{"id":6238,"date":"2024-05-10T17:22:16","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T10:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/?page_id=6238"},"modified":"2026-06-18T11:34:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T04:34:35","slug":"china-telecom","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/operators\/china-telecom\/","title":{"rendered":"China Telecom SIM Card: Tourist Plans, Prices &amp; Where to Buy (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>China Telecom is China&#8217;s third-largest mobile operator, offering 4G LTE and 5G coverage across all major tourist destinations. For tourist, buying a China Telecom SIM card is simple if you know what to expect: registration process, stores, and access to Google or WhatsApp behind China&#8217;s Great Firewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide covers every China Telecom SIM Cards available to tourists, current prices, where to buy, activation steps, and the critical firewall restrictions that catch most visitors off guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 For eSIM-compatible devices, ChinaeSIM offers China Telecom eSIM plans with built-in firewall bypass. See plans from $4.90:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-cta-show-product-J3fok wp-block-lazyblock-cta-show-product\"><div class=\"cta-show-products mb-6\">\n    <div class=\"row vnb-esim-rows\" data-elementor-columns=\"1\" data-elementor-columns-tablet=\"2\" data-elementor-columns-mobile=\"1\">\n                                                <div class=\"column-item\">\n                    <div class=\"vnb-cta-show-product-item\">\n                        <div class=\"product-info\">\n                            <div class=\"product-transition\">\n                                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/vnb-data\/media\/flag\/cn.png\" alt=\"China Telecom eSIM\">\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"product-caption\">\n                                <div class=\"country\">China Telecom eSIM<\/div>\n                                <div class=\"from-price\">\n                                    <span class=\"title-price\" style=\"text-transform: capitalize;\">\n                                                                            <\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"text-price\">\n                                        &#36;4.90                                    <\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"icon\">\n                            <svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                <path d=\"M31.25 21.25L6.25 21.25C5.91848 21.25 5.60054 21.1183 5.36612 20.8839C5.1317 20.6495 5 20.3315 5 20C5 19.6685 5.1317 19.3505 5.36612 19.1161C5.60054 18.8817 5.91848 18.75 6.25 18.75L31.25 18.75C31.5815 18.75 31.8995 18.8817 32.1339 19.1161C32.3683 19.3505 32.5 19.6685 32.5 20C32.5 20.3315 32.3683 20.6495 32.1339 20.8839C31.8995 21.1183 31.5815 21.25 31.25 21.25Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                                <path d=\"M30.7303 19.9984L20.3628 9.63342C20.128 9.3987 19.9962 9.08036 19.9962 8.74842C19.9962 8.41648 20.128 8.09813 20.3628 7.86342C20.5975 7.6287 20.9158 7.49684 21.2478 7.49684C21.5797 7.49684 21.898 7.6287 22.1328 7.86342L33.3828 19.1134C33.4992 19.2295 33.5915 19.3675 33.6545 19.5193C33.7176 19.6712 33.75 19.834 33.75 19.9984C33.75 20.1628 33.7176 20.3256 33.6545 20.4775C33.5915 20.6294 33.4992 20.7673 33.3828 20.8834L22.1328 32.1334C21.8981 32.3681 21.5797 32.5 21.2478 32.5C20.9158 32.5 20.5975 32.3681 20.3628 32.1334C20.1281 31.8987 19.9962 31.5804 19.9962 31.2484C19.9962 30.9165 20.1281 30.5981 20.3628 30.3634L30.7303 19.9984Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/esim\/china-telecom\/?attribute_pa_data-plan=500mb-daily&#038;attribute_pa_validity=3-days\"><\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/04\/chinatelecom-sim-esim-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"china telecom sim card guide for tourist\" class=\"wp-image-6242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/04\/chinatelecom-sim-esim-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/04\/chinatelecom-sim-esim-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/04\/chinatelecom-sim-esim-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/04\/chinatelecom-sim-esim-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/04\/chinatelecom-sim-esim.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><div><div><a href=\"#i-quick-facts-about-china-telecom\">I. Quick Facts about China Telecom<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#ii-china-telecom-coverage-and-speed\">II. China Telecom Coverage and Speed<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#iii-best-china-telecom-sim-cards-for-tourists-cost\">III. Best China Telecom SIM Cards for Tourists &amp; Cost<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#iv-does-china-telecom-support-e-sim\">IV. Does China Telecom Support eSIM?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#v-where-to-buy-a-china-telecom-sim-card\">V. Where to Buy a China Telecom SIM Card?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#vi-how-to-activate-and-top-up-a-china-telecom-sim-card\">VI. How to Activate and Top Up a China Telecom SIM Card<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#vii-china-telecom-call-sms-rates\">VII. China Telecom Call &amp; SMS Rates<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#viii-useful-ussd-codes-for-china-telecom-sim-cards\">VIII. Useful USSD Codes for China Telecom SIM Cards<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#ix-china-telecom-sim-card-vs-e-sim-which-is-right-for-you\">IX. China Telecom SIM Card vs. eSIM: Which Is Right for You?