Cut through marketing hype – which SIM actually works in Yiwu markets?
1. Core Compatibility Check
| Factor | China Mobile (中国移动) | China Unicom (中国联通) |
|---|---|---|
| 4G/LTE Bands | Band 3/5/8/34/39/40/41 | Band 1/3/5/8/40/41 |
| 5G Bands | n41/n79 (Limited coverage) | n1/n78 (Wider in cities) |
| Foreign Phone Support | ❌ Strict (MIIT whitelist only) | ✅ Most devices work |
| eSIM Availability | ❌ Not for prepaid | ✅ Available (iOS/Android) |
2. Yiwu-Specific Network Performance
| Location | China Mobile | China Unicom | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futian Market (Zone 1-5) | 📶📶📶 | 📶📶📶📶 | Unicom 25% faster |
| Jiangdong Logistics Zone | 📶📶📶📶 | 📶📶 | Mobile dominates |
| Meihu Exhibition Center | 📶📶 | 📶📶📶📶 | Unicom better for video calls |
⚠️ Both fail underground in markets – download offline maps!
3. Purchase & Activation Process
China Mobile
- Where: Official store (e.g., 稠州中路营业厅) Passport required
- Time: 20-45 mins (face scan + paperwork)
- Pain Point: Staff may refuse non-whitelisted phones
China Unicom
- Where: Airport kiosks / New Century Mall 3F
- Time: 8-15 mins (eSIM via app in 5 mins)
4. Critical Tips for Buyers
- Avoid China Telecom: CDMA network = ❌ no foreign phone support
- VPN Prep: Install Astrill/ExpressVPN before arrival (app stores blocked)
- Payment: Use cash/Alipay Tour Pass (foreign cards often declined)
- Hotspot Hack: Unicom allows tethering; Mobile may throttle after 10GB
I hope this article is helpful for your journey to China!
If you need to purchase some goods from China to your own country, you can contact us:
Get Connected:
- 📞 WhatsApp: +86 139 5844 9443
- 🌐 www.peninkstationery.com
No more dead zones – dominate your sourcing trip.