When it comes to traveling in China, having a reliable and affordable mobile connection is crucial for staying connected, accessing maps, and making the most of your trip. With several mobile operators to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your needs as a tourist.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the top mobile operators in China, their offerings, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Facts:
Home to the largest population in the world, China is also home to the largest telecoms markets of the world, at least in terms of the whole number of subscribers.
When it comes to China mobile network operators, we divide into 02 main categories: mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).
| Company | Ownership | Year Established | Subscribers in China | Mobile Services | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | State-owned enterprise | 1997 | 975 million | Provides mobile voice and multimedia services | Largest network, own TD-SCDMA 3G standard |
| China Unicom | State-owned enterprise | 1994 | 1,001.72 million | Provides mobile network, long-distance, local calling, data communication, Internet services, and IP telephony | Second largest network |
| China Telecom | State-owned enterprise | 1995 | 391 million | Provides mobile voice and multimedia services | Smallest network, uses CDMA |
In addition to the main mobile operators, there are several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in China that resell network services from the major carriers. These MVNOs can sometimes offer more affordable plans, especially for short-term visitors.
There are many MVNOs in China, some are active and some now are inactive. The table below describes the actives in details:
| Company | Networks | Services | Targets | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 263 Mobile | China Unicom | postpaid | Business | Active |
| Ali Telecom | China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| HNA Mobile | China Telecom, China Unicom | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| Lenovo Connect | China Telecom, China Unicom | pre + postpaid | Non-niche | Active |
| Mi Mobile | China Telecom, China Unicom | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| Minsheng Communications | China Telecom, China Unicom | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| Snail Mobile | China Telecom, China Unicom | prepaid | Community | Active |
| Suning Mobile | China Mobile | prepaid | Retail | Active |
| UYou | China Unicom | pre + postpaid | No frills | Active |
| Yuantel | China Unicom | pre + postpaid | Non-niche | Active |
Choosing the best mobile operator in China for your needs as a tourist can be challenging, but there are a few key factors to consider:
When traveling in China, having reliable network coverage is essential. While all major operators claim to have extensive coverage, there may be variations in signal strength and network quality in certain areas. Consider your travel destinations and research which operator has the best coverage in those regions.
As a tourist, you’ll likely rely heavily on data for navigation, translation apps, and staying connected. Compare the data plans and pricing offered by different operators to find the most cost-effective option that aligns with your data usage needs.
While language barriers can be an issue, it’s essential to consider the level of customer service and support each operator provides for international travelers. Look for operators that offer English-language support or have dedicated channels for tourists.
If you plan to use your existing SIM card from your home country, check which Chinese mobile operators have roaming agreements with your carrier. Roaming can be expensive, but some operators may offer more affordable roaming packages for international visitors.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of China’s major mobile operators based on the information from Speedtest Global Index, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
| Metric | China Mobile | China Unicom | China Telecom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Download Speed (Mbps) | 208.56 | 134.20 | 143.68 |
| Mobile Upload Speed (Mbps) | 27.51 | 35.41 | 27.51 |
| Mobile Latency (ms) | 42 | 42 | 43 |
| Mobile Consistency (%) | 95.7% | 93.8% | 93.0% |
| 5G Download Speed (Mbps) | 283.64 | 230.41 | 221.71 |
| 4G/LTE Compatibility | Limited to TDD-LTE | Good FDD-LTE support | Good FDD-LTE support |
| 3G Compatibility | Incompatible TD-SCDMA | Compatible UMTS/HSPA+ | CDMA/EVDO (mostly discontinued) |
| 2G Compatibility | Compatible GSM/EDGE | Compatible GSM/EDGE | CDMA BC0 (mostly voice-only) |
| Coverage | Best nationwide coverage | Reasonable coverage | Smallest network coverage |
| Plan and Pricing | Monthly plans starting from 88 RMB with data and minutes. Also daily data plans from 18 RMB/1GB. Generally offers the most data at lower prices but speeds may be slower than competitors. | Monthly plans starting from 58 RMB with data-only or bundled with minutes. Generally offers faster speeds on international compatible networks but at slightly higher prices than China Mobile. Known for occasional data overcharging issues. | Monthly plans starting from 29 RMB with focus on bundled plans including landline services. Plans are lower priced but network is limited to major cities due to CDMA incompatibility issues. |
| Registration Requirements | Real-name registration and face scan required | Real-name registration and face scan required | Real-name registration and face scan required |
| Censorship Bypass | Requires VPN, subject to blocks | Requires VPN, subject to blocks | Requires VPN, subject to blocks |
Recommendations:
One of the most convenient ways to purchase a SIM card from China’s mobile operators is at their respective stores or authorized resellers located in major airports, train stations, and tourist areas. Many of these locations have dedicated counters or kiosks specifically for international travelers, where you can find English-language assistance and purchase prepaid SIM cards with data plans.
Additionally, some mobile operators offer the option to purchase SIM cards online or through third-party retailers. However, it’s essential to ensure that you’re buying from an authorized seller to avoid counterfeit or fraudulent SIM cards.
Maybe you're interested in:
eSIM technology, which allows users to instantly activate a mobile data plan without the need for a physical SIM card, is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. While China’s mobile operators have been somewhat slow in adopting eSIM technology, some progress has been made in recent years.
China Mobile and China Unicom have begun offering eSIM services, primarily targeting local customers and businesses. However, their eSIM offerings for international travelers are still limited and may not be widely available or easily accessible.
Alternatively, international eSIM providers like chinaesim.com offer competitive eSIM data plans for mainland China and regions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity on platforms like Facebook, Google WITHOUT A VPN. This allows tourists to enjoy steady internet connectivity throughout their trip to China and neighboring countries.
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China Mobile uses TD-SCDMA for 3G and TDD-LTE for 4G. Now also using FDD-LTE bands 3 and 8 in major cities.
China Unicom uses WCDMA for 3G on band 1 and FDD-LTE on bands 1, 3 and 41 for 4G.
China Telecom uses CDMA2000 for voice and EVDO for 3G/4G. Expanding FDD-LTE on bands 1, 3 and 5.
You need to visit an official store with your passport. SIMs can be bought from China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom stores. Provide a hotel address for registration. Initial top up of minimum 30-50 RMB is required for activation.
Operators offer monthly plans with set data allowances and unlimited plans with fair usage policies. Add-on data packs for top up are also available. China Mobile offers daily/weekly data plans valid for 1-7 days as an alternative.
You can top up via WeChat Pay by adding your foreign credit/debit card. You can also purchase scratch cards from convenience stores to top up balances online or at carrier stores.
It is recommended to formally cancel your account in-person at a carrier store before leaving to avoid any blacklisting which could prevent signing up in the future. Account termination requires the original ID used for registration.
China Telecom, Unicom and Mobile are 3 major mobile operators in China with the best speed and coverage. So, when buying a SIM card/eSIM from any company rather than these operators themselves, bear in mind that you will probably be using the network of one of these three.
You should check if your phone has frequencies similar to those that these companies use.
Most tourists and travelers to China use China Unicom, which works without any problem with common smartphones, and covers approximately 90% of the country area with a relatively good connection.
Discover chinaesim.com for more useful information about top eSIM plans in China.
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