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 sim card

I. Quick Facts about China Mobile

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:

  • Founded Year: China Mobile was founded on 3rd September 1997
  • Full Company Name: The full company name is China Mobile Limited (中国移动有限公司) and its ultimate controlling shareholder is China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd
  • Types of Services Provided: China Mobile provides a wide range of services, including mobile voice and data services, fixed-line broadband services, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, multimedia entertainment services, and information services.
  • Number of Subscribers: As of the end of 2022, China Mobile had 975 million subscribers, making it the largest telecommunication company in China.
  • Coverage: China Mobile’s network covers all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Macau. It has an extensive network of over 2 million base stations, ensuring excellent coverage across the country.

China Mobile has a vast retail presence, with an estimated network of over 1.5 million stores and authorized agents across China.

II. China Mobile Coverage and Speed

1. China Mobile Coverage

First, let’s see the quick details on China Mobile’s coverage:

China Mobile 3G coverage map
China Mobile 3G coverage map (Source: GSMA)
  • 2G: 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 4700 MHz (n79)
  • VoLTE: Yes (but not for prepaid customers)
  • VoWiFi: Yes (but not for prepaid customers)

2. China Mobile Speed

Below is the statistics about China Mobile based on some factors, according to Speedtest Intelligence (Q4 2023):

  • Download speed: China Mobile offers the fastest 5G download speed at 283.64 Mbps.
China Mobile median download speed mbps
  • Median multi-server latency: China Mobile registered the lowest median multi-server latency in China at 44 ms.
China Mobile median multi server latency ms
China Mobile median multi server latency ms
  • Consistency: China Mobile has the highest consistency in the country with 94.2% of results displaying at least a 5 Mbps and 1 Mbps minimum download speed and minimum upload speed, respectively.
China Mobile consistency
China Mobile consistency
  • 5G performance: China Mobile has the fastest median 5G download speed in China at 291.24 Mbps. 
China Mobile 5G median download mbps
China Mobile 5G median download mbps

III . Best China Mobile SIM Cards for Tourists and Cost

Daily Data Plan

  • Price: 18 RMB/month
  • Data: 1GB per day at 1 RMB/GB
  • This pay-as-you-go plan is good for light usage as you only pay for data used. Extra 1GB blocks are affordable.

4G Global Plans

  • Price: 88 RMB (3GB data/220 mins), 138 RMB (6GB/450 mins) etc
  • These plans offer a good balance of locally priced data and call minutes. Quota rolls over if unused.

Unlimited Plans

  • Price: 98 RMB (20GB full speed data), 138 RMB (30GB), 188 RMB (30GB/more benefits) etc
  • Offers “unlimited” data with fair usage caps. Cheaper than regular plans with similar benefits.

Long Validity Data Addons

  • Price: 90 RMB (3GB/90days), 150 RMB (6GB/90days) etc
  • Useful if you need data for multiple weeks/months with a single top-up. Value improves with longer validity.

The plans can be summarized in the following table:

PlanPriceData or QuotaValidity
Daily Data Plan18 RMB/month1GB/daymonthly
4G Global Plans88-238 RMB3GB – 40GBmonthly
Unlimited Plans98-588 RMB20GB-60GB full speedmonthly
Long Validity Addon90-840 RMB3GB-36GB90days – 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.

IV. Does China Mobile Support eSIM?

When it comes to options for travelers to China to stay connected during their trip, there are 2 major ones: SIM cards or eSIM. 

  • SIM cards: the traditional physical SIM card, with functions like making voice calls, textng SMS, and getting Internet access using mobile data. 
  • eSIM: a virtual/digital version with similar features like physical SIM cards. 

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!

V. Why use China Mobile eSIM in China? Benefits

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:

  • 6GB of 4.5G + 128 kbps Unlimited data after the high speed data was used up.
  • Port-in offer: $88/Monthly & Free 2GB Local Data.
  • Free 1GB Mainland China & Macau Roaming Data Package.
  • Unlimited Local Airtime Minutes.

VI. How to get a China Mobile SIM card or eSIM & Prices

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):

  • All Plans
  • Local
  • Multi Countries
Operator
Plan Name
Plan Validity
Data
Price

China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days

3GB
5 days
$7.00
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days

China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days

5 days

3GB

$7.00

China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days

10GB
5 days
$15.50
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days

China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days

5 days

10GB

$15.50

China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days

5GB
7 days
$11.00
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days

China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days

7 days

5GB

$11.00

China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days

1GB/day
7 days
$13.00
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days

China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days

7 days

1GB/day

$13.00

China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days

10GB
10 days
$11.90
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days

China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days

10 days

10GB

$11.90

China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days

3GB/day
15 days
$52.00
Top Selling
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days

China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days

Top Selling
15 days

3GB/day

$52.00

China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days

20GB
30 days
$36.90
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days

China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days

30 days

20GB

$36.90

Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days

10GB
10 days
$30.50
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days

Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days

10 days

10GB

$30.50

Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days

4GB/day
15 days
$54.00
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days

Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days

15 days

4GB/day

$54.00

China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days

8GB
7 days
$45.00
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days

China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days

7 days

8GB

$45.00

VII. How to Activate a China Mobile eSIM in China

To activate a China Mobile eSIM in China, follow these simple steps:

  • Contact China Mobile: Start by reaching out to China Mobile for their 4G, 4.5G, or 5G services. You can do this either online through an application form or by visiting one of their customer service offices in person.
  • Choose eSIM: Once you have signed up for the service, you have the option to choose the eSIM at no extra cost. To do this, call 12580 and follow the instructions given by the specialist you speak to. Alternatively, you can activate the eSIM at one of the physical offices.
  • Prepare for activation: Before you begin the activation process, make sure you have an active internet connection, an accessible email account, and a mobile device that supports eSIM technology.

VIII. How to Top Up and Check Balance with China Mobile 

To top-up and check your balance with China Mobile, follow these procedures:

1. Top-up

  • Online: Visit the China Mobile website or use their mobile app to access the online top-up service. Follow the instructions provided to add credit to your account using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
  • Voucher: Purchase a top-up voucher from authorized retailers or convenience stores. Scratch off the protective layer to reveal the voucher code. Dial the top-up number provided by China Mobile, enter the voucher code when prompted, and follow the instructions to complete the top-up process.
  • Automatic top-up: Set up automatic top-up by linking your bank account or credit card to your China Mobile account. This way, your account will be automatically recharged when your balance falls below a certain threshold.

2. Balance Check

  • USSD code: Dial *100# or *#123# from your China Mobile phone and press the call button. You will receive a message with your current balance and other account details.
  • China Mobile App: Download and install the official China Mobile app on your mobile device. Log in with your account credentials to access your balance and usage information.
  • Customer Service: Contact the China Mobile customer service hotline or visit a physical customer service office to inquire about your balance. Provide your account details or mobile number to the customer service representative, who will assist you in checking your balance.

Remember to keep track of your usage and top up your account regularly to ensure uninterrupted service with China Mobile.

IX. FAQs about China Mobile SIM Cards

What is 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.

What mobile technologies does China Mobile use?

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.

Where can I buy a China Mobile SIM card?

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.

What plans does China Mobile offer?

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.

How do I top up my China Mobile balance?

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.

How can I check my data usage and balance?

Send an SMS with “ye” to 10086 to check your balance. Send “1091” to 10086 to check data usage and remaining allowance.

What is China Mobile’s customer service number?

The customer service hotline for China Mobile is 10086. English is available on this number.