How Foreigners Can Apply for a Chinese Mobile Phone Card?
Required Materials
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Passport
Valid for at least 6
months |
Transit visa or other valid Chinese visa
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Cash or Alipay+
for account top-up |
Online payment options:
PayPal or Alipay+ |
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Available Mobile Carriers in Mainland China
Where to Apply
1. Airport Service Counters
You can find mobile
service desks in the international arrival areas of most major Chinese
airports.
Examples:
- Beijing Capital
Airport Terminal 2
Location: Near Gate 7, International Arrivals Hall
- Beijing Capital
Airport Terminal 3
Location: Next to Luggage Carousel No. 38, International Arrivals
Airport Service
Notes:
- Counters are
typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- For inquiries,
contact: +86 13810248813
2. Urban Service Shops
Search online maps (e.g., Baidu
Maps, Google Maps) for nearby mobile carrier stores.
Process at Shops:
- Bring your passport
(valid >6 months)
- Take a queue number
from the ticketing machine
- Wait for your turn to
be served
Important Notes for
In-Store Applications:
- Not all stores accept
applications from foreign passport holders
- It is recommended to
have a translation app ready to assist with communication
3. Online Application
- Search for “Nihao
Mobile” online or download their official app
- Follow the
step-by-step instructions to complete your application and SIM activation
Nihao Mobile: Complete Guide for Foreigners in China
What is Nihao Mobile?
Nihao Mobile is an officially licensed Mobile
Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) designed specifically for foreigners
in China. It partners with major carriers like China Unicom to
provide tailored cellular services with full English support, eliminating
common barriers like language, complex registration, and app restrictions.
Key Features & Benefits
Feature |
Benefit |
English-First
Ecosystem |
English website,
app, customer support, and instructions. |
Simplified
Registration |
Online passport
verification—no need to visit a Chinese carrier store. |
Travel-Friendly
Plans |
Short-term
(7/15/30-day) and long-term monthly plans available. |
International
App Access |
Many plans include
access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., without a VPN. |
Global Payment
Options |
Accepts
international credit cards, PayPal, Alipay+, and WeChat Pay. |
Convenient SIM Delivery |
Pre-order online
for delivery to your Chinese address or airport pickup. |
Who Is It For?
- Tourists & short-term visitors
- New arrivals (students,
expats, professionals)
- Business travelers needing
reliable connectivity
- Anyone wanting to avoid Chinese carrier stores and language
barriers
Available Plans
Nihao Mobile offers flexible, data-centric
plans:
- Traveler Plans – Ideal for
trips from 1 week to 1 month.
- Resident Plans – Monthly
packages for longer stays.
- 5G Data Plans – High-speed
options available in supported areas.
All plans include:
- High-speed 4G/5G data
- Chinese mainland phone number
- Inbound SMS/call capability
- Optional international roaming add-ons
How to Get a Nihao Mobile SIM
Method |
Process |
Best For |
Online Order |
1. Visit Nihao
Mobile website
2. Choose plan & complete passport verification
3. Pay internationally
4. Receive SIM via mail or airport pickup |
Those who want
everything set up before arrival |
Airport Pickup |
Purchase &
activate at airport counters (e.g., Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong) |
Travelers needing
immediate service upon landing |
Local Pickup |
Select delivery to
a hotel or Chinese address |
Visitors with a
confirmed local address |
Important Notes
- Network Coverage: Runs on China
Unicom's network—excellent in urban areas, limited in remote regions.
- Pricing: Slightly higher than
local carriers but offers unmatched convenience for foreigners.
- Top-Up: Easily recharge via the
Nihao Mobile app using international payment methods.
- Validity: Plans are pre-paid with
clear expiration dates—renew or top up before expiry to keep your
number.
Why Choose Nihao Mobile?
For most foreigners, Nihao Mobile is the easiest
and fastest way to get connected in China. It solves the three
biggest pain points:
- No Chinese language required
- No visit to a physical carrier store needed
- No VPN required for key international apps (on most plans)
Official Website: https://www.nihaomobile.com
Customer Support: English support available via in-app chat, email, or
phone.
Note: Always check the official website for
the most updated plans, coverage, and terms of service. |
