# Phone service and verification texts Source: https://chinachecked.org/china/sim-card-and-sms/ Publisher: China Checked Last checked: 12 Nov 2026 Status: Online evidence reviewed; not a field test. Check mobile data, phone-number and SMS support separately. ## Before flying: check your phone and plan Confirm device compatibility and whether the plan includes a number and SMS. A data-only eSIM supplies neither; check home-line roaming charges before keeping it active. [Airalo Help Center](https://www.airalo.com/help/using-managing-esims/ZSEEHBT5HW6F/how-can-i-receive-sms-and-calls-while-connected-with-my-data-only-esim/9416F6CUOV28) ## Apply with your passport in person Choose an operator-run shop. The regulator guide requires personal attendance; it also provides the local service numbers 10086 (China Mobile), 10010 (China Unicom) and 10000 (China Telecom). [Tianjin Communications Administration (MIIT)](https://tjca.miit.gov.cn/bsfw/bszn/art/2026/art_4cdc69ee883e409990033d44b49e0fab.html) ## Use documented arrival services Beijing publishes a counter application procedure. Pudong reports short-term SIM service for passport holders. Ask the operator to confirm the branch, hours and stock for your arrival. [Beijing Municipal Government](https://english.beijing.gov.cn/quickguideservices/purchasingsimcards/stepsim/202312/t20231219_3503994.html) ## Check the price and payment before committing Package prices and accepted payment need confirmation. Official guidance lists recharge channels, but we have not established foreign-card acceptance for a particular purchase. [Tianjin Communications Administration (MIIT)](https://tjca.miit.gov.cn/bsfw/bszn/art/2026/art_4cdc69ee883e409990033d44b49e0fab.html) ## Test the services you actually need Bank of China documents voice, data and SMS for its CUBe physical SIM example. This does not establish the same features for every SIM or guarantee app verification codes. [Bank of China](https://www.boc.cn/english/whatsnew/news/202604/t20260421_25666890.html) ## City scope For Xi’an and Chengdu, use the operator-shop route and confirm the exact branch. Beijing and Pudong airport evidence must not be read as proof of a local airport counter in another city. [Pudong airport: passport-based short-term SIM services](https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20260424/88cde5e96ef242daa534102069450a03.html) ## If a code does not arrive Our practical advice: confirm the selected line can receive SMS, check the country code, ask the operator about service status and use an official alternative offered by the app. Keep access to the home number used for your existing accounts. Connectivity alone does not establish code delivery. ## Evidence checks 4 of 5 applicable checks supported. Online evidence review; not a China Checked field test. ### Official rules — Evidence verified NIA requires real-name registration and identifies passport-based operator applications. General guidance; confirm the selected branch and plan before purchase. - [Telecommunications and real-name registration](https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147428/n147498/n147770/n147880/c158937/content.html) — National Immigration Administration, 2021-03-26 ### Procedure and interface — Evidence verified Official city guidance documents the counter process and airport SIM services. Airport examples cover Beijing and Pudong, not verified counters in Xi’an or Chengdu. - [Beijing: procedure for applying for a SIM card](https://english.beijing.gov.cn/quickguideservices/purchasingsimcards/stepsim/202312/t20231219_3503994.html) — Beijing Municipal Government, 2023-12-19 - [Pudong airport: passport-based short-term SIM services](https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20260424/88cde5e96ef242daa534102069450a03.html) — Shanghai Municipal Government / Shanghai Airport Group, 2026-04-24 ### Foreign-passport requirements — Evidence verified The 2026 regulator guide accepts passports and requires the applicant to attend in person. A passport is not a guarantee of approval for every product; ask about additional documents. - [2026 guidelines for foreign nationals applying for SIM cards](https://tjca.miit.gov.cn/bsfw/bszn/art/2026/art_4cdc69ee883e409990033d44b49e0fab.html) — Tianjin Communications Administration (MIIT), 2026-04-14 ### Payment route — Evidence incomplete Official guidance lists bill-payment channels, but does not establish accepted tender for a specific visitor SIM purchase. Ask the counter about price and accepted payment. Foreign-card checkout remains unverified. - [2026 guidelines for foreign nationals applying for SIM cards](https://tjca.miit.gov.cn/bsfw/bszn/art/2026/art_4cdc69ee883e409990033d44b49e0fab.html) — Tianjin Communications Administration (MIIT), 2026-04-14 ### Entry or use requirements — Evidence verified Provider documentation distinguishes SMS-capable physical SIM service from a data-only eSIM. This establishes service requirements, not delivery of every bank or app verification code. Test needed codes before leaving the counter. - [CUBe: passport issuance, activation and SMS support](https://www.boc.cn/english/whatsnew/news/202604/t20260421_25666890.html) — Bank of China, 2026-04-21 - [Data-only eSIMs and calls/SMS](https://www.airalo.com/help/using-managing-esims/ZSEEHBT5HW6F/how-can-i-receive-sms-and-calls-while-connected-with-my-data-only-esim/9416F6CUOV28) — Airalo Help Center