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#x-fa-qs-about-china-telecom\">X. FAQs about China Telecom<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#final-words\">Final Words<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-quick-facts-about-china-telecom\">I. Quick Facts about China Telecom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>China Telecom is one of the biggest names in the world of telecommunications. As the largest fixed-line provider in China, it has created an extensive network of fiber optics and infrastructure that connects hundreds of millions of users across the vast country. Here are some quick facts to understand better this mammoth state-owned Chinese telecom company:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Full company name<\/strong>: The full company name is China Telecommunications Corporation, commonly known as China Telecom or \u4e2d\u56fd\u7535\u4fe1.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquarters<\/strong>: Beijing, China<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Services<\/strong>: Mobile network, fixed-line telephone, broadband internet, digital TV, ICT services, data center, internet of things, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology<\/strong>: 4G LTE \/ 5G NR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subscribers<\/strong>: 440 million mobile subscribers (2026)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, China Telecom has partnered with companies like Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson to keep enhancing and upgrading its 5G telecom infrastructure to provide advanced connectivity services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ii-china-telecom-coverage-and-speed\">II. China Telecom Coverage and Speed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"china-telecom-coverage\">China Telecom coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>China Telecom provides reliable 4G LTE coverage in all Chinese cities, airports, and major tourist destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xi&#8217;an. 5G on band n78 is also available in tier-1 cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"610\" src=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-coverage.jpg\" alt=\"China Telecom LTE Coverage Map\" class=\"wp-image-30024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-coverage.jpg 836w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-coverage-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-coverage-768x560.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-coverage-570x416.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">China Telecom LTE Coverage Map &#8211; Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/coverage\/#1811\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GSMA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Coverage in rural areas and western provinces (Tibet, Xinjiang) is more limited compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/operators\/china-mobile\/\">China Mobile<\/a> which has the largest network. For most tourist itineraries covering major cities, China Telecom&#8217;s coverage is adequate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/operators\/china-unicom\/\">China Unicom<\/a>, China Telecom has similar urban coverage but a smaller overall footprint. China Telecom previously operated a CDMA network which has been fully decommissioned. All services now run on LTE and 5G.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"china-telecom-speed\">China Telecom speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on recent Speedtest data, China Telecom&#8217;s mobile network delivers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"173\" src=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-speedtest-1024x173.jpg\" alt=\"Mobile Internet speedtest in China\" class=\"wp-image-30028\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-speedtest-1024x173.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-speedtest-300x51.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-speedtest-768x130.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-speedtest-570x96.jpg 570w, https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/china-telecom-speedtest.jpg 1212w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mobile Internet speedtest in China &#8211; Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.speedgeo.net\/statistics\/china\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Speedgeo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>China Telecom ranks third among <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/operators\/\">China&#8217;s mobile operators<\/a> for download speed. For everyday tourist use, Google Maps navigation, messaging on WhatsApp\/WeChat, posting photos to Instagram, and video calls, 28.5 Mb\/s is sufficient. You can stream YouTube at 720p and load web pages without noticeable delay. China Telecom&#8217;s upload speed leads all three carriers. If you&#8217;re uploading large photo batches or posting Stories\/Reels, China Telecom actually outperforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fallback is <strong>ping latency at 173 ms<\/strong>, noticeably higher than China Mobile (55 ms). This affects real-time video calls (Zoom, FaceTime) and can make voice messages on WhatsApp feel sluggish. If video calling home is your daily priority, China Mobile offers a smoother experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iii-best-china-telecom-sim-cards-for-tourists-cost\">III. Best China Telecom SIM Cards for Tourists &amp; Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>China Telecom offers combo plans (voice + data) at China Telecom stores. Here are some China Telecom prepaid SIM Card plans suitable for tourists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Price<\/th><th>Data<\/th><th>Voice Calls<\/th><th>Best for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>29 RMB (~$4.29)<\/td><td>10 GB<\/td><td>100 mins<\/td><td>Budget \/ short stay<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>39 RMB (~$5.77)<\/td><td>15 GB<\/td><td>100 mins<\/td><td>Light usage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>59 RMB (~$8.73)<\/td><td>20 GB<\/td><td>200 mins<\/td><td>1-2 week trip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>99 RMB (~$14.64)<\/td><td>20 GB<\/td><td>400 mins<\/td><td>1-2 week trip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>129 RMB (~$19.08)<\/td><td>30 GB<\/td><td>500 mins<\/td><td>2-4 week trip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>169 RMB (~$25.00)<\/td><td>40 GB<\/td><td>800 mins<\/td><td>Extended stay<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>199 RMB (~$29.44)<\/td><td>60 GB<\/td><td>1000 mins<\/td><td>Power users<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>Overuse data is charged at 3 RMB\/100 MB (~0.45 USD\/100 MB) on all plans.