Shanghai eSIM from £0.32: Guide to Usage, Providers, Prices & More

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Shanghai eSIM

After travelling to Shanghai myself, I understand how difficult it can be to stay connected online in China. With a China eSIM card, you can enjoy stable internet and unlimited data with ease.

Our guide shares everything you need to know about using an eSIM card in China, especially in Shanghai, with a comparison of the best options for 2026. Avoid high roaming costs by ordering your eSIM online and getting connected within minutes.

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👉 Buy Asia eSIM including China from £0.23 per day covering 8 countries! New user exclusive14% off 👇

Best eSIM Packages for Shanghai

Shanghai 4G LTE VPN
  • CoverageChina
  • Package Option500MB/Day
  • Number of Days1 Day
  • Price£0.32
Shanghai 4G LTE VPN
  • CoverageChina
  • Package Option1GB/Day
  • Number of Days7 Days
  • Price£2.75
Shanghai 4G LTE VPN
  • CoverageChina
  • Package Option1GB/Day
  • Number of Days15 Days
  • Price£5.44

Find even more affordable Vietnam eSIM plans for your travels
See All Attractions
453610 booked
4.7/514430 reviews
Mainland China 5G eSIM | Supports ChatGPT | Day Pass/Total Package | 24H Billing | 1–365 Days | QR code
SIM card
£0.32
322461 booked
4.6/512697 reviews
Mainland China/Hong Kong/Macau 5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Data Package | 24-Hour Billing | In-App Installation | 1-30 Days | QR Code
SIM card
£0.34
246035 booked
4.6/56370 reviews
Mainland China/Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan 5G eSIM | Supports ChatGPT | Day Pass/Total Package | 24H Billing | 1-30 days | QR code
SIM card
£0.33
46367 booked
4.6/53480 reviews
China Mainland 5G/4G eSIM | DayPass / Total | 500MB/day - Total 30GB | 1-30 Days | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code
SIM card
£0.26
37804 booked
4.6/51939 reviews
Mainland China · Hong Kong · Macau 5G eSIM | Full AI & TikTok Access | 1–30 Days / 365 Days | Instant QR
SIM card
£0.36
3215 booked
4.5/5145 reviews
China Mainland + Macau 5G/4G eSIM QR Code by China Unicom
SIM card

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you connect to mobile networks without using a physical SIM. You can activate it by scanning a QR code online and start using mobile data in different countries.

How a Shanghai eSIM Works in China?

A Shanghai eSIM works just like a normal SIM card but in digital form. You set it up by scanning a QR code from your provider, and you can use the internet and make calls easily.

Shanghai eSIMs can hold several phone numbers and connect to more than one network, which is useful for travellers who want to save money and stay connected. Most new iPhones and Android phones support eSIMs, and they can be used in all cities across China.

Top Shanghai, China eSIM Providers

Provider

Data Plan

Duration

Price (USD)

Trip.com

500MB/Day

1 day

£0.32

1GB/Day

3 days

£1.25

1GB/Day

5 days

£1.87

1GB/Day

7 days

£2.75

1GB/Day

10 days

£3.82

1GB/Day

15 days

£5.44

Total 30GB

5 days

£8.52

Airalo

1GB

3 days

£3.50

3GB

7 days

£8.50

5GB

30 days

£12.00

10GB

30 days

£20.50

20GB

30 days

£31.00

SimOptions

1GB

7 days

£3.90

3GB

30 days

£4.90

5GB

30 days

£7.90

10GB

30 days

£13.90

Nomad

1GB

7 days

£3.01

3GB

30 days

£5.26

5GB

30 days

£7.51

20GB

30 days

£15.03

Trip.com China eSIM

Package Details

Duration

Standard Price

500MB/Day, High Speed Data

1 day

£0.32

1GB/Day, High Speed Data

3 days

£1.25

5 days

£1.87

7 days

£2.75

10 days

£3.82

15 days

£5.44

1GB/Day, High Speed Data

30 days

£10.72

50 GB

30 days

£18.82

Trip.com’s China eSIM offers a wide range of affordable and fast data plans for travellers in China, especially those visiting cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. Each plan is designed to meet different travel needs while keeping prices low and service reliable.

Once you buy a China eSIM from Trip.com, you receive a QR code immediately, making it quick and easy to set up your connection in just a few minutes, even at the airport. Plans are available for 1 to 30 days, with data options from 500MB to unlimited. Prices start at just £0.32 for a one-day 500MB plan and go up to £43.08 for a 30-day (100GB/day).

Using a stable 4G/5G LTE network, Trip.com’s China eSIM provides fast and secure internet across the country, helping you stay connected easily throughout your trip.

