Planning to buy a China Mobile SIM card at Beijing Airport for your trip? Before you queue at the airport counter, read our complete guide to China Mobile SIM cards at Beijing Airport, including pricing, limitations, and why many travelers are choosing eSIM alternatives for better internet access in China.
I. Can I Buy a SIM Card at Beijing Airport?
Yes, you can buy a China Mobile SIM card at Beijing Airport. SIM cards are available at counters in the arrival halls of both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
However, while this seems convenient, there are several limitations that might make alternative options more suitable for your trip to China.
II. What SIM Card Plans Are Available at the Airport?
Based on recent pricing at the China Mobile counters at Beijing Capital Airport:
| Price (CNY) | Data | Local Minutes | Credit | Validity |
| 100 CNY (~$13.70) | 30GB | 100 mins | 50 CNY | 7 days |
| 150 CNY (~$20.50) | 50GB | 200 mins | 70 CNY | 15 days |
| 250 CNY (~$34.50) | 80GB | 300 mins | 100 CNY | 30 days |
The process is straightforward but requires:
- Your passport for registration
- 10-15 minutes to complete paperwork
- Cash or Chinese payment methods (WeChat/Alipay)
Most SIM cards are pre-activated and ready to use immediately after purchase.
III. What Are the Drawbacks of Buying a SIM at the Airport?
Despite the seemingly generous data allowances, airport SIM cards come with significant disadvantages:
❌ Blocked apps and websites – Google, WhatsApp, Facebook and many Western apps are completely inaccessible without a VPN
❌ No VPN included – You must find, install, and pay for a VPN separately (which itself can be challenging in China)
❌ SIM card swap required – You’ll lose access to your home phone number for calls and texts
The biggest issue for most travelers is China’s internet restrictions. Without a working VPN, you can’t access essential travel tools like Google Maps, Gmail, or communicate via WhatsApp.
Additional problems include:
- Limited English-speaking support if issues arise
- No refund options if the service doesn’t meet your needs
- Language barriers during the purchase process
IV. Use an eSIM – An Alternative Option for Tourists
eSIM technology offers a more convenient solution with significant advantages:
| Feature | Airport SIM | ChinaESIM (eSIM) |
| Setup | At kiosk (passport required) | Online (QR code in 5–10 mins) |
| VPN needed? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Access Google/WhatsApp? | ❌ Blocked | ✅ Fully accessible |
| Dual SIM supported? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Support | ❌ Limited | ✅ 24/7 via WhatsApp |
| Price | From $13.70 | From $2.50 |
With an eSIM, you keep your original phone number active while using data from a local Chinese carrier – without physically swapping SIM cards. This means you can still receive important calls and texts from home while using local data.
V. Best eSIM Plans for China Travel
Several flexible plans are available depending on your trip duration:
- Short visit plans: 1-day eSIMs with 500MB-1GB from just $2.50
- Standard tourist plans: Fixed data packages (3-20GB) valid for 3-30 days from $4.90
For longer stays or heavier usage:
- Unlimited data options for 3-30 days from $13.90
- Multi-country options covering China plus destinations like Hong Kong, Japan, or other Asian countries from $8.50
The key advantage? These plans include technology that lets you access normally blocked sites without requiring a separate VPN app.
🔗 View plans: https://chinaesim.com
VI. How to Set Up and Activate Your eSIM for China
Setting up is quick and straightforward:
- Go to Chinaesim.com
- Choose your plan
- Pay online → receive eSIM via email
- On your phone:
- Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
- Scan the QR code → Turn on Data Roaming
- Done! You’re connected the moment you land in China.
The entire process takes less than 5 minutes and can be done before you leave home or upon arrival at the airport using free WiFi.
VII. FAQs
Do airport SIMs work with Google?
No, Google services are blocked in China due to the Great Firewall. To access Google, you would need to purchase eSIM or set up a separate VPN service, which adds complexity and additional cost.
Can I use both eSIM and my physical SIM?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM functionality. Most modern smartphones allow you to keep your home SIM active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data, giving you the best of both worlds.
Can I share hotspots with other devices?
Yes, you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot with your eSIM data. This allows you to connect laptops, tablets, or travel companions’ phones to your connection, saving money by not needing multiple SIM cards.
Is eSIM legal in China?
Absolutely. eSIM is 100% legal and safe for tourists in China. The technology is officially supported by Chinese carriers, and using tourist eSIMs with built-in access to international services is permitted for foreign visitors.