How to Stay Connected (Internet, Phone) in Shanghai?
I. Immediate Access to Connectivity Channels After Arrival
One-Stop Service Centers at Airports/Ports
Pudong Airport Terminal 2: The Foreigners' Comprehensive Service Center offers free Wi-Fi device rentals, SIM card sales (supporting foreign card payments), and multilingual service guides.
Hongqiao Airport: Features 14 SIM card sales points where visitors can purchase the "Welcome SIM Card" with 3GB of free data. After depletion, users can upgrade to short-term plans (7-30 days, priced at 85-195 RMB).
Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal: Enhanced network coverage ensures stable mobile communication services.
Operator Service Halls
China Mobile Pudong Airport Service Hall (Terminal 2): Provides a "One-Stop Device Rental" service, including smart terminals pre-installed with Alipay/WeChat, with 7-30 day plans available.
China Telecom Service Halls: 50 outlets across Shanghai support foreign nationals in obtaining short-term SIM cards with passports. The 7-day plan starts at 85 RMB.
II. Network Connectivity Solutions
Local SIM Cards
7-Day Plan: 85 RMB (includes ample data and call minutes).
Panda Card: China Mobile provides 7/15/30-day plans with data and local payment functionality.
Free Data SIM Card: China Telecom offers a 3GB free data SIM card for short-term visitors, covering basic needs such as calls, internet access, and taxi-hailing.
Short-Term Plans:
eSIM Virtual Cards
Eligible Users: Mobile phones supporting eSIM functionality (non-Chinese domestic models). Simply scan the QR code to activate, no physical SIM card required.
Advantages: Affordable pricing (e.g., SupGo-eSIM as low as 9.9 RMB/day), supports data sharing across multiple countries.
Public Wi-Fi
"Modu Wi-Fi" (SH-Online): Covers over 1,000 crowded locations in Shanghai (e.g., tourist attractions, shopping malls). Connect automatically after initial authentication, free of charge.
Airport/Hotel Wi-Fi: Optimized multilingual guides support passport or SMS verification.