Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) 🇨🇳 China
Foreign SIM cards work in China on roaming, but local SIM card purchase requires passport registration; internet services are restricted behind the Great Firewall.
Can I bring Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) into China?
Foreign SIM cards work in China on roaming, but local SIM card purchase requires passport registration; internet services are restricted behind the Great Firewall.
No quantity limit on SIM cards for personal use
- Valid passport (for local SIM purchase)
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Visitors to China may bring foreign SIM cards freely; customs does not restrict SIM card import. However, purchasing a local Chinese SIM card requires presenting a valid passport for real-name registration under MIIT Regulation No. 25 (2013) and its 2016 amendments requiring mobile real-name registration. VPN usage for accessing blocked services (Google, WhatsApp, etc.) is legally restricted under Decree No. 11 of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Foreign roaming SIMs function but may face throttling on certain services.
Bring your foreign SIM for roaming and consider purchasing a local SIM at the airport with your passport. Install any VPN you need before arriving in China, as VPN app stores are blocked domestically. Roaming plans from your home carrier are the simplest option.
No quantity limit on SIM cards for personal use
- Valid passport (for local SIM purchase)
MIIT Order No. 25 (2013); Mobile Phone Real-Name Registration Regulation (2016); Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC
This page covers destination customs rules in China. Whether you can carry mobile sim cards (physical and esim) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage rules apply on top of any destination regulation.
Related rules
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) rules in other countries
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM)
🇺🇸 United States
SIM cards may be freely brought into or purchased in the US by travellers with no import restrictions.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM)
🇮🇳 India
Foreign SIM cards may be brought in freely, but buying a local Indian SIM requires passport registration; tourist SIMs are available at airports.