How to Get a Chinese Phone Number as a Foreigner (2026)

Updated Apr 8, 2026

How to Get a Chinese Phone Number as a Foreigner (2026)

Last Updated: April 2026 | Reading Time: 7 min

Quick Summary: A Chinese phone number (registered SIM card) is the foundation of daily life in China. You need it to verify WeChat, Alipay, bank accounts, delivery apps, and almost every Chinese service. Get one at any carrier store with your passport — takes 20-30 minutes and costs ¥50-150 for a starter plan.

Why You Need a Chinese Phone Number

A Chinese phone number isn’t just for calls. It’s the verification backbone for nearly every app and service in China:

ServiceRequires Chinese Number?
WeChat (full features)✅ Yes
Alipay✅ Yes
Chinese bank account✅ Yes
Didi (ride-hailing)✅ Yes
Meituan (food delivery)✅ Yes
JD.com / Taobao shopping✅ Yes
Hotel / apartment booking apps✅ Yes
12306 (train tickets)✅ Yes

Without a Chinese number, you’re locked out of most of China’s digital ecosystem. Your home country number works for initial WeChat/Alipay setup, but many features require a Chinese number for ongoing verification.

The Three Main Carriers

CarrierChinese NameStrengths
China Mobile中国移动Largest network, best rural coverage
China Unicom中国联通Good 5G, popular in cities, some English support
China Telecom中国电信Strong in southern China, competitive data plans

For most foreigners in major cities, any carrier works fine. China Unicom tends to have slightly more English-friendly service.

What You Need

  • Passport (original, not a copy)
  • Valid Chinese visa (any type — tourist, work, student, etc.)
  • Cash or WeChat/Alipay for payment
  • Your phone (to test the SIM immediately)

Note: Some carriers may also ask for a photo. Stores have cameras on-site if needed.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your SIM

Step 1: Find a Carrier Store

Go to an official carrier store (营业厅, yíngyètīng) — not a third-party phone shop. Official stores are required to register foreign passports.

  • Look for the carrier’s logo (China Mobile is blue, Unicom is red, Telecom is blue/green)
  • Located in shopping malls, main streets, and near train stations
  • Avoid small phone accessory shops — they often can’t register foreign passports

Step 2: Tell Them What You Need

Say: “我要办一张手机卡” (Wǒ yào bàn yī zhāng shǒujī kǎ) — “I want to get a SIM card”

Or simply show them your passport and say “foreigner SIM.”

Step 3: Choose a Plan

Common starter plans for foreigners:

Plan TypeDataCallsCost
Tourist / short-term10-30GBLimited¥50-100/month
Standard monthly30-100GBIncluded¥79-129/month
Long-term (12 months)100GB+Included¥49-99/month

Ask for a plan with at least 30GB data if you’ll use maps, WeChat, and streaming regularly.

Step 4: Register with Your Passport

The staff will:

  1. Scan your passport
  2. Take a photo of you (facial recognition registration)
  3. Enter your details into their system
  4. Activate the SIM

This is a legal requirement in China — all SIM cards must be registered to a real identity.

Step 5: Test It

Before leaving the store:

  • Make sure you have signal
  • Send a test SMS
  • Confirm data is working (open a browser)
  • Note your new phone number (ask staff to write it down)

Linking Your Number to WeChat

Once you have a Chinese number, upgrade your WeChat to use it:

  1. Open WeChat → Me → Settings → Account Security
  2. Tap Phone Number → Change Phone Number
  3. Enter your new Chinese number
  4. Verify via SMS code
  5. Done — your account is now linked to a Chinese number

Why this matters: A Chinese number on WeChat unlocks:

  • Receiving money transfers
  • Full access to mini-programs
  • WeChat Pay higher limits
  • Account recovery options

Linking Your Number to Alipay

  1. Open Alipay → Me → Settings → Account & Security
  2. Tap Phone Number → Change
  3. Enter your Chinese number
  4. Verify via SMS
  5. Done

Keeping Your Number Active

Chinese SIM cards are deactivated if unused for too long:

CarrierInactivity Deactivation Period
China Mobile3 months no top-up
China Unicom3 months no top-up
China Telecom3 months no top-up

If you leave China temporarily:

  • Keep a small monthly plan active (¥9-29/month minimum plans exist)
  • Top up remotely via Alipay or carrier apps
  • Or accept that you’ll need a new number when you return

Porting Your Number

If you want to switch carriers but keep your number (号码携带, hàomǎ xiédài):

  1. Check eligibility: must have had the number for 90+ days
  2. Visit your new carrier’s store
  3. Bring passport and current SIM
  4. Process takes 1-3 business days

Troubleshooting

Store Refuses to Register Foreign Passport

  • Try a different branch of the same carrier
  • Try a different carrier
  • Some smaller towns have less experience with foreign passports — larger city stores are more reliable

SIM Not Activating

  • Wait 30-60 minutes after registration
  • Restart your phone
  • Contact carrier customer service: China Mobile 10086, Unicom 10010, Telecom 10000

Lost Your Number

If you lose your SIM or forget your number:

  • Visit any carrier store with your passport
  • They can look up your registered number and issue a replacement SIM

FAQ

Can I use my home country number instead?

For initial setup of WeChat and Alipay, yes. But for ongoing verification, bank accounts, and full app functionality, a Chinese number is effectively required.

How long does registration take?

20-30 minutes at the store, including waiting time.

Can I get a SIM at the airport?

Yes — all major international airports have carrier stores in the arrivals hall. Convenient but sometimes slightly more expensive. Good option if you need connectivity immediately.

Do I need a Chinese bank account to pay for the plan?

No. You can pay cash at the store, or use Alipay/WeChat linked to an international card.

What happens to my number when my visa expires?

The SIM stays active as long as you top it up. Your number isn’t tied to your visa status — only to your passport registration.

Last Updated: April 2026