US Phone Cards That Work in China: 2026 Complete Guide

If you're running an overseas business from China—whether it's e-commerce, content creation, or ad campaigns—or just want to register AI accounts like ChatGPT, Facebook, X, TikTok, or Instagram, you'll need one thing first: a US phone number.

Finding a physical US SIM card that actually works while roaming in China isn't as straightforward as it sounds. Most carriers either charge ridiculous roaming fees or simply don't support long-term international use. After testing dozens of options, I've put together this guide to help you find the right card without wasting money on dead ends.

Why Physical US SIM Cards Matter

Virtual numbers might seem convenient, but they often get flagged by services like PayPal, banking apps, or social media platforms. A physical US number—especially one that can receive SMS and calls while you're in China—gives you the legitimacy you need for serious applications.

The key technology that makes this possible is WiFi Calling. This feature lets you use your US number over WiFi as if you were physically in the United States, maintaining the same domestic rates for calls and texts.

Understanding WiFi Calling

Before diving into specific cards, let's talk about WiFi Calling. This technology is what separates usable cards from paperweights when you're in China.

WiFi Calling works by routing your calls and texts through the internet rather than cellular towers. When enabled, your US carrier treats you as if you're on US soil—meaning you pay US domestic rates instead of international roaming charges.

The best phones for WiFi Calling are unlocked iPhones (6 and newer, excluding US locked versions) and certain Android devices like Google Pixel 3 or newer. Chinese domestic iPhones don't support this feature, so you'll need a Hong Kong or US model.

When choosing a travel data solution for staying connected abroad, 👉 RedteaGO offers flexible eSIM plans with competitive pricing and global coverage that complement your US number perfectly.

Top US SIM Cards for China Roaming

ENC Mobile: $2.99/Month Budget Champion

Monthly cost: $2.99 + $0.20-$3.50 taxes
What you get: 100 SMS, 30 minutes of calls (WiFi Calling required)
Network: T-Mobile

ENC Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network and offers both physical SIM and eSIM options. The actual monthly charge ranges from $3.20 to $6.50 depending on taxes.

This card is perfect for basic verification needs. You can't buy directly from the official site—you'll need to go through resellers, which means you're dependent on them for activation and top-ups. The upside? Once activated, the number stays stable without random suspensions.

Who it's for: Budget-conscious users who just need SMS verification and don't mind working with resellers.

Tello Mobile: The All-Rounder

Monthly cost: Starting at $5
What you get: 100 minutes, unlimited SMS (WiFi Calling), Pay As You Go option for data
Network: T-Mobile

Tello stands out because it offers actual data roaming in China without forcing you into expensive long-term plans. The Pay As You Go feature lets you use mobile data at $10/GB, make calls, and send texts even without WiFi Calling enabled—though rates are higher.

For those needing reliable connectivity while traveling internationally, 👉 RedteaGO's eSIM data packages provide seamless coverage across multiple countries without the hassle of physical SIM cards.

The catch? You need to activate it yourself on their website, which requires a clean US IP and a US credit card. Many users report getting orders canceled multiple times due to fraud detection. Once you're past that hurdle, though, it's one of the most flexible options available.

Who it's for: Tech-savvy users who can handle the activation process and want full roaming functionality.

Ultra Mobile PayGo: The Classic Choice

Monthly cost: $3
What you get: 100 minutes, 100 SMS, 100MB data
Network: T-Mobile

Ultra Mobile PayGo is the card many Chinese users gravitated toward before recent crackdowns. It works without WiFi Calling for SMS reception—just having balance is enough—which makes it more convenient than options that strictly require WiFi Calling.

The problems? New activations face high suspension rates, and the official site has aggressive fraud detection. Many users can't even access the website without the right IP setup. Recharging requires jumping through hoops, and customer service basically ignores $3 plan users.

Who it's for: Users with existing activated cards or those who can navigate the technical requirements.

ATT $15 Plan: Premium but Limited

Monthly cost: $15
What you get: Unlimited US calls and texts, 2GB data
Network: AT&T

This is one of the few AT&T options that works in China via WiFi Calling. The problem is you can only get it through resellers (supposedly sourced from Walmart), and you can't check your account balance or manage it yourself.

The AT&T network is more reliable than T-Mobile in rural US areas, which makes these numbers look more legitimate for some services. But the lack of self-service and high dependency on resellers makes this a risky long-term choice.

Who it's for: Users who specifically need an AT&T number and don't mind the premium price and reseller dependency.

Cards to Approach with Caution

Surf USA Mobile: Overpromised, Underdelivered

Initially advertised with 15GB of data for $55/month, Surf USA quickly downgraded to 3GB without notice. Activation issues are common, renewal often fails, and customer service is essentially non-existent. The company seems more interested in quick cash grabs than building a sustainable service.

H2O Wireless: High Maintenance

While H2O runs on AT&T's network and offers $10/90 days pay-as-you-go service, it requires monthly manual resets of WiFi Calling through customer service. This hassle has driven most users away despite the competitive pricing.

Cricket Mobile: Free Trial Mirage

Cricket offers a 14-day free trial, but actually getting approved requires being physically in the US with a US IP and proper geolocation. Most users outside the US can't even complete registration. After the trial, you're looking at $30/month minimum—way too expensive for basic number maintenance.

eSIM Options and Emerging Players

Several providers now offer eSIM versions, eliminating shipping hassles:

Tello, ENC Mobile, and Ultra Mobile all support eSIM conversion or direct eSIM activation. Google Fi remains the gold standard for international roaming but requires US activation and charges $20 base + $10/GB, making it expensive for casual use.

Redteago focuses purely on data with an Austrian number included—great for internet access but not suitable if you need a US number for verification purposes.

Making Your Choice

The right card depends on your specific needs:

• Just need SMS verification? ENC Mobile at $2.99 or Ultra Mobile PayGo at $3

• Want full functionality in China? Tello Mobile at $5 (if you can activate it)

• Need AT&T network specifically? ATT $15 plan or Lyca Mobile

• International traveler needing data? Consider combining a basic US number with a data eSIM

The trend is clear: cheap plans are getting harder to find and maintain. The economic golden age of carrier competition and promotional pricing has cooled off. Established players have tightened restrictions, and genuine new entrants with disruptive pricing are rare.

Whatever you choose, verify the number type using tools like FreeCarrierLookup or PhoneValidator to ensure it's not flagged as VoIP, which many services reject.

Finding a US phone card that works reliably in China takes research and often some trial and error. The options above represent the current best choices, but stay flexible—the landscape changes quickly as carriers adjust their policies and pricing.