Your Ultimate Guide on Mobile Internet and SIM Cards for China in 2025

Traveling to China has become much easier, with the recent update to its visa-free transit policy, eligible travelers can now stay for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, in China — previously limited to just 72 or 144 hours. This extended stay gives you more time to discover China’s incredible cities and culture.

However, once you arrive in the Red Dragon’s Land, you might find that staying connected isn't as simple as you think. Even communicating with friends and family to let them know your flight went well can be challenging. The Chinese government has been blocking many popular websites and apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google, for years. This system is commonly known as the "Great Firewall," which restricts internet access significantly. While your home SIM card may allow for calls and texts, to access the internet and bypass these limitations, you will need a local SIM card in China for tourists.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best SIM card for China travel, including options for eSIM for travel in China. We’ll give you insights into China mobile internet options, including 4G and 5G coverage. You'll learn about the top mobile operators in China, roaming options, and the best internet options in China for your trip. Whether you prefer a China prepaid SIM or an eSIM for travel to China, we’ll help you navigate your mobile options so you can make the most of your adventures!

Mobile Internet in China: What You Need to Know

When it comes to mobile internet in China, you'll be pleased to know that the country has some of the fastest speeds in the world. According to the Speedtest Global Index:

• 4G Speeds: The median download speeds for 4G were impressive, with China Mobile showing speeds over 195Mbps and China Unicom around 143Mbps. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, those speeds can climb up to 230Mbps.
• 5G Speeds: China Broadnet has introduced high-capacity 5G networks, boasting median download speeds of over 300Mbps. With the right devices, you can experience even faster speeds.
• Flagship Devices: On the latest smartphones and modem chipsets, you can consistently achieve speeds anywhere between 250-300Mbps on the best cellular connections throughout the country.

China mainly uses two major mobile network standards: GSM and CDMA.

• GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications): This is the most widely used standard around the world and allows both voice and data communication. In China, GSM operates on frequency bands of 900MHz and 1800MHz, which are typically known for 2G. It offers reliable coverage in both urban and rural areas.
• CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access): While not as popular, CDMA is still used by some cellular network operators in China. It operates on frequency bands of 800 MHz and 1900 MHz. This technology is associated with 2G and 3G networks and is less compatible with global standards.

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Best Mobile Operators for China SIM Cards

If you want to pick the best mobile operator for your China SIM card, think about things like network coverage, data speeds, customer service, and pricing. This will help you find the best China Mobile SIM card for tourists. The Yesim team has gathered a simple table that compares the main mobile operators in China, showing their networks, supported phones, coverage, and available plans.

Physical SIM Cards for Tourists in China

As we have discussed earlier, there are three main mobile operators in China: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. These companies together cover 2G, 3G, and 4G networks across the country. Among them, China Mobile is the largest, boasting over 900 million subscribers, while both China Unicom and China Telecom hold about 20% of the market each.

China Unicom

China Unicom is a great choice for travelers because it works well with most smartphones, as they use popular 3G and 4G technologies. Their service is strong in major cities and is expanding into less developed areas.

Many tourists find their plans to be affordable, and the data speeds are generally stable, often better than those from China Mobile. They offer extensive 3G coverage through their 2100MHz UMTS/HSPA network, which is compatible with most international smartphones. China Unicom offers the following SIM cards in China for tourists:

• 10 GB of data valid for 30 days for CNY 20 ($2.75)
• 20 GB of data valid for 30 days for CNY 40 ($5.50)
• 30 GB of data valid for 30 days for CNY 60 ($9.50)

Recommendation: If you’re looking to buy a SIM card in China, especially as a tourist, China Unicom is the best option for you.

China Mobile

China Mobile is the biggest mobile network provider in China, known for its wide coverage across the country. They have one of the fastest 4G/5G in China and offer good plans for international calls.

