If you’re heading to Shanghai and need data to navigate Baidu Maps, order Meituan food, or chat on WeChat—forget international roaming. A Shanghai SIM card is cheap, easy, and works on almost any unlocked phone.
[5% OFF] Shanghai SIM Card Prices & Best Plans
Get limited time coupon on Trip.com and check the top 2 Shanghai SIM Cards & the best Shanghai eSIM plans below:
China SIM Card 5G + Call
- CoverageChina (Mainland)
- Data30GB data + 500 min calls
- PickShanghai Pudong (T1/T2)
- Pricefrom US$33.48
China Unicom SIM Card
- CoverageChina (Mainland)
- Data15-40GB + Call
- PickShanghai Pudong Airport
- Pricefrom US$25.28
China/HK/Macau eSIM
- CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
- Data3-50GB Total or 0.5-100GB/Day
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- Pricefrom US$0.43
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Shanghai (Airport + City Spots)
The easiest places to grab a SIM are the airport (right when you land) or official carrier stores in the city. Here’s exactly where to go:
Airport Kiosks (Best for Late Flights)
Both Pudong and Hongqiao airports have 24/7 SIM card kiosks in arrivals—perfect if you land at 10 PM and need data ASAP.
- Pudong Airport (PVG): Look for kiosks in Terminal 1 (Arrivals Hall B) and Terminal 2 (Arrivals Hall D). Brands like China Mobile and Unicom have booths here.
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA): Kiosks are in Terminal 2 (Arrivals Level 1) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals Hall 1). Staff speak basic English—just say how many days you’re staying.
City Spots (More Plans, Better Deals)
If you land during the day or want more SIM options, you can go to these places in the city.
- Official Carrier Stores: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom all have stores on Nanjing Road, Xintiandi or near hotels. Stores like "China Mobile" allow you to compare packages and help you set up SIM cards.
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart might sell basic sim cards (7-day /10GB package), but the options are limited. Ask the cashier - they will scan your passport for registration.
- Online Pre-Order: Sites like Trip.com China SIM allow you to pre-order a SIM card and then pick it up at Shanghai airport. Good if you want to skip lines, but not necessary.
Tip: Take your passport with you - you must register a SIM card on it (under Chinese law). No passport = no ID card.
Shanghai SIM Card Reviews from Tourists
Here are reviews of tourists on using Trip.com Shanghai SIM Cards & Shanghai eSIM.
Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau | SIM card | Total/daily traffic | Physical card | Surface mail delivery | Limited delivery to certain areas China/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan
4.5/5
99 reviewsThe customer service representative who responded was very prompt and friendly, but it was quite difficult to receive the actual item. It might be easier to just buy one at the airport and have it fitted.
Mainland China/Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan | 5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Package | 24H | 1-30 days | QR code
4.6/5
4980 reviewsThe internet is okay, maybe a little slow, but it's worth it. You can use any app that China blocks. Buy the 100 GB per day package. It's really worth it. Social media users shouldn't miss this.
![[5G SIM Card] China 5G Universal SIM Card Total 10GB/15GB/30GB/45GB High-speed 5G Unlimited Data (Pick up at Shanghai Pudong Airport)](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352g12000fctosaw654A_C_750_480.jpg)
[5G SIM Card] China 5G Universal SIM Card Total 10GB/15GB/30GB/45GB High-speed 5G Unlimited Data (Pick up at Shanghai Pudong Airport)
4.3/5
14 reviewsSIM card pickup very simple and easy inside the baggage hall, very fast and easy to set up with the app!
Shanghai SIM Card - Best Providers in China
You don’t need to spend much—most Shanghai SIM plans are $3–$60, depending on days and data.
Provider | Plan Type | Days | Data | Price (USD) | Best For |
China Mobile | Unlimited Slow Data | 10 | Unlimited (384Kbps) | ~$3.85 | Budget short stays (checking maps) |
China Mobile | 3GB Fast + Unlimited Slow | 30 | 3GB (7.2Mbps) + unlimited slow | ~$8.70 | 1-month stays (social media + maps) |
China Unicom | 5GB Fast | 7 | 5GB (4G/5G) | ~$28 | Short stays (streaming, lots of data) |
China Telecom | 6GB Fast | 30 | 6GB (4G) | ~$8.40 | Long stays (1 month, moderate use) |
Note: “Fast” means 4G/5G; “slow” is 384Kbps (good for texting, maps, not streaming).
Things to Know Before Buying Shanghai SIM
- Your phone needs to be unlocked: If your phone is locked with an operator (such as Verizon or AT&T), the SIM card will not work. Before you leave, call your supplier to unlock it.
- Activation is very simple: Just insert the SIM card, turn on/off the phone, and it will connect automatically. If not, restart - most phones do not require additional Settings.
- Excluding VPN: The local sim card does not allow you to access Facebook/WhatsApp/ Google. If you need to, bring a VPN (but please note that VPNS are legally restricted in China - use at your own risk).
- Recharge: If your data usage runs out, you can recharge it at a 7-Eleven convenience store or via Alipay (by scanning the barcode on your SIM card).
How to Use Your Shanghai SIM Card (5 Easy Steps)
Here are some quick ways to get online:
- Insert the SIM card: Use the small tool that comes with your phone (or ask the store staff for help).
- To open mobile data: Go to the Settings of your phone > Cellular > Open Mobile Data.
- Check the signal: You should see "CMCC" (China Mobile), "CUCC" (China Unicom) or "CTCC" (China Telecom) at the top of the screen.
- Fixing APN without data: Rare, but if it doesn't work, manually set the APN (the store staff will give you the code, or it's on the SIM package).
- If necessary, you can recharge: If you stay longer, you can use Alipay (search for "Caihong") or go to the 7-Eleven convenience store to recharge.
Shanghai SIM Card vs eSIM vs Pocket WiFi (Which to Pick)
Confused about which option is best? Here’s the quick take:
- SIM Card: Most suitable for old mobile phones (not supporting eSIM), or if you need a local number (for Didi, hotel registration). It's cheap and easy to buy.
- eSIM: It would be great if your phone supports (iPhone 11+, Android 10+). There is no physical card activation through the QR code. The package starts at $0.43 per day, but you can't get a local number (which is bad for apps like Didi).
- Pocket WiFi: Suitable for groups (connecting 3-5 devices). It costs 8 to 15 dollars a day, but you must charge it and carry it with you.
My call: Single-person travel SIM card/old mobile phone; If you don't need a local number, you can provide eSIM for your new phone.
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Shanghai SIM Cards
Can I use WhatsApp/Instagram with a Shanghai SIM?
No, not unless you have a VPN. China blocks most international social media. Stick to WeChat (everyone uses it for messages/payments) while you’re here.Is a SIM cheaper than international roaming?
100%. My friend paid $120 for 5 days of roaming with her US carrier—my China Mobile SIM was $3.85 for 10 days. No contest.Do I really need a passport to buy a China SIM?
Yes. China’s rules say all SIMs must be registered with your passport—no exceptions. Don’t waste time trying to buy one without it.Will my unlocked phone work in Shanghai SIM?
If it works with GSM (most phones from the US/EU do), yes. Check your phone’s specs—if it says “unlocked” and supports 4G bands 1/3/7, you’re good.Can I share my China SIM’s data with friends?
Yes—turn on “Personal Hotspot” in your phone settings. Just note that it’ll use your data faster, so pick a bigger plan if you’re sharing.What if I lose my China SIM?
Go to an official carrier store with your passport—they can replace it and transfer your plan. Don’t buy a new one unless you have to.