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A Shanghai eSIM from HelloRoam starts at ₹318.84 across 199+ carrier networks in 185+ countries. Scan a QR code to activate in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible mobile. Keep your Jio, Airtel, or Vi number active. 180-day refund cover on unactivated eSIMs and 24/7 live support.
199+
carrier networks
5G
5G support
under 2 minutes
QR activation
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Your eSIM Shanghai Bund to Pudong China data
Affordable eSIM for Shanghai, starting from ₹318.84. Local 4G LTE and 5G data on top carrier networks in Shanghai. Works on all eSIM compatible phones including OnePlus, Samsung, and iPhone. eSIMs Shanghai plans from HelloRoam run on China Unicom 5G networks from ₹318.84. Indian travellers activate via QR code from Delhi or Mumbai before departure. No physical SIM card is needed on arrival. Data is live from landing with transparent pricing and no hidden charges.
Shanghai eSIM with fast 5G coverage
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and a growing destination for Indian business travellers and tourists. Flights connect from India via Singapore or Hong Kong to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA). China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom run 5G across Shanghai. Note: Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps require a VPN in China. Plans start at ₹318.84.
- Plans start at ₹318.84 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from China Unicom and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Shanghai coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- ₹318.84
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Shanghai
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase online.
Scan the QR code from your confirmation email to install your eSIM.
Your eSIM installs in minutes and activates on arrival at your destination.
Monitor data usage, top up when needed, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase online.
Scan the QR code from your confirmation email to install your eSIM.
Your eSIM installs in minutes and activates on arrival at your destination.
Monitor data usage, top up when needed, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Trip changed? No worries, we have got you covered!
Plans can change, and that is perfectly fine. With HelloRoam, you can request a full refund for an unactivated eSIM within 180 days of purchase. Activated plans are refunded for the unused portion.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Shanghai eSIM vs Jio, Airtel and Vi Roaming
When you compare a Shanghai eSIM against a travel SIM card or carrier roaming pack, HelloRoam delivers better value. Jio international roaming costs ₹575 per day. Airtel World Roaming costs ₹596 per day. Vi’s ₹2,999 pack covers just 24 days in select countries. For Indian travellers looking for the most affordable eSIM option, HelloRoam plans start from ₹318.84 with a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs, zero activation fees, and no hidden charges. No airport SIM counter. No carrier contract.
| Feature |  | Jio / Airtel roaming | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  |  | |
| 24/7 live chat support | |  | |
| Zero activation fees | | | |
| Keep your Jio or Airtel number active (dual SIM) | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery by email | | | |
| Premium Shanghai carrier networks | | | |
Why Indian Travellers Choose HelloRoam for Mobile Data in Shanghai
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Shanghai
Indian travellers searching for the best eSIM for Shanghai consistently rate HelloRoam for its industry-leading refund policy, zero activation fees, and 24/7 WhatsApp support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other providers on the features that matter most when travelling abroad from India.
| Feature comparison | | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | | | | | | |
| 24/7 live chat support | | | | | | |
| ₹0 activation fees | | | | | | |
| Keep your Jio or Airtel number active (dual SIM) | | | | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery | | | | | | |
| Premium Shanghai carrier networks | | | | | | |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | | | | | | |
What Is an eSIM? How a Travel eSIM Works in Shanghai
An eSIM card is a digital SIM built directly into your mobile phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to open. Scan a QR code to activate your eSIM in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid mobile data plan for Shanghai travel with no airport SIM counter queue, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Keep your Jio, Airtel, or Vi number active in dual SIM mode while HelloRoam handles your international data. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight from Delhi IGI or Mumbai CSIA. guide
Shanghai eSIM coverage guide for Indian travellers
Shanghai has near-perfect 5G and 4G LTE coverage throughout. Pudong Airport, The Bund, Nanjing Road, French Concession, and all major areas are well covered. Key reminder: install a VPN before arriving to access WhatsApp, Google, and social media.
- HelloRoam connects to China Unicom 5G, China Telecom 4G in Shanghai
- 5G and 4G LTE across all Shanghai districts with near-perfect coverage
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) fully covered
- IMPORTANT: Install a VPN before arrival for WhatsApp and Google access
eSIM Travel Tips for Shanghai
Install a VPN before flying to Shanghai
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in China by the Great Firewall. Install a reputable VPN app on your phone in India before your flight. VPN websites are also blocked in China, so you cannot download one after arrival.
