Apply for a SIM Card

 

1. Notes for Applying for a SIM Card

1.1 Required Documents and Locations

  • 1. To apply for a mobile SIM card in China, you must bring your original passport.
  • 2. Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months.
  • 3. The three major operators in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
  • 4. You must go to the directly-operated business hall of the operator to apply.

 

1.2 Package Selection and Card Activation

  • 1. When applying, inform the staff of your data and call duration needs.
  • 2. The staff will recommend a suitable mobile package for you.
  • 3. After payment, the staff will help you activate the SIM card.
  • 4. If you cannot speak Chinese, it is recommended to be accompanied by someone else.
  • 5. The accompanying person must be a friend who can speak Chinese or a professional translator.

 

1.3 eSIM Virtual Card Application

  • 1. If your mobile phone supports eSIM, you can apply for a virtual SIM card.
  • 2. Mobile phones supporting eSIM include iPhone 14 and above models.
  • 3. You can scan the QR code provided by the operator to activate eSIM.
  • 4. No physical SIM card replacement is required for eSIM application.

 

1.4 Card Cancellation Instructions

  • 1. Before leaving China, you need to apply for SIM card cancellation.
  • 2. Cancellation must be done at the directly-operated business hall where you applied.
  • 3. Non-directly-operated business halls cannot handle cancellation.

 

2. Simple Dialogs

2.1 Card Application
You can say this when entering the business hall:
Hello.
I want to apply for a SIM card.
Complete the information with the staff, and you will get the SIM card shortly.
2.2 Card Cancellation
You can say this when entering the business hall:
Hello.
I want to cancel my SIM card.
Complete the information with the staff, and the SIM card will be canceled shortly.