How to Purchase a Local SIM Card or Data Plan in China?

1. Purchase Channels and Process

1. Airport Purchase (Most Convenient)
2. Location: Operator counters (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) are available in the arrival halls of major international airports in China (such as Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun).
3. Process:
   • Show your original passport (physical document only; electronic versions are invalid).
   • Choose a package and pay (cash, international credit card, or Alipay/WeChat Pay are accepted).
   • Complete real-name verification and activation on-site.
4. Advantages: Immediate use, English customer service support.

5. Cost Reference: Short-term tourist packages cost approximately 50-200 RMB (including 5GB-30GB data + local calls).

6. Operator Service Halls

7. Coverage: Operator-owned stores are available in all cities (search for "China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom service hall").
8. Required Documents: Original passport, address in China (hotel address can be used).

9. Service Language: Some large city service halls offer English support; it’s recommended to download a translation app to assist with communication.

10. Convenience Stores or Supermarkets

11. Available Locations: Chain convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, Lawson, or large supermarkets such as Carrefour.

12. Notes: Self-complete real-name verification via the operator's app or WeChat Official Account; suitable for users with some Chinese language skills.

13. Online Booking (Preparation in Advance)

14. Recommended Platforms: Taobao, JD.com, Klook (supporting English interfaces).
15. Process: Place an order and choose delivery to your hotel or airport locker (confirm pickup time in advance).

2. Mainstream Operators and Package Recommendations

1. China Mobile
2. Advantages: Widest signal coverage (especially in remote areas).

3. Recommended Packages:

   • Shenzhou Travel Card: Valid for 30 days, includes 20GB data + 100 minutes of calls (approximately 128 RMB).

4. China Unicom

5. Advantages: High cost-effectiveness, suitable for urban use.

6. Recommended Packages:

   • Ice Cream Package: Valid for 30 days, includes 15GB data + unlimited local calls (approximately 99 RMB).

7. China Telecom

8. Advantages: Strong network stability, ideal for long stays.
9. Recommended Packages:
   • Tianyi Roaming Card: Valid for 30 days, includes 25GB data + 50 minutes of international calls (approximately 158 RMB).

3. Real-Name Verification and Activation Guide

1. Real-Name Verification Process (mandatory for all channels):
2. Provide your original passport and a copy of the front page.
3. Take a photo of yourself holding your passport at the site (some service halls may require fingerprint registration).

4. Fill out the "Telephone User Real Identity Information Registration Form" (available in both Chinese and English).

5. Activation and Usage:

6. Restart your phone after inserting the SIM card.
7. Confirm activation via SMS from the operator (if not received, call customer service at 10086/10010/10000).
8. APN Settings (manual configuration required for some phones):
   • China Mobile: APN name “CMNET”
   • China Unicom: APN name “3GNET”
   • China Telecom: APN name “CTNET”

4. Precautions

1. Document Requirements: Always carry your original passport, as some scenic spots or hotels may require verification of your phone number's real-name information.
2. Package Validity: Prepaid packages are usually valid for 30 days; numbers may be canceled after expiration, so timely recharges are recommended.
3. Data Limitations: Some packages reduce speed after reaching a certain data limit (e.g., limited to 1Mbps after 20GB); read terms carefully.
4. International Roaming: If you need to receive calls from your home country, contact your domestic operator to activate international roaming (high fees apply).
5. Customer Support:
6. China Mobile: 10086 (press “9” for English service)
7. China Unicom: 10010 (press “2” for English service)
8. China Telecom: 10000 (press “3” for English service)

5. Recommended Tools

1. Official Operator Apps:
2. China Mobile’s “Wuxing” app (supports English switching, online top-ups, and package inquiries).
3. Map Navigation: Gaode Map (Amap) or Baidu Maps, download offline maps in advance to save data.