Preparing to go to China but don’t know how to stay in touch or connect to the internet? can a foreigner buy a SIM Card in China, can I buy a SIM Card in China? Let’s find out how to choose Chinese SIM Card for tourist, where to buy SIM Card in China, what SIM Card to buy in China through our detailed guide below!
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For those who love to travel, a SIM card is always a reliable “companion”, helping to connect smoothly on every journey. Especially in China, a large and diverse country, choosing the right SIM card is even more important.
This article will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option and provide detailed instructions on how to buy a SIM card for traveling to China most conveniently. Let’s explore now to prepare for your upcoming trip!
Should I Buy a SIM Card for Traveling to China in Vietnam or China?
Are you preparing for a trip to China and wondering where to buy a SIM card? Buying a SIM card in Vietnam or directly in China both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Find out more details through the content below to make the right choice for your travel plan!
Buy a Chinese Tourist SIM in Vietnam
eSIM for China and Macau (QR code activation via email)
Buying a SIM in Vietnam before arriving in China helps you avoid the hassle of finding a place to buy a SIM right after landing. This is especially important if you need to book a car, use a map or contact immediately upon arrival. So how to buy a Chinese SIM right in Vietnam?
- Buy directly at a store or agent: Many stores specializing in tourist SIMs offer Chinese SIMs with different packages. You just need to provide personal information, the staff will support you in activating them before delivering the SIM. When you arrive, just insert the SIM into your device and you can use it right away.
- Buy a SIM online: If you don’t want to go out to buy, you can also order on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Tiki or on the websites of service providers such as Klook. The SIM will be delivered to your home, helping you save time and effort.
Buy a Chinese SIM Card for tourist
If you don’t have time to prepare a SIM card before your trip, buying a SIM card in China is still a viable option. However, you will need to find the right place to buy a SIM card and go through some necessary procedures.
- Buy a SIM card at the airport: When arriving at major airports such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, you will easily find SIM card counters of major carriers such as China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. The staff here can help you choose the right package and activate the SIM card on the spot. However, the price of SIM cards at the airport is often higher and you may have to wait if there are many customers.
- Buy a SIM card at a carrier store: If you want more options for packages, visit the carrier’s official stores. However, you will need to present your passport to register for a SIM card, and some places also require an online payment account such as Alipay. This can be difficult if you do not have a Chinese bank account.
Where is it more convenient to buy a SIM card for travel to China?
If you are still hesitating between the two options, let’s take a look at the comparison table below for an overview:
| Evaluation Criteria | Buy SIM in Vietnam | Buy SIM in China |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | SIM available, use immediately upon arrival in China | Must find a place to buy, activate on the spot |
| Price | Usually cheaper | Usually more expensive, especially at the airport |
| Language | Communicate in Vietnamese | Communication in Chinese or English (may be difficult) |
| Cellphone plan | Options may be limited | Many package options |
| Risk | Risk of transportation, defective SIM (when buying online) | Difficulty in communication leads to difficulty in choosing and buying SIM |
| Activating ability | Activate before travel | On-site activation |
If you want a smooth trip from the moment you arrive in China, buying a SIM card in advance in Vietnam is the safest and most convenient solution. You will not only save time but also avoid the complicated procedures when buying a SIM card in China. On the contrary, if you do not have time to prepare in advance or are familiar with the procedures in China, you can still buy a SIM card at the airport or a network store.
How much does a Chinese SIM card cost?
4G SIM (Delivery in Vietnam) for use in China (Access Facebook/Google)
The price of a SIM card for travel to China ranges from 150,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND, depending on the network operator, data capacity and usage time. There are many packages from basic with limited capacity to premium packages with unlimited data and international calling minutes. To choose the right SIM card, you should consider your usage needs and budget.
