Shanghai is a vibrant, modern city that offers visitors a thrilling mix of iconic sites, a flourishing arts and cultural scene, world-class shopping and dining, and much more. One essential item for travelers in Shanghai to consider is getting a local SIM card.
With so many network providers and plan options available, purchasing a SIM card in Shanghai can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about getting connected with a Shanghai SIM card as a tourist.
Shanghai is an developed city where mobile internet speed and service quality are particularly important. According to Speedtest’s data for Q4 2023, Shanghai ranked 2nd nationally in median mobile download speed at 223.81 Mbps.
Among the three major mobile operators in Shanghai – China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom – Speedtest data shows that China Mobile’s network performance is the best. Specifically:
Overall, China Mobile provides a faster and more reliable internet experience in Shanghai. For users in Shanghai who require high-speed, smooth internet access, China Mobile may be the preferred choice of mobile operator. However, as 5G networks expand further, the gap between operators could narrow in the future.
Unlock more insights on Top China Mobile Network Operators: Which is the Best for Tourists?
Here is a table of the best Shanghai SIM cards and their costs in Chinese Yuan (CNY) and US Dollars (USD):
| SIM Card Provider | Plan | CNY Price | USD Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | 128 RMB plan with 30GB data and 500 minutes | 128 | ~$19.18 |
| China Mobile | 238 RMB plan with 80GB data and 1000 minutes | 238 | ~$35.63 |
| China Unicom | 188 RMB “Ice God” plan with 30GB full speed data | 188 | ~$28.12 |
| China Unicom | 238 RMB plan with 40GB full speed data and 800 minutes | 238 | ~$35.63 |
| China Telecom | 88 RMB plan with 20GB data and 100 minutes | 88 | ~$13.15 |
In conclusion, China Mobile and China Unicom generally offer the best value SIM cards for travelers in Shanghai, with multi-GB data packages and call minutes starting from around 128-188 RMB per month. China Telecom’s plans offer less data and minutes for a lower price but may have more limited coverage. It’s advisable to choose a plan according to expected data and call usage.
Please note that prices may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and promotions from the mobile operators. Be sure to check official pricing in stores during your visit for the most up-to-date costs.
Visitors wanting to purchase a Shanghai SIM card can easily do so either upon landing at the airport or in the city. Here are the options:
Travelers can conveniently purchase a reliable Shanghai SIM card from leading carriers like China Mobile or China Unicom with ease on arrival. But airport kiosk pricing tends to be marked up, so heading into town the next viable option.
All three telecoms also have prominent high street stores and authorized resellers conveniently situated around central Shanghai for purchasing SIM cards:
Top neighborhood picks for buying Shanghai SIM cards in-city include:
When acquiring your SIM card in-city at an official carrier retail store or authorized third-party seller, be sure to bring your passport as proof of ID.
Overall, getting set up with a Shanghai SIM card upon arrival or venturing into the city neighborhoods provides visitors access to voice/text and mobile data connectivity from leading Chinese network operators.
Traveling to Shanghai and want to stay connected without hassles? An eSIM is a smart choice. Instead of hunting for a SIM card at the airport, you can purchase an eSIM plan online before your trip from ChinaeSIM.
What is an eSIM? An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into your device. No need for a physical nano-SIM. Support for eSIM is available on many latest iPhone and Android devices.
Benefits of using an eSIM from chinaesim.com in Shanghai:
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days
3GB
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days
10GB
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days
5GB
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days
1GB/day
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days
3GB/day
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days
20GB
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days
4GB/day
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days
8GB
When heading to purchase a Shanghai SIM card from airport kiosks, carrier stores or authorized resellers, visitors should prepare:
1. Unlocked Device – Your smartphone must be unlocked to insert a Shanghai SIM card so it can access the carrier’s network
2. Passport – Bring your physical passport as proof of ID when buying a Shanghai travel SIM
3. Cash – Have local currency on hand for paying cash at most SIM card sellers
4. Power Adapters – Pack China power plug adapters to charge devices using Shanghai SIM cards
5. Patience – Allow extra time when buying SIMs in Shanghai as store queues/wait times are common
Ensuring your phone is network unlocked, having your passport ready for identification, cash for payment, and power adapters on hand will smooth the Shanghai SIM card purchase process.
Beyond where to buy SIMs, which carrier to choose from, and what prepaid plan is best in Shanghai, visitors should consider a few other pieces of local advice:
• Test coverage – Double check signal meter for connectivity after inserting Shanghai SIM
• Load apps – Download WeChat, Baidu Maps and other useful China apps
• Enable data roaming – Turn on roaming in phone settings for extended reach
• Stay charged – Bring portable chargers to stay powered in this massive city
• Use Market Leader – China Mobile has the widest, fastest LTE coverage
Keeping the above tips in mind allows tourists to maximize connectivity during their time in Shanghai using prepaid SIM cards.
The three main mobile operators in Shanghai are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. China Mobile has the best coverage nationwide. China Unicom’s network is also good and more compatible with foreign phones.
You can buy SIM cards from the branded stores of each operator. Stores at airports often have English speakers. Make sure to bring your passport. Official stores will have an activation process including ID verification.
Operators offer monthly plans bundled with data and minutes. China Mobile offers 5G plans from 128 RMB for 30GB. China Unicom has affordable daily plans like 1 RMB/1GB. Both have “unlimited” options with fair use policies. Add-on data packs are also available.
You can top up online using WeChat Pay by linking a foreign credit/debit card. Or purchase scratch cards from convenience stores. Top up at operator stores for direct addition to your account balance.
China Unicom’s network supports most foreign 3G/4G phones. China Mobile uses less common 4G standards, but newer multi-band phones should work. Consider a Hong Kong SIM for better compatibility.
Yes, many foreign websites and services are blocked in China. Download a VPN before your trip to access blocked content and bypass censorship restrictions on the internet.
Maybe you’re interested in: [For Travelers] How to Use Your Phone in China? 4 Ways and Cost
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