HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for Shanghai from CA$4.86 and covers 185+ countries worldwide. Your eSIM connects to local 5G networks the moment you land, ready to go. Set it up in under two minutes with a QR code before you fly. Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number active on your primary SIM while your eSIM handles data.
- carrier networks
212+- network type
5G- to activate
under 2 minutes
Last updated
Shanghai eSIM data on local carrier networks for Canadians
Great-value eSIM for Shanghai, starting from CA$4.86. 5G data on local partner networks in Shanghai. Works on any carrier-unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. Canadians visiting Shanghai can skip airport SIM kiosks entirely. HelloRoam offers a eSIM for Shanghai plan starting at CA$4.86 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks. Activate by QR at home before your flight and land ready to navigate. No physical card, no contract, and no roaming fees from Bell or Rogers.
Shanghai eSIM with 5G coverage
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and a top destination for Canadians visiting Asia. HelloRoam Shanghai eSIM plans provide data connectivity via available networks. Note that many Western apps are blocked in mainland China. Plans start at CA$4.86.
- Plans start at CA$4.86 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from China Unicom and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs
- Shanghai coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- CA$4.86
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Refund
- 180 days if unactivated
How to Set Up an eSIM in Shanghai
Follow these steps to set up your eSIM on iPhone or Android. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no store visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with HelloRoam
Set up an eSIM on your Android with HelloRoam
- 1
Choose your plan and check out
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete checkout in the HelloRoam app or on the website.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code from your confirmation email to install your eSIM right away.
- 3
Ready to use on arrival
Your eSIM installs in minutes and activates the moment you land at your destination.
4Manage from the app
View usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs from the HelloRoam app.
Plans changed? No worries, we've got you covered.
Plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, an eSIM that was never activated or scanned and used no data qualifies for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. No hassle.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Shanghai eSIM vs a travel SIM card or Bell, Rogers and Telus roaming
Comparing an eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Shanghai? The eSIM skips the airport SIM shop. Rogers Roam Like Home, Bell Roam Better, and Telus Easy Roam add a fee for every day you roam. HelloRoam sells a prepaid eSIM for Shanghai from CA$4.86, with a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
Why Canadian Travellers Choose an e SIM for Shanghai
24/7 live chat support
Need help at 2 AM in Tokyo or midnight in Cancun? HelloRoam support is available 24/7. Message us by live chat, WhatsApp, or email at help@helloroam.com. Mobile data problems don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Best Travel eSIM for Shanghai
Get data at 5G speeds the moment you land in Shanghai. Skip roaming fees from Bell, Rogers, and Telus. HelloRoam connects you to local carrier networks in minutes, whether you're on holiday or working. Your connection starts before you clear customs.
Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number
Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs as a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone, so you never miss a call from home while travelling. Your cellular coverage for internet abroad runs on a separate line, so both SIMs work at the same time.
212+ carrier networks worldwide, connected in Shanghai
HelloRoam eSIMs connect to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone joins a local partner 5G network automatically, with no manual carrier selection needed. Speeds depend on the local network.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low on a fixed plan, so you can top up or buy a new plan in time. If your plan supports top-ups, add data from the app before it expires, with no need to reinstall your eSIM or visit a store. Adding a new prepaid data package takes under a minute from your account dashboard.
Local 5G speeds
Your Shanghai eSIM connects to local 5G networks. Your phone joins a local HelloRoam partner network for navigation, streaming, and video calls. Speeds depend on the local network and your location. Local data makes a real difference when you're finding your way around a new city or video calling family back home.
Regional and global eSIM plans
Travelling to multiple countries? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover many countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and more in one purchase. Fixed data plans in every destination, and unlimited plans in most. One account, no SIM swaps. A single international data plan with cross-border wireless connectivity saves you the hassle of buying a new prepaid data package at every border.
Free hotspot and data sharing in Shanghai
Share your Shanghai eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your cell phone's built-in hotspot. No extra fees, no setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Turning your phone into a mobile Wi-Fi hub means everyone on your trip gets internet abroad from the same prepaid data package.
