Receive SMS from abroad

[ptyfriend]

Hey there!

 

I’m moving to Beijing next month. I was wondering if I will be able to receive SMS from my European SIM card, as I have some accounts that use it for 2 factor authentication. Is there any use in taking my SIM card, or I won’t be able to receive them there anyway? 
 

thanks! 

[889]

For certainty you have to check the roaming policies on your particular SIM card. But generally you can receive SMS messages on your non-Mainland SIM, though set your phone to roaming first but not roaming data. Sometimes you also have to open up roaming with your telecom company.

[Jim]

I'm able to receive and send texts from my UK pay-as-you-go card which I have in a dual SIM phone and basically only use in the same situations as you envisage. It accesses the China Mobile network here.

[ptyfriend]

On 10/21/2021 at 5:18 AM, Jim said:

I'm able to receive and send texts from my UK pay-as-you-go card which I have in a dual SIM phone and basically only use in the same situations as you envisage. It accesses the China Mobile network here.

That’s great to know! Thank you.

[mungouk]

I have a dual SIM iPhone here in China using China Unicom and Giffgaff-UK SIM cards, and my only real use for the second one here in China is receiving OTPs/2FA. It works fine.

 

You almost certainly need to make sure your phone is "unlocked" before you leave home.