A photo shows an ID card and a SIM card. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Whether you're coming to China for the short or long term, getting a local SIM card will offer a lot of conveniences and help save you money. The SIM card will provide you with more affordable mobile data packages and it will also be much easier to register on local apps.

Before you arrive in China

1. Make sure your phone is unlocked (not attached to a carrier or contract).

2. Check with your mobile service provider that your phone will work on 3G and 4G networks in China.

After you arrive in China

Step 1: Search for the nearest mobile carrier 营业厅 (yíng yè tīng) in your area.

营业厅

yíng yè tīng

store/business hall

China's three top providers are:

中国移动

Zhōng guó yí dòng

China Mobile

中国联通

Zhōng guó lián tōng

China Unicom

中国电信

Zhōng guó diàn xìn

China Telecom

NOTE

China Unicom is probably the most suitable for foreign tourists as its network is compatible with more foreign phones.

It might be best to visit a store downtown, as it will likely support registration with foreign passports.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

The Chinese government requires real-name registration for anyone activating a SIM card, so bring your passport (or photocopy) with you.

护照

hù zhào

passport

6个月以上有效期

liù gè yuè yǐ shàng yǒu xiào qī

Make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months

Step 3: Visit the Store

Go to the store, explain what you want (you may need help from a translation app), take a ticket number and get in the queue.

取号排队

qǔ hào pái duì

to get a number and wait in line

Step 4: Get a SIM card

When your number is called, approach the counter and say:

我要办SIM卡。

Wǒ yào bàn SIM kǎ

I'd like to sign up for a SIM card.

You will be asked to choose a package – 套餐 (tào cān):

你需要什么样的套餐？

Nǐ xū yào shén me yàng de tào cān？

What kind of package are you looking for?

NOTE

套餐 (tào cān) includes a combination of services such as data, call minutes, text messages and other features. Here's some useful vocabulary to choose a package:

套餐 (tào cān) ∙ package / plan

语音 (yǔ yīn) ∙ calls

流量 (liú liàng) ∙ data / traffic

超出套餐 (chāo chū tào cān) ∙ to exceed the plan

费用 (fèi yong) ∙ price

Step 5: Activate the SIM

Once you've chosen a plan, staff will help you activate the SIM card and complete the registration process.