However, keep in mind that their network uses the TD-LTE standard, which may not work with all smartphones from other countries. You might also notice slower data speeds in busy places. Their 2G service is available almost everywhere but is quite slow, with speeds reaching only 320 kbps for basic calls and text messages. For travelers, China Mobile offers three main SIM card plans along with one option for extended usage:

Recommendation: If you only need a little data, the Daily Data Plan is a great SIM card in China for tourists. For a good amount of data over a longer time, the 4G Global or Unlimited plans are good options. If you need data for a longer period, check out the Long Validity add-on choices._

China Telecom

China Telecom offers a fast LTE network, but their main CDMA network does not work with most foreign phones. However, when their LTE network is available, it performs well. This provider offers the following SIM cards for China travel:

• 30 GB for 30 days: CNY 129 (around $17.75)
• 40 GB for 30 days: CNY 159 (about $21.88)
• 100 GB for 30 days: CNY 229 (approximately $31.50)

Recommendations: Keep in mind that the China Telecom website is only in Chinese, which can make it hard to navigate. Additionally, you need a Chinese ID number to purchase plans. It’s generally recommended to choose China Mobile or Unicom for more convenience.

Top 3 Best SIM Cards for China

With various mobile operators in China available, it can be challenging to choose the right China SIM card for tourists that meets your needs. To help simplify your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top three best SIM cards for China. These options offer reliable coverage, generous data plans, and compatibility with a range of devices, ensuring you can easily stay in touch during your trip.

eSIM for Traveling to China

Do you remember those tiny physical SIM cards? The ones you had to carefully swap out every time you traveled abroad? Well, here's some good news: the era of fumbling with those little chips is over. Enter the eSIM card for China — an integrated digital SIM card within your smartphone that allows for instant activation.

Imagine having the ability to download a local phone plan for China right onto your device. Instead of hunting for a telecom store upon arrival and possibly ending up playing charades to communicate your needs, you can set everything up before you even leave home.

This innovation makes it incredibly simple to stay connected during your travels, ensuring that you can focus more on your adventures in China and less on logistics!

Yesim

Yesim is a leading mobile internet services provider that offers the best eSIM for China travel. Yesim serves clients in 200+ countries around the world. One of Yesim's standout features is SwitchLess Networks, which allows you to quickly switch to a nearby mobile carrier that offers a better 4G or 5G connection if you're currently on a 3G or LTE network.

Recommendation: If you’re an iOS user, you can take advantage of Yesim's free VPN service, which allows you to access your favorite online services no matter where you are. Additionally, their hotspot mode makes it easy to share your mobile internet from the best eSIM for China with other devices. This makes Yesim an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best eSIM for travel to China or other destinations.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a trusted provider of eSIMs and a marketplace where you can purchase SIM cards and data packages from various global and local carriers. You can easily buy these products through the SimOptions website or app.

• 1 GB of data for 7 days costs $4.50
• 3 GB of data for 30 days costs $5.90
• 5 GB of data for 30 days costs $7.90
• 10 GB of data for 30 days costs $15.90
• 20 GB of data for 30 days costs $28.90
• 30 GB of data for 30 days costs $40.90
• 50 GB of data for 30 days costs $64.90

Airalo

Airalo is a company that specializes in selling eSIMs, with its headquarters located in Delaware and its operational base situated in Singapore. They offer a variety of data packages to suit different needs.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days = $5
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days = $8.50
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days = $11.50
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days = $16.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days = $28
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days = $49

Roamless

Roamless provides a unique pay-as-you-go eSIM service that caters to travelers in China and beyond. With the ability to add funds to a flexible wallet, users can connect in 195 destinations without an expiration date on their credits. This model offers maximum flexibility for multi-stop travelers with diverse itineraries.

Holafly

Holafly offers eSIMs that function in over 160 destinations worldwide. You can conveniently explore the various packages available online, choose the one that suits your needs, and easily install it on your phone.

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days = $21
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days = $29
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days = $37
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days = $51
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days = $62
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days = $75
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days = $107
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days = $139

Nomad

Nomad is an eSIM provider offering data-only plans to help you stay connected while travelling. Their plans are designed to be used in over 190 countries and they even have plans you can use in multiple countries.

• 1GB, valid for 7 days = $4
• 2GB, valid for 7 days = $10
• 3GB, valid for 30 days = $9
• 5GB, valid for 30 days = $13
• 10GB, valid for 30 days = $22
• 15GB, valid for 30 days = $28
• 20GB, valid for 30 days = $34
• 30GB, valid for 30 days = $80
• 40GB, valid for 30 days = $110
• 50GB, valid for 30 days = $125

eSIMX

eSIMX offers expansive data pools with no daily limitations, making it ideal for streaming and work calls. However, once you've exhausted your data, there are no daily resets. Coverage is provided through a combination of China Mobile and China Unicom networks, ensuring dependable service.

