Getting connected with mobile data when visiting Beijing can make your trip infinitely easier. Having access to maps, translation apps, and rideshares like Didi is a must for navigating this massive city. Purchasing a local SIM card for your unlocked phone is the most affordable way to get online during your travels.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting a Beijing SIM card. With this advice, you can breeze through the process and enjoy stable internet access during your time in China’s capital. Let’s dive in!
China has three major mobile network providers: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All three have extensive infrastructure across Beijing, but they differ in speeds and value.
| Operator | Subscribers | Network | Compatibility | Coverage | Speed | Plans for Tourists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | 945.5 million (largest) | WCDMA, GSM | TD-SCDMA standard not compatible with many foreign phones. 4G compatible with most. | Excellent nationwide coverage. | Median download speed 138.95 Mbps (fastest) | 2 GB for 30 days – $48 3 GB for 30 days – $80 18 GB for 30 days – $198 |
| China Unicom | 310.45 million | WCDMA, GSM | 3G compatible with most foreign phones. 4G compatible. | Good nationwide coverage. | Median download speed 221.07 Mbps (fastest fixed broadband) | 10 GB for 30 days – $80 20 GB for 30 days – $100 30 GB for 30 days – $120 |
| China Telecom | 362.49 million | CDMA | Not compatible with most foreign phones. | Good nationwide coverage. | Median download speed 106.20 Mbps. | N/A |
While China Telecom has a large subscriber base, its CDMA network is generally not compatible with foreign phones. Its speeds and coverage are slightly better than China Unicom but network compatibility is a bigger issue.
Therefore, for compatibility and convenience, China Unicom would generally be recommended as the best mobile operator for most international tourists visiting China, especially those from GSM-based markets. China Mobile could also be used if the tourist’s phone supports 4G networks in China.
Unlock more insights on Top China Mobile Network Operators: Which is the Best for Tourists?
Now let’s look at some specific SIM card options from China Unicom, the recommended provider:
| Network | Plan | Monthly Cost (RMB) | Monthly Cost (USD) | Data | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | 128 RMB 5G Plan | 128 | 18.55* | 30 GB | 500 |
| China Mobile | 158 RMB 5G Plan | 158 | 22.90* | 40 GB | 600 |
| China Mobile | 198 RMB 5G Plan | 198 | 28.70* | 60 GB | 1000 |
| China Mobile | 238 RMB 5G Plan | 238 | 34.55* | 80 GB | 1000 |
| China Mobile | 88 RMB 4G Global Plan | 88 | 12.75* | 3 GB | 220 |
| China Mobile | 138 RMB 4G Global Plan | 138 | 20.05* | 6 GB | 450 |
| China Unicom | 4G Data King Plan | 58 | 8.40* | 6 GB | Unlimited calls |
| China Unicom | 4G Data-only SIM | 30 | 4.35* | 3 GB | N/A |
| China Unicom | SIM Easy | 30-200 | 4.35-28.9* | Various data amounts up to 150 GB | Variable minutes |
| China Telecom | No Worry Card | 20 | 2.90* | 1 GB | 100 minutes |
China Mobile provides the best network coverage and value with its 5G and 4G Global plans offering the most data for the monthly cost. China Unicom SIM Easy plan offers flexibility but costs more for higher data amounts. China Telecom plan has low cost but limited data and minutes.
If you didn’t order ahead online, you can also purchase a SIM card after you arrive in Beijing. Let’s look at the options.
Available on all major Chinese carriers such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Staff here are often equipped with English to communicate and support tourists
Mainly providing China Unicom and China Mobile sim cards. Convenient for guests visiting terminal 2, they can get a sim card while waiting for their luggage
Before purchasing a SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with China's mobile networks. Click to read the full article on how to use your phone in China without hassle.
All across Beijing, you’ll also find authorized seller booths and official carrier stores. Shopping areas like Wangfujing often have several SIM seller options in one area.
Large electronics markets like Zhongguancun also have entire floors dedicated to mobile services. You’ll have many SIM card providers to choose from.
Wherever you purchase in the city, be sure to haggle on the price. SIM card rates are almost always negotiable at local shops. Also remember to bring your passport.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Beijing or an annual trip, having a local data connection is essential for navigation, translations, and staying in touch with friends and family back home. In the past, this meant exchanging your physical SIM card at the airport shops or finding wifi hotspots around the city.
However, with the rise of eSIM technology, there is now a more convenient way – ordering an eSIM plan from Chinaesim.com before your trip.
Chinaesim.com offers travelers affordable prepaid data packages for different periods (5 days, 10 days etc) that you can easily activate upon arrival in Beijing. Just purchase the plan online that suits your trip duration and receive the eSIM profile via email.
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
No struggling with language barriers or queues at the airport stores. Once you land at Beijing Capital International Airport, simply turn on roaming on your eSIM compatible device and your China mobile data will be instantly activated.
To make the SIM card purchase process smooth, keep the following tips in mind:
Going prepared with these tips will make getting a Beijing SIM card a total breeze.
Beyond the basics, these extra pointers can enhance your Beijing SIM card experience:
Staying flexible, comparing options, and planning ahead will make your Beijing SIM card experience smooth sailing.
The three main mobile networks in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All three networks operate in Beijing.
You can buy SIM cards from official carrier stores like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom stores. Larger stores at the airport tend to have English speakers. Make sure to bring your passport.
Yes, since 2010 Chinese law requires registration of real names and identity cards for new SIM cards. In 2019, carriers were also required to do facial recognition scans as part of user verification.
China Mobile has the most extensive 2G coverage across China, including Beijing. However, their 3G and 4G networks may have more limited coverage compared to China Unicom, which uses more internationally-compatible frequencies.
The major carriers offer a range of monthly plans providing a mixture of data and calling minutes. Popular options include the daily rate “King SIM” plans with pay-as-you-go data. Carriers also offer various data-only add-on packs valid for 30, 90, 180 or 360 days.
You can check your China Mobile balance by sending an SMS with the text “ye” to 10086. For data usage, send “1091” to 10086. Usage alerts are also common on China Unicom.
With the information in this guide, you can breeze through the SIM card process. Just stay flexible with troubleshooting, and don’t stress about data usage – it’s cheap to top up more!
With reliable mobile data, you can map out metro routes, lookup restaurant suggestions, and translate any language barriers. Having connectivity will bring great peace of mind as you explore the vibrant capital of China!
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