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>China Telecom also offer <strong>Low-usage Plan<\/strong>, which costs only 30 RMB + 5 RMB\/month for 200 MB data. This plan is suitable for WeChat-only usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iv-does-china-telecom-support-e-sim\">IV. Does China Telecom Support eSIM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, China Telecom supports eSIM, and you can get one before you even land. Compared to a physical China Telecom SIM Card, the eSIM works on devices without a SIM slot, so your home number can stay active alongside your China data line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Plan<\/th><th>Data<\/th><th>Validity<\/th><th>Price<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Fixed Data<\/td><td>3-50GB<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>From $6.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Daily Data<\/td><td>500MB &#8211; 3GB \/ day<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>From $4.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unlimited Data<\/td><td>1GB of high-speed data, reduced to 5 Mbps after data cap<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>From $13.90<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Want to skip the airport queue and bypass China&#8217;s firewall?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ChinaeSIM eSIM plans connect to the same China Telecom network. It lets you use Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube right away. Activated online in 5 minutes, no passport registration needed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-ggg-best-seller-esim-ZUhBi0 wp-block-lazyblock-ggg-best-seller-esim\"><div class=\"product-best-seller-esim ggg-container\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col-md-12\">\n                <div class=\"content-text\">\n                                                        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"gigago-content product-best-seller  best_seller\">\n                    <div class=\"owl-carousel owl-theme best-seller-esim\">\n                                                        <div class=\"column-item\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"best-seller\">\n                                            <p>Best Seller<\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"network\">\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"name-data\">\n                                        China Telecom - Unlimited Data                                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"from-only\">\n                                            From                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"price\">\n                                        <sup>&#36;<\/sup> 13.90                                    <\/div>\n                                    <button>\n                                        Buy now                                    <\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"esim-content\">\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/esim\/china-telecom\/?attribute_pa_data-plan=unlimited&#038;attribute_pa_validity=3-days\"><\/a>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"column-item\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"network\">\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"name-data\">\n                                        China Telecom - Fixed Data                                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"from-only\">\n                                            From                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"price\">\n                                        <sup>&#36;<\/sup> 6.90                                    <\/div>\n                                    <button>\n                                        Buy now                                    <\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"esim-content\">\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/esim\/china-telecom\/?attribute_pa_data-plan=3gb&#038;attribute_pa_validity=3-days\"><\/a>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"column-item\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"network\">\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"name-data\">\n                                        China Telecom - Daily Data                                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"from-only\">\n                                            From                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"price\">\n                                        <sup>&#36;<\/sup> 4.90                                    <\/div>\n                                    <button>\n                                        Buy now                                    <\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"esim-content\">\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/esim\/china-telecom\/?attribute_pa_data-plan=500mb-daily&#038;attribute_pa_validity=3-days\"><\/a>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                        <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"v-where-to-buy-a-china-telecom-sim-card\">V. Where to Buy a China Telecom SIM Card?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"at-the-airport\">At the Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can purchase a China Telecom SIM card at various locations throughout China:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n\n<li><strong>Beijing Capital (PEK) &amp; Daxing (PKX):<\/strong> Look for China Telecom counters in arrivals. