Where to buy prepaid sim cards in China?

Hi, my friend is going on exchange to China for a few months. My friends and I plan to give him a cell phone (he doesn't have one) as a gift. The phone is unlocked already. I was wondering where to buy prepaid sim cards in China? just simply at China Mobile or China Unicom stores? and refill where? convenience stores?



i couldn't find any info on those network's sites? a link with more info would be much appreciated.Where to buy prepaid sim cards in China?
You can buy it right in the airport there are little booths. I'd recommend China Mobile. I use them and have no problems. Also, most vendors are friendly and will even activate the card for you and test it while you wait.



Beware of one thing though, your friend should buy the card with a phone number of the area he is living in. So if he is going to Shanghai, he shouldn't buy a Beijing SIM card at Beijing Capital Airport or all of his calls in Shanghai will be long distance calls "to Beijing" and cost much more. Sort of like "roaming" used to be in the US.Where to buy prepaid sim cards in China?
You can get them almost anywhere, but I suggest don't buy them from China mobile or China unicom as they will charge you a lot more.



You can buy from from little convenience stores, although he will have to buy top up card. These will be cheaper.



It will be better if he knew someone Chinese to help him..Where to buy prepaid sim cards in China?
basically almost everywhere.

but becareful, lots of fake stuff i china nowadays