eSIM Shanghai with 5G data coverage for travelers

eSIM in Shanghai

Excellent

Arrive in Shanghai with mobile internet from the moment you land. Our eSIM keeps you connected without roaming fees, physical SIM cards, or waiting in line. Simply scan, activate, and explore the modern heart of China.

Choose number of days

Select one eSIM per person

Recommended for your trip:

Total:
$

Install your eSIM before or during your trip to Shanghai. Your data plan will activate automatically once you arrive and enable the eSIM on your device.

Secure checkout
Instant activation
No hidden fees

Why travelers use eSIM in Shanghai

  • Unlimited data options
  • Fast and reliable mobile internet
  • Avoid expensive roaming fees
  • Compatible with iPhone and Android
  • No physical SIM card needed
  • Instant email delivery
  • Keep your WhatsApp number

eSIM Prices for Shanghai, China: plans from $3.99 USD

eSIM price comparison for Shanghai, China

Standard eSIM

days Price
7 days 1 GB $3.99 USD
15 days 3 GB $6.99 USD
30 days 5 GB $9.99 USD
30 days 10 GB $14.99 USD
30 days 20 GB $21.99 USD
30 days 50 GB $34.99 USD

Unlimited eSIM

days Price
3 days Unlimited $10.50 USD
5 days Unlimited $17.50 USD
7 days Unlimited $22.50 USD
10 days Unlimited $32.50 USD
15 days Unlimited $44.50 USD
30 days Unlimited $67.50 USD

Enjoy mobile data in Shanghai, China in 3 steps

Activate your eSIM in minutes and start browsing the moment you land in Shanghai, China

  1. Customize your plan

    Pick the data days you need for your trip to Shanghai, China based on how much you use your phone.

    Check compatibility
  2. Install your eSIM

    Get your eSIM by email and choose the installation method you prefer for Shanghai, China.

  3. Turn on your eSIM on arrival

    Switch on your eSIM when you land in Shanghai, China and connect instantly without swapping your physical SIM.

eSIM vs SIM Card vs Roaming in Shanghai: Which is Best?

Provider
Pros
Cons
Price

TailSim eSIM in Shanghai

Immediate activation, no registration, works throughout the country
Requires eSIM-compatible device
From $3.99

Local SIM Card

Good speed, widely available
Queues, passport registration, process can be slow
$20-50

International Roaming

No setup required
Can be extremely expensive depending on carrier
$50-200+

Coverage in The Bund, Pudong and Rural Areas of Shanghai

The Bund

Waterfront area with colonial-era buildings and modern Pudong skyline.

Pudong

Financial district with skyscrapers including Shanghai Tower.

Xintiandi

Trendy area with shikumen houses, bars, and restaurants.

French Concession

Colonial area with tree-lined streets, boutiques, and cafes.

Coverage Around The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden and Other Popular Places in Shanghai

Coverage Around The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden and Other Popular Places in Shanghai

The Bund

Shanghai

Waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings across from modern Pudong skyline. The contrast between old and new is striking - best viewed at night when illuminated.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Shanghai

Iconic TV tower with observation spheres at 263m and 351m. The sphere restaurants have decent food with panoramic views. Tickets are cheaper on weekdays.

Yu Garden

Shanghai

Classical Chinese garden in the Old City with rockeries, pavilions, and koi ponds. The adjacent Old City has great street food - try xiaolongbao. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Nanjing Road

Shanghai

Pedestrian shopping street from People's Square to the Bund. The western section is modern malls; the eastern section has traditional shops. Great for people-watching.

Shanghai Tower

Shanghai

Second tallest building in the world at 632m with a stunning glass facade. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers 360-degree city views. Book tickets in advance.

French Concession

Shanghai

Colonial area with tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and European-style cafes. Great for wandering and discovering hidden gem restaurants. The architecture is beautiful.

Xintiandi

Shanghai

Trendy district with restored shikumen (stone gate) houses turned into bars, restaurants, and galleries. The nightlife scene is vibrant - comes alive after dark.

People's Square

Shanghai

Central square with People's Park, museums, and metro interchange. The underground shopping mall is massive - great for escaping the heat or rain.

Jade Buddha Temple

Shanghai

Buddhist temple with two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma. The temple is active with monks and worshippers. Quiet compared to other tourist sites.

Maglev Train

Shanghai

World's fastest commercial train reaching 431 km/h. The 7-minute ride from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station is an experience. Booking not needed - just buy a ticket.

Using eSIM on Public Transport in Shanghai

Metro

Clean, fast, cheap (¥3-10 depending on distance). Over 800km with 500+ stations. Lines 1, 2, 4 most useful for tourists.