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/airport-sim-card\/beijing\/\">Beijing airport SIM card guide<\/a> for exact locations and opening hours.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Shanghai Pudong (PVG) &amp; Hongqiao (SHA)<\/strong>: Available at the arrivals hall. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/airport-sim-card\/shanghai\/\">Shanghai airport SIM card guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)<\/strong>, <strong>Shenzhen Bao&#8217;an (SZX)<\/strong>, <strong>Chengdu Tianfu (TFU)<\/strong>: Counters available but hours may be limited.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to bring along your passport for real-name registration and face scan. The process takes about 15-30 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"at-city-stores\">At City Stores<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Official China Telecom stores (\u4e2d\u56fd\u7535\u4fe1\u8425\u4e1a\u5385) are found in every Chinese city. Look for the blue-and-white logo. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-ggg-custom-block-Z1v37fx wp-block-lazyblock-ggg-custom-block\"><div class=\"ggg-custom-shortcode gigago-block-yellow\">\n    <div class=\"ggg-shortcode-content\">\n        <p><strong>Important:<\/strong> Not every China Telecom store activates SIMs for foreign passport holders. Flagship stores in tourist areas are your best bet.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buy eSIM online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For eSIM-compatible phones, you can purchase and activate before arriving in China. No passport scan, no store visit, no queue. Read our complete guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/sim-card\/\">buying a SIM card in China<\/a> for all options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vi-how-to-activate-and-top-up-a-china-telecom-sim-card\">VI. How to Activate and Top Up a China Telecom SIM Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To activate and use a China Telecom SIM card, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\">\n<li><strong>Insert the SIM Card<\/strong>: Locate the SIM card slot on your device and insert the China Telecom SIM card according to the instructions provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Turn on Data Roaming<\/strong>: Enable data roaming on your device to ensure connectivity with the China Telecom network.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Activate the SIM Card<\/strong>: Follow the instructions provided by China Telecom or the retailer to activate your SIM card. This may involve sending a specific SMS or calling a designated number.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set up APN Settings<\/strong>: If required, you may need to manually configure the Access Point Name (APN) settings on your device to access the internet. The APN settings for China Telecom should be provided with your SIM card or available on their website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Top up and Select a Data Package<\/strong>: Once activated, you can top up your SIM card balance and select a suitable data package according to your needs and duration of stay in China.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to top up for additional calls + data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>By phone:<\/strong> Dial 10000 from your China Telecom number and follow the voice prompts \u2014 no Chinese required. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In-store:<\/strong> Any China Telecom store, mall kiosk, or station\/airport counter can recharge your balance. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WeChat or Alipay:<\/strong> Open the app, select &#8220;Mobile Top-Up,&#8221; enter your number, and pay. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Official app:<\/strong> Install the China Telecom app to recharge from your device directly. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Online:<\/strong> Sites like recharge.com and monito.com let you top up remotely using your passport number for verification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vii-china-telecom-call-sms-rates\">VII. China Telecom Call &amp; SMS Rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Type of Call\/Text<\/th><th>Rate Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Local Calls\/Texts (within China)<\/td><td>Free between China&#8217;s mobile networks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Calls to US, South Korea, Singapore<\/td><td>0.99 RMB\/min (approx. $0.16 USD)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Calls to most European countries, Japan<\/td><td>1.99 RMB\/min (approx. $0.31 USD) with China Mobile<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Receiving Texts<\/td><td>Free worldwide<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sending Texts from US\/Europe to China<\/td><td>0.19-0.99 RMB ($0.03-$0.16 USD)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional Notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Rates subject to change, check China Telecom website for latest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Service quality may vary depending on location and specific plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"viii-useful-ussd-codes-for-china-telecom-sim-cards\">VIII. Useful USSD Codes for China Telecom SIM Cards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>China Telecom provides convenient USSD codes that allow you to access various services and information directly from your device. Here are some useful USSD codes for managing your China Telecom SIM card:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>USSD Code<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Function<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Text \u201c101\u201d to \u201c10001\u201d<\/td><td>Check balance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Send \u201cQ\u201d to \u201c10001\u201d<\/td><td>Receive a help message with