When you arrive in China, one of your primary tasks is to purchase a SIM card.

China has three major telecom operators: China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. SIM cards are available at the official stores of these carriers.

How to get a SIM card offline

1. Go to one of the major stores, found in various locations including malls

2. Choose a mobile package or simply point to the brochure which lists the packages provided

3. Show your passport

4. Show the SIM card size you need — Normal, Micro or Nano

5. Purchase and register

How to get a SIM card online

Online processing of a SIM card from the three major mobile companies can be done through Nihao Mobile.

Nihao Mobile offers English service, online operation, fast delivery and multiple payment options.

How to purchase a Nihao SIM card and service from Nihao Mobile

Nihao Mobile, a subsidiary of Guangdong Xingding Communication Technology Co Ltd, caters to expats in China by offering an English-friendly SIM card service.

Here is how to acquire a Nihao SIM card at the Nihao Mobile app.

1. Download the Nihao Mobile App.

You can download the Nihao Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for "Nihao Mobile" and install it on your smartphone.

2. Click on "Shop".

There are various plans to choose from, so select the one that fits your needs and add it to your cart.

3. Click on the shopping cart icon in the upper right corner to pay.

4. Fill in your shipping information.

5. Confirm your order and pay.

6. Choose your payment method and process the payment (PayPal is available).

7. There is same-day dispatch for orders completed before 6 pm on working days, with free home delivery within 48 hours.

The logistics tracking number and a tracking link will be sent to your email.

Activation

You will also receive a user guide in English with your package, which illustrates in detail how to activate your SIM card.

You can also refer to the following manual to activate your SIM card.

1. Open the app and select "English" as your preferred service language.

2. Click on "Activate a New Number" and choose "Activate and use a NEW number".

3. Fill in the form and your SIM card will be activated.

(You need to send pictures of the photo page of your passport, your Chinese visa page, entry stamp page, and a video selfie.)

Tips:

• Activation should be done on a smartphone or tablet.
• Please have your original identity document handy as you will need it to compete the activation.
• Once you've activated the SIM card, insert the SIM card into the first SIM card tray in your smartphone/tablet, then restart the phone, and you're good to go.

How to top up

Once you have your SIM card and have made the initial payment, you will eventually need to "top up" and add money to your phone.

1. Online: Recharge through third-party platforms such as Alipay and WeChat, or the official app or WeChat mini-program of China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom

2. Offline: Go to the shops to add money or use the self-service payment terminal

If in doubt, call the service telephone number for your mobile operator: China Mobile 021-10086; China Unicom 021-10010; China Telecom 021-10000

What to do if you lose your mobile phone

1. Call your phone. If someone found it, and you can arrange to get it back.

2. Call your phone carrier and report the loss:

China Mobile: 021-10086

China Unicom: 021-10010

China Telecom: 021-10000

3. Call the police.

4. Call the bank to freeze banking services.

5. Change your passwords - if you use mobile banking, email and social media on your phone, it's wise to change your passwords in case your accounts have been compromised.

6. Warn your friends of potential fraud — Inform them that you lost your mobile phone as soon as possible and to be aware of any fraudulent messages from your lost phone.

Updated Aug 22, 2025

Sources: govt.chinadaily.com.cn, City News Service