Talk:China/@comment-199.115.96.92-20190922115427

If you need a Chinese number (necessary/highly recommended for many apps like DiDi, Alipay), the best way is to get a 30 day prepaid SIM at the airport. China Unicom offers a 30 day SIM with data for something like 150-200RMB that is registered to Shanghai seemingly regardless of where you buy it; I've bought these in Beijing and Shanghai but have not seen these available in smaller airports or in HSR train stations.

Most recently I picked one up in Beijing airport T3-C, at a small counter on the left as you enter baggage claim. The card comes with some credit that can go to data or international calling, though you'll need to ask for international calling activation if you need that.