Practical Guide
China SIM Card for Tourists
Getting connected in China is essential — not just for calls, but for WeChat Pay and Alipay, which you'll use for everything from metro tickets to street food. Here's exactly how to do it in Xi'an.
Written by Chen Yu
Photography & Practical Guides Writer · Xi'an since 2021
Chen Yu is a Xi'an-based photographer who has shot the Terracotta Warriors in every season and lighting condition since 2021. He handles all the practical infrastructure content — transportation, payments, SIM cards, visa guides — because he has personally test-run every route and setup process described on this site.
The short answer
Buy a China Unicom or China Mobile SIM at Xi'an Xianyang Airport (Arrivals hall, 2F) or any store in the city. Bring your passport. Cost: $7–$30 for a tourist data plan. Setup takes 15 minutes. Alternatively, use an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) if your phone supports it.
Option 1: Buy at Xi'an Airport (Recommended)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport has telecom counters in the Arrivals Hall (2nd Floor) for both China Unicom (中国联通) and China Mobile (中国移动). This is the easiest option — staff speak some English, and you can have a working SIM in 15 minutes.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Unicom Tourist | 20 GB | 30 days | $15 |
| China Mobile Tourist | 30 GB | 30 days | $22 |
| China Unicom (basic) | 5 GB | 7 days | $7 |
Prices vary. China Unicom generally has better 4G/5G coverage in cities. China Mobile has broader rural coverage.
Option 2: eSIM (If Your Phone Supports It)
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, most recent Samsung/Pixel), you can activate a data plan before you arrive. No physical SIM needed.
8 GB / 30 days
Data only. No Chinese phone number (can't register for WeChat Pay).
Unlimited / 5–30 days
Data only. Good for heavy data users.
10 GB / 30 days
Includes a Chinese phone number. Can register for WeChat/Alipay.
Important: Most eSIMs are data-only — they don't give you a Chinese phone number. You need a local number to register for WeChat Pay or Alipay. If mobile payment is a priority, get a physical SIM.
Step-by-Step: Registering a SIM in China
By law, all SIM cards in China must be registered with a real name. As a foreigner, you need your passport. The process is straightforward:
Bring your passport
The original passport — not a photocopy or photo. The name must match exactly.
Choose a store
Airport counters, China Unicom/China Mobile retail stores, or authorized resellers. Avoid unlicensed vendors.
Fill in the registration form
Name, passport number, visa type, and a Chinese address (your hotel works). Staff will help.
Photo verification
The store will take your photo for the registration system. This is mandatory.
Activate and test
Insert the SIM, restart your phone, and test data. Make sure you can load a webpage before leaving the store.
Next: Set Up WeChat Pay & Alipay
Once you have a Chinese phone number, you can register for WeChat Pay and Alipay — both now accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). This is essential because many places in Xi'an, especially street food vendors and small shops, only accept mobile payment.
See our complete payment guide for step-by-step setup instructions.
FAQ
Can I use my home SIM in China?
You can enable international roaming, but it is extremely expensive ($4–$9 per MB). A local SIM or eSIM is 10–50× cheaper. Also, roaming does not give you a Chinese number for WeChat Pay.
Do I need a SIM for hotel Wi-Fi?
No. Hotels have Wi-Fi. But you will want mobile data for navigation (Baidu Maps/Apple Maps), translation, ride-hailing (Didi), and payments while exploring the city.
Can I buy a SIM before arriving?
Not a physical SIM. But you can order an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) online and activate it on arrival. For a physical SIM, buy at the airport or in the city.
What about Wi-Fi?
Most cafes, restaurants, and hotels have free Wi-Fi. But you will need mobile data for maps, translation, and payments on the go. Public Wi-Fi in China is not widespread.
Troubleshooting: Common SIM Card Problems
No data after activation
(1) Check that mobile data is enabled in your phone settings. (2) Verify APN settings — your carrier should provide these. (3) Restart your phone. (4) If using an eSIM, make sure it is set as the primary data line. (5) Contact the carrier's English support — major Chinese carriers have English-speaking agents.
Can't make calls or send SMS
Tourist SIM cards often come with data only — no voice or SMS. This is usually stated in the product description. If you need a local phone number (for food delivery apps, hotel bookings), buy a full-service SIM from a China Mobile/China Unicom store. You will need your passport.
VPN not working on SIM data
Install and test your VPN before arriving in China. Once you are on Chinese mobile data, downloading VPN apps may be blocked. We recommend having at least two VPN options installed — one will almost certainly work if the other does not.
Quick Recommendations
Our pick for most travelers: Buy a data-only tourist SIM at XIY airport upon arrival ($15-$30 for 7-15 days). Quick, reliable, and you have internet immediately. For longer stays (2+ weeks), get a full-service plan from a China Mobile store in the city. For tech-savvy travelers, eSIM is the most convenient option — activate before departure and you have data the moment you land.