Before and after arrival
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
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)
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
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)
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
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.
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 behind these checks
Online evidence review; not a China Checked field test. 2026-11-12
Official rules Evidence verified
NIA requires real-name registration and identifies passport-based operator applications.
Telecommunications and real-name registration — National Immigration Administration · 2021-03-26
Scope and limits: General guidance; confirm the selected branch and plan before purchase.
Procedure and interface Evidence verified
Official city guidance documents the counter process and airport SIM services.
Beijing: procedure for applying for a SIM card — Beijing Municipal Government · 2023-12-19
Pudong airport: passport-based short-term SIM services — Shanghai Municipal Government / Shanghai Airport Group · 2026-04-24Scope and limits: Airport examples cover Beijing and Pudong, not verified counters in Xi’an or Chengdu.
Foreign-passport requirements Evidence verified
The 2026 regulator guide accepts passports and requires the applicant to attend in person.
2026 guidelines for foreign nationals applying for SIM cards — Tianjin Communications Administration (MIIT) · 2026-04-14
Scope and limits: A passport is not a guarantee of approval for every product; ask about additional documents.
Payment route Evidence incomplete
Official guidance lists bill-payment channels, but does not establish accepted tender for a specific visitor SIM purchase.
2026 guidelines for foreign nationals applying for SIM cards — Tianjin Communications Administration (MIIT) · 2026-04-14
Scope and limits: Ask the counter about price and accepted payment. Foreign-card checkout remains unverified.
Entry or use requirements Evidence verified
Provider documentation distinguishes SMS-capable physical SIM service from a data-only eSIM.
CUBe: passport issuance, activation and SMS support — Bank of China · 2026-04-21
Data-only eSIMs and calls/SMS — Airalo Help CenterScope and limits: This establishes service requirements, not delivery of every bank or app verification code. Test needed codes before leaving the counter.