Internet in Shanghai: eSIM & Connectivity Tips

eSIM from 1,00 USD · 100 MB. Networks: China Mobile (5G), China Unicom (5G).

Connectivity in Shanghai

What you need to know: World-class 5G coverage; Metro line LTE on most lines.

Known weak-signal spots in China

• Tibet Plateau and high-altitude Sichuan roads
• Remote karst mountains in Guangxi (Guilin countryside)
• Beijing subway tunnels (improving)
• Underground portions of the Great Wall (cave sections)

Apps you'll need

• Ride-hailing: DiDi, Meituan taxi — you need live data to book and track rides.
• Maps: Baidu Maps, Apple Maps (offline downloads work), MAPS.ME (offline). Download offline maps for the area before leaving your hotel.
• Messaging: WeChat, Line (may need VPN) uses only ~30 MB/hr of active chat.

Practical tip

Indoor coverage in Shanghai (shopping centres, old buildings, underground areas) is often weaker than outdoors. If you lose signal inside, step outside or connect to venue Wi-Fi. For day trips outside the city, download offline maps in advance and don't rely solely on mobile data.

Quick checklist: stay online without surprises

The make-or-break moment is often the first 30 minutes after landing: maps, transport, messages. Install your eSIM on Wi‑Fi before you travel and switch mobile data to the eSIM when you arrive. That way you're not dependent on airport Wi‑Fi and you avoid accidental roaming charges.

For typical use (maps + messaging + light social media), 1–3 GB per week is often enough. If you tether for a laptop, take video calls, or stream daily, aim for 10 GB+ or a plan with fair-use throttling instead of a hard cut-off.

• Networks: China Mobile (5G), China Unicom (5G)
• Offline maps: download the area in Baidu Maps, Apple Maps (offline downloads work), MAPS.ME (offline) while you're on hotel Wi‑Fi.
• On the move: DiDi, Meituan taxi + WeChat, Line (may need VPN) work well on low data — video and app updates are usually the real data drains.
• Common weak spots: Tibet Plateau and high-altitude Sichuan roads · Remote karst mountains in Guangxi (Guilin countryside)
• City context: Beijing: Excellent coverage; Great Wall tourist sections have 4G. · Shanghai: World-class 5G coverage; Metro line LTE on most lines.

Phone setup tip: keep your primary SIM active for calls/SMS (so 2FA codes can arrive), but turn off mobile data on that line. Set the eSIM as your data line — it prevents accidental roaming on the wrong SIM and keeps WhatsApp/banking flows more predictable.

Current eSIM plans (examples)

Examples from our database — availability and pricing can change.