As a global traveler, staying connected is crucial, and having a reliable local SIM card can make your trip to China smoother and more affordable. China Mobile, the largest mobile operator in the country, offers a range of connectivity options for tourists, including SIM cards and eSIMs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about China Mobile SIM cards, their coverage, pricing, and how to get them.
China Mobile is the largest mobile network operator in the world. With over 900 million subscribers as of 2021, it serves more customers than any other carrier globally. Here are some additional quick facts about this telecom giant:
China Mobile has a vast retail presence, with an estimated network of over 1.5 million stores and authorized agents across China.
First, let’s see the quick details on China Mobile’s coverage:
Below is the statistics about China Mobile based on some factors, according to Speedtest Intelligence (Q4 2023):
The plans can be summarized in the following table:
| Plan | Price | Data or Quota | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Data Plan | 18 RMB/month | 1GB/day | monthly |
| 4G Global Plans | 88-238 RMB | 3GB – 40GB | monthly |
| Unlimited Plans | 98-588 RMB | 20GB-60GB full speed | monthly |
| Long Validity Addon | 90-840 RMB | 3GB-36GB | 90days – 1year |
In summary, the Daily Data plan offers good value for light usage while the 4G Global and Unlimited plans provide balanced quota at affordable monthly costs. Long validity add-ons are worthwhile if you need data for extended periods.
When it comes to options for travelers to China to stay connected during their trip, there are 2 major ones: SIM cards or eSIM.
For China Mobile network operator, it offers 4G/3G prepaid SIM cards for individual travelers.
This network operator is also the only one that offers eSIM service for customers, among 3 major Chinese phone carriers.
If you are considering buying an eSIM for China travel through China Mobile, you have to go through an application and registration process. As a traveler, you cannot do this.
If you still want to acquire a prepaid SIM card with China Mobile, you have the last resort, which is a traditional SIM.
China Mobile provides customers with 24-month contracts and 4G – 4.5G and 5G speed plans with various data options to use within 1 month.
All the plans offer the chance for unlimited minutes within China mainland, and Mainland + Macao free roaming.
► So, which one is best for tourists to China?
Our answer is China Mobile eSIM. See why below!
China Mobile eSIMs are compatible with common phones, including the latest generation phones that support the technology.
Some benefits you can get after signing up with the eSIM service of China Mobile:
Now, you have had a basic understanding about China Mobile. It is time to talk about how to get a China Mobile SIM card.
Unlike most countries in Asia, you should not visit a China Mobile store to buy a China Mobile SIM card.
It is because most China Mobile stores only deal with postpaid customers – not prepaid ones.
Instead, you can visit convenience stores or other retail stores to buy the SIM card.
For eSIM, you have a much better option: buying China Mobile eSIM from eSIM providers before departure.
Which eSIM provider that offers China Mobile eSIM plans for tourists to choose from?
There are many eSIM providers offering travel eSIM of China Mobile, but the most noticeable is Chinaesim.com (belonging to Gigago.com).
This eSIM provider has the most varying data plans for tourists to choose from in comparison with other competitors in the market, both local and regional. Their plans DO NOT require VPN and allows you to bypass China Firewall, so you can access the Internet in China without restrictions.
Below we gather best eSIM data plans from Chinaesim.com that are covered by China Mobile (and other network providers as well):
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days
3GB
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days
10GB
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days
5GB
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days
1GB/day
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days
3GB/day
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days
20GB
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days
4GB/day
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days
8GB
To activate a China Mobile eSIM in China, follow these simple steps:
To top-up and check your balance with China Mobile, follow these procedures:
Remember to keep track of your usage and top up your account regularly to ensure uninterrupted service with China Mobile.
China Mobile is the largest mobile network operator in China, with over 800 million subscribers. It has the most extensive network coverage within China.
China Mobile uses 2G GSM, 3G TD-SCDMA (incompatible with most non-Chinese phones), and 4G TDD-LTE networks. It is also rolling out FDD-LTE networks but coverage is still limited.
China Mobile SIM cards are available at carrier stores and convenience stores across China. Major cities and airports should have English-speaking staff. You’ll need your passport and proof of address in China.
They offer various monthly plans with data and call/text allowances. There are also lower-cost daily data plans. Plans and prices vary slightly by province. Data rollover is allowed on most plans.
You can top up online using WeChat Pay by linking a foreign credit/debit card. Otherwise top up with cash at convenience stores or carrier stores using scratch cards or machines.
Send an SMS with “ye” to 10086 to check your balance. Send “1091” to 10086 to check data usage and remaining allowance.
The customer service hotline for China Mobile is 10086. English is available on this number.
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