China SIM Card – Quick Start & User Guide

Welcome to China – Your guide to seamless connectivity

With your real Chinese +86 prepaid SIM card from Nihao Mobile, you are reachable immediately upon landing and perfectly equipped for all essential daily Chinese apps (WeChat, Alipay, Didi). Here you will find step-by-step instructions from arrival to app linking.

1. Insertion & first steps after landing
  1. Insert SIM card: Switch your smartphone off or into flight mode, remove the appropriate card size (Standard, Micro, or Nano-SIM), and insert it into your smartphone.
  2. Restart smartphone: Switch your device back on. The phone will generally connect automatically to the local China Unicom (中国联通) network within 1 to 3 minutes.
  3. Enable mobile data & data roaming:
    • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Enable Mobile Data > Data Options > Data Roaming ON.
    • Android: Settings > Connections / SIM Cards > Enable Mobile Data > Enable Roaming.
Note on Dual-SIM: If you use two SIM cards simultaneously, select the Nihao SIM card as the preferred card for "Mobile Data" and for receiving SMS.
2. APN settings (if the internet does not start immediately)

As a rule, the China Unicom network configures itself fully automatically. Should you have signal bars but be unable to establish a data connection, briefly check the Access Point Name (APN):

  • Name: Internet (or freely selectable)
  • APN: wonet (or alternatively 3gnet, or the APN printed on your card holder)
  • Username and password remain empty.
3. Essential on-site: Setting up Alipay & WeChat

Cashless payment and ride-booking are the standard in China. Both apps now support international Visa and Mastercard credit cards:

Payment & Booking

💳 Alipay (支付宝) – The easiest choice for international guests

  1. Download the Alipay app from the App Store / Google Play Store.
  2. Register with your new +86 mobile number (select country code +86).
  3. Enter the SMS verification code sent directly to your smartphone.
  4. Tap Account > Bank Cards and add your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
  5. Done! You can now pay directly in shops via QR code and use integrated mini-apps (like Didi for taxis).
Communication & Lifestyle

💬 WeChat (微信) – Communication & Networking

  1. Install WeChat.
  2. Select "Register with mobile number" and enter your +86 mobile number.
  3. Verify the number via an SMS security code.
  4. Under Me > Services > Wallet, you can also add international credit cards for the in-app payment service (WeChat Pay) if needed.
4. Using taxis, trains & navigation
  • Taking a taxi (Didi): Use either the standalone DiDi app (available in English) or the integrated Didi mini-program directly in Alipay. Since the driver often contacts you via SMS or call during pickup, your active +86 mobile number is essential for this.
  • High-speed trains (12306): You can easily book tickets for Chinese trains via Trip.com or the official railway app. You will receive ticket confirmations and gate information reliably via SMS on your Chinese number.
5. Support & on-site assistance

Do you have questions about your data connection or do you need assistance with setup?