Arriving in China: Staying Connected

Sep,09 2026

You have just arrived in China.

Your phone still has your home-country SIM card, you need internet to find your university, and you may soon need to contact your classmates, arrange transport or check in at your accommodation.

For international students, staying connected is one of the first practical things to sort out after arriving in China. Your home-country mobile number can still be useful, but a Chinese number will make many aspects of everyday life much easier.

Here are some things worth knowing before and after you arrive.

1. Keep Your Home-Country SIM Card

Do not cancel your home-country mobile number before coming to China unless you are sure you no longer need it.

Your existing number may still be needed for verification codes, online banking, account recovery and other services in your home country. It can also be useful during your journey before you have arranged a Chinese mobile number.

If you plan to use international roaming, check your operator's roaming packages and charges before travelling. Regular roaming data can be much more expensive than using a local Chinese mobile plan.

For many international students, a practical solution is to keep the home-country SIM for important services while using a Chinese SIM for everyday mobile data and communication.

If your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, you may also be able to use both numbers on the same device.

2. Getting a Chinese SIM Card

Once you arrive, getting a Chinese mobile number should be one of the first things on your list.

China's three major mobile operators are China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. International students normally need to visit an official service centre in person and complete real-name registration with their passport.

Your passport is the essential document for registration. However, requirements for foreign nationals can vary depending on the city, operator and type of service. In some locations, you may also be asked for documents such as your visa, entry stamp or temporary accommodation registration.

This is why it is a good idea to check the latest requirements before coming to China. Visit the official website of the local government in your destination city or check the relevant mobile operator's requirements, then prepare the documents you will need when you visit the service centre.

Do not rely entirely on information from another student who registered in a different city. Requirements and available services can change from one location to another.

3. Which Chinese Mobile Operator Should You Choose?

China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom all provide mobile data, calls and other communication services. There is no single operator that is automatically the best choice for every international student.

Prices, packages and coverage can vary between cities, and university campuses may have their own student packages or promotions.

When choosing a plan, consider:

• How much mobile data you normally use

• Coverage at your university and accommodation

• Monthly cost

• Contract or package period

• International calling or roaming needs

• Whether you can change the plan later

• Customer service available to foreign customers

If you are unsure, ask your university's international student office or students already studying on campus about the packages commonly used there.

You do not necessarily need the most expensive plan. For most students, a reliable connection at their university and accommodation is more important than having a large amount of unused data.

4. Short-Term SIM Cards: Check the Number First

If you only need a connection for your first few weeks, some operators may offer short-term packages, such as 7-day, 15-day or 30-day options.

These can be useful if you want to arrange a temporary connection before choosing a long-term plan. However, do not assume that a short-term prepaid or tourist SIM can simply be converted into a regular long-term service while keeping the same number.

“Changing a SIM card” and “changing a phone number” are two different things. Replacing a SIM card or changing a plan does not necessarily mean changing the number, but whether you can keep your number depends on the operator and the type of service.

If keeping your Chinese number is important, ask about number retention before purchasing a short-term package.

5. Be Prepared for China's Internet Environment

Getting a Chinese SIM card is only one part of staying connected in China.

China has a highly developed mobile internet ecosystem. Many everyday activities, including communication, transport, food delivery, shopping and payments, are closely connected with mobile apps.

At the same time, some overseas websites and online services may not be directly available in mainland China.

It is therefore worth preparing before you arrive. Make sure you can access important email accounts and online services, and keep copies of important documents that you may need during your journey or university registration.

You should also think about how you will receive verification codes for accounts linked to your home-country phone number.

Once you have a working Chinese number and reliable mobile internet, many other parts of daily life become much easier to organise.

Arriving in China: Start with the Basics

You do not need to set up everything on your first day.

A simple approach is to keep your home-country number active, arrange a Chinese SIM after arrival, choose a suitable mobile plan and make sure you can access the accounts and information you need.

From there, you can gradually set up the apps and services you will use in everyday life in China.

For international students, arriving in China is not just about getting from the airport to campus. It is also about learning how everyday life works in a new environment. Getting connected is one of the first steps.

SICAS also supports international students beyond the university application process, helping students prepare for their arrival and transition to life in China.

About SICAS

SICAS (Study In China Admission System) is a platform for international students interested in studying in China. It provides information on Chinese universities, degree programmes, scholarships and admission requirements, helping students explore study opportunities across China.