A phone number

Before you begin

Why you need a local phone number

A local phone number is fundamental to functioning in Shenzhen’s highly digital society. Without one, you’ll struggle to use essential services like:

• Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• Food delivery apps (Meituan, Ele.me)
• Ride-hailing services (DiDi)
• Bank account setup and mobile banking
• Government service registrations
• Most app-based services

Prerequisites

Before getting a SIM card, you’ll need:

• Valid passport (original, not a copy)
• Valid visa or residence permit
• Police registration form (临时住宿登记表) - May be required by some providers
• Chinese address - Your registered address in Shenzhen

Estimated time and cost

• Time required: 30-60 minutes at provider store
• Initial cost: SIM card purchase (typically RMB 0-50, as of January 2025)
• Monthly cost: Plans start from approximately RMB 50-100 per month (as of January 2025)
• Contract: Most plans are prepaid (pay-as-you-go) or monthly contracts

Choosing a provider

Shenzhen has three major telecommunications providers, each with different strengths:

China Mobile (中国移动)

Strengths:

• Most extensive network coverage nationwide
• Strong signal in most areas
• Good for frequent travelers within China

Considerations:

• Slightly more expensive than competitors
• May have less English support at some branches

Best for: People who travel frequently or need maximum coverage

China Unicom (中国联通)

Strengths:

• Competitive pricing
• Good urban coverage in Shenzhen
• Better international calling options
• Often better English support

Considerations:

• Coverage may be weaker in some rural areas
• Network may be slightly slower in some locations

Best for: Urban dwellers who want good value and English support

China Telecom (中国电信)

Strengths:

• Strong data packages
• Good for heavy internet users
• Competitive pricing for data-heavy plans

Considerations:

• May have less English support
• Coverage varies by area

Best for: Heavy data users who primarily use internet services

Registration process

Step 1: Choose a provider and plan

Where to buy:

• Official provider stores (营业厅) - Recommended for foreigners
• Authorized retailers
• Online (may require Chinese ID, not recommended for first-time setup)

What to consider when choosing a plan:

• Data allowance: How much mobile data do you need per month?
• Call minutes: Do you make many calls?
• International options: Do you need international calling or roaming?
• Contract type: Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) or monthly contract?

Typical plan options (as of January 2025):

• Basic: RMB 50-80/month - 5-10GB data, limited calls
• Standard: RMB 80-150/month - 20-40GB data, unlimited calls
• Premium: RMB 150-300/month - 50GB+ data, unlimited calls, international options

Step 2: Gather required documents

Bring the following to the provider store:

Required documents:

• ✅ Valid passport (original)
• ✅ Current visa or residence permit
• ✅ Police registration form (临时住宿登记表) - May be required
• ✅ Chinese address (your registered address)

Additional items:

• Your phone (to test the SIM card)
• Payment method (cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or bank card)

Step 3: Visit the provider store

Finding a store:

• Look for official provider stores (营业厅) in shopping malls or business districts
• Use maps apps to search for “China Mobile 营业厅”, “China Unicom 营业厅”, or “China Telecom 营业厅”
• Popular areas with English-speaking staff: Futian, Nanshan, Shekou

What to expect:

1. Arrive during business hours (typically 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, daily)
2. Take a number or wait in line
3. Present your documents to the staff
4. Choose your plan - Staff can help explain options
5. Complete registration form - Staff will help fill this out
6. Pay for SIM card and first month (if applicable)
7. Activate your SIM card - Staff will help set it up
8. Test your phone - Make sure it works before leaving

Processing time: Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on store busyness and language barriers.

Language support:

• Major stores in expat areas (Futian, Nanshan, Shekou) often have English-speaking staff
• Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if possible
• Use translation apps as backup

Step 4: Set up your account

After activation, you’ll receive:

• Your new phone number
• Account information
• Instructions for recharging (topping up)

Important next steps:

• Save your phone number - You’ll need it for many services
• Set up auto-recharge (if desired) - Link to WeChat Pay or Alipay
• Download provider app - For managing your account, checking usage, and recharging
• Test mobile data - Make sure internet works properly

Plan management

Recharging (topping up)

Methods:

• WeChat Pay/Alipay: Scan QR code in provider app or store
• Provider app: Use the official app to recharge
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc. (may require Chinese)
• Provider stores: In-person recharge
• Online: Through provider website or app

Auto-recharge: Set up automatic monthly payment through WeChat Pay or Alipay to avoid service interruption.