Indian passport holders need a Chinese visa for Shanghai
Indian passport holders require a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). Apply at the CVASC in India. You need a confirmed itinerary, hotel bookings, and bank statements. Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival
Cash and mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay international) are the primary payment methods in Shanghai. Most restaurants and shops do not accept foreign cards. Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to the Alipay International app before arriving.
The Maglev train from Pudong Airport is a unique experience
The Shanghai Maglev runs at 430 km/h from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Metro station, taking just 7 minutes. Buy tickets at the airport. Your HelloRoam eSIM provides data for maps and hotel navigation from Longyang Road onward.
Explore the French Concession on foot
Shanghai's French Concession (Fengxian Road, Xintiandi) has beautiful tree-lined streets, boutique cafes, and art galleries. It is very walkable with strong 4G coverage throughout. Use your HelloRoam eSIM with a VPN for Instagram-worthy recommendations via Google Maps.
Shanghai mobile network coverage for Indian travellers
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all provide 5G and 4G LTE across Shanghai. Coverage is near-perfect in The Bund, Pudong financial district, Nanjing Road, French Concession, Xintiandi, and at Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA). The Shanghai Metro has 4G throughout. Note: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram require a VPN.
- China Unicom
- 5G
- China Telecom
- 4G
Shanghai eSIM vs local China SIM vs Jio/Airtel roaming
Data options for Indian travellers visiting Shanghai.
RecommendedFrom ₹318.84 total
Plans start at ₹318.84. Buy before your flight. Land at PVG already connected. Install a VPN before arrival to access WhatsApp and Google.
₹475.87–₹2,379.37 total
Local SIMs require passport registration and the same internet restrictions apply. Tourist SIMs at PVG cost CNY 50 to 200 (roughly ₹580 to ₹2,300).
₹475.87–₹1,427.62/day
Jio international roaming for China starts around ₹575 for 1 GB over 3 days. A 10-day Shanghai trip can cost ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 in roaming charges.
| Category | Recommended | Local Chinese SIM (China Mobile) | Jio/Airtel/Vi international roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From ₹318.84 total | ₹475.87–₹2,379.37 total | ₹475.87–₹1,427.62/day |
| Details | Plans start at ₹318.84. Buy before your flight. Land at PVG already connected. Install a VPN before arrival to access WhatsApp and Google. | Local SIMs require passport registration and the same internet restrictions apply. Tourist SIMs at PVG cost CNY 50 to 200 (roughly ₹580 to ₹2,300). | Jio international roaming for China starts around ₹575 for 1 GB over 3 days. A 10-day Shanghai trip can cost ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 in roaming charges. |
Best time to visit Shanghai from India
March through May and September through November are the best months with mild temperatures of 15C to 22C. Cherry blossoms appear in late March. Summer (June to August) is hot (28C to 35C) and humid with possible typhoons in August. Winter (December to February) is cool to cold (3C to 10C) with lower prices. The Chinese New Year (January or February) shuts down many businesses but is a spectacular cultural experience.
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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Shanghai eSIM Questions Answered
HelloRoam e SIM Shanghai plans start at ₹318.84 on China Unicom 5G networks. Activate via QR code before departure from India. No physical SIM card is needed and no Airtel or Jio roaming charges apply.
An e-sim Shanghai plan from HelloRoam delivers 5G data on China Unicom networks from ₹318.84. QR code activation takes minutes from India. No hidden charges and no contract on any purchase.
