When's the soonest I can obtain a physical SIM (preferably with a mainland phone number)?
The start of my itinerary looks something like this:
- Macau (this is where I'll be staying before entering the mainland)
- Zhuhai (this will be my entry point to the mainland; I will be crossing over from Macau on land)
- Guangzhou (I'm not actually staying in Zhuhai; the plan is to take a train to Guangzhou ASAP)
- Chongqing (next location on my itinerary after Guangzhou; this will be my first domestic flight)
When's the soonest you think I can get a SIM card? My phone does not support eSIM. It is imperative that the SIM be physical.
I have heard that the airport would be the easiest option, as they have SIM vendors with English-speaking staff. But I won't actually see a mainland airport until I leave Guangzhou/enter Chongqing.
If I were to try to obtain a SIM ASAP, where would be the next easiest place? Can I even get a mainland number in Macau? Are there any tourist-friendly telecom stores in Zhuhai or Guangzhou?
I need the SIM data so I can have an internet connection for payment apps (WeChat and Alipay). I am aware of the "Great Firewall" and the vast restrictions it imposes. I would like to have a mainland phone number for any apps or mini-programs that may require it (such as Meituan and maybe DiDi).
I am aware that I might have to register my ID if I obtain a SIM card. I will be staying in the mainland for less than 30 days, so if there are any 30-day SIM cards that meet my needs, they should suffice.