2025 How to Keep Your China Mobile Number Active When Moving Overseas

2025 How to Keep Your China Mobile Number Active When Moving Overseas

If you are leaving China for work, study, or relocation, one of the most important things to consider is keeping your Chinese mobile number active. Many essential services in China, such as bank accounts, Alipay, WeChat, government services, and online shopping, require SMS verification codes (OTP) linked to your phone number. Losing your number could mean losing access to these critical accounts.

 

In this guide, we explain how to keep your Chinese SIM card active with the lowest monthly cost, which mobile plans to consider, and the important things you need to note before leaving China.


Why You Should Keep Your Chinese Mobile Number

1. Banking & Finance

Most banks in China require your registered mobile number to send SMS OTP for transfers, online banking, or card management.

2. Payment Apps (Alipay & WeChat Pay)

To log in, reset your password, or verify transactions, a working Chinese number is needed.

3. Government & Work Platforms

Some services, like social security apps, tax systems, and work portals, may use your mobile for verification.

4. Online Shopping & Subscriptions

Platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and ride-hailing apps also link to your phone number.


Without your number, you could be locked out of these accounts overseas.


Which Mobile Plan Should You Choose?


When moving abroad, your goal is to minimize monthly costs while keeping your number active. The three major Chinese carriers—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—offer different solutions.

1. Switch to the Lowest Monthly Plan

Most carriers allow you to downgrade to a basic plan (around ¥8–¥18 per month).

This usually provides no data, very limited minutes, but keeps your number valid.

2. Consider a “停机保号 (Number Retention Service)”

This is a special “suspend but keep number” plan.

Monthly fee is usually ¥5–¥10.

You cannot use voice/data but can still receive SMS OTPs overseas (roaming charges may apply).

3. Roaming-Friendly Plans

Some carriers allow special international packages that make SMS reception overseas more stable.

Check if your carrier supports receiving OTPs abroad with minimal cost.


Things to Look Out For

1. International SMS Reception

Not all basic or retention plans support receiving SMS overseas. Confirm with your carrier before you leave.

2. Real-Name Registration

Ensure your SIM card is properly registered under your name. If not, your number may get deactivated.

3. Top-Up Requirements

Even on low-cost plans, you need to keep enough balance in your account to cover monthly deductions.

Use online top-up services (like onlinetopupchina) to recharge your number from overseas.

4. Dormancy or Cancellation Risk

If you don’t pay for several months, your number may be deactivated permanently.

Set reminders or auto-top-up to avoid losing it.

5. Roaming Charges

You may be able to receive SMS OTPs for free while abroad, but some carriers charge for incoming messages on roaming. Always check the rules with your provider.


Tips to Keep Costs Minimum

Downgrade your plan before leaving China: Visit the carrier’s service center or app.

Enable “停机保号” if available: Best balance between cost and function.

Keep at least ¥100–¥200 prepaid credit in your account to cover many months in case you forget to top up.

Use online top-up services like onlinetopupchina to manage your balance anytime, anywhere.

Double-check SMS reception abroad: Test by sending a bank OTP to ensure reliability.

 

Keeping your Chinese mobile number active while living overseas is not just about convenience—it’s about maintaining access to your financial, communication, and government systems in China. The best strategy is to downgrade to a low-cost or retention plan, keep your account topped up with online top-up services, and ensure your number can still receive OTPs abroad.


By preparing ahead, you can avoid high roaming fees, prevent number deactivation, and stay connected to all your essential services in China no matter where you are in the world.


Need a hassle-free way to keep your Chinese SIM active?

Top up your mobile number securely from overseas with onlinetopupchina.com today.

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