HelloRoam is a top-rated eSIM for Shanghai for travellers departing from India. Plans start from ₹318.84, which is far below Jio international roaming at ₹575 per day or Airtel World Roaming at ₹596 per day. Before your flight from Delhi IGI (IGIA), Mumbai CSIA (BOM), Bengaluru Kempegowda (BLR), Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi (HYD), Chennai (MAA), or Kochi (COK) airport, scan a QR code in your phone settings and the eSIM is ready the moment you land. You get local 4G/5G speeds, a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs, and 24/7 WhatsApp support. No carrier contract, no hidden charges, no bill shock.
eSIM plans for Shanghai start from ₹318.84. Compare that with Jio international roaming at ₹575 per day, Airtel World Roaming at ₹596 per day, or Vi's ₹2,999 pack for just 24 days in select countries. For a 7-day trip, Jio roaming costs around ₹4,025 and Airtel costs around ₹4,172. A HelloRoam plan for the same trip typically costs a fraction of that, with no daily billing and no BSNL international rates either. Pay by UPI, Google Pay, debit card, or credit card.
eSIM in Shanghai connects to local 4G/5G carrier networks. Your phone selects the strongest available signal automatically on arrival, the same way a local resident's phone does. Coverage spans major cities, airports, highways, and popular tourist areas. No manual APN setup required. HelloRoam partners with hundreds of carrier networks across 185+ countries. For travellers used to Jio or Airtel coverage in India, the local network speeds in Shanghai are often comparable or better in urban areas.
Getting a Shanghai eSIM before your flight from India takes three steps. First, visit helloroam.com, search Shanghai, pick a plan, and pay by UPI, Google Pay, or card. Second, open your confirmation email and scan the QR code in your phone settings under Add eSIM. Third, your eSIM installs in under 2 minutes and activates automatically when you land. No airport kiosk, no SIM counter at Delhi IGI or Mumbai CSIA, no waiting in a queue after a long flight.
Yes. iPhone XS and all newer models work with eSIM in Shanghai. Go to Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email. Your Jio or Airtel number stays active through dual SIM while HelloRoam handles your travel data in Shanghai. No carrier unlocking is needed for iPhones purchased directly from Apple in India. For iPhones bought on a carrier plan, do check with Jio or Airtel for unlock eligibility.
A HelloRoam China eSIM provides data in Shanghai on China Mobile and China Unicom 5G networks. Install a VPN before arriving to access WhatsApp and Google. Plans start at ₹318.84. HelloRoam eSIM for Shanghai connects to China Mobile / China Unicom with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from ₹318.84. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
WhatsApp is blocked in China without a VPN. Install a reputable VPN app on your phone before flying to Shanghai. With an active VPN, WhatsApp works over your HelloRoam eSIM data throughout Shanghai. HelloRoam eSIM for Shanghai connects to China Mobile / China Unicom with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from ₹318.84. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Yes. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has 5G throughout all terminals. Your HelloRoam eSIM activates on landing. Use your pre-installed VPN to access WhatsApp and Google Maps from arrivals. The airport has full 5G coverage across all terminals. Activate your data in Settings when you land and HelloRoam connects automatically to China Mobile / China Unicom. No queue, no SIM counter: you are online within seconds of landing.
Yes. The Shanghai Metro has 4G and 5G at all stations and in most underground sections. Coverage is excellent for navigation (with VPN) and local apps throughout your Metro journeys. Major stations have 4G coverage for navigation and messaging. In deep tunnel sections between stations the signal may drop briefly. Download offline maps before entering the metro as a backup so you have navigation even without a connection.
Yes. The Bund waterfront and Pudong skyline viewing areas have excellent 5G and 4G outdoor coverage. Signal is strong for photos and navigation throughout the riverside promenade. Outdoor areas and main tourist zones have strong 5G signal from China Mobile / China Unicom. Large indoor venues or underground spaces may have slightly weaker coverage. HelloRoam eSIM automatically connects to the strongest available signal.
Ten days in Shanghai using a VPN for WhatsApp, Google Maps, and social media typically uses 6 to 12 GB. VPN usage adds overhead. Choose a 10 GB or 20 GB plan. 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 your remaining data balance in real time.
Yes. Shanghai has a small number of Indian restaurants in the Jing'an and Julu Road areas, frequented by the expatriate community. Use your VPN and Google Maps to find Indian food options. HelloRoam eSIM for Shanghai connects to China Mobile / China Unicom with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from ₹318.84. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
The Chinese yuan (CNY) is roughly ₹11.50 to ₹12.00 per yuan. So CNY 100 is approximately ₹1,150 to ₹1,200. HelloRoam eSIM for Shanghai connects to China Mobile / China Unicom with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from ₹318.84. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
