buy a SIM card in China, you must show your passport. This is part of the country’s real-name registration rule for all phone users.

Some stores may also ask you to:

• Take a photo
• Scan your face (for digital ID verification)
• Fill in a short form (staff will usually help)

Tip: Make sure your passport has a clear photo page. You don’t need a visa copy unless asked.

Types of SIM Cards in China

Source: Wikipedia

When travelling in China, you can choose from different types of SIM cards depending on your phone, how long you stay, and how much data you need. 

The two main categories are physical SIM cards and eSIMs, and within those, you can pick between tourist SIMs and regular local SIMs.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:

Tip: Most travellers choose a tourist SIM or eSIM for easy setup. If you plan to stay longer, a local SIM with full features is cheaper.

China SIM Card with Local Number

Getting a local SIM card in China is one of the easiest ways to stay connected. With a China SIM, you’ll have access to fast mobile data and a local phone number, so it's convenient for booking rides, receiving SMS verifications, and staying in touch during your trip. You can pick one up at the airport, in major telecom stores, or order in advance online for hassle-free activation once you land.

How to activate the China SIM Card?

After buying your SIM card, follow these simple steps to activate it:

1. Insert the SIM card into your phone.
2. Turn on your phone, including data roaming, and wait for the signal.
3. Some SIM cards activate automatically once you insert them.
4. If not, you may need to send a text message or call a service number (the shop staff will tell you).
5. You might also need to register your SIM with your passport info if not done already.

Recommended Data Package of China SIM Card

When choosing a data package for your China SIM card, consider how long you will stay and how much internet you need. For most travellers, a 3GB to 10GB data plan is enough for daily use like maps, social media, and messaging apps.

If you stay for about a week, a 5GB plan usually works well. For longer trips of two weeks or more, consider a 10GB or larger plan to avoid running out of data.

Some SIM cards also offer unlimited data plans, but these are usually more expensive and may have speed limits after a certain usage.

Before buying, check if the data package includes access to popular Chinese apps and services, and whether it supports 4G or 5G for faster speeds.

Best Telco Operators in China

China has three main mobile operators: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

China Mobile

China Mobile has the largest network and the best coverage. It works well even in small towns and rural areas. If you plan to travel outside big cities, this is a good choice.

China Unicom

China Unicom is popular in big cities and offers good internet speeds. It also has better international roaming options, which is helpful for tourists and expats.

China Telecom

China Telecom is known for very fast data speeds, especially in southern China and big cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

For most travellers, China Mobile or China Unicom are the easiest and best option to buy a SIM card and get good service.

Which One is Best for Coverage, Speed, and English Service?

China Mobile offers the best and widest signal, especially if you plan to travel outside big cities or visit rural areas. For internet speed, China Telecom usually provides faster connections, particularly in southern China and major cities. If you want good English service to help with buying and activating your SIM card, China Unicom is often the easiest choice for tourists and foreigners. 

So, if coverage matters most, go for China Mobile. If speed is your priority, China Telecom is a great option. And if you need good English support, China Unicom will make things smoother.

Why Tourists Need a SIM Card in China?

China is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world. Cash is rare, public Wi-Fi often requires a local number, and many popular sites and apps like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked without a VPN.

With a China prepaid SIM card or eSIM China, you can:

• Use translation apps to bridge the language gap
• Access maps for navigation in big cities and remote towns
• Make mobile payments instantly
• Stay in touch with friends and family via messaging apps (with VPN)
• Avoid expensive roaming charges from your home country

China Connectivity Options for Tourists: eSIM vs Prepaid SIM Card vs Wi-Fi

If buying a local SIM card seems complicated or doesn’t fit your needs, don’t worry—there are other ways to stay connected in China. These options include pocket WiFi, roaming from your home telco, and China eSIM. Each has its own benefits depending on your travel style and phone.

Here is a quick comparison to help you choose:

Key Communication Apps in China

For tourists venturing into China, understanding the local digital communication landscape can be a game-changer. As you journey through the country, familiarising yourself with China's key communication apps can enhance your experience, making interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

Local Communication Apps

• WeChat (微信): Beyond messaging, WeChat is a multifaceted platform offering services from payments to social media. It's an indispensable tool for anyone in China.
• QQ: A popular messaging app, especially among younger users, offering messaging, video chats, and a social media platform.
• Sina Weibo (新浪微博): China's microblogging platform, akin to Twitter, where users post, share, and follow content.

International Communication Apps in China

• WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Services: These platforms face accessibility challenges due to the Great Firewall.
• Skype: The international version of Skype is generally accessible. However, there's a localized "Skype for China" with certain limitations.
• Zoom: Zoom is accessible in China and is widely used for virtual meetings and webinars.

Stay Connected While Travelling in China

A China SIM card for tourists is more than just a travel extra—it’s the key to smooth, worry-free exploration. Whether you go for a prepaid SIM, an eSIM, or an online tourist plan, getting connected before you start exploring will save time, money, and stress.