Hello,
I hope you're doing well!
I have a quick question and was wondering if you could help.
Since my phone doesn’t support eSIM, I plan to get a Chinese SIM card upon arriving at Beijing Airport. I’ve already set up Alipay and will soon register for WeChat on my phone.
However, I read on Alipay that in addition to my passport, I may need to provide other documents to get a SIM card. Could you clarify what these documents are? I’d like to have everything ready before I arrive, as some documents might be difficult to obtain once I’m in China. If necessary, I’ll make sure to bring them with me from France.
If this isn’t something you handle, could you point me to the right service or provide an email contact where I can inquire further?
I’d really like to use mobile payments in China to make my trip smoother and more convenient.
Looking forward to your advice, and thank you in advance for your help!
Best regards,
Mary
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out!
If you're planning to get a SIM card in China, here’s what you’ll typically need besides your passport:
Essential Documents
✅ Visa or residence permit
China’s Telecommunications Regulations require foreigners to show a valid visa or residence permit as proof of legal stay.
✅ Proof of address
In some cases, you might need to provide a local address, such as your hotel reservation or a rental agreement.
Additional Documents (If Needed)
- Work permit – If you’re employed in China, some providers might ask for a work permit or an employment verification letter.
- Permanent residence card – If you hold a Chinese permanent residence ID, you can use it for registration.
Special Cases
📌 Buying a SIM card online
If you purchase a SIM card through Nihao Mobile, you might only need your passport for verification and activation.
📌 Short-term SIM cards for tourists
Some mobile carriers offer temporary SIM cards for tourists, which usually require just a passport and visa.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
🔹 Check document validity – Your passport and visa must be valid, usually with at least six months remaining.
🔹 Language barrier? No worries! – If you don’t speak Chinese, consider using a translation app or choosing a provider that offers multilingual support, like Nihao Mobile.
🔹 Where to find the latest info – You can check China Mobile’s official website for more details: China Mobile.
Hope this helps! Have an amazing time in China! 🇨🇳✨