• 7-day: 10GB total = $11.00 ($1.57/day)
• 30-day: 20GB total = $16.90 ($0.56/GB)
• 30-day: 10GB total = $11.90 ($1.19/GB)

Best eSIM Options for China

To help you make a swift decision, it’s important to have key information about each providers’ eSIM for travel to China at your fingertips. The Yesim team has distilled the essential factors to consider, including plan duration, data allowances, and pricing.

How to Choose the Best SIM or eSIM for Your Trip to China

Are you unsure about what is the best SIM card in China for you? Then, let us help you find that out! As it is essential to pick a package that aligns with your expected usage. Yesim team created a general guide to help you determine the best data package size based on typical usage patterns for tourists:

• 1-2 GB (light browsing/maps): A package of 3 GB should suffice.
• 2-4 GB (occasional photos/videos): Opt for a 5 GB package.
• 4-6 GB (regular social media use): Choose an 8 GB plan.
• 6-8 GB (streaming music/videos): A 10 GB package is recommended.
• 8+ GB (heavy streaming/gaming): Look for 15 GB or consider a multi-week package.

For average travelers, starting with a mid-range package of around 3-5 GB is a smart choice, with the option to upgrade if necessary. By monitoring your data usage and utilizing offline caching when possible, you can effectively manage your data limits and maintain connectivity throughout your trip to China.

Recommendation: When considering options, look for SIM or eSIM cards for tourists in China. Like eSIM for China by Yesim or These options often provide excellent mobile internet access, including 4G and 5G coverage, ensuring you have reliable connectivity during your stay.

Where to Buy a SIM or eSIM for China

If you want to buy a SIM card for your phone while in China, you have several options to choose from. Let’s examine the available choices:

• Purchase a Prepaid SIM Card Online Before Your Trip: There are numerous online platforms like Amazon, Simify, or 3G Solutions where you can find different data plans, although many of these may be data-only packages.
• Buy a Prepaid SIM Upon Arrival in China: Once you land in China, you’ll find plenty of places to purchase a SIM card. Common locations include: International airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores.
• Sign Up for a Phone Plan with a Local Carrier; If your stay in China is extended, consider enrolling in a phone plan with a local cellular provider. This could be a more cost-effective and convenient option for longer visits.

Additionally, you might explore the option of using a China eSIM for tourists. eSIM for China allows you to connect to different service providers offering eSIM capabilities without the need to physically swap out SIM cards.

Alternative Ways to Stay Connected in China

Even if you don’t get a local SIM card, there are easy ways to get the internet in China and stay in touch with friends and family.

Roaming in China

If you want to use your own SIM card while traveling, make sure to activate international roaming and data roaming ahead of time. This will let you make and receive calls and messages from your home country, as well as use your data while abroad. The costs will vary based on your mobile carrier, and usually, calls will be billed by the minute. You can opt for either a prepaid or postpaid roaming plan, so don’t forget to check with your carrier for specific prices and options.

As you can see, roaming charges can be quite high in China, which can significantly impact your travel budget. However, there are options available that can provide considerable savings while keeping you connected.

For example, with an eSIM card for China by Yesim, you can enjoy affordable data access during your stay. For instance, you save $8 when choosing the digital sim card for China (5 GB for 15 days) over the Orange package for 14 days, which translates to approximately 30% in savings.

Use Free Wi-Fi in China

Free Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the country. Most hotels now provide complimentary broadband or Wi-Fi services, though some may charge a fee for internet access in their Business Centers—so it's a good idea to inquire before your trip.

Additionally, public places are increasingly offering free Wi-Fi, particularly in major cities such as Hangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. In other cities, you can often find free Wi-Fi in airports, railway stations, various bars, fast food restaurants, high-end dining establishments, and shopping malls. This access can be a great way to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges, allowing you to share your experiences and make the most of your travels in China.

Best Apps to Improve Your Stay in China

When traveling in China, having the right apps on your smartphone can significantly enhance your experience and make your stay more enjoyable.

Enjoy China and Stay Connected

China is an amazing place with beautiful sights and rich culture. Don’t worry about the Great Firewall — with Yesim, you can have a good internet connection at fair prices while you’re there.

So, get ready for an adventure! Explore the busy cities, relax in nature, and enjoy the delicious food. There's so much to see and do. Go out and discover the wonders of China!

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