Airalo China eSIM

Here are eSIM plans offered by Airalo for Shanghai China:

Data Plan

Duration

Price (GBP)

1 GB

3 days

£3.50

3 GB

3 days

£7.50

5 GB

7 days

£11.50

10 GB

15 days

£20.00

10 GB

30 days

£20.50

20 GB

30 days

£31.00

50 GB

30 days

£38.00

Airalo provides several eSIM plans for travellers in China. You can choose between 1GB for 3 days at £3.50 and 50GB for 30 days at £38.00. These plans work on China Unicom’s 4G/LTE network and are easy to activate for use in Shanghai and across China.

However, the smaller data options may not be enough for travellers who use social media or stream videos often. Plans such as 1GB for 3 days or 3GB for 7 days can run out quickly. Prices are also quite high compared with some other eSIM providers, meaning you might pay more for each gigabyte.

Airalo offers fixed plan lengths of 3, 7, 15, or 30 days, which may not suit all travellers. Those staying for shorter or unusual trip durations might find it less convenient.

Overall, Airalo eSIMs are reliable and easy to use but may not be the best choice for travellers who need larger data allowances or more flexible plan options.

SimOptions China eSIM

SimOptions is known for offering reliable eSIM cards for travellers. Here are SimOptions eSIM plans available for Shanghai, China:

Data Plan

Validity

Price (GBP)

1 GB

7 days

£3.90

10 GB

30 days

£13.90

30 GB

30 days

£35.90

50 GB

30 days

£54.90

SimOptions provides several data options in China, starting from 1 GB up to 50 GB. The 1 GB plan, priced at around £3.90, is one of the most popular choices.

However, some plans have longer validity periods, usually between 7 and 30 days, which may be ideal for long-term stays. Data speed may vary as SimOptions does not specify the network operator or confirm 5G support.

These eSIMs offer data-only service, so calls and SMS are not available. Despite these limits, SimOptions remains a practical choice for travellers who need quick and easy mobile internet access in China.

Nomad China eSIM

Here are the eSIM plans offered by Nomad for Shanghai, China:

Data Plan

Duration

Price (GBP)

1 GB

7 days

£3.01

3 GB

30 days

£5.26

5 GB

30 days

£7.51

10 GB

30 days

£9.02

30 GB

30 days

£26.30

50 GB

30 days

£36.82

Nomad offers several eSIM plans for travellers in China, with data options ranging from 1GB to 50GB. These eSIMs work on the China Unicom network and are 5G ready for fast connections.

Nomad’s China eSIMs are data only and must be installed within 30 days after purchase. The plan starts once you first connect to a network in China. Calls and SMS are not supported.

Although Nomad eSIMs are cheaper than some brands like Airalo or SimOptions, they are still more expensive than Trip.com’s eSIM plans. A validity period of 7 to 90 days may suit most people, but 1GB of data for 7 days is usually not enough for most travellers. It is best to compare your data needs before buying to choose the most suitable plan.

Which Works Better in Shanghai, China? eSIM, SIM card, or Wi-Fi router

Feature

Caution

eSIM

No risk of loss or damageEasy to set upCan be used immediately upon arrival

Limited number of smartphones can be usedPhone number cannot be used

SIM card

No need to chargeNot bulkyMany plans available

Setup requiredNeed pinRequires SIM-free phone

Wi-Fi router

Can be used immediately upon arrivalCan be shared by multiple peopleCan be connected to multiple devices

Worried about charge lifeDifficulty in receiving and delivering

How to Use Shanghai, China eSIM?

How to Use Shanghai, China eSIM?

Check Device eSIM compatibility

Please check if your phone can be used with eSIM before purchasing an eSIM product. Check eSIM Compatibility.

How to Download:

  1. Open the eSIM activation email.
  2. Find and display the eSIM activation QR code in the email.
  3. On your mobile phone, go to Settings.
  4. For iOS devices, open Cellular; for Android devices, open SIM Card Management.
  5. Click to add a Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
  6. Agree to download the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
  7. Use your mobile phone to scan the QR code to download.

How to Use Internet

  1. After the download is successful, close the primary card if you already have one.
  2. Enable the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
  3. Look for the LTE logo displayed in the upper right corner to confirm successful activation.
  4. Turn on roaming to connect to the network and surf the internet normally.
  5. If there's no network after enabling, turn on airplane mode, then turn it off, or restart the phone.

How to Close

  1. Open Cellular (iOS) or SIM Card Management (Android).
  2. Click to turn off the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android). (The steps of enabling and disabling are the same.)

If you encounter any problems during use, please email us at crm@51tgt.com for consulting service.

Which Phones Support eSIM?

Please check if your phone can be used with eSIM before purchasing an eSIM product.

Which Phones Support Shanghai eSIM?

