Best Tourist SIM Card for China
Short-term visitor
1-5GB per week
Data Needed
1-30 days
Typical Stay
$10-30 total
Budget Range
12+
eSIM Options
What Tourists Need in China
Key Requirements
- Easy purchase at airport
- No ID requirements
- Prepaid/no contract
- Good data for 1-4 weeks
Top Priorities
ConvenienceEasy activationNo commitment
Our Top Recommendation
Get an eSIM Before You Go
For tourists visiting China, an eSIM is the most convenient option. Buy before you travel, activate on arrival, and keep your home number active.
Compare eSIM ProvidersBest eSIM Plans for Tourists
BEST FOR TOURISTS
Dent
$4.99
1GB / 365 days
- Blockchain-based
- Data marketplace
- No expiry data packages
Airalo
$9.00
1GB / 7 days
- 190+ countries coverage
- No physical SIM needed
- Keep your WhatsApp number
Best Local SIM Plans for Tourists
China Unicom
Tourist SIM Card
CN¥200.00/month
20GB data • 100 mins
- Facebook/Google access
- English support
- Airport pickup
China Telecom
Prepaid Data Card
CN¥128.00/month
40GB data • 200 mins
- Good coverage
- 4G/5G ready
- Top-up flexible
Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Protect your China trip with travel medical insurance. SafetyWing starts at just $45/month.
Get Travel Insurance QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What's the best phone plan for tourists in China?
For tourists visiting China, we recommend plans with 1-5GB per week data. eSIM or airport tourist SIMs are the most convenient.
Should I get an eSIM or physical SIM for China?
eSIM is highly recommended for tourists. It offers instant activation, keeps your home number active, and requires no store visits.
How much data do tourists typically need in China?
Tourists typically need 1-5GB per week. This covers maps, social media, and messaging.
What should tourists budget for phone service in China?
Budget $10-30 total for phone service in China. This is usually a one-time cost for your trip.