For Chinese people living, studying, or working in the U.S., a U.S. mobile number is long no longer just for making calls. Everyday internet access, navigation, and ride-hailing are one thing; more importantly, banks, credit cards, school systems, and all kinds of apps are often tied to that number. So even after someone returns to China, the U.S. number cannot be easily canceled.

The problem is exactly here: when you're in the U.S., you need stable internet and the right monthly fee; when you return to China for a visit or a long stay, you still need to keep your U.S. number to receive verification codes and important texts, while also solving your internet access needs in China. Keeping your original U.S. plan may mean international roaming charges; canceling the number may affect verification for banks, schools, and other accounts. If you travel back and forth between China and the U.S. often, buying a new SIM, swapping SIMs, and purchasing roaming data every time is exhausting.

Is it possible to solve all of this with just one plan?

This is exactly the problem Panda Mobile has already solved!

What kind of brand is Panda Mobile?

Panda Mobile is a Seattle-based U.S. wireless carrier and an official T-Mobile partner focused on the Asian American community. Panda Mobile is also Air China’s communications partner in the U.S., mainly serving Chinese people living, studying, and working in the U.S., as well as users with cross-border communication needs.

  • In the U.S., is the network stable and the price right?
  • After returning to China, can you still use your original U.S. number? How can you use U.S. mobile data on your phone without a VPN?
  • When traveling between China and the U.S., do you have to swap SIMs or buy extra roaming every time?

These may seem like small things, but for people who live across borders, they are exactly the communication problems most likely to come up, and they are also what makes Panda Mobile different.

Why choose Panda Mobile? First, let’s talk about signal, network, and plans

Network experience: affordable SIM cards, stronger signal priority

When choosing a U.S. mobile SIM, price is important of course, but for people who use their phones every day, the network experience is actually even more important.

Panda Mobile uses the T-Mobile 5G network and has a clear advantage over other MVNOs in network priority.

For ordinary users, network priority may be a somewhat unfamiliar concept. In simple terms, when many users are using the same network at the same time, network priority can affect the actual user experience.

The smaller the signal priority (QCI) number, the higher the priority. Other MVNOs have QCI 8-9, while Panda’s QCI is only 7. That is why some phone plans may look similar in everyday use, but in crowded places such as malls, campuses, airports, and concerts, actual speeds can differ noticeably—yes, network stability matters more than saving a few dollars a month.

2. No long-term contract, beginner-friendly

Need a U.S. mobile number but don’t have an SSN or U.S. credit history?

Panda Mobile is more beginner-friendly: no SSN, no credit check, and no long-term contract, so you can choose a plan based on your needs.

For students newly arrived in the U.S. and other new users, getting a SIM is easier, with no credit-history hurdle.

OnePool™: one U.S. card, usable in both China and the U.S.

OnePool™ shared U.S.-China data pool is Panda Mobile’s best-known exclusive feature. The core idea of OnePool™ is:

One shared data pool for the U.S. and China, so one plan can meet your data needs in both places.

Back in China, use U.S. and China networks at the same time

After returning to China, with OnePool™ data sharing between the U.S. and China, there is no need to buy roaming data separately or swap SIMs back and forth.

Not only can you connect directly to the local Chinese network once you land; you can also keep using your U.S. network—ChatGPT, U.S. school systems, work platforms, and the U.S. apps you use every day stay online, with no extra cost.

During your stay in China, texts + calls still work

For many people, one of the most important features of a U.S. mobile number after returning to China is receiving verification codes. Banks, credit cards, school accounts, U.S. app logins... many important accounts are tied to a U.S. mobile number!

Don’t worry, Panda Mobile offers free calling & texting in 229+ countries and regions worldwide, so even if you’re in China, you won’t miss a single text or call!

Buying now—are there any discounts?

If you’re considering switching U.S. mobile plans or need a SIM card that works in both the U.S. and China, Panda Mobile’s summer sale is now live!

Summer sale: $45 for 3 months

Regular price: $45 per month. During the promotion, pay $45 for 3 months, which works out to $15/month.

For people newly arrived in the U.S., those ready to switch SIM cards, or anyone who wants to try Panda Mobile, this is the perfect time!

Meika 101 exclusive referral code: MK88

  • Use the Meika 101 exclusive referral code [MK88] to get an extra $15 credit!

Already have a U.S. number? You can port it in directly

If you already have a U.S. mobile number, you don’t need to change your number.

Panda Mobile supports port-in transfers.

Before starting the port-in, get these two important pieces of information from your current carrier:

  • Account Number (current carrier account number)
  • Transfer PIN

Once you have those, you can keep your current number when moving to Panda Mobile!

Still have questions? Contact customer service directly

If you’re not sure whether your phone is supported, which plan you should choose, or whether you want to port in your number,

scan the QR code below to contact Panda Mobile customer service

You can also scan to join the exclusive Meika 101 and Panda Mobile group for more information!

If you travel back and forth between China and the U.S. often, or are looking for a U.S. mobile number that is better suited to Chinese people and international students, Panda Mobile is definitely a reliable choice.