Checking usage

• Provider app: Download official app to check data usage, call minutes, and balance
• USSD codes: Dial specific codes (varies by provider) to check balance
• Online account: Access through provider website

Changing plans

• You can usually upgrade or downgrade your plan
• Visit provider store or use provider app
• Changes typically take effect immediately or at next billing cycle
• Some plans may have contract terms - check before signing

Common issues and solutions

Issue: Store staff don’t speak English

Solution:

• Visit stores in expat-heavy areas (Futian, Nanshan, Shekou) - they’re more likely to have English support
• Bring a Chinese-speaking friend
• Use translation apps (Google Translate, Pleco)
• Write down key phrases in advance
• Some providers have English customer service hotlines

Issue: Police registration form required but not yet obtained

Solution:

• Some providers may accept other proof of address initially
• Complete police registration first (see A Registered Address guide)
• Return to provider store with registration form to complete setup
• Some providers may allow temporary activation pending registration

Issue: Phone is locked to another carrier

Solution:

• Most modern phones are unlocked, but check with your phone manufacturer
• If locked, you may need to unlock it first (check with your original carrier)
• Some providers can help with unlocking (may have fees)

Issue: SIM card not working after activation

Solution:

• Check that SIM card is inserted correctly
• Restart your phone
• Check APN settings (provider can help with this)
• Test in another phone if possible
• Return to store for assistance

Issue: Need international calling/roaming

Solution:

• Ask about international plans when signing up
• Add international calling packages to your plan
• Use internet-based calling (WeChat, WhatsApp with VPN) as alternative
• Consider separate international SIM for travel

Issue: Want to keep home country number

Solution:

• You can keep your home country SIM for receiving calls/texts
• Use dual-SIM phone if your device supports it
• Or use eSIM for one number and physical SIM for the other (if device supports)
• Consider porting important services to your Chinese number

Tips and best practices

Before getting a SIM card

• Research plans online - Check provider websites for current offerings (may require Chinese)
• Choose the right store - Opt for official stores in expat areas for better English support
• Bring all documents - Have passport, visa, and registration form ready
• Bring your phone - Test the SIM card works before leaving the store

Choosing a plan

• Start with basic plan - You can always upgrade later
• Consider your usage - Heavy data users should look at data-focused plans
• Ask about promotions - Providers often have new customer deals
• Check coverage - Ask about coverage in areas you frequent

After activation

• Save your number immediately - Write it down and save in contacts
• Set up auto-recharge - Avoid service interruption
• Download provider app - Easier account management
• Test all functions - Calls, texts, and mobile data
• Link to WeChat/Alipay - Essential for mobile payments

Cost-saving tips

• Compare providers - Prices and packages vary
• Look for promotions - New customer deals, seasonal offers
• Monitor usage - Avoid overage charges by tracking data usage
• Use Wi-Fi when possible - Save mobile data for when you need it
• Consider family plans - If multiple people need service, shared plans may be cheaper

Costs and fees

SIM card purchase: Typically RMB 0-50 (as of January 2025)

• Some providers offer free SIM cards with plan sign-up
• May include initial credit/balance

Monthly plan costs (as of January 2025):

• Basic: RMB 50-80/month
• Standard: RMB 80-150/month
• Premium: RMB 150-300/month

Additional fees (if applicable):

• International calling packages: Varies by provider
• Roaming packages: Varies by destination
• Overage charges: Check plan details
• Number porting (携号转网): Usually free

Resources

Official provider websites

• China Mobile - May require Chinese language
• China Unicom - May require Chinese language
• China Telecom - May require Chinese language

Helpful apps

• Provider apps: Download from App Store/Google Play for account management
• Translation apps: Google Translate, Pleco (for Chinese)
• Maps apps: Baidu Maps, Gaode Maps (to find provider stores)

Related articles

• A Registered Address - May be required for registration
• A bank account - Phone number needed for mobile banking
• Moving to Shenzhen - See “Local SIM card” section

Need help?

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