3 Benefits of Using a China eSIM in Shanghai

1. Instant connection when you arrive in China
With an eSIM, you can connect to the internet as soon as you land at the airport. There is no need to buy a SIM card at a shop or wait for delivery. Once the eSIM is downloaded in advance, you can go online straight away to book a taxi or find your hotel easily.

2. No risk of losing or damaging a SIM card
Traditional SIM cards are tiny and easy to lose or break, especially while travelling. An eSIM is digital, so you do not need to remove or insert anything. This makes it safer and more convenient during your trip.

3. Use dual SIM for more flexibility
An eSIM lets you use two mobile networks on one phone. You can keep your local number active while using data in China. This is useful for travellers visiting several countries as it avoids the need to change SIM cards each time.

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Shanghai Hotel Recommendations

5 star

9.4/10Outstanding11932 Reviews
People's Square Shanghai|0.54km from city centre
The hotel back door is just right beside Nanjing Pedestrian Street which makes it extremely convenient for shopping, dining & sightseeing. The Bund is just about 15mins walk from the hotel. It's an old school hotel! Hence, don't expect the rooms to have a smart technology system. Hopefully, the hotel will upgrade the rooms with smart technology system which is able to make things more convenient. We have a free upgraded room. The room is very spacious & clean. The room's heating air conditioner isn't blowing air, so a fan is needed to improve air circulation in the room. Ms Starry Cui & all hotel staff are very friendly & helpful.
From£68
9.4/10Outstanding5941 Reviews
People's Square Shanghai|0.47km from city centre
This is my second time staying here. The hotel staffs are very friendly and helpful. They try their best to accommodate us in all aspects. I bought a pair of shoes that would be delivered to the hotel on the next day, I informed the concierge and they thoroughly went through details of the expected parcel to prevent errors and miscommunication with the delivery. The next day when my parcel arrived, the concierge called and make sure the parcel delivering was the correct one for me. As for the house keeping, they noticed that we drank all 4 bottles of complimentary water everyday and from our 3rd day of staying onward they gave us 6 bottles without our request. Not to mention that I accidentally spilled milk over my bed in the rush, I informed the front desk before we headed out and they enthusiastically told me not to worry they would send the house keeper to change my bed sheet right away. In the morning of our last day, Oliver from the front desk called to confirm our check out and informed that hotel’s check out time was twelve noon. They also asked how many luggage we had and what time would we want the concierge to come collect them which I told them to come up around 11am, and at 11am sharp they rang on my door. Oliver from the front desk came along with the concierge, accompanied us down and helped us through the check out process and luggage deposit. Around 1:30 pm when we came back from lunch, our luggage was ready for us to pick up and headed out to the airport.
From£68
9.4/10Outstanding10908 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from city centre
Five-star recommendation! A perfect stay at Pullman Shanghai Jing An. Choosing Pullman Jing An for my trip to Shanghai completely exceeded my expectations – it's truly a hidden gem! The location is absolutely unbeatable, just a 1-minute walk to Exit 5 of Shanghai Railway Station Metro, making it incredibly convenient for catching high-speed trains or exploring the city. Getting to the Bund or Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street takes only about ten minutes by taxi, so transportation is a breeze. The room was a genuine sanctuary of comfort. The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning city views, and the bedding was so comfortable I never wanted to get up. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area and a rain shower, which was wonderfully refreshing after a long day. The hotel facilities were impressive. The 20-meter heated pool on the 6th floor has fantastic natural light, and the fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art machines. After a workout, a relaxing spa session melted away all my travel fatigue. I have to commend the dining and service! The buffet breakfast offered a rich variety, with Chinese dim sum, Western pastries, hot dishes, and cold dishes all replenished promptly and fresh. The staff were consistently warm and attentive; check-in at the front desk was efficient, the concierge proactively helped with luggage, and any requests were handled super quickly. It felt as comfortable as being at home. I highly recommend this hotel for both business travelers and tourists. I'll definitely choose it again next time I'm in Shanghai!
