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eSIM or local SIM: choose by what you need

Buy data before flying, or get a +86 number at an airport counter or operator-owned hall.

Checked · 25 Sep 2026

Do this in order

  1. Choose a travel eSIM if you mainly need maps, messages and browsing and do not need a mainland phone number.

  2. Choose a physical SIM if deliveries, local calls, SMS verification or a longer stay matter to you.

  3. For a local SIM, take your original passport to an official China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom service hall.

  4. Before leaving the counter, test mobile data, receive one SMS and save the new phone number in your contacts.