If you plan on visiting China any time soon, don’t take off without a prepaid SIM card. The China SIM card provides a simple, convenient, and affordable way for any traveler to make and receive those all-important calls while abroad.
The prepaid SIM card for China is a trouble-free option for using your existing world phone as a prepaid China cell phone while you’re in the country at a better rate than you’d pay for a China cell phone rental. The SIM chip, combined with an unlocked GSM World cell phone, helps you keep the lines of communication open without being burdened by high international roaming surcharges applicable when you use your “home” SIM card abroad. You’ll also enjoy the benefit of $18 USD of starter airtime credit, SMS text messaging, and a local cell phone number in China. What’s more, you’ll have 24 hour a day access to customer service simply by dialing 02152955023 or 13901668399 from your China cellular phone. No yearly contract, monthly charges, or credit check is involved.
Your China SIM Card will require a SIM-unlocked GSM cell phone that supports the 900 frequency. If you do not have your own international cell phone, we have several models available for your consideration. Please click here for more information.
Airtime Rates
Domestic calls
Domestic calling rates are charged per minute for outgoing calls within China from your local China SIM card.
Non Roaming Rates
(calls made from inside the Guangzhou province) |
Airtime Rate |
| All incoming Calls |
YUAN 0.6 ($0.07 USD) per minute |
| Outgoing Local Calls |
YUAN 0.6 ($0.07) per minute |
| Outgoing Long Distance Calls (DDD) |
YUAN 1.3 ($0.16 USD) per minute |
|
Roaming Rates
(calls made from outside the Guangzhou province) |
Airtime Rate |
| All Calls |
YUAN 1.6 ($.19
|
|
International calls
International outgoing calls using your local China SIM card and world cell phone, with the exception of Taiwan, is charged at a flat per minute rate. All incoming international calls are charged a flat rate of $0.19 USD per minute regardless of where the call originates.
| Call Type |
Airtime Rate |
| All incoming Calls |
YUAN 1.5 ($0.19 USD) per minute
|
| Calls to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan |
YUAN 2.8 ($0.35 USD) per minute |
| International with Direct Dial* |
YUAN 8.8 ($1.10 USD) per minute |
| International with IP 17951** |
YUAN 5.4 ($0.67 USD) per minute |
| International with Return Call Service*** |
YUAN 3 ($0.38 USD) per minute |
|
*Standard direct dial calls are 00 + country code + phone number from your China cellular phone.
**Like a standard call but add 17951. Your call will be routed using an IP over the internet and call quality can be affected.
Adding Airtime
You can conveniently add airtime credit to your local China prepaid SIM card over the phone by calling 400-820-0293, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM (China Time).
Or, if you purchase airtime vouchers from street vendors, follow the instructions below to add the voucher:
- Scratch off the silver covering on the voucher packaging
- Dial 13800138000
- Select option 2 for English
- Select option 1 to recharge
- Enter the 18 digit reload code
A voice prompt will confirm your credit balance when you are finished.
Service Life
If additional airtime is not loaded within a maximum time of 2 years from the date of activation, your local China prepaid SIM card will expire and all remaining airtime will be forfeit. The service life of your China prepaid SIM card may be extended indefinitely by purchasing and loading airtime vouchers. Depending on their denomination, they will provide a service life extension and all airtime credit will be carried over into the next validity period.
| Voucher Value |
Validity Period |
| RMB 50 ($6 USD) |
90 days
|
| RMB 50 ($6 USD) |
180 days |
| RMB 300 ($38 USD) |
360 days |
| RMB 300 ($38 USD) |
360 days |
|
If the remaining airtime balance on your SIM card drops below RMB 10, 60 seconds after connecting a call you will hear a beep as a warning, or the call will disconnect immediately if there is no value remaining. You can check your remaining balance by calling 13800138000. |