Best eSIM Prices for Shanghai
HelloRoam, the best eSIM Shanghai. Compare plans and save versus Rogers, Bell, and Telus roaming.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | CA$4.86 |
| 3 days | CA$13.87 |
| 7 days | CA$29.97 |
| 15 days | CA$58.37 |
| 22 days | CA$79.18 |
| 30 days | CA$99.22 |
HelloRoam vs Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Other eSIM Providers for Shanghai
See how HelloRoam compares with Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, and Ubigi for your trip. The table covers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, data overage charges, and instant QR code delivery.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |  Feature available |  Feature not available |  Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
What Is an eSIM? How eSIM Works in Shanghai
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your cell phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to deal with. Scan a QR code to activate your eSIM in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid data plan for Shanghai travel with no airport SIM shop, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Canadians travelling from Pearson or Vancouver International can set everything up before their flight and arrive connected. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get started. setup guide
Shanghai eSIM Connectivity Guide for Canadians
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all deploy 5G across Shanghai including the Bund, Pudong, Xintiandi, French Concession, and Pudong International Airport.
Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are blocked on Wi-Fi and Chinese SIM cards in mainland China, but they open on your HelloRoam data without a VPN. Download Baidu Maps or Amap as a backup before you fly, and add a VPN if you plan to use hotel or café Wi-Fi.
- HelloRoam connects to China Unicom 5G, China Telecom 5G in Shanghai
- 5G on China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom across Shanghai and Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Plans from CA$4.86 with QR activation before your flight
eSIM Travel Tips for Shanghai
Activate your eSIM before you travel
Install your HelloRoam eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. When you land at PVG, data connects immediately.
Download offline maps before flying
Save an offline Google Maps area for Shanghai before your flight.
Check travel.gc.ca for entry requirements
Visit the Canadian government travel advisory site for the latest entry requirements for China.
Set up your travel apps at home
Download airline apps, accommodation apps, and local transit apps before flying.
Save your QR code offline
Save your HelloRoam eSIM QR code to your Photos app before flying.
Best Time for Canadians to Visit Shanghai
March to May and September to November offer the best Shanghai weather with temperatures of 15C to 25C. June to August is hot (32C to 36C) and humid. December to February is cold (0C to 10C) with the lowest hotel prices.
Top Attractions in Shanghai
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road in Shanghai is one of the world's busiest shopping streets at 5.5 km long. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Walk the pedestrian section at night when the neon signs are brightest.
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China at 632 meters with a twisting glass design. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Book the 118th floor observation deck for views above the clouds.
The Bund
The Bund is Shanghai's famous waterfront with colonial-era bank buildings along the river. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Walk the Bund at night for the best views of Pudong's lit skyline.
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Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Last updated
Shanghai eSIM Questions Answered
How much does an eSIM in Shanghai cost?
An eSIM in Shanghai from HelloRoam starts at CA$4.86 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks covering the Bund, French Concession, and Pudong Airport. HelloRoam delivers the QR before departure. No contract on any plan.
What is the best eSIMs Shanghai?
An eSIMs Shanghai from HelloRoam covers all major areas in Shanghai on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks from CA$4.86. HelloRoam activates by QR before your trip with no physical card needed. Fully prepaid with a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
What is the best eSIM for Shanghai for Canadians?
HelloRoam is the best eSIM for Shanghai for travellers departing from Toronto Pearson YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Montreal YUL, Calgary YYC, or Ottawa YOW, with plans from CA$4.86 on 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. You connect to local 5G partner networks, and speeds depend on the local network. You also get a refund within 180 days on eSIMs you never activate, and 24/7 live chat support in your own language. Bell Roam Better costs CAD 13 a day in the US and CAD 16 a day elsewhere, plus taxes. Rogers Roam Like Home costs CAD 16 a day in the US and CAD 18 a day elsewhere, plus taxes. HelloRoam costs far less for most trips. For travellers who want real savings on mobile data, it is the practical choice over a carrier roaming plan.
How much does a Shanghai eSIM cost compared to Bell or Rogers roaming?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for Shanghai start from CA$4.86 as a one-time prepaid purchase. Bell Roam Better costs CAD 13 a day in the US and CAD 16 a day internationally. Rogers Roam Like Home costs CAD 16 a day in the US and CAD 18 a day elsewhere. Telus Easy Roam costs CAD 16 a day in the US and CAD 18 a day internationally. All three add taxes on top. Ten days on Bell Roam Better in the US adds CAD 130, plus taxes, to your monthly bill. HelloRoam fixed plans have no daily billing cycle and no overage fees. When you compare a prepaid data package from HelloRoam against a daily carrier roaming plan, the savings on a two-week trip are significant.
