Originally Posted by
moondog
You only need to go through the passport drill if you buy your SIM at an actual Unicom or Mobile store.
You can change your plan any time by calling their service numbers. This takes less than two mins.
There are data only Sims as well. I used to buy these for my mifi. Iirc you pay 300 for around 10g and have a year to use it.
I now think Unicom set b is the best way to go. Just turn it off when you're not in China. I have a 3g SIM but honestly this isn't a big deal because true 3g coverage is spotty even in bj/sh.
I thought the set b plan is only available to monthly plan, and I could only get it in the actual store?
The random prepaid cards I got were from newspaper stands around the city. I was also offered one upon arrival in the arrival hall, and some girl was selling it. But the balance on those SIM cards will drain so quickly if I move to different cities and use data.
Do you know where I can buy the data only SIM? 10g for 300rmb sounds very reasonable for a year.