Looking for the best China Sim Card for your next trip to China?
For the best sim card in China, China Mobile sim card is our favorite for coverage and data packages. Looking at mobile eSIM alternatives? Go for Nomad and Airalo
What’s the Cheapest Sim Card in China?
You can buy the cheapest sim card in China with China Mobile prepaid sim card for $13 USD you will get 20 GB plus local calls and SMS valid for 30 days.
Alternatives to Getting Cheap Data in China
Read here best China eSim
You can buy the cheapest China eSim with Nomad China eSim for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days. If you need more data you can go for $15 USD Nomad China eSim with 5 GB data valid for 7 days.
The main difference between Airalo vs Nomad eSim for China the packages are 7 days only with Nomad China eSim but Airalo China eSim offers for the same price for 30 days.
The cheapest eSim in China with Airalo is $7 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days and for $8 USD with 2 GB data valid for 15 days. (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). Plans with Airalo eSim China prepaid start at $11 USD with 3 GB data valid for 30 days. For $16 USD with 5 GB data and for $28 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.
Holafly China eSim for less than $60 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in China for just $2 USD per day.
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BEST CHINA SIM CARD FOR TOURIST COMPARED AND PREPAID SIM CARD IN CHINA
First thing we have to say about China prepaid sim card, internet and data connection in China is amazing especially if we compare with the Philippines where we were coming from. We didn’t visit remote places only cities in China.
Obviously the best thing you can do to connect online is to buy a prepaid sim card in China. It will be efficient and it will allow you to connect anytime. We recommend you buy a China sim card in the airport to stay active earlier. You can buy a sim card in China in the kiosks or phone shops in the city if you prefer to find it cheaper.
Wifi and Internet can be challenging in China. The connection is good but the problem is that you can’t access to many websites like and social media channels like Facebook and Instagram.
BUYING CHINA SIM CARD AT THE AIRPORT (SIM CARD BEIJING AIRPORT)
For us when traveling the best way is to buy a China sim card at the airport. Since you get to a new country and as sooner you are connected you will start checking maps and checking information.
You can buy your China prepaid sim card in Shanghai Airport sim card, there are a few shops. Another option is booking online your China tourist sim card with Klook and pick up at the airport. For both of them, you have to show your passport.
Obviously will be more expensive if you buy a sim card in China at the airport but you can order Uber and get to your hotel or Airbnb in China really easy. If you prefer waiting you will save a few dollars buying in a phone shop comparing prices and packages for sim card in China.
WHERE TO BUY THE BEST CHINA SIM CARD FOR TOURIST
Apart from your Chinese sim card at Beijing airport and Shanghai airport you can buy your China sim card in the official shops and kiosks too. You will find many of them in the city. Just bring your passport and a second and they will explain their packages to get your prepaid China sim card.
They usually speak English in the airport and they will help you to activate your China prepaid sim card and advice you the best plan that you need for your trip. It can be challenging in the city but with translation apps you will manage to get it.
BEST CHINA PREPAID SIM CARD COMPARISON
There are 3 main phone companies when looking for the best China prepaid sim card: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. All of them have similar prices and packages and the coverage is great with all of them.
China Mobile Sim Card
China Mobile prepaid sim card is the largest compnay in the country.
If you want to buy the sim card as a tourist you will find the best packages for $13 USD you will get 20 GB plus local calls and SMS. You can always top up if you need around $2 USD for 3 GB.
China Unicom Sim Card
China Unicom prepaid sim card is the most popular phone operator in North China. Check here prices and packages!
You will get for $10 USD with 10 GB plus free calls and SMS. You can always top up around $1 USD for 1 GB.
MORE CHINA PREPAID SIM CARD
China Telecom Sim Card
China Telecom sim card is the largest company in South China. Check here prices and packages!
You will get for $15 USD with 20 GB plus free calls and SMS.
Mobile eSIM Alternatives to Best Sim Card In China
HOLAFLY CHINA ESIM DISCOUNT CODE
Holafly China eSim is our favorite since we are always looking for unlimited data options or huge data packages. Holafly China eSim for less than $60 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in most of the countries in Europe just $2 USD per day.
The data plans with Holafly eSim China start at $19 USD for 5 days for unlimited data. If you choose 10 days unlimited data $34 USD, for $47 USD 15 days unlimited data and $64 USD unlimited data for 30 days all of them with unlimited data.
AIRALO CHINA ESIM DISCOUNT CODE
Airalo China eSim is a good alternative to have internet in China but you won’t be having unlimited internet service with them. Plans with Airalo eSim China prepaid start at $11 USD with 3 GB data valid for 30 days. For $16 USD with 5 GB data and for $28 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.
The cheapest eSim in China with Airalo is $7 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days and for $8 USD with 2 GB data valid for 15 days. (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%).
MORE PREPAID ESIM CHINA
Nomad eSim China
Nomad eSim China for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days. Nomad eSim China prepaid start at $13 USD with 3 GB data valid for 7 days. For $15 USD with 5 GB data valid for 7 days.
MTX Connect eSim China
MTX Connect eSim China for €24 with 4 GB data valid for 14 days. There are unlimited data plans starting from €10 per day and for €15 with 2 GB data valid for 7 days.
UBIGI CHINA ESIM
Ubigi China eSim for $12 USD with 1 GB data valid for 30 days and for $25 USD with 3 GB data valid for 30 days. (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%).
GIGSKY CHINA ESIM
GigSky China eSim for $10 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days and for $48 USD with 5 GB data valid for 30 days.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATION ON BEST CHINA SIM CARD FOR TOURISTS
My China Sim Card Conclusion is buying the cheapest sim card in China with China Mobile prepaid sim card for $13 USD you will get 20 GB plus local calls and SMS could be the best if you are traveling around North and South. But just take a look to prices and packages there.
Make sure you try before leaving the phone shop and it works perfectly. In my opinion this thing could be the most important than saving a couple of dollars when buying.
You can find the cheapest China eSim with Nomad China eSim for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days. If you need more data you can go for $15 USD Nomad China eSim with 5 GB data valid for 7 days.
The cheapest eSim in China with Airalo is $7 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days and for $8 USD with 2 GB data valid for 15 days. (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). Plans with Airalo eSim China prepaid start at $11 USD with 3 GB data valid for 30 days. For $16 USD with 5 GB data and for $28 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.
Holafly China eSim for less than $60 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in China for just $2 USD per day.
Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us continue with the maintenance of the website and will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys.
Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.
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