2025 Why You Should Keep Your China Mobile Number After Leaving China

When moving overseas, many people consider canceling their China mobile number to save on costs. However, your China SIM card is more than just a way to stay connected — it is the key to your digital identity in China. Whether you are an expat, overseas Chinese, or a business owner, here are the top reasons why you should keep your China mobile number active even after leaving the country.

1. Your China Mobile Number Is Linked to Your Bank

Almost all Chinese banks use your mobile number for security and identity verification.

• One-Time Passwords (OTP): Banks send SMS codes for login, transfers, and online purchases.

• Account Recovery: If you lose your password, your number is the easiest way to reset it.

Without your China mobile number, you risk being locked out of your own bank account overseas.

2. Essential for WeChat and Alipay

Two of China’s most important apps — WeChat (微信) and Alipay (支付宝) — require your mobile number.

• WeChat Recovery: Needed when switching devices or resetting login.

• Alipay Verification: Identity checks and payments often require SMS confirmation.

If your number lapses, you may lose access to these essential apps.

3. Needed for Business and Government Records

Your number may be tied to:

• Business registration

• Tax filings

• University/work records

• Government communications

If officials or institutions try to reach you, they often contact your registered number. Canceling it may cause issues later.

4. Minimal Monthly Cost to Keep Your SIM Alive

The good news: keeping your China number active is very cheap.

• China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom usually allow you to keep your SIM active with a basic plan as low as ¥8–¥10 per month (around USD $1–$1.50).

• This plan does not include much data, but it is enough to receive SMS verification codes for banks, WeChat, Alipay, and government platforms.

For the price of a coffee, you can keep your entire digital life in China accessible.

5. Cost of Phone Forwarder Services

If you want to receive calls abroad on your China number, you can use a China phone call forwarding service.

• Typical cost: ¥50–¥100 per month (USD $7–$15) depending on provider.

• Forwarded calls go directly to your overseas number, so you never miss important calls from banks, schools, or government offices.

This is optional, but very useful for business owners or anyone needing constant reachability.

6. Easy Overseas Recharge With OnlineTopupChina

At OnlineTopupChina.com, you can:

• Recharge your China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom number instantly.

• Pay with international credit cards or PayPal — no RMB required.

• Keep your number alive with as little as ¥10 per month, without traveling back to China.

Your China mobile number is more than just a SIM — it is the digital key to your life in China. From banks to WeChat, Alipay, business registration, and government communication, keeping your number alive will save you countless headaches.

For less than ¥10 per month, you can keep it active. And if you need constant call access, a forwarding service from ¥50–¥100 per month makes sure you never miss anything important.

Stay secure and connected with OnlineTopupChina.com, your trusted overseas recharge partner