If you need a Chinese +86 phone number, you can buy a local SIM card after arriving in China.
Foreign visitors can register using their passports. Several major international airports also have SIM card services for arriving travelers.
If you only need mobile data, you may not need a Chinese SIM. International roaming or a travel eSIM may already be enough.
Arriving in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu? You'll find airport-specific SIM buying information later in this guide. First, check what you need and what to ask for.
Before you buy: check your phone
For a physical Chinese SIM, you'll generally need:
- An unlocked phone.
- A physical SIM slot.
- Compatibility with the local operator's network.
- Your original passport.
If your phone is locked to your home carrier, another SIM won't work until that restriction is removed.
What if your iPhone is eSIM-only?
A travel eSIM and a mainland Chinese carrier eSIM are not the same thing.
Mainland Chinese operators support eSIM on certain devices. However, according to Apple, iPhones purchased outside mainland China cannot install eSIM profiles from mainland Chinese carriers.
If your iPhone has no physical SIM slot, don't rely on getting a Chinese +86 number through a local eSIM after arrival.
You can still use a compatible international travel eSIM for mobile data, but it normally won't provide a Chinese phone number.
For more detail, see:
Do You Need a Chinese Phone Number in China?
Where to buy a Chinese SIM
You have two main options.
At the airport. Some major international arrival airports have operator counters or traveler service centers that can help you buy a local SIM.
In the city. Visit an official service hall operated by one of China's mobile operators.
| Operator | Chinese name |
|---|---|
| China Mobile | 中国移动 |
| China Unicom | 中国联通 |
| China Telecom | 中国电信 |
A full-service branch is usually called a 营业厅 (yíngyè tīng).
Not every small phone shop can register a new number using a foreign passport. An operator-run service hall is the safer choice.
Bring your original passport for real-name registration.
You can show the staff:
我想用护照办理一张中国手机卡，需要一个中国手机号。
I'd like to register a Chinese SIM card with my passport. I need a Chinese phone number.
If the airport counter is closed, you can use your existing connection to reach your hotel and visit an operator service hall later.
What to ask for
Tell the staff how long you'll stay in China and that you need a local phone number.
Some locations offer short-term products for international visitors, including 7-day, 15-day and 30-day plans.
Prices, data allowances and available plans vary.
You can ask:
我只在中国待15天，有适合游客的短期套餐吗？
I'm staying in China for 15 days. Do you have a short-term plan for visitors?
For a short trip, you don't need to compare every Chinese mobile operator.
Start with the plans available where you are.
If your roaming or travel eSIM already provides mobile data, you may mainly need the Chinese SIM for its +86 number, calls or SMS.
Check before you pay
Confirm these details before accepting a plan:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Chinese +86 number | Make sure you're getting a local number |
| SMS support | Some local services require verification codes |
| Validity | Match the plan to your stay |
| Automatic renewal | Avoid unexpected charges |
| Expiry or cancellation | Know what happens when you leave |
| Extra data charges | Understand what happens when your allowance runs out |
Some short-term products expire or close automatically. Others may require further action.
Ask what happens when the plan ends.
Before leaving the counter, ask the staff to activate the SIM and help you check:
- Your new +86 number.
- Network connection.
- Mobile data, if included.
- Calls and SMS, if needed.
- Expiry and cancellation terms.
If something doesn't work, resolve it before leaving.
A Chinese SIM doesn't have to replace your other connection
A Chinese SIM gives you a local phone number. It doesn't have to handle everything else.
Depending on your phone and plan, you might use:
Home SIM → Bank and existing-account SMS.
International roaming or travel eSIM → Mobile data and your usual internet services.
Chinese SIM → Local calls, SMS and +86 verification.
You may not need all three. Your phone must also support the SIM combination you want to use.
On a regular mainland mobile connection, some international services may be restricted. Roaming and travel eSIM connections can work differently.
If you already have a connection that works for you, there's no reason to replace it automatically.