Taxi

Plentiful and cheap by international standards. Drivers may have limited English - use Didi app or write destinations in Chinese.

Bus

¥2 standard fare. Night buses connect airports to city center after metro closes.

Bike

Dedicated bike paths available. Bike-sharing apps operate citywide. Great for exploring French Concession.

Ferry

Ferries between Pudong and Puxi across Huangpu River. Cheap and scenic way to cross the river.

Why Travelers Prefer Our eSIM in Shanghai?

Advantages of our eSIM for Shanghai
  • Instant activation for your trip

    Purchase your eSIM online before traveling to Shanghai, scan the QR code, and access mobile internet as soon as you arrive. No physical SIM card or local store required.

  • Flexible prepaid and unlimited data plans

    Choose the best eSIM plan for your trip to Shanghai, whether you need unlimited data for remote work or a prepaid option for maps, messaging, and social media.

  • Coverage across major destinations in Shanghai

    Enjoy reliable mobile internet in Shanghai, airports and popular tourist areas.

  • Keep your current number while traveling

    Continue using your favorite apps, maps, messaging services, and online tools in Shanghai without swapping physical SIM cards. Enjoy a simple and convenient way to access mobile internet during your trip.

Traveler Experiences Using eSIM in Shanghai

Short Trip to Shanghai

"Shopping trip to Shanghai and Jade Buddha Temple was a quiet break from the city chaos. Found a silk market nearby through my phone, spent two hours bargaining. The monks were doing evening prayers when I left."

Pilgrimage to Shanghai

"Spiritual pilgrimage to Shanghai and climbed the Shanghai Tower at sunset - 632 meters of glass and steel. The city spread out below like a circuit board. Had a vegetarian meal in the sphere restaurant afterward."

Transit Through Shanghai

"Cruise stop in Shanghai and the Oriental Pearl Tower was exactly what I expected - wild architecture. Took the ferry across the river for ¥2, watched the lights come on over Pudong. Perfect evening."

Family Vacation in Shanghai

"Multi-generational trip to Shanghai and Xintiandi impressed everyone - those shikumen houses are beautiful. Found a jazz bar in the French Concession through my phone, the kids loved the live music. Great night."

Traveler Experiences Using eSIM in Shanghai

Use your favorite apps in Shanghai, China without limits

Fast, stable connection for the apps you use most in Shanghai, China

  • Crystal-clear video calls in Shanghai, China without unexpected drops

  • Share stories and photos from Shanghai, China instantly

  • Upload videos from Shanghai, China without buffering or waiting

  • Navigate Shanghai, China with Google Maps without losing your way

  • Stream series and movies during your trip to Shanghai, China

How much data do you need in Shanghai?

Usage by activity

Activity Usage
Google Maps Low
WhatsApp Low
Instagram Medium
YouTube / TikTok High
Hotspot High

Traveler type

Traveler type Suggested plan
Weekend trip 3–5 GB
1 week traveler 10–20 GB
Heavy traveler Unlimited

Tips to Stay Connected with eSIM in Shanghai

Use the Metro - it's clean, fast and cheap (¥3-10). Lines 1, 2, 4 are most useful for tourists

Take the ferry across the Huangpu River (¥2) - it's cheap and offers incredible views of the Pudong skyline

Download Didi (Chinese Uber) before arriving - it's the easiest way to get taxis without Chinese language

Explore Xintiandi and the French Concession by bike - tree-lined streets are perfect for cycling

Book Shanghai Tower observation deck tickets in advance - they sell out fast

Visit The Bund at night when the Pudong buildings are illuminated - it's magical

Frequently Asked Questions

01

What is the best eSIM for Shanghai?

The best eSIM for Shanghai is one with reliable 5G coverage, instant activation, and no roaming fees. With TailSim, you get unlimited data in Shanghai.

02

What do I need to use an eSIM in Shanghai as a tourist?

You only need an eSIM-compatible device and a plan for China. Activate upon arrival for instant internet.

03

Can I use my physical SIM and eSIM at the same time?

Yes. Use your physical SIM for calls/SMS and the eSIM for mobile data. Disable roaming on your physical SIM.

04

How do I install and activate an eSIM?

Receive QR code via email, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan, scan QR. Activates when you arrive in Shanghai.

05

Is eSIM better than SIM card in Shanghai?

Yes. eSIM offers instant activation without visiting a store. Coverage matches physical SIMs in covered areas.

06

Does eSIM work on the Bund?

Yes. 5G coverage is available throughout The Bund and Pudong for navigation and photos.