How to choose a China SIM plan by trip length

Updated: 2026-09-18

Start with the number of days you will actually use the local SIM, then compare data needs, continued use of a +86 number, live price, and available airport pickup points.

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Quick facts

1–30 days: Start with a short-stay plan that covers the full usage period
31+ days: Start with monthly plans and their ongoing billing rules
Compare: Data needs, +86 number use, phone compatibility, and passport activation
Before payment: Confirm live price, availability, and the airport pickup point

Choose the plan type from your full usage dates

Include the arrival date, departure date, and the day you expect to start using the SIM. For 1–30 days, begin with short-stay plans; for 31 days or more, begin with monthly plans. The published validity still needs to cover your complete usage period.

Estimate data for the whole trip

Compare the total data allowance or monthly billing shown in the current product details instead of relying on the plan name alone. Navigation, messaging, short video, cloud sync, and shared connectivity can produce very different usage, so allow for your own main activities.

For longer use, check billing and number continuity

Monthly plans are worth comparing first when you need continued use of a +86 number, but monthly does not mean a permanent number or a fixed total trip cost. Review the prepayment, minimum charge, usage billing, renewal, and closure conditions before ordering.

Confirm the live offer and pickup point before payment

The purchase page shows the current price, reservable products, and available airport pickup combinations. Confirm the arrival city, terminal, business hours, and in-person passport activation requirement before completing the order.

Monthly credit and calendar-month billing

The current monthly plan includes CNY ¥100 communication credit, not 100 GB or a fixed total monthly price. Data charges accumulate in bands each calendar month: the first 20 GB at ¥1.5/GB, the portion above 20 through 50 GB at ¥1.2/GB, and the portion above 50 GB at ¥1/GB.

The first month is charged by use; from the next calendar month, the minimum is ¥39 per month. A calendar month is not a rolling 30 days from pickup. These communication charges are in CNY; the purchase price and payment currency are those shown at checkout.

Call and SMS charges

Current website plans include free incoming calls and SMS. Outgoing mainland China calls cost ¥0.1/minute; sending SMS or MMS costs ¥0.1/message, deducted by actual use. A data allowance does not include unlimited outgoing calls. Check international calls and roaming separately with the operator.

Common questions

Is a 15-day plan always right for a two-week trip?

Not always. Match the validity to the days you need service after activation, your arrival and departure timing, and your data needs. The current product terms shown at purchase are authoritative.

Is a monthly plan always cheaper than a short-stay plan?

No. A monthly plan can include prepayment, minimum charges, and usage-based billing. Compare the estimated cost for the entire trip, not only the first payment.