Do You Need a Local SIM Card in China in 2025?

Last updated: September 2025

Not long ago, traveling in China without a local SIM card felt impossible. Everything — from buying tickets to paying for a snack — was done on your phone. While that’s still mostly true, things are a bit easier in 2025. With WeChat Pay, Alipay, and even Didi (ride-hailing) now supporting foreign bank cards, you can get by without a Chinese number.

But here’s the catch: some key apps still require a local number. Think food delivery via Meituan, renting power banks, or booking tickets through local platforms. Without a Chinese mobile number, you’ll often hit a wall.

So, should you buy a SIM card, get an eSIM, or just rely on roaming? Let’s break it down.

Why Consider a Local SIM Card in China?

Access to more apps:

• ✅ WeChat, Alipay, Didi now work fine with foreign cards.
• ❌ Meituan (deliveries, portable battery charging) and some ticketing apps still ask for a Chinese number.
• Tickets & reservations: Some attractions might still require a local number (although less and less)
• Contacting businesses: Hotels or tour operators often only list a local number. Calling from abroad doesn’t always work.

Options for Getting Connected

Local SIM Cards

During our last trip, my husband went into a China Mobile shop. They gave him 5 SIM cards for free — but each had barely any data. Switching them constantly was annoying. To get a permanent number with real data, you’d need a subscription (and some Mandarin skills).

Unless you plan to stay long-term, local SIMs aren’t the most convenient option.

International-Friendly SIMs

Companies like Nihao Mobile target travelers and expats:

• Easy ordering in English/German.
• Delivery straight to your hotel in China.
• Data plans from ~88 RMB ($13) / month.
• Can pause/reactivate when you travel again.

This is a good choice if you want a “real” Chinese number without dealing with the language barrier.

eSIMs (Best for Short Trips)

If your phone supports it, eSIM is usually the simplest solution.

• Providers like Saily (from NordVPN) are trustworthy and easy to set up before your trip.
• Instant activation, no physical card.
• You do not need a VPN to access Western apps and websites if you’re using eSIM.

When Roaming Is Enough

If your home plan includes China or you don’t mind paying extra, you can survive with roaming:

• Works perfectly for short trips.
• No VPN hassle — Western websites work as usual.
• Downside: usually more expensive, and you may run out of data quickly if you’re using maps, streaming, or translation apps on the go.

Conclusion: What’s Best for 2025?

• Short trip + decent roaming plan → stick with your SIM, no need to complicate things.
• Budget-conscious or heavy data user → get an eSIM (Saily by NordVPN is reliable).
• Frequent traveler to China → consider something like Nihao Mobile for a proper Chinese number.

Either way, don’t underestimate how much smoother your trip will be with local access. Ordering food on Meituan, booking tickets instantly, or grabbing a shared power bank can make travel in China far easier.

👉 My advice: if you are anxious about roaming, get an eSIM + VPN combo. For longer stays or regular visits, look into Nihao Mobile.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click my disclosures here.