How to get and activate a Nihao Mobile SIM card

Credit: Imaginechina

So, how do you quickly and easily obtain a SIM card? As well as going in person to an office of one of the three major telecom operators in China, online processing can be done through Nihao Mobile. (Click to see How to get a mobile phone SIM card in China)

Nihao Mobile is a subsidiary of Guangdong Xingding Communication Technology Co., Ltd. The company's business scope is virtual network operators, with a telecommunications operator license issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

In 2018, the Nihao Mobile team conducted research on the foreign community in China and found that they face difficulties in their lives in China due to language barriers. In order to provide a better communication experience for foreigners living in China, the Nihao Mobile team officially launched their Nihao SIM card service in China in 2020.

Aiming to "Be the best SIM for expats in China", Nihao Mobile offers English services, online operation, fast delivery, and multiple payment options for expats. Before you choose, do be aware that its SIM card packages are relatively expensive, there is a lack of support for 5G networks, and you will be unable to switch to another carrier without changing your phone number.

The following is how to purchase a Nihao SIM card and obtain service from Nihao Mobile. There are three main ways, through the official website, the official WeChat account, or the app.

Here we use the Nihao Mobile official website as an example.

Nihao Mobile official website

Ordering:

1. Go to the official website: www.nihaomobile.cn/

Select "English" as your preferred service language.

2. Click on "Order Nihao SIM"

3. There are various plans to choose from, so select the one that fits your needs and add it to your cart.

4. Click on the shopping cart icon in the upper right corner to pay.

5. Fill in your shipping information.

6. Confirm your order and pay.

7. Choose your payment option and make the payment. (PayPal is available)

8. There is same-day dispatch for orders completed before 6pm on working days), with free home delivery within 48 hours.

The logistics tracking number and a tracking link will be sent to your email.

Activation:

You will also receive a user guide in the package. It illustrates in detail in English how to activate your SIM.

You can also refer to the following manual to operate.

1. Go to the website and select "English" as your preferred service language.

2. Click on "Activate Nihao SIM" and choose "Activate Nihao SIM Now".

3. Fill in the form and your SIM card will be activated.

(You need to send pictures of the photo page of your passport, your Chinese visa page, entry stamp page, and a video selfie.)

Tips:

* Activation should be done on smartphones or tablets.

* Please have your original identity document handy as you will need it to process your activation.

* Once you've activated the SIM card, insert the SIM card into the first SIM card tray in your smartphone/tablet, then restart the phone, and you're good to go.