Flag of Shanghai

eSIM for Shanghai

Excellent

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

Mobile network coverage in Shanghai

Excellent 5G coverage throughout Shanghai including Pudong, The Bund, and French Concession. The eSIM provides fast mobile data for skyscraper exploration, metro travel, and riverside walks.

Skip the VPN in mainland China. Your TailSim eSIM connects to WhatsApp, Google Maps, Instagram, and Gmail from the moment you land, no extra software required. Trips that include Hong Kong or Taiwan need a separate eSIM for each territory, since neither is part of the China plan. Travelers covering China alongside other Asian destinations can save with a multi-country eSIM that bundles data across the region.

  • China Mobile
  • China Unicom

14 plans are available for Shanghai, from $3.99 up to $67.99. Every plan is data only, delivered by QR code, and starts counting when you connect on arrival.

Shanghai flag

Same plan, same coverage, wherever you go in Shanghai.

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

TailSim, the best eSIM in Shanghai, China

Standard eSIM

daysPrice
7 days 1 GB$3.99 USD
15 days 3 GB$6.99 USD
30 days 5 GB$8.99 USD
30 days 10 GB$13.99 USD
30 days 20 GB$20.99 USD
30 days 50 GB$44.99 USD

Unlimited eSIM

daysPrice
3 days Unlimited $8.99 USD
5 days Unlimited $13.99 USD
7 days Unlimited $18.99 USD
10 days Unlimited $26.99 USD
15 days Unlimited $38.99 USD
20 days Unlimited $48.99 USD

TailSim vs. Other eSIM Providers in Shanghai

TailSim vs. Other eSIM Providers in Shanghai
TailSim logoAiralo logoHolafly logoSaily logo
Unlimited data plans
Instant activation with QR code
Human support in your language
Price adjusted per destination
No mandatory app to buy and use
No roaming charges or surprises

Enjoy mobile data in Shanghai, China in 3 steps

  1. Customize your plan

    Pick the perfect data package 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

    • Turn roaming on for the eSIM only
    • WhatsApp keeps your home number

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+

eSIM Coverage in Shanghai Popular Destinations

Stay connected across Shanghai, including popular destinations such as The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower and Yu Garden

eSIM Coverage in Shanghai Popular Destinations
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.

Public transport in Shanghai

Use your eSIM on every network below. Before you land, also download each official app for tickets, live schedules and route planning.

MetroExcellent

App

Official metro app

Tickets, line maps and real-time arrivals at every station.

TaxiExcellent

App

Ride-hailing apps

Book taxis and private cars; pay in-app or cash on arrival.

BusGood

App

Official city bus app

Routes, timetables and contactless payment for city buses.

BikeGood

App

Shared-mobility app

Unlock rental bikes and scooters from stations or street.

FerryGood

App

Ferry operator app

Schedules and boarding passes for harbour crossings.

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

  • WhatsApp

    Clear video calls in Shanghai, China without unexpected drops

  • Instagram

    Share stories and photos from Shanghai, China instantly

  • TikTok

    Enjoy creating video content from Shanghai, China and uploading it without waiting or buffering

  • Google Maps

    Navigate Shanghai, China with Google Maps without losing your way

How much data do you need in Shanghai?

Usage by activity
ActivityUsage
Google MapsLow
WhatsAppLow
InstagramMedium
YouTube / TikTokHigh
HotspotHigh
Traveler type
Traveler typeSuggested plan
Weekend trip3–5 GB
1 week traveler10–20 GB
Heavy travelerUnlimited

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

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.

04

Is eSIM better than SIM card in Shanghai?

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

Contact us
We're here to help!