Buying a local SIM card in China

When a local SIM makes sense

Choose a local SIM if you are staying longer, need a Chinese phone number, expect substantial data use or a local service requires SMS verification.

China's major operators include:

• China Mobile (中国移动);
• China Unicom (中国联通);
• China Telecom (中国电信).

Buy from official airport counters or operator stores and bring your passport.