◼︎ Table of Contents
- 1. Identity Verification Issues During Sign-Up
- 2. Protecting Personal Information
- 3. Recommended Virtual Phone Number Services for China/Hong Kong
1. Identity Verification Issues During Sign-Up
In China, many services require identity verification via SMS for account registration.
Common Situations Requiring SMS Verification in China
- Signing up for major Chinese online services (portals, games, etc.)
- Opening a Chinese bank account or using financial services
- Using payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay
- Booking flights and trains within China
- Using shared bikes in China
However, if you don’t have a local Chinese phone number or you live abroad (e.g., in Korea), the SMS verification process can be a hurdle.
In such cases, using a virtual Chinese phone number allows you to receive SMS messages easily via the internet without needing a physical SIM card.
2. Protecting Personal Information
Entering your Korean phone number indiscriminately when registering on Chinese websites may pose privacy risks.
Due to the relatively weak cybersecurity environment in China, your personal information might be unintentionally exposed.
By using a virtual phone number service solely for receiving SMS, you can avoid entering your real number and better protect your sensitive information.
3. Recommended Virtual Phone Number Services for China/Hong Kong
With the eSender service, you can instantly get and use a virtual number upon online application.
It’s affordable—cheaper than a cup of coffee per month—and supports payments via KakaoPay, WeChat Pay, Alipay, PayPal, UnionPay, and more.
They also offer various promotional events, such as a 7-day free trial. [ Check promo codes (-) ]
If you’re planning to use Chinese online services, consider trying a virtual phone number service like eSender.