If you want to save money, you should choose a prepaid SIM and top up when needed, avoiding unexpected costs. Check out the SIMs that are often booked on Klook now:
- Provider: China Unicom
- Reference price: From 145,000 VND for a 3-day 1GB 4G package
- Provider: TripRoaming
- Reference price: From 105,000 VND for a 3-day 1GB 4G package
How to Buy, Activate and Use a China Travel SIM
When you come to China, having a suitable travel SIM will help you stay in touch, look up information and use necessary applications without depending on Wi-Fi. This process includes choosing a network operator, choosing a suitable package, activating the SIM and topping up when needed. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Choose the Right Network Operator
China has three major network operators: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. Each carrier has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs.
- China Mobile is the largest carrier with nationwide coverage. However, their 4G SIMs use a special TD-LTE band, which may not be compatible with some international phones.
- China Unicom has a slightly lower coverage range but uses a popular band that is compatible with most international phones. This is a popular choice for many foreign travelers.
- China Telecom mainly supports CDMA networks, which is only suitable if your phone supports this technology.
If you want a SIM that is easy to use and compatible with most devices, China Unicom is often the optimal choice for tourists.
Step 2: Buy the Right China Travel SIM
You can buy a SIM at the carrier’s official stores, at the airport, or online. When buying a SIM, you will need to provide your passport and accommodation information. Popular packages usually include data and domestic minutes. If you only need to use the internet, packages with 4GB to 20GB of data will be a reasonable choice.
Step 3: Activate the China Travel SIM
Universal Studios Beijing Ticket
After buying the SIM, the next step is to activate and set it up on the phone. Most SIMs bought at the store will be activated immediately after registration. You just need to:
Insert the SIM into the phone and restart the device.
- If the SIM requires a PIN, check the information in the included instructions or set it up in the Mobile > SIM PIN Management section on your phone.
- Go to Mobile Data, turn on Data Roaming.
- Wait a few minutes for the SIM to catch the signal and receive the activation notification. If you don’t see the notification after 5-10 minutes, turn off your phone and restart it.
Step 4: Use and Top Up Your Chinese SIM
Temple of Heaven Admission Ticket in Beijing
After activation, you can start using the SIM to access the internet and make calls. However, if you want to continue using it, you need to top up your SIM account. There are two popular top-up methods:
Top up at the store: You need to go to convenience stores or official SIM stores, provide your phone number and the amount you want to top up. However, this method can take time and may not be convenient if you need to top up urgently.
Top up via Alipay or WeChat Pay: If you have a Chinese bank account or an Alipay/WeChat Pay e-wallet, you will be able to top up online. If not, you can also ask friends or acquaintances in China to help you top up via these platforms.
What sim card to buy in China: Should I Choose a Physical SIM or an eSIM When Traveling to China?
4G eSIM for Mainland China (QR Code delivery via email)
When traveling to China, you can choose between a physical SIM and an eSIM to connect to the network. eSIM is a convenient option that saves you the need to change SIMs, but it is limited in terms of suitable devices compared to SIM cards. Below is a detailed comparison table to help you easily decide which SIM to choose for your trip.
| Criteria | Physical SIM | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Easily switch between phones. | Convenient, no physical SIM required. |
| Compatible with most networks and phones. | Environmentally friendly, no packaging and waste | |
| Cheap, easy to replace if broken or lost. | More secure, harder to copy or steal. | |
| Can use 2 SIMs at the same time (eSIM and physical SIM). | ||
| Disadvantage | Need to change SIM when moving to another country. | Not all networks support eSIM. |
| May be lost or damaged if not handled with care. | Need to set up via app, not as quick as physical SIM. | |
| Not compatible with all phones, especially older models. |
If you change phones frequently or want to save space and increase security, eSIM can be the ideal choice. However, if your phone does not support eSIM or you want to easily switch between devices, physical SIM is still a stable and popular choice.