And if you only wanted a Chinese number because you thought Alipay, WeChat or DiDi required one, check that assumption first. Many common travel tasks work with foreign phone numbers.
See:
Internet in China: eSIM, VPN, Roaming or Local SIM?
SIM Card Guide by Arrival Airport
Choose your arrival airport to jump directly to its SIM card information.
The locations and services below are based on published official information. Counter hours, operators and available plans may change.
PEK — Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Capital Airport has published SIM service locations for China Mobile and China Unicom.
| Terminal | Operator | Published hours |
|---|---|---|
| T2 | China Mobile | 09:00–18:00 |
| T3 | China Mobile | 09:00–20:00 |
| T3 | China Unicom | 07:00–21:00 |
The airport also has a Beijing Service counter opposite the international arrivals exit.
Beijing offers online applications for certain SIM services with airport collection.
For example, travelers applying online for a China Mobile SIM can collect it through the Beijing Service counter at Capital Airport.
For China Unicom applications, staff can direct travelers to the relevant operator counter.
Check your arrival terminal and the current opening hours before relying on a particular location.
Official information:
PKX — Beijing Daxing International Airport
Daxing Airport also has China Mobile and China Unicom services.
| Operator | Location | Published hours |
|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | 3F domestic departures hall | 09:00–19:00 |
| China Unicom | 1F, east of the tourism information office | 07:00–19:00 |
A Beijing Service counter is located opposite the international arrivals exit.
Certain SIM cards can be applied for online and collected at the airport.
For example, travelers who apply for a China Unicom SIM online can collect it at the Beijing Service counter.
China Mobile applicants can be directed to the relevant operator counter.
If you're arriving late, check the collection arrangements and counter hours before traveling.
Official information:
PVG — Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Pudong Airport provides SIM card services for international arrivals.
There are two places to look.
International baggage claim area
An integrated service area offers:
- SIM card purchases.
- Portable Wi-Fi rental.
- Currency exchange.
Public arrivals area
The International Services Shanghai one-stop service centers provide mobile communication assistance.
Service centers operate in the international arrivals areas of T1 and T2.
Foreign visitors can apply for short-term China Telecom SIM cards using a passport or another accepted identity document.
Published options include:
7 days · 15 days · 30 days
Check the current price, data allowance and availability at the counter.
Official information:
SHA — Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Hongqiao Airport has an International Services Shanghai one-stop service center in the T1 international arrivals hall.
The center provides mobile SIM services alongside payment, transportation and tourism assistance.
If you're arriving on an international flight at Hongqiao, look for the service center in T1.
The official information confirms SIM services, but does not specify separate operating hours for SIM registration.
Official information:
CAN — Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport has foreign traveler service centers in T2 and T3.
Both provide assistance with local SIM cards and other arrival services.
Terminal 2
The service center is on the first floor of the international arrivals hall, near the international arrivals exit.
It provides communication services, including local SIM cards and mobile data plans.
Terminal 3
The service center is also on the first floor of the international arrivals hall.
It opened in April 2026 and provides local SIM services alongside payment, transportation and travel assistance.
Both centers offer 24-hour staffed consultation.
However, this does not guarantee that every SIM registration service or operator is available at all hours.
Check your arrival terminal before looking for the center.
Published information:
TFU — Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Chengdu Tianfu Airport has a China Telecom service hall in the T1 international arrivals hall.
According to Sichuan's telecommunications authorities, it provides 24-hour service for international travelers.
Published short-term SIM options include:
7 days · 15 days · 30 days
Travelers can register using their passports.
Before paying, confirm the current plan, price, data allowance, +86 number and cancellation terms.
This information applies to Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU).
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is a different airport.
Official information:
Arriving at another airport?
International traveler communication services are also available at other major gateways, including Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Chongqing.
However, specific SIM registration locations and operating hours aren't equally well documented.
If your airport has an international traveler service center, ask there first.
Otherwise, use your existing connection to reach your hotel and visit an official operator service hall in the city.
You don't have to buy a Chinese SIM at the airport.