Getting a SIM card at Beijing airport
There are lots of guides about this online, but they all seem rather outdated. Does anyone know if it's possible for a tourist to buy a SIM card at Beijing airport (terminal 2)? What should I keep in mind? My phone is unlocked. I'm staying for 3 weeks.
Best Answer
I arrived at PEK Terminal 2 on Air France about a month ago, and I saw two stalls in the baggage claim area selling SIM cards. I don't remember the exact pricing as I decided to go to a China Unicom store in the city instead, but it was definitely lower than the one offered by klook from Daniil's link above (think about 200CNY for unlimited data and 100 domestic minutes). These stalls didn't look very "official", though, but since the staff speak English, foreign travellers might still prefer getting a SIM card here over a store in the city.
I seem to remember a "proper" China Mobile store just outside of the baggage claim area, i. e. after customs (confirmed by Baidu maps, apparently open 09:00-20:00), which might have lower pricing as well.
By the way, mychinaunicom.com seems to be a website targeted at foreign visitors and has much higher prices than the actual China Unicom. For example, I paid 160CNY for 20GB and 300 minutes, a person on TripAdvisor very recently got the same for just 99CNY, while mychinaunicom charges ~650CNY for 6GB and 250 minutes.
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Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?
You can usually purchase SIM cards and prepaid vouchers (or top them off) at hotels, drug stores, newsstands, and now at vending machines at airports.Can you buy international SIM cards at the airport?
Most international airports will have an official phone company kiosk in the airport. If you need a local SIM, head straight there after you land. You can also buy pre-loaded, local SIM cards on Amazon so you can start using your phone immediately after you land in your destination.How much does a Chinese SIM card cost?
ConclusionsSIM cardVPN*PriceChina Mobile (purchased in China)Yes26 USDChina Unicom (purchased online)Yes37.95 USDChina Unicom Hong Kong (purchased in Hong Kong)No25 USDChina Unicom Hong Kong (purchased online)No20.95 USD4 more rows•Mar 4, 2022How do I get a China SIM card?
SIM card shops are widespread in China, and you can easily find them at major airports such as the Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu Shuangliu, and Shenzhen Bao'an. You can also get Chinese SIM cards at kiosks and shops in most cities, or even from street vendors.Buy a prepaid SIM card with data at Beijing Airport tourist counter
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Images: Mikhail Nilov, Markus Winkler, RODNAE Productions, Mikhail Nilov