Where to Buy a SIM Card?

  • ✈️ Airport: In the international arrival area, major carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) offer SIM card services. They usually provide tourist packages that include data, call time, SMS, and international dialing features.

How to Find Carrier Service Counters

  • 🛬 Follow Airport Signage

    • The international arrival hall usually has multilingual signs (including English and Chinese) pointing to "SIM Card Purchase" or "Communication Services" areas.
    • Signs may include "China Mobile", "China Unicom", or "China Telecom".

  • 📍 Location of Service Counters

    • Generally located near the international arrival exit, close to baggage claim or the post-immigration hall. In larger airports like Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, or Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, carrier counters are concentrated in the "Information Service Area" or "Communication Service Area".

  • 👨‍✈️ Ask Airport Staff

    • If you can't find the carrier counter, you can directly ask airport staff. They usually can assist in English and guide you to the correct location.

What If You Can't Find a Carrier Counter?

  • 🏪 Buy at Convenience Stores

    • Some airport convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, FamilyMart) also sell tourist SIM cards, but options may be limited and prices slightly higher.

  • 🖥️ Airport Self-Service Machines

    • Some large airports have self-service SIM card vending machines (supporting English operation), usually located in the international arrival hall.

  • 🏙️ Get It in the City

    • If you can't buy a suitable SIM card at the airport, you can go to a carrier business hall in the city (e.g., "Mobile Business Hall"). There are more options in the city, and you can learn more about package details.

Note: Carrier Logos at Airports or City Areas

  • China Mobile: Green theme, logo is "global symbol + green lines".
  • China Unicom: Red theme, logo is "red intertwined infinity symbol".
  • China Telecom: Blue theme, logo is "spiral shape + China Telecom text".

These visual cues make it easy to identify carrier counters!

Steps After Reaching the Counter

  • 🆔 Confirm Identity and Service Language

    • Carrier counters usually have staff who provide English services, or you can communicate through translation tools.

  • 📞 Package Consultation

    • Explain your needs (e.g., data, international calls) to the staff, and they will recommend suitable packages.

  • 📶 Network Testing

    • After processing, the counter staff will usually help you insert the SIM card and test the network.