Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in China, and where should I buy it?

To prepare well for your trip to China to explore its nature, people, and cuisine, in addition to necessary documents such as passports, visas, etc., there is one item you cannot miss, which is a Chinese 4G SIM card. Many tourists wonder whether to buy a SIM card at the Chinese airport or not? Which counter to buy from? Let's find out the answer with us in the article below!

Information about Chinese mobile carriers

As the second largest economy in the world, China's telecommunications system is highly developed. Currently, China is witnessing the emergence of numerous large and small carriers. Among them, the three largest carriers are: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the main carriers in China

Among them, China Unicom is rated higher – a reputable telecommunications provider in China and the fourth largest carrier in the world. SIM cards linked to China Unicom's network offer various data packages along with fast access speeds and wide coverage. China Unicom SIM cards are always the choice for tourists visiting China due to the following advantages:

• Data allowance: With 4GB of high-speed 4G data, after exceeding the high-speed limit, it switches to unlimited 3G data for the entire 8 days of your trip in China. You can comfortably call and receive calls via video calls on social media or FaceTime with friends...
• Validity period: 8 days from the date of SIM activation for use in China.

China Mobile is the largest carrier in China

>>> If you want unlimited high-speed internet, please:Rent a Wi-Fi device for China

Should you buy a SIM card at the Chinese airport?

A useful tip for tourists is that you should not buy a SIM card at the Chinese airport because the price is expensive. For example, Pudong Airport (Shanghai) sells SIM cards right at the Arrival Area for 200-600 yuan per SIM, equivalent to 700,000 - 2 million VND, and they have limited data allowances. Buying a Chinese SIM card at stores in China will be cheaper, costing around 50 yuan (about 180,000 VND).

The procedure for buying a SIM card at Chinese airports is very complicated

The ideal solution for you is to buy a Chinese SIM card in Vietnam. This is because buying a tourist SIM card at the airport will cost you more time and money, and the process is complicated, not as simple as just inserting it and using it.

Advantages of buying a Chinese SIM card in Vietnam:

• Save over 40% compared to buying at the airport.
• Facebook, Google, Gmail are not blocked
• Receive the SIM card at home, no time wasted waiting at the airport.
• More economical and simpler than renting a Wi-Fi device, as renting a Wi-Fi device will cost you a million VND.
• Inserting the SIM automatically connects to the network, ready to use.
• Muti SIM is International standard (Supports all SIM sizes; Nano, Micro, and standard sizes)

How to use China SIM

Insert the China SIM card into your phone, turn on 'Mobile Data' and 'Data Roaming' in your phone's Settings.

If you cannot connect after enabling Mobile Data, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn off Mobile Data and International Roaming, then restart your phone.

Step 2: Turn on Mobile Data and International Roaming again to use the SIM.

IOS Operating System

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Cellular > Turn on Cellular Data and go to Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network > Enter the corresponding APN. (This APN will depend on your 4G SIM carrier. If unsure, please ask your SIM provider).
• Step 2: Tap the '<' arrow to save.

How to use China SIM

Android Operating System

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names > select Add to create a new access point > Fill in the information as follows: APN (enter the corresponding APN. This APN will depend on your 4G SIM carrier. If unsure, please ask your SIM provider). Name. Authentication Type: CHAP or PAP.
• Step 2: Tap '<' to save, then select the access point you just created.
• Step 3: Turn on Mobile Data and Data Roaming to use the SIM in China.

Finally: Restart your phone to connect to the network.

If you still cannot connect, please contact your SIM provider for assistance.

>>> You need to buy a 3G/4G SIM for other Asian countries, please see:International SIM

Where to buy a reputable Chinese SIM card in Vietnam currently

If you need to buy an international travel SIM card in general or a Chinese SIM card in particular in Vietnam, come to Sahaha. We will deliver it to your doorstep and accompany you throughout your trip. Let your trip become the most complete thanks to seamless connection with a Chinese 4G SIM card!

Sahaha - a reputable and quality provider of Chinese SIM cards

Benefits customers receive when buying a Chinese 4G SIM card at Sahaha: 

• Lifetime product support, accompanying you throughout the trip
• Warranty and return, refund if the error is on our part.
• SIM card prices are guaranteed to be the most competitive on the market.
• Fast delivery to customers' hands

Experience in buying Chinese SIM cards

Get a Chinese travel SIM card to experience the excitement of your trip to China! Simply order now on the website or call the hotline: 19002106 Sahaha will confirm and deliver the SIM card to your doorstep as quickly as possible.