From£64
9.4/10Outstanding5754 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area Shanghai|1.78km from city centre
I come to Shanghai every two or three months, and I always stay here. **Ambiance:** The red maple leaves in the garden have turned, and they're so beautiful. It truly lives up to its reputation as a Japanese-managed hotel; even the environmental details have that special touch. This is why I love this hotel. Plus, the express checkout is super convenient. **Service:** This time, I felt the service quality had declined a bit. I called for things to my room twice and had to wait a long time, then call to follow up. Especially when the room heating wasn't enough, I was freezing while waiting. Later, the housekeeper proactively brought an extra blanket. However, as a loyal guest, I didn't feel a special sense of belonging. **Facilities:** The remote control by the bed is really difficult to use. The settings jump around, and it's hard to tell what you're adjusting. It's usually fine, but in winter, the room temperature just wouldn't go up. It was truly freezing. **Breakfast:** Still delicious.
From£81
9.6/10Excellent8886 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from city centre
Staying at Bund Hoshino Resorts KAI Yuyuan with my family was an experience that far exceeded our expectations. The hotel's location is superb, just a five-minute walk to the Bund and Yu Garden, which was incredibly convenient. Ella at the front desk provided exceptionally thoughtful service. Not only did she proactively upgrade our room type, but she also prepared a special children's toiletries set for us. The room design skillfully blends new Chinese aesthetics with comfort, making for a truly pleasant stay. The 11th-floor terrace offers expansive views of both sides of the Huangpu River, which was stunning. From the smallest details to the overall experience, this place ensured that three generations of our family all found something to enjoy. It's undoubtedly an ideal choice for family trips to Shanghai!
From£86
8.8/108351 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from city centre
This stay far exceeded expectations and must give it a full review! It is very close to the Bund, with a prime location and convenient transportation. The surrounding facilities are complete, making travel, shopping, and dining very convenient, making it ideal for both business trips and vacations. The check-in procedures are efficient and fast. The front desk staff are warm and friendly, patiently answering various questions and proactively providing thoughtful service, instantly bringing a sense of warmth. The room is clean and tidy, with a rational layout. The space is spacious and bright, and it is well-ventilated and well-lit, with no unpleasant odors whatsoever. The bedding is soft and comfortable, with a mattress of moderate hardness, ensuring a good night's sleep until dawn. The toiletries are complete and of superior quality, and the bathroom features a scientifically designed separation of dry and wet areas, ensuring thorough cleaning without stains. The room is well-equipped and brand-new. The air conditioning provides excellent heating and cooling performance, has a full network signal, abundant TV programs, and a stable and sufficient hot water supply. Every detail demonstrates thoughtful attention. The hotel offers a quiet and elegant environment, with clean and orderly public areas. The decoration style is minimalist and elegant, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The breakfast offers a wide variety of options, combining Chinese and Western elements. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, delicious, and can meet diverse taste preferences, thus starting a vibrant and energetic day. If you have any needs during this period, contact customer service will be able to respond quickly and properly resolve them. The service is professional and considerate, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience throughout the entire process. The overall cost-performance ratio is extremely high, with flawless hardware facilities and software services. It offers an excellent stay experience and is highly recommended to everyone! This hotel will be a priority for my next trip, and I will also recommend it to my family and friends around me. I look forward to visiting again! Xiao ding very good😁
From£71

