A Foreigner's Guide to SZ: Getting a SIM card

Editor's note:  编者按： To better serve foreign visitors and expats arriving in Shenzhen, we hereby present "A Foreigner's Guide to Shenzhen." Featuring guidebook-style videos and articles, the series will cover various aspects of living, working and travelling in the city from the moment expats arrive, from residency and payments to transportation. In this issue, we provide a general guide to getting a SIM card in China as a foreigner. 助力深圳提升国际化营商环境，EyeShenzhen今起特别策划推出“外籍人士在深服务便利化指南”系列视频及文章。该系列将涵盖外籍人士在深生活、工作和旅行的方方面面。本期介绍如何办理手机电话卡。敬请关注！

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1. How to get a SIM card in China? 如何办理境内手机电话卡？

To get a SIM card from a major telecommunication services provider on the Chinese mainland, you need to visit one of the provider’s physical stores. You will need to present valid identification, such as your current passport, for real-name registration. It is recommended that you contact the physical store before your visit to confirm with store staffers the materials you need to bring with you. 如需办理中国大陆主要电信运营商的手机电话卡，您需要前往相应电信运营商的线下营业厅。办理手机电话卡过程中需出示有效身份证件进行实名制认证，如有效期内的护照。建议您在前往营业厅前通过电话与营业厅工作人员取得联系，确认办理过程所需材料。

2. What are the major telecommunication services providers? 有哪些主要电信运营商可供选择？

There are four major telecommunication service providers on the Chinese mainland, namely China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Broadnet. 中国大陆目前有四大电信运营商，分别为：中国移动、中国联通、中国电信和中国广电。

3. How can I find a physical store of the above-mentioned elecommunication services providers? 如何找到上述电信运营商的营业厅？

Each provider has many physical stores scattered across the city. You can easily find one using a map app. For example, to locate a China Mobile physical store nearby, simply search “中国移动” on your preferred map app. 几大主要电信运营商的营业厅数量众多，您可以通过地图应用程序查到它们的具体位置。例如，在地图应用程序中输入“中国移动”，就可以找到您所在地附近的中国移动营业厅。

SOURCE: Eye Shenzhen