Shopping · 5 min read · Updated 2026-03-12

How to Buy Electronics & Get a SIM Card in China as a Foreigner (2026)

Most cities offer next-day delivery via JD.com.

Quick steps

  1. Go to JD.com (English mode) or Apple.cn
  2. Login with email → Add shipping address
  3. Select product → Pay via Alipay / WeChat Pay
  4. For SIM: visit China Mobile store with passport
  5. Choose a prepaid plan → SIM activated instantly

Online shopping: JD.com and Taobao

JD.com (京东) is China's version of Amazon — fast, reliable, and has an English mode. Most electronics, daily necessities, and even groceries are available with next-day or same-day delivery in major cities.

Create an account with your email, add a shipping address in Chinese (your hotel can help), and pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Official invoices (fapiao) are included automatically.

Taobao (淘宝) has more variety but is Chinese-only and can be overwhelming. Stick to JD.com unless you have a Chinese friend to help navigate Taobao.

Buying an iPhone or electronics

Apple products are often cheaper in China than in many Western countries. Visit Apple.cn or any Apple Store — there are stores in every major city. Staff often speak basic English.

For other electronics (power banks, cables, adapters), JD.com or any 京东 physical store offers genuine products at fair prices. Avoid buying electronics from street markets or unauthorized dealers.

Important: iPhones bought in China don't have FaceTime Audio by default. International models have it. If this matters to you, buy from the Apple website and ship to your hotel.

Getting a Chinese SIM card

Visit any China Mobile (中国移动), China Unicom (中国联通), or China Telecom (中国电信) store. Bring your passport. The process takes about 15 minutes.

Choose a prepaid plan — these start at around 30-50 CNY/month and include data, calls, and texts. Airport counters also sell tourist SIM cards with English-speaking staff.

A Chinese phone number is useful for: registering on Chinese apps (some require it), receiving delivery notifications, and having drivers call you. It's not mandatory if you have an eSIM for data, but it makes daily life smoother.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're buying electronics to bring home, ask for the fapiao (official receipt) — you'll need it for customs if the value is over your duty-free allowance.