Practical guide
China SIM cards: start at an operator service office
Bring your passport and choose the data plan after seeing the current options.
The Ministry of Commerce’s English guide says foreigners can take a passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to service offices of operators including China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom to apply for a SIM card and activate mobile service. Plans differ by operator and data needs, so compare current options in person.
A clear next step
- Bring your passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to an operator service office.
- Ask about current voice and data options that fit your stay.
- Confirm activation and data limits before leaving the counter.
Sources & verification
Last verified
- Guide to Working and Living in China | Ministry of Commerce passport/Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card route for SIM application · operator service-office examples · plans vary by customer needs