Which networks does HelloRoam eSIM connect to in Shanghai?
HelloRoam eSIM in Shanghai connects to local 5G partner networks. Your phone picks a partner network automatically when you arrive. Coverage depends on the local network: major cities, airports, and highways usually have service, while rural or remote areas may have limited coverage. HelloRoam partners with 212+ carrier networks globally. You use a local network without paying Bell, Rogers, or Telus daily roaming rates, and speeds depend on that network. That gives you mobile data for maps, messaging, and streaming throughout your trip.
How do I set up a HelloRoam eSIM before leaving a Canadian airport?
Setting up your HelloRoam eSIM before departure takes three steps. First, choose your plan at helloroam.com or in the app and complete checkout. Second, scan the QR code from your confirmation email in Settings under Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. Third, your eSIM installs in under 2 minutes. Buy and install at home or at Toronto Pearson YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Montreal YUL, Calgary YYC, or Ottawa YOW using the free airport Wi-Fi before your flight boards.
Does my iPhone work with a Shanghai eSIM if I am on Bell, Rogers, or Telus?
iPhone XS and all newer models work with HelloRoam eSIM in Shanghai as long as your device is carrier-unlocked. iPhones purchased directly from Apple are unlocked by default. To confirm, check Settings under General, then About, then Carrier Lock. Once confirmed, scan the QR code in Settings under Cellular, then Add eSIM, and your Canadian number stays active on dual SIM while HelloRoam handles travel data.
Which networks does the HelloRoam Shanghai eSIM use?
HelloRoam Shanghai plans run on China Unicom and China Telecom. 5G coverage spans Shanghai and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. China Mobile and China Unicom are among the strongest 5G providers in the area, covering tourist attractions, airports, and city centers. Coverage and speed depend on the local network where you are.
Does the eSIM work at Shanghai Pudong International Airport?
Yes. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has full 5G coverage. Enable Data Roaming after landing and your HelloRoam eSIM connects immediately. The airport has full 5G coverage across all terminals. Activate your data in Settings when you land and HelloRoam connects automatically to China Unicom or China Telecom. No queue, no SIM counter: you are online within seconds of landing.
How much does Canadian carrier roaming cost in Shanghai?
Bell, Rogers, and Telus all charge a daily fee to roam in China. An eSIM plan covers the full stay for far less. Plans start from CA$4.86 depending on data size and duration. Compared with roaming charges from home carriers, a HelloRoam plan costs significantly less for a typical trip to Shanghai. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges on your home bill.
Does the eSIM cover all of China?
Yes. A HelloRoam China eSIM works across mainland China wherever China Unicom or China Telecom has coverage. HelloRoam eSIM for Shanghai connects to China Unicom or China Telecom with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from CA$4.86. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
How do I activate my Shanghai eSIM?
Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email in Settings then Mobile Data at home. After landing at PVG, enable Data Roaming. Your data starts automatically. The setup takes about five minutes. Buy your plan at helloroam.com, scan the QR code under Settings, then Mobile Data, then Add eSIM. Do this before you leave home using Wi-Fi. When you land in Shanghai, enable mobile data and the plan activates immediately on China Mobile / China Unicom.
How much data do I need for a week in Shanghai?
Maps, messaging, social media, and streaming use about 2 to 5 GB per week. Video calls and heavier streaming push to 6 to 10 GB. For a week of typical travel (Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp messages, and social media) you need 3 to 5 GB. If you stream video or make video calls daily, choose a 8 to 10 GB plan. The HelloRoam app shows how much data you've used, but the figure can be up to 3 hours behind.
Does the Shanghai eSIM include calls?
HelloRoam plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls. Emergency calls work on any local network. HelloRoam eSIM plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Viber for calls over your data connection. Keep your home SIM active for voice calls if needed. Emergency calls work on any network even without an active data plan.
Does HelloRoam Shanghai eSIM support tethering?
Yes. Personal hotspot is included. Share your connection with a laptop from a café or hotel room. HelloRoam eSIM for Shanghai connects to China Unicom or China Telecom with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from CA$4.86. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