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Business travel

9.1/10Good5200 Reviews
People's Square Shanghai|0.9km from city centre
Stayed for 7 days in the Family room in Dec 2025. Overall it was a comfortable stay although the hard product was old. Room was spacious with one king bed (good for 1 adult and 2 small sized kids) and a single rollaway bed (good for 1 adult). It came with a free mini bar (1 round) and we could get bottled water from housekeeping or from the hotel lobby. There was a stench in the toilet (suspected backflow of air from the sewer) which housekeeping attempted to solve by covering the drains using tissue paper. Hotel location was good, situated along the shopping street and subway. It is also within walking distance from the bund. Hotel service was relatively lacking. No attempt was made to assist me with my 4 big luggage at the lobby during arrival and departure. Would recommend the hotel for less fussy travellers who value convenience over services.
From£67
9.3/10Very Good4364 Reviews
Jing'an District Shanghai|2.6km from city centre
Although the room was small, it was very well-appointed. From the window, I could see iconic landmarks like Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl, and Jing'an Temple was right in front of me. The service was standard and reliable, always responsive to requests. Breakfast had limited options but was exquisite. The in-room dining service was very convenient. The wonton noodles I ordered the first time were exceptionally delicious, so I ordered them again today for lunch, but the taste and texture were significantly different, and I'm not sure why. The cuisine at the second-floor restaurant, Yuanyuan, was good and reasonably priced. The service there wasn't overly enthusiastic but was very thorough.
From£79
9.5/10Outstanding4572 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area Shanghai|0.97km from city centre
Review: The Langham Shanghai — Still Well-Located, But No Longer the Same The Langham Shanghai has long been one of my preferred hotels, especially before the pandemic. After many stays, I’ve come to expect a certain standard of hospitality, consistency, and refinement. This recent visit, however, showed a noticeable decline across several areas. Service Overall service from the staff was acceptable. Front-line employees remained polite and tried their best. However, the manager on duty—a Caucasian manager—felt out of touch with Asian hospitality norms. His attitude came off as dismissive and rude, which immediately set the wrong tone. The contrast between the staff’s warmth and his behavior was striking. Breakfast Buffet The most significant drop was in the breakfast buffet. Quality has slipped in a way that’s hard to ignore: food didn’t taste as fresh, dishes weren’t as well prepared, and the overall selection felt uninspired compared to previous years. At this point, it’s honestly better to go out for breakfast. Room & Housekeeping Room cleanliness was fine, but small inconsistencies added up. Turn-down service was missed on some nights. When I requested water refill, the staff who arrived seemed confused about why she had been sent up, leading to an awkward exchange. These are small moments, but in a five-star hotel, they highlight cracks in training and coordination. Overall Impression The Langham Shanghai still has one unbeatable strength: location. But nearly everything else has declined—food, consistency, management attitude, and attention to detail. After years of loyalty, I’m now considering switching to a different hotel for future trips. The experience simply didn’t match the standards I’ve known and trusted from The Langham brand. A disappointing stay from a once-reliable favorite.
From£134
9.5/10Outstanding6537 Reviews
People's Square Shanghai|1.13km from city centre
A very clean hotel at a strategic location, and great view from the corridor. It’s around 100m walk from Exit No. 1 of the metro station (Exit No. 2 is wheelchair accessible). Self-service bottled water is available right outside the lift. Amenities (e.g. toiletries and disposable slippers) are provided on a daily basis. Robot will deliver your food delivery order to the room, although it may take more time during peak hours. There is a rack at the entrance (24hrs CCTV in operation) to collect parcel on behalf of customers, but it could be difficult to find your parcel sometimes because there are lots of parcels delivered everyday. All staffs are friendly and welcoming. In overall, this is a very pleasant stay.
From£49
9.2/10Very Good2837 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|2.48km from city centre
Just a few quick points: Firstly, the hotel's location is truly excellent, right on the Bund, directly facing the Oriental Pearl Tower. The views are superb! Secondly, before check-in, a hotel staff member, Ms. Anna, contacted us by phone. She patiently discussed our preferred room type, making the entire check-in process smooth, quick, and satisfactory. We ended up being upgraded to a Bund and Pearl Tower dual-view room, directly facing the Bund and with a side view of the Pearl Tower – visually stunning! However, unfortunately, foggy weather spoiled such a beautiful view! (A tip: If the weather is this bad, there's really no need to pay extra for an upgraded room like this; you can get better photos simply by going to the Bund itself.) Thirdly, during the upgrade, the front desk informed us that breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner were included, and we just needed to provide our room number to enter. However, there was no need to provide it; we could just walk straight in. This was strange 🤔. Does every room booking include these? Because from start to finish, we never had to give our room number to enter! Fourthly, regarding the hardware, it's well-maintained, and the environment is very clean and comfortable, but it is old. Fifthly, for the software, the white room curtains completely reflected in the floor-to-ceiling windows, affecting photo quality. Sixthly, the bathroom: no shower cap, no amenity kit, no disposable toilet seat covers, and there was a bathtub but no bathtub liner 😣😩! Finally, the air conditioning – surprisingly, there was no cool air mode, only fan-only. The air circulation in the hotel room was really poor; I hope this can be improved! Overall, the value for money was quite good, and the restaurant food was delicious! Lastly, a big thank you to the thoughtful and lovely Ms. Anna, who even gave us a little bear 😊.
From£109
9.4/10Outstanding7480 Reviews
Dapuqiao Area Shanghai|2.92km from city centre
Loved the service here and attention to detail. Staff were all so friendly and made us so welcome. Really outstanding! From the time we stepped out the car, all the staff made us feel so welcome. The concierge even helped me to book a late night snack on ******* then paid for it on his app when mine wouldn’t work. Really superb service! Location was great too. Short walk of maybe 8 minutes to the Dapuqiao (Line 9) station inside the Sun Moon shopping centre with lots of eateries. Very near to Tianzifang which is 15 minutes walk. Great specialty coffee cafe called Danro Coffee within 10 minutes walk. And within 5km to many major sights in Shanghai within the Huangpu area.
From£76