more general available codes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These USSD codes provide quick and easy access to essential services, helping you stay connected and informed while using China Telecom&#8217;s network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ix-china-telecom-sim-card-vs-e-sim-which-is-right-for-you\">IX. China Telecom SIM Card vs. eSIM: Which Is Right for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>China Telecom SIM Card<\/th><th>China Telecom eSIM<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Where to buy<\/td><td>At retail stores or airports on arrival<\/td><td>Online before you fly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Setup time<\/td><td>~30min (passport scan + registration)<\/td><td>Under 5 minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Great Firewall bypass<\/td><td>Google, WhatsApp, Facebook are blocked<\/td><td>Built-in GFW bypass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Language barrier risk<\/td><td>Yes, at most retail stores<\/td><td>English websites checkout and setup<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Campatibility<\/td><td>Must swap physical card<\/td><td>Keep your main SIM Card<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plans duration<\/td><td>30-day plans only<\/td><td>Pay for exactly the days you need<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The network coverage is the same either way, but the difference is the buying experience. A standard China Telecom SIM doesn&#8217;t bypass it, a ChinaeSIM China Telecom eSIM does.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-cta01-highlight-lqjEa wp-block-lazyblock-cta01-highlight\">\n<div class=\"cta01-highlight mb-6\">\n    <div class=\"cta01-content\">\n        <p>No passport required. No store visit. No face scan. Works alongside your SIM for calls and texts.<\/p>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"cta01-button\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/buy-esim\/\">\n            See all China eSIM plans on ChinaeSIM        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"x-fa-qs-about-china-telecom\">X. FAQs about China Telecom<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714015258942\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I use Google, WhatsApp, or Facebook with a China Telecom SIM card in China?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. A standard China Telecom SIM does not bypass the Great Firewall, so Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube stay blocked regardless of your plan. You&#8217;ll need a VPN or an eSIM with built-in GFW bypass to use them.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714015268060\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do I need a VPN with a China Telecom SIM card?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you want access to blocked apps, yes \u2014 either a VPN or an eSIM with bypass built in. If you&#8217;re fine using only Chinese apps (Baidu Maps, WeChat, Bilibili), neither is necessary.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714015278540\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is China Telecom eSIM better than a physical SIM card for China?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For short-stay tourists, yes. An eSIM activates before you land, requires no passport-registration, and a China Telecom eSIM includes Great Firewall bypass by default. A physical SIM makes more sense if you need a local phone number for hotel or train bookings, or your device doesn&#8217;t support eSIM.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714015293396\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do I access blocked apps like Google Maps in China?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Use Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode) as Chinese alternatives, or get a VPN\/eSIM with GFW bypass to keep using Google Maps directly.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714015382925\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you check your China Telecom balance and usage?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To check your balance, send an SMS with the text &#8220;dyyb&#8221; to 10010. To check your data usage, send an SMS with the text &#8220;1098&#8221; to 10010.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714015403501\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is there a way to suspend your China Telecom plan if leaving China temporarily?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It&#8217;s recommended to properly terminate your China Telecom plan and account before leaving China to avoid any issues. Termination requires visiting a China Telecom store in person with your original ID.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-words\">Final Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re navigating the bustling streets of Beijing, exploring the historic sites of Xi&#8217;an, or conducting business in Shanghai, staying connected with China Telecom ensures seamless communication and access to essential online services throughout your journey. Enjoy your travels in China with the convenience and reliability of China Telecom&#8217;s network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>China Telecom is China&#8217;s third-largest mobile operator, offering 4G LTE and 5G coverage across all major tourist destinations. For tourist, buying a China Telecom SIM card is simple if you know what to expect: registration process, stores, and access to Google or WhatsApp behind China&#8217;s Great Firewall. This guide covers every China Telecom SIM Cards [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":6242,"parent":3356,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-right-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6238"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6238"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6238\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chinaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}