What documents does a tourist need to buy a physical SIM at a China Unicom shop?

At a glance

• Shanghai's official mobile-service guide names China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom stores and lists passport presentation, SIM-size selection, purchase and registration for an in-person SIM. [1]
• The guide distinguishes Normal, Micro and Nano physical SIM sizes; check the actual phone's tray and compatibility before buying. [1]
• Its separate Nihao Mobile process requires passport identity, visa/entry-page images and a video selfie for activation; that is a provider-specific online process, not a universal work-visa requirement. [1]
• Apple says using another carrier's eSIM requires an unlocked iPhone; Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock shows No SIM restrictions when unlocked. Check the actual phone before choosing a second carrier. [2]

What to do next

1. Before visiting the shop, check whether the phone accepts a physical SIM, is unlocked and supports the intended service. Decide whether you need a mainland number for calls and SMS or only data, and keep an existing working connection until the new service is tested.
2. Choose an official staffed carrier store and bring the original passport. Save the hotel address and entry or accommodation-registration information you have, so a specific document request can be answered without repeated trips.
3. Ask for a package available to a short-stay foreign-passport visitor. Confirm the mainland number, included data, domestic calls and SMS, validity, monthly renewal, deposit and cancellation or closure process before paying.
4. Have staff register the SIM under the correct passport details and fit the right size to the phone. Keep the contract or package confirmation and identify the official app or account route used for top-up and support.
5. Test mobile data with Wi-Fi off, then make or receive a call and a text where the package includes them. Confirm the new number on the account or paperwork and save it with the carrier details.
6. Before leaving China, follow the package's cancellation, suspension or continuing-payment rules. Do not assume removing the physical SIM closes an account that renews monthly.

If your situation is different

The shop requests additional registration evidence: ask which exact document it needs and whether it can process a tourist passport. Use another official shop or a provider with a documented visitor route if this branch cannot complete the service.

Staff say a work visa is required: ask whether that applies to the particular package or branch process. The official visitor guide describes a passport-based shop route, so do not turn one branch's response into a rule for every tourist.

You have an eSIM-only phone: do not buy a physical SIM that cannot be inserted. Choose a supported eSIM or another device arrangement that supplies the number or data you actually need.

You are buying online: follow that provider's identity and delivery procedure and confirm how visa-free entry is documented. A different provider's activation checklist should not be copied into the shop process.

Common mistakes

• Buying before checking the SIM tray and lock: establish compatibility first.
• Comparing only the monthly price: include validity, renewal and account closure.
• Leaving the shop without testing SMS and calls: verify the reason you bought the number.
• Assuming removing the SIM cancels the plan: use the carrier's closure procedure.

Quick questions