Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Overview of Mobile Networks in Beijing

Beijing, as the capital of China, has excellent mobile network infrastructure with widespread 4G and 5G coverage. The three major mobile network providers in China are:

China Mobile (中国移动) - The largest provider with extensive coverage and a wide range of plans.
China Unicom (中国联通) - Known for competitive pricing and good coverage, especially in urban areas like Beijing.
China Telecom (中国电信) - Offers reliable service and is popular for its 5G network and data-heavy plans.

All three providers offer prepaid and postpaid plans, with options for tourists, short-term visitors, and long-term residents.

2. Types of Mobile Plans

Mobile plans in Beijing generally fall into two categories:

a. Prepaid Plans

Best for: Tourists and short-term visitors.
Features: Pay-as-you-go plans with no long-term commitment. You can top up your balance as needed.
Costs: Typically range from ¥50–¥200 per month, depending on the amount of data, call minutes, and SMS included.
Data Packages: Plans often include 1GB–20GB of data, with additional data available for purchase.

b. Postpaid Plans

Best for: Long-term residents or those staying for several months.
Features: Monthly billing with higher data allowances and better rates for calls and SMS.
Costs: Start at ¥100 per month and can go up to ¥500 or more for premium plans with unlimited data and international calling options.

c. Tourist SIM Cards

Best for: Short-term visitors who need a quick and easy solution.
Features: Preloaded with data and call minutes, valid for 7–30 days.
Costs: ¥50–¥300, depending on the validity period and data allowance.

3. Costs of Mobile Plans

Here’s a general breakdown of costs for prepaid and postpaid plans:

| Plan Type | Data Allowance | Call Minutes | Cost (Monthly) | |---------------------|--------------------|------------------|--------------------| | Basic Prepaid Plan | 1GB–5GB | 50–100 minutes | ¥50–¥100 | | Standard Prepaid | 10GB–20GB | 200–300 minutes | ¥100–¥200 | | Postpaid Plan | 20GB–Unlimited | Unlimited | ¥200–¥500 | | Tourist SIM | 3GB–10GB | 50–100 minutes | ¥50–¥300 |

4. How to Purchase a SIM Card or Set Up a Mobile Plan

Purchasing a SIM card or setting up a mobile plan in Beijing is straightforward, but there are a few steps and requirements to keep in mind:

a. Where to Buy a SIM Card

Official Stores: Visit the official stores of China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom. These are located in shopping malls, airports, and major commercial areas.
Airports: Tourist SIM cards are available at Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport.
Convenience Stores: Some convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven) sell prepaid SIM cards, but options may be limited.
Online: You can purchase SIM cards through platforms like Taobao or JD.com, but this requires a Chinese address for delivery.

b. Required Documentation

To comply with Chinese regulations, you must provide the following:

Passport: A valid passport is mandatory for foreigners.
Visa: A valid Chinese visa (tourist, business, or residence permit).
Photo: Some stores may take a photo of you for verification purposes.

c. Activation Process

Visit the store with your passport and visa.
Choose a plan that suits your needs.
The staff will register your SIM card and activate it on the spot.
Test the SIM card in your phone to ensure it works before leaving the store.

d. Phone Compatibility

Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports the following frequencies:

4G: LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G: Check with your provider for compatibility.

5. Coverage Quality

4G Coverage: Excellent in Beijing, with strong signals in urban areas, public transport, and tourist attractions.
5G Coverage: Rapidly expanding, with good availability in central Beijing and major commercial districts.
Rural Areas: Coverage may be weaker in rural or remote areas outside Beijing.

6. Local Considerations and Tips

a. Internet Restrictions

China has strict internet censorship, commonly referred to as the "Great Firewall." Many popular apps and websites like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked.
Solution: Use a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access restricted websites and apps. Install the VPN before arriving in China, as VPN websites are also blocked.

b. Language Barrier

Most staff at mobile network stores speak limited English. It’s helpful to have a Chinese-speaking friend or a translation app (e.g., Google Translate or Pleco) to assist you.

c. Payment Methods

Mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in China. However, these require a Chinese bank account. For tourists, cash or international credit cards are accepted at most official stores.

d. Topping Up Your Plan

You can top up your prepaid plan at convenience stores, through the provider’s app, or at official stores.
Some providers allow online top-ups using international credit cards.

e. Roaming and International Calls

If you need to make international calls, check for add-on packages that reduce costs.
For roaming, ensure your home country’s SIM card supports roaming in China, but note that this can be expensive.

f. SIM Card Expiry

Prepaid SIM cards may expire if not used or topped up for a certain period (usually 3–6 months). Check with your provider for details.

7. Recommendations

For Tourists: Opt for a tourist SIM card from China Unicom or China Mobile for convenience and affordability.
For Long-Term Residents: Consider a postpaid plan with China Mobile or China Telecom for better data allowances and 5G access.
For Heavy Data Users: Choose a plan with unlimited data or a high data cap, as streaming and VPN usage can consume significant bandwidth.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to set up a mobile network connection in Beijing with ease and stay connected throughout your visit or stay. Let me know if you need further assistance!