Compare China Travel SIM and International Roaming
International roaming is a service that allows you to use data, make calls and send messages with your current phone number even when you are abroad. So how are roaming services and travel SIM different, which option should you choose when traveling to China? See the comparison table below for the answer:
| Criteria | China Tourist SIM | International Roaming |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Cost effective for use in China only. | Keep your main phone number for convenient communication. |
| Easy to purchase and activate upon arrival in China. | No need to worry about changing SIM cards when traveling to multiple countries. | |
| Easily find packages that suit your needs. | Take advantage of your current carrier's services and avoid hassle. | |
| Disadvantages | Cannot be used outside of China, limited to domestic use only. | Roaming costs are often very high, especially for data services. |
| Need to change phone number, time consuming. | Activation and support at tourist spots may be difficult. | |
| There may be a language barrier when recharging or changing plans. | Speed and data capacity limitations when using internationally. |
If you are only going to China for a short time, a China travel SIM will help you save money and you can choose a flexible plan. However, if you need to keep your original phone number and frequently travel between countries, international roaming will be more convenient for you, although the cost may be higher.
Should I Buy a Travel SIM or Use a Pocket WiFi When Traveling to China?
WiFi Pocket is a device that creates a personal WiFi hotspot, allowing multiple devices to connect at the same time. Besides travel SIM, WiFi Pocket is also a popular choice for connecting to WiFi. Both have their own advantages, but which one is best for your needs? Let’s compare the pros and cons of both options to help you decide.
| Criteria | China Tourist SIM | WiFi Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Save money, especially for short trips. | Multiple devices can be connected at the same time. |
| No need to carry extra equipment. | Easily share internet with friends and family. | |
| Buy and use directly in China. | Stable internet speed, suitable for online activities requiring high bandwidth. | |
| Only usable in China, need to change SIM when going to other countries. | Requires carrying a separate device, which can be cumbersome. | |
| Disadvantages | Need to change SIM and can't keep old phone number. | Must go to WiFi hotspot at airport or designated locations. |
| Difficult to deposit money if you do not know Chinese. | Must be pre-ordered and may not be available at all pickup locations. |
China travel SIM offers simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it perfect for short trips. Meanwhile, WiFi Pocket is ideal for those who need to connect multiple devices and maintain a stable internet connection for online activities, although carrying an additional device can be a bit inconvenient. Pre-book [Unlimited Data] 4G WiFi Router for China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming conveniently on Klook!
How to Use China Travel SIM Effectively
Beijing Downtown Private Car Charter
When using a China travel SIM, you can save data and avoid extra costs by applying some simple tips. These small adjustments will help you use the SIM more effectively and keep a stable connection throughout your trip.
- Turn off automatic updates of the app, only update when there is WiFi.
- Reduce video and music quality when streaming to save data.
- Connect to public Wi-Fi when possible. Free Wi-Fi is available in many areas.
- Turn off background app refresh in settings.
- Uninstall unnecessary apps to avoid background data usage.
- Compress images before sharing via messages.
- Read articles instead of watching videos to save data.
- Use a data monitoring app to track your usage.
Frequently Asked Questions When Buying a China Tourist SIM
Do I need to register information when buying a China tourist SIM?
Yes, you need to provide your passport and personal information when buying a China tourist SIM.
Can I buy a China tourist SIM at the airport?
Yes, you can buy a China tourist SIM at the SIM counters at international airports.
Can I use Facebook with a China tourist SIM?
Depending on the type of China tourist SIM you choose, you may or may not be able to use Facebook. If the SIM you use does not have the ability to bypass the firewall, you will need to install a VPN to access Facebook in China.
Which application helps to check the network speed in China?
Use the application Speedtest by Ookla, NetSpot, BitMeter II,… to check the network speed.
Hopefully, through this article, you have a clearer view of how to choose a China tourist SIM that suits your needs and usage habits. Whether it’s a physical SIM, eSIM or WiFi Pocket, each option has its own advantages, helping you connect to the internet easily and save costs throughout your trip. Plan ahead to choose the SIM, and the most suitable connection options!
The way to buy a SIM card for traveling to China is so simple, right? Add it to your cart and get ready for your trip to the country of a billion people!
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