eSIM Shanghai: Prepaid Data Plans
Shanghai eSIM plans start at $3.99 for 2 GB; our top plan for Shanghai alone is 30 GB for 30 days at $19.99 (TSimTech), the top multi-country one 35 GB at $27.99 (3 countries). Here a plan for Shanghai alone costs less per GB than any multi-country plan (75 plans from 7 vetted providers).
Shanghai eSIM at a glance
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Your next trip.
Connected.
Choose your travel eSIM and manage it in the MobiMatter app.
Networks used by Shanghai eSIMs
Each plan connects to the networks listed on its page, so you choose your carrier before you buy. Coverage varies by area: a listed network does not guarantee signal everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM banned in China?
No. Travel eSIMs work in Shanghai and across mainland China on any unlocked eSIM phone bought elsewhere. What China lacked was eSIM on its own phones: carriers didn't offer it until late 2025, so most iPhones sold in mainland China have two physical SIM slots instead. China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom began eSIM trials in October 2025.
Reviewed Oct 8, 2026 · Source
Can I buy a SIM card in Shanghai as a tourist?
Yes. Shanghai's official guide for foreigners says China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom sell SIM cards at their own stores, many of them in malls: you pick a package, show your passport, and the card is registered before you can use it. The same guide lists the Shanghai service lines 021-10086 (China Mobile), 021-10010 (China Unicom) and 021-10000 (China Telecom). A travel eSIM is bought online and installed before the flight, so nothing needs collecting after you land at Pudong or Hongqiao.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 · Source
What is the cheapest eSIM for Shanghai?
The cheapest Shanghai eSIM on MobiMatter is a plan for Shanghai alone: $3.99 for 2 GB, valid for 15 days. Prices come live from 7 vetted providers and change often; the price on this page is the current one.
Is it worth getting an eSIM for Shanghai?
For most travellers, yes, if your phone supports eSIM. Shanghai plans start at $3.99 for 2 GB, and the longest lasts 365 days, which suits long stays and repeat visits. If your home plan already covers Shanghai at no extra cost, you may not need one.
Which networks do Shanghai eSIMs use?
Shanghai eSIMs on MobiMatter run on China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile; 5G plans are available on China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. China Unicom carries the most plans. Each plan names its network, so you choose your carrier before you buy.
Which eSIM is best for Shanghai?
For Shanghai alone, our top plan right now is 30 GB for 30 days at $19.99 from TSimTech. If Shanghai is one stop of several, the top multi-country plan is 35 GB for 30 days at $27.99 from TSimTech, covering 3 countries. If price per GB is all that matters, the lowest right now is $0.60 per GB, with 50 GB for 30 days.
How much data do I need for a week in Shanghai?
It depends on how you use your phone. Light use (maps, messaging, browsing) takes about 0.5–1 GB a day; scrolling a lot of social video can take 2–3 GB or more. Typical use per hour:
- Instagram Reels, TikTok: 0.3–1 GB
- YouTube, Netflix at standard quality: 0.5–1 GB
- Video calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime): 0.5–1 GB
- Voice calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio): 50–70 MB
- Maps and navigation: 2–6 MB
- Messaging and browsing: 50–150 MB
The cheapest Shanghai plan with at least 5 GB for a week or longer is 5 GB for 15 days at $5.99.
Is there an unlimited data eSIM for Shanghai?
Yes. Unlimited data plans for Shanghai start at $9.99. Many unlimited plans slow down after a daily high-speed allowance, so check the fair-use terms on the plan page before you buy.
Do Shanghai eSIMs support 5G and hotspot?
5G is available on 43 plans for Shanghai, where the local network has 5G coverage; the others use 4G/LTE. Hotspot (tethering) works on every plan, so you can share your data with other devices.
Does a Shanghai eSIM come with a phone number?
Most travel eSIMs, including most Shanghai plans, are data-only and have no local number. You keep your usual number on your main SIM for calls, texts and WhatsApp. Plans that include a number or minutes say so on the plan page.
How it works
- 1
Checkout using secure payment methods
Get your eSIM by email within seconds.
- 2
Install eSIM
Instantly get your eSIM and configure it in your eSIM compatible device
- 3
Enjoy high speed connectivity
Once eSIM is configured, you can enjoy high speed roaming data connectivity
Why get your Shanghai eSIM from MobiMatter
All your eSIMs in one app
Buy, install and top up every eSIM in the MobiMatter app, and check how much data you have left at any time.
Choose your network
MobiMatter shows which network each plan uses, so you choose your carrier before you buy. Pick from 75 plans from 7 vetted providers with the data and price that fit your trip.
24/7 support
Our support team is available 24/7, before and after you buy, for every eSIM you get from MobiMatter.
What our customers say
5.0
Mentions ShanghaiFor our trip to China, South Korea, and Japan, my wife and I bought two 12GB data packages and used them without any problems. Their prices are much more reasonable compared to competitors; I definitely recommend them.
AAbdullah Gokhan Demir
Play Store5.0
Mentions ShanghaiI bought the eSIM for a holiday in Tibet. Everything was great; with the integrated VPN I was able to access all the sites that are normally blocked in China (Google, WhatsApp, etc.).
PPeter Paulus
Play Store5.0
MOBI-san!! Thank you so much!! I'll definitely install it again!! It's truly my favorite, a godsend app ♡
佐佐川愛
Play Store5.0
I recommend this App is the one of best esim app & fast customer support , customer Friendly service
TTARAJAP
App Store5.0
The best eSIM I have used, excellent signal in all European countries, customer support is one of the best at any time of day or night, they are there for you to resolve any issue.
Translated from Croatian
KKamenko123
App Store5.0
Worked flawlessly through out the Europe and price was pretty reasonable
NNomad Traveller1857
App Store5.0
Solved in a few minutes. It’s a really trustworthy app
PPedro Maldini
App Store5.0
So easy to use. I use it all the time when travelling abroad
FFatima A
Play Store5.0
Very good service, appreciate with help center, soon reply and attention from staff
HHappy costumer NJ
App Store5.0
I used it on my Trans-Siberian trip, it was successful.
Translated from Turkish
ÜÜmit anamurluoğlu
Play Store5.0
accidentally delete my esim on my other phone and i dont hesitate to contact tech. support and it is very fast to response and sort it quickly recovered my deleted esim. thanks guys. more power.
EEfren dacasin
Play Store5.0
I bought two esims for two different countries because mobimatter has affordable prices. I had an issue connecting the second esim. The helpdesk responded fast. It turns out I was using the first eSIM instead of the second. Thanks for good data in both countries and for responding fast!
SStylus86
App Store
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