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Family friendly

9.2/10Very Good3907 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.27km from city centre
This hotel is just beautiful and welcoming. People standing at the front will rush to help opening the door and unload your luggage from the car. The receptionist was really lovely and helpful and provide all the details in English. Then you will be brought to your room. The room was really lovely. The beds were a bit small for an adult and kids but this is based on foreigners size. The bathroom was not clean properly with stains on the wall, doors and bathtub ( picture attached) but this may be due of the fact that the room was old. There was a mini bar in the room but no price available. The hotel have a heated pool and multiple restaurant on site. The kids love the pool. The hotel is in the middle of all the places that need to be visited. If you go out from the hotel and turn right. You are 10 min walk from Nanjing Road. If you turn left, you are 10 min walk from YuYan Garden. And if you walk in direction of the back of the hotel, you are at the Bund. If you go straight you ll be most likely at people’s square. We had an amazing stay there and we were joined by our daughter’s friend who booked there aswell to make it convenient for the kids to see each other. I highly recommend this hotel for families and friends catch up. Really convenient location, really lovely and helpful staff.
From£105
9.7/10Excellent6455 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.78km from city centre
True to its name, this hotel boasts a rich history. My stay was an incredibly worthwhile experience from every perspective. The booking process was a breeze, with Trip.com providing its usual convenient, fast, and supportive deals. The hotel service was excellent. I arrived before 8 AM due to an early flight to Shanghai, even though check-in isn't until 3 PM. The front desk patiently helped arrange a room for me to check in as early as possible. What’s more, they thoughtfully escorted us to the hotel's spa to change and freshen up. At 10 AM, there was even a detailed historical and cultural tour of the hotel, which was very insightful and historically significant, reflecting our nation's development from weakness to strength. The surrounding transportation is convenient, with easy access to the subway and taxis. Located right by Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund, there are countless beautiful sights to behold. The service attitude was consistently great, making one feel very welcome, especially during this deep winter season. The interior decor and furnishings are a bit traditional, which is understandable given how quickly times change. Overall, it's still worth it, and I highly recommend everyone to experience it.
From£222
9.4/10Outstanding15126 Reviews
Lujiazui Area Shanghai|2.51km from city centre
We were upgraded to a river view room for free, and my little one was thrilled to see the Oriental Pearl Tower right from our window! It's a 10-minute walk to the sightseeing boat pier, and there's a shopping mall downstairs with all sorts of dining and shopping options. A special shout-out for the complimentary extra bed for kids – that was a fantastic touch! The experience was superb. There's also a lovely, quiet riverside promenade perfect for a stroll with beautiful scenery.
From£114
9.6/10Excellent7766 Reviews
People's Square Shanghai|0.7km from city centre
I've lost count how many times I've stayed at Agile 😊 and each time leaves an impression. This visit had a slight disappointment though: the pool 🏊‍♀️ was closed for a month-long renovation, and while there was a notice in the room, it was still a bit of a bummer 😞. However, the breakfast 🍳 for several consecutive days deserves high praise! We had two days of Chinese-style 🥢 and one day of Western-style breakfast, with a wide variety of delicious options that really satisfied our taste buds! Even during the New Year's Day holiday, despite the large number of diners, the restaurant staff actively guided guests and provided warm and thoughtful service! A special thanks again to Cashew (Yao Guo) for her wonderful service! Looking forward to 🥰 my next trip here!
From£105
9.5/10Outstanding10258 Reviews
She Shan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from city centre
Our hotel butler, Bruce, provided exceptional service. He not only arranged a late check-out for us but also brought us some evening snacks! The hotel's 8:30 PM light show is definitely worth seeing! Overall, it's a great hotel and I recommend staying here! The breakfast selection was also quite rich, and the dishes at the Cai Feng Lou Chinese restaurant were delicious!
From£181
9.6/10Excellent4827 Reviews
Lujiazui Area Shanghai|2.69km from city centre
I've never willingly given a hotel a perfect five-star rating, but this one deserves it. The location is absolutely fantastic, right above IFC and surrounded by major shopping malls. It's just a few minutes' walk to the Disney Store, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Bund. Even though it's a 10-year-old hotel, you really have to stay here to understand just how incredibly well-maintained it is. The service is practically on-demand; they respond to almost any request incredibly quickly. While they don't automatically deliver takeout to your room, you can call concierge and they'll bring it up. The hotel breakfast offers a good variety, and everything tastes delicious. 'Variety' is relative, of course – it can't compare to places that specialize solely in breakfast, but it's very good nonetheless. I would absolutely recommend this hotel to any family or friends who need a place to stay in Shanghai.
From£212

