Start here

Key facts, verified

Getting a Chinese SIM card as a foreigner
Real-name ruleUnder MIIT rules on real-name registration of phone users (in force since September 1, 2013), a carrier must see a valid ID and real identity details before opening a line. A foreign passport is an accepted ID.
ID you can usePassport; Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (China)
In personGo yourself with your own valid ID. Real-name registration includes a face-recognition check.
Steps at the counterChoose a number and plan → real-name registration with face recognition → sign the service notice and network access agreement
Airport countersBeijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun and other international airports have counters or shops selling SIM cards on arrival, usually with tourist plans of different lengths and data sizes.
Beijing airportsChina Unicom service hall at Beijing Capital; Beijing Service counter and China Unicom hall at Beijing Daxing. Bring your passport (and visa, if you have one). Takes about 5 minutes. China Unicom tourist plans: 7, 10, 15 or 30 days. (Beijing city government, March 2025)
Counter locations and opening hours change; check the airport's website or ask at the information desk after customs.
Source: sdca.miit.gov.cn · Verified: 2026-10-16
Free airport Wi-Fi with a foreign passport
AirportHow to log in with a passportNotes
Shanghai PudongOn the Wi-Fi login page, scan your passport photo page; no Chinese phone number neededNetwork name and time limit not published · official guidance as of Apr 2026
Beijing DaxingNetwork BDIA-FREE-WIFI: on the login page, take a photo of your passport information page to verifyAlso available: self-service kiosk, WeChat quick login, phone-number login · official guidance as of Dec 2025
Beijing CapitalNetwork AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW: with a foreign number, insert your passport photo page at a Wi-Fi self-service kiosk; it prints a username and password5 hours per login; up to 3 printouts per passport · Chinese numbers can log in with an SMS code · official guidance as of Aug 2024
Login methods follow each airport's official guidance on the date shown; on the day, follow the instructions on the Wi-Fi login page.
Source: english.shanghai.gov.cn · Verified: 2026-10-16

Common questions

Do I need a VPN in China?

China's official tourism website says services such as Google, WhatsApp and Instagram cannot be accessed directly. Many short-term visitors stay online with roaming or a travel eSIM instead. Our internet and VPN guide sets out what the regulations say and your options.

Should I buy a travel eSIM or a Chinese SIM card?

For a trip of a few weeks, a travel eSIM set up before you fly is usually the simplest. A Chinese SIM from an airport counter needs your passport in person and gives you a Chinese number. See the SIM and eSIM guide.

Can I register WeChat with a foreign phone number?

Yes. WeChat accepts numbers from many countries; you may be asked for an extra verification step, which has more than one route. The WeChat setup guide walks through it.

Which map app should I use in China?

Amap has English and other languages and can also book rides; Apple Maps works on iPhone. Google Maps is not reliable in mainland China. Details in the map apps guide.