Digital life
SIM and Mobile Setup in China
Prepare your identity route, test the service and protect account recovery.
Start with this guideUse an operator service office that can process your identity document, complete real-name registration and test the service before leaving. Ask for current plan terms instead of relying on a price, allowance or promotion in an old guide.
Under the national telephone-user real-name rules, a foreign citizen's passport is a valid identity document for registration. Operators must collect valid documents and real identity information and must not process access if the user refuses real-name registration.
Current national guidance directs foreigners using a passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to service offices of China Telecom, China Mobile or China Unicom. The capability of a particular office and available plans still need a current check.
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Step 1: prepare before visiting
Bring the original identity document confirmed by the operator or current official guidance. Ask whether the location can process it, whether an appointment or language support is needed, which payment methods it accepts and what recovery route will be available.
These are preparation questions, not a universal requirement list. Store capability and provider procedures can vary.
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Step 2: choose the service you need
Estimate your use of calls, messages, data and hotspot access, and whether you intend to keep the number. Ask the operator to show the current recurring charge, included use, overage treatment, renewal and cancellation terms.
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Step 3: complete real-name registration
Present the accepted identity document and check the recorded name and document number. If the name format is unclear, ask how it will appear in the account and keep that format consistent when another service verifies the number.
Do not use an unrelated person's identity to make the visit faster. A number registered to someone else may create control and recovery problems.
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Step 4: activate and test before leaving
- The phone shows the expected network.
- Mobile data loads a normal page.
- An outgoing and incoming call work.
- A message can be sent or received where supported.
- The account-management route opens.
- You know the official support route.
If a test fails, ask the office to check activation, device settings and account status while you are there.
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Step 5: protect the number and recovery route
Record the operator, number, account-access method and official support channel. Protect the device and keep recovery records somewhere you can reach if the phone is lost. Ask the operator for the current process for loss, replacement, document renewal, absence from China and account closure.
The answers depend on current operator policy, so retain them in your own account notes rather than treating them as permanent promises in this guide.
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Step 6: continue with arrival setup
Once calls, messages and data work, continue to mobile payment setup. Then check the rest of the first-week checklist.
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Common friction
The first office cannot process your document
Ask whether the issue is that office's capability, the document, the account type or a provider rule. Request the official office or support route that can handle the application.
Your name does not match another account
Compare the identity document and account details exactly. Ask the responsible provider which format it requires rather than creating repeated accounts with different name orders.
A plan's recurring terms are unclear
Ask for the normal recurring charge and what happens after any opening promotion. Confirm renewal, overage and cancellation terms before accepting.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign passport be used for real-name registration?
Yes. The current national rule recognizes a foreign citizen's passport as a valid identity document for telephone-user real-name registration.
Where should I apply?
Current national guidance directs foreigners to service offices of China Telecom, China Mobile or China Unicom. Confirm that the specific office can process your document.
Which plan should I choose?
Choose according to actual use and ask the operator for current terms. This guide does not hard-code packages or promotions.
Do I need a Chinese number for mobile payments?
Current official payment guidance describes registration using either a foreign or Chinese mobile number for the named payment apps. Follow the current product prompts.