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Breakfast

9.4/10Outstanding2617 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from city centre
[”The hotel's location is fantastic, just a 6-7 minute walk to the subway station! The room was clean and bright, and the bedding was incredibly soft, truly like sleeping on a cloud. The front desk staff were so thoughtful, even providing a guide to local eateries. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!”,”The room was even more spacious than the photos indicated. The bathroom had excellent wet/dry separation and was impeccably clean. The breakfast selection was incredibly diverse, and the freshly prepared noodles were especially fragrant and tasty. We had an exceptionally comfortable stay!”]
From£52
9.5/10Outstanding494 Reviews
Hongqiao International Airport Area Shanghai|14.17km from city centre
Erm location abit further from the city area but overall experience is good. But is just that the shower the head dropped off when showering.
From£13
9.2/10Very Good1541 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from city centre
This hotel is perfectly suited to my taste. The lobby is predominantly decorated in black and red, with even the glass panels featuring a red tint. The lobby area is incredibly spacious, boasting many distinct seating zones, which made me feel like I could spend an entire day just lounging there. The hotel is conveniently located right next to a large shopping mall, MixC City, offering a wide array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Plus, it's just a few subway stops from either the train station or the airport. Getting to the hotel from Ziteng Road Metro Station: exit and enter the shopping mall through its main illuminated entrance. For the most straightforward path, *before* you reach the pedestrian street of the metro commercial area, follow the signs to take the elevator up to the second floor. From there, walk through the parking lot between Buildings A and B, and you'll arrive directly at the hotel, with no stairs to navigate. Overall, I feel the hotel's marketing efforts are insufficient. This hidden gem truly deserves to be discovered by more people.
From£25
8.9/103276 Reviews
People's Square Shanghai|0.62km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, making it very convenient for my mom's class reunion. Her classmates, all in their eighties, met up on Nanjing Road, enjoying a quiet spot amidst the bustling city. There are plenty of local eateries and restaurants nearby, so you can easily find food right outside. My mom was very satisfied with her solo trip this time.
From£35
9.7/10Excellent3493 Reviews
She Shan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|26.04km from city centre
During the off-peak May Day holiday, the first choice for an outing to Sheshan is Kaiyuan Mingting! The hotel lobby is spacious and bright, the front desk Xiaoqian is warm and thoughtful, the check-in procedure is efficient and convenient, and the business king room with a large terrace is upgraded for free. The room is clean and comfortable. When I saw the children, I took the initiative to provide children's supplies. There are many plugs in the room, which is very convenient. The network speed is also very fast. It is suitable for business and parents. The hotel is next to Qingpu Sam's Club, which is very convenient for shopping. It takes 20 minutes to drive to Sheshan Forest Park. Overall, the overall experience exceeded expectations, and I will choose here next time!
From£39
9.6/10Excellent660 Reviews
Hongqiao International Airport Area Shanghai|15.59km from city centre
This is our re-visit of the hotel. I don’t know why, but it just felt homey instantly (usually it will take me a night to get used to the room), it’s just comfortable with peaceful ambiance and soft lighting. The breakfast was amazing and it really helped to start our day in a pleasant way! We also had a pleasant interaction with the room-service robot who delivered bottle water to our room twice 😄 You just had to try it!!! too bad I couldn’t hug the robot 😄 I also like the Hotel’s good and combined use of technology and human service. I called from the room to ask for bottle water, and it was answered by a lady who said they will send a Robot to deliver. (In another hotel, I also made a call from the room with a small request, but it was an auto answer where you had to talk to a machine and dial the numbers when prompted, which often ended in frustration). Other than that, just one suggestion, I thought the quality of the toiletries and slippers provided could be better compared to the peer hotels, yea, especially for the slippers, they felt too synthetic compared to the slippers from the other two hotels I stayed at during this travel. Overall, great stay, pleasant experience and will revisit!
From£60

