How to Get a Local China Phone Number as a Foreigner

As a digital nomad who’s lived in China for years, I’ve helped dozens of foreign friends get local phone numbers. A Chinese number is your lifeline for Alipay/WeChat Pay, ride-hailing, food delivery, and even hotel check-ins. Let’s see how to get a China SIM card/eSIM for foreigners: passport requirements, carrier picks, cheap plans, and top-up tips.

First Step: Get your identity verified

You can’t get a legitimate Chinese number without real-name verification—it’s the law, and there’s no workaround. For foreigners, all you need is your passport with a valid Chinese visa (tourist, work, student, etc.). Skip unregulated “no-ID” SIMs from street vendors. They get deactivated in days and won’t work with payment apps. Stick to official telecom stores.

How to Get a Local Phone Number in China

How to Get a Local Phone Number in China

These are the only methods that truly hold up for everyday use. I’ve put all three to the test with friends—here’s the scoop:

Physical SIM Card (The Gold Standard for Full Functionality)

This is the ultimate essential for anyone staying longer than a week. It seamlessly integrates with every app, payment platform, and service—no exceptions!

I always recommend that friends head straight to official carrier stores rather than resellers—it’s just so much simpler. Here’s the lowdown on how it works:

1. Pack your passport (visa included) — that’s the only document you’ll need for short stays.
2. Head to a branded store (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom). Keep an eye out for uniformed staff and official signage. While airport kiosks are super convenient for when you first land, they do charge a small premium; you'll find better deals at stores in the city.
3. Just let the staff know how long you’re planning to stay (like “2 weeks” or “6 months”), and they’ll set you up with the perfect prepaid plan—no contracts, no stress!
4. They’ll scan your passport, snap a quick photo to verify your identity, and get your SIM card up and running right there. You’ll be connected with a working number in just 5 minutes!

Pro tip for Shanghai travelers: The China Mobile kiosk at Pudong Airport partners with SPD Bank. They can help you open a local bank account and link it to Alipay and WeChat Pay in one stop. It saves so much time!

Virtual Number (For Pre-Arrival SMS Verification Only)

Virtual numbers are just a quick, temporary fix—don’t count on them for anything more than signing up for apps before you arrive (like Trip.com).

I’ve had friends try out Global Call Forwarding and similar services. While they’re great for snagging those verification codes before you even touch down, they won’t link up with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or local banks. Definitely steer clear of unregulated virtual numbers—they tend to quit on you without warning. If you need a reliable connection, stick with the reputable providers!

eSIM (Perfect for Dual-SIM Travelers)

If you’d rather skip the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards (I totally get it—my phone has two slots, but fumbling with them is the worst), an eSIM is a total game-changer. Just pair it with an affordable number retention plan, and you’re all set for your next adventure!

How to get there:

1. Check if your phone supports an eSIM (iPhone 12+, Samsung S21+, Pixel 6+—most new phones do).
2. Head to an official store, show your passport, and ask for an “eSIM data plan.” China Unicom and China Mobile offer the best options for travelers.
3. Scan the QR code they provide. Activation only takes about 2 minutes, and you’ll be all set with a standard +86 number.

My favorite hack: Use a China Mobile RMB 8 (≈$1.10) physical SIM for app verification (to keep the number long-term) and a China Unicom eSIM for data (RMB 29–49 / ≈$4.10–$6.90 per month for 10–30 GB). It saves money and avoids the hassle of switching cards.

China’s 3 Telecom Carriers: How to Pick the Best One for Your Trip

China’s 3 Telecom Carriers: Which One Should You Choose?

I’ve put all three to the test over the years—here’s the honest breakdown (no sales fluff):

For most travelers: China Unicom (for city stays) or China Mobile (for cross-country trips). China Telecom is a great choice if you’re sticking to the south—otherwise, it’s best to go with the first two.

China Phone Number Plan Pricing

China Phone Number Plan Pricing: RMB 8

Chinese phone plans are shockingly affordable—you won’t spend more than RMB 50 (≈$7.00) per month for everything you need. Here’s the real deal (I’ve helped friends set these up, no scams):

The RMB 8 (≈$1.10) number retention plan is totally real—but staff won’t offer it upfront. You’ve got to insist on it (just use a translation app to say “I want the RMB 8 monthly number retention plan”) or ask a local friend to help you out. I’ve snagged it for 5 friends so far—it’s definitely worth it if you visit China every year!

How to Top Up Your Chinese Phone Number

Topping Up Your Chinese Phone Number

Topping up is easier than you might think—you don’t actually need a Chinese bank account. Here are the methods I always recommend to friends:

1. Carrier Apps (The Most Convenient Choice)

Download the official China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom app (they have English versions). Link your foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard works) and top up RMB 50–100 (≈$7.00–$14.10) at a time. It only takes a minute!

2. Taobao

Search for “mobile top-up” on Taobao. Enter your Chinese number, pick a top-up amount, and pay with your foreign credit card. My friend from Canada uses this every month—no issues at all.

3. Alipay/WeChat Pay (if you have them)

If you’ve already set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (using a local bank account or foreign card), just head to the “Top Up” section, enter your number, and pay. It’s super fast!

4. Boost from a friend

If apps have you feeling a bit confused, just ask a local friend to top up for you. Simply send them the money via PayPal—most Chinese friends are more than happy to help out (I do this for new arrivals all the time!).

Pro tip: If you're planning an extended stay, enable auto-top-up in your carrier's app. It’s a lifesaver for avoiding any unexpected service interruptions!

How to Keep Your Chinese Phone Number Active While Abroad

How to Keep Your Chinese Phone Number Active While Abroad

Want to keep your number for future trips? It’s easy, and you don’t even need to be in China:

• First, snag that RMB 8 (≈$1.10) number retention plan!
• Top up RMB 100 (≈$14.10) every 6 months (via Taobao or carrier app) to keep it active.
• Make sure to enable international roaming (it’s free to activate right in your carrier’s app). You’ll be able to receive SMS verification codes abroad at no extra cost—which is a total lifesaver for logging into apps like Alipay or WeChat.

Avoid using data or making calls while abroad—they can get pricey! Just keep roaming enabled for SMS only to stay connected without the surprise fees.

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