How to Get a China SIM Card and Home Broadband: Expat Guide

TL;DR: Managed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) (工业和信息化部), foreign nationals must undergo mandatory Real-Name Registration (实名制) with a physical valid passport or Five-Star Permanent Resident Card (五星卡) to obtain an official local (+86) phone number. Local physical SIM cards with +86 numbers can be obtained at official major telecom halls (营业厅) or major airport arrival kiosks, while travel eSIMs (data-only) route through overseas networks without local number features. Home broadband can be installed within 24 to 48 hours by providing proof of address and passport credentials.

To legally apply for a mobile phone and broadband service in China, foreign nationals must visit a designated major telecom branch or authorized airport kiosk in person with a valid passport. China strictly enforces a real-name registration system for all communication networks, meaning you cannot buy an anonymous, prepaid SIM card off the street.

Securing a local Chinese mobile number (+86) is the most critical first step for new arrivals. Without a registered local number, you will not be able to open a bank account, receive mandatory SMS verification codes for payment apps (WeChat Pay/Alipay), book train tickets (12306), or access daily digital services.

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1. The 4 Major Chinese Telecom Operators

The Chinese telecommunications market is dominated by state-owned enterprises that offer nationwide coverage and similar pricing structures. You can choose any of these major providers to set up your mobile plan and home internet:

2. Required Identification for Real-Name Verification

Under MIIT regulations, all mobile accounts require verified physical identification. Small convenience stores or street kiosks lack passport-scanning hardware and cannot process foreign registrations.

• Valid Passport: Must contain a valid entry visa or residence permit stamp. Physical passport required (digital scans or copies are strictly rejected).
• Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (五星卡): Holders of the Five-Star Card can scan their ID directly at automated self-service kiosks or service windows to register accounts independently.
• Biometric Verification: Standard operating procedures require facing a desktop camera at the counter to match your live face against your passport photo.

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3. Physical SIM vs. International Travel eSIM

Depending on whether you need a long-term local identity or short-term travel data, evaluate these two connectivity routes:

Telecom Selection Framework:

Need +86 Number for Banking/SMS? ---> Obtain Physical Local SIM at Airport/Hall (Passport Scan)

Need Immediate Data & Global Apps? ---> Install International Travel eSIM Before Flight (Data Only)

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4. How to Set Up Home Broadband Internet

For expats renting apartments, setting up high-speed fiber-optic home internet (宽带 kuāndài) is straightforward:

1. Bundle with Mobile Plan: Telecom providers offer heavily discounted home broadband when added as a bundle (融合套餐) to your main mobile SIM subscription.
2. Confirm Building Access: Check with your landlord before selecting a provider. Some residential complexes have exclusive fiber agreements with a single operator (e.g., China Telecom lines only).
3. Technician Installation: Visit the telecom branch with your passport, lease agreement address, and mobile number. A field technician will be dispatched within 24–48 hours to run fiber connections and configure the Wi-Fi router.

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5. Mandatory Account Cancellation Protocol

The most common mistake departing foreign residents make is leaving China without formally closing their telecom accounts.

Actionable Pre-Arrival Checklist

Complete these preparation steps to secure your connectivity in China:

1. Check Phone Unlocking: Ensure your smartphone is factory unlocked by your domestic carrier to accept physical Chinese SIMs or travel eSIM profiles.
2. Locate Airport Kiosks: Identify whether your arrival airport (PEK, PVG, CAN) has 24/7 telecom kiosks operating in the international arrivals hall.
3. Save Chinese Address: Keep a physical or printed copy of your apartment lease or hotel booking in Chinese characters for registration desks.
4. Schedule Departure Cancellation: If leaving China permanently, allocate time during your final week to visit an official telecom hall with your passport to finalize account cancellation (注销) and settle outstanding balances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a foreigner buy a physical SIM card at Chinese international airports?

Yes. Major international hubs like Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) feature official China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom kiosks in the arrival halls that scan foreign passports and activate physical SIM cards immediately.

Why is a local +86 Chinese phone number necessary?

A local +86 phone number is legally required for real-name digital verification. You need it to receive SMS confirmation codes to open Chinese bank accounts, register for WeChat Pay and Alipay, use the 12306 high-speed railway app, and hail rides via DiDi.

Can foreign tourists use domestic Chinese carrier eSIMs?

Domestic Chinese carrier eSIMs are restricted to Chinese national ID holders. Foreign passport holders who want to use eSIM technology must purchase data-only international travel eSIMs (from providers like Nomad or Airalo) prior to entering mainland China.