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Gym

9.4/10Outstanding3157 Reviews
Jing'an District Shanghai|2.12km from city centre
This is an older hotel, but the service is excellent. I was especially touched by Ms. Una, who, knowing I had a meeting and might need a late check-out, extended it for me until 4 PM. This allowed me to finish my meeting at 3:30 PM, still have time to shower, and catch my evening flight. I really have to commend her for that. The environment is just okay, but what more can you expect from an older hotel, even the Ritz-Carlton, at 1500 a night? (Note: I voluntarily offered to write a good review for her.)
From£116
9.3/10Very Good16082 Reviews
Lujiazui Area Shanghai|3.12km from city centre
Great location: Right downstairs, you'll find all the popular photo spots and a stunning night view, with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Huangpu River visible. There are also many subway lines right below, making transportation incredibly convenient and accessible to all corners of the city. Plus, a variety of shopping malls downstairs cater to every need. Excellent service: The staff are very accommodating and responsive to guests' requests. Delicious food: There are two dining areas, Chinese and Western, offering a wide selection of high-quality dishes. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and Huangpu River while dining. Spotlessly clean: The room was clean, odor-free, and immaculately maintained with no neglected corners. Overall, a 5-star experience. I'll definitely be staying here again.
From£129
9.3/10Very Good4303 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.58km from city centre
The hotel is ideally located on the Shanghai Bund, offering excellent proximity to famous landmarks and stunning scenery. It's just a short walk to places like Waibaidu Bridge and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Bund and the 'Pudong Three-Piece Suit' (referring to the three iconic skyscrapers) from their windows, a truly breathtaking sight. Whether it's day or night, the hotel's prime location makes exploring and admiring Shanghai's beauty incredibly easy and convenient. The service quality is generally highly praised, with special recognition for the exclusive concierges, Coco, Kaly, and Eva, who are exceptional, professional, and enthusiastic.
From£209
9.4/10Outstanding10245 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.52km from city centre
The room was quite spacious and nice, and the location is great, close to Shanghai Station and the Natural History Museum! However, the shower had a musty smell, and upon closer inspection, the bathtub area was completely moldy. For someone with allergic rhinitis or mold allergies, this is extremely unpleasant! The air conditioner in the room was also very loud. The overall hotel service was just so-so. Breakfast was pretty ordinary; when I went to eat, many tables hadn't been cleared, and I had to call a staff member to come and clean them. For such a large hotel, this really shouldn't be the case!
From£86
9.3/10Very Good4375 Reviews
Hongqiao District Shanghai|7.13km from city centre
I communicated with our account manager, Angela, in advance, and she arranged a room that satisfied our client. The client really liked the hotel. Since it's often fully booked, we placed our order on Trip.com a month in advance. There are many restaurants around the hotel, and it's very close to Hongqiao Airport, about a 20-minute drive. Right across the street is a large park, offering great views. Most importantly, the rooms are clean, and the hotel staff provide excellent service, especially Angela. We will definitely choose this hotel again.
From£54
9.5/10Outstanding8912 Reviews
Lujiazui Area Shanghai|4.74km from city centre
As expected from a Jinling-affiliated hotel, the management and service are top-notch. It's an established five-star hotel with a rich heritage. Since we had a child with us, the hotel pleasantly surprised us with a welcome fruit platter and a plush pony toy. They also thoughtfully prepared kid-sized slippers, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, along with disposable bathtub and toilet covers. The bathtub setup was excellent; you could soak and watch TV, which kept our little one thoroughly entertained. We originally planned to go out, but the hotel itself was so much fun that our child didn't even want to leave. The hotel's biggest highlight is undoubtedly its fantastic food, from afternoon tea to dinner, and even the complimentary late-night porridge. During our one-day stay, we ended up eating five meals (plus breakfast and lunch the next day). Our child gave the hotel's dining a very high rating. The prices are reasonable, and the food is delicious, making it incredibly good value for money.
From£45

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3 Disadvantages of Shanghai, China eSIM

1. Limited device support
To use an eSIM, your phone or tablet must support it. Many new models do, but older or budget devices may not. You will need to check if your device works with eSIM, which can be a bit of trouble. If you need to buy a new device, that adds extra cost.

2. Not usable on multiple devices
A normal SIM card can be moved easily between phones, but eSIMs are built into one device. This means you cannot quickly switch it to another phone or tablet. For people using more than one device while travelling in China, this can be inconvenient.

3. No local phone number
Most eSIM data plans do not include a phone number, or you may have to pay extra for one. This can be a problem when making local calls, such as booking a restaurant or contacting your hotel. Regular SIM cards usually include both data and a phone number, which is more practical for some travellers.

Trip.com Shanghai eSIM Verified Traveller Reviews

4.7/5
13382 reviews
5/5
eSIMs are easy to buy and quick to use; however, the network may not work on higher floors of buildings.
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5/5
Fast. Convenient. We got a 2GB per day package for two. It was enough for us; we used the data wisely (social media, maps, orders). Everything was great in Shanghai, but in Beijing, in the city center, there were spots where the internet speed dropped noticeably. The network worked even on the high-speed train. The price is simply incredible. For this price, I recommend getting a package for each person, not just for two. For example, in their shopping malls, it's practically impossible to connect to their Wi-Fi with a Russian number. So we could only use Wi-Fi at the hotel. The eSIM was a great help. I highly recommend it. We didn't see anything cheaper than 100 yuan for the minimum package locally.
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5/5
Great way to get internet as a tourist while in China. Access to all international services and apps was not a problem. The speed was great and the limit is also generous. Make sure you turn on Roaming
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4/5
Excellent communication, fast registration and connection
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5/5
So good and save money👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
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Shanghai eSIM FAQs

Does an eSIM work in Shanghai?
Yes, an eSIM works in Shanghai as long as you download the plan before your arrival and your phone is unlocked for international use.

Can foreigners use eSIMs in China?
Yes, foreigners can use eSIMs in China with compatible devices and valid travel plans; just ensure the provider supports activation for international users.

Which eSIM is best in Shanghai, China?
The best eSIM depends on your needs, but look for a provider offering strong network coverage in Shanghai, zero hassle activation and good value data plans.

> > Get the best eSIM for Shanghai with Trip.com and stay connected instantly.

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