Network coverage in Shanghai
China Mobile's 4G and 5G network reaches across Shanghai's 16 districts, including the metro system and both Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). PVG in particular is a major international gateway — it connects to the city via Metro Line 2, the Maglev high-speed train, and airport buses, and carries mobile coverage throughout its terminal and satellite-hall complex. Speeds are strongest in the central districts (Huangpu, Jing'an, Xuhui, Changning) and remain reliable further out, though 5G density is naturally higher near the city center. Note: Hongqiao (SHA) handles mostly domestic and regional flights, with only limited international routes — if you're arriving internationally, PVG is the more likely entry point and has better SIM/eSIM availability on arrival.
Getting connected: your options
There are four practical ways to get a working Chinese number or data connection in Shanghai. Which one fits depends mostly on trip length.
eSIM before you arrive
Set up before you fly and you're connected the moment you land — no queue, no passport paperwork on arrival. Best for trips under a few weeks.
Compare eSIM plansPhysical SIM card, in person
Cheaper per GB for longer stays, and gives you a real Chinese phone number. Requires passport registration at a hall or authorized retailer.
See physical SIM optionsAirport kiosk SIM
Carrier kiosks in the arrivals halls at PVG sell prepaid SIMs on the spot with your passport — look for counters in the arrival hall itself and near the baggage belts, staffed by China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom. Hongqiao's kiosk options are more limited since it's primarily a domestic airport. Opening hours can vary by counter and season, so don't count on a specific late-night window without checking closer to your travel date. Note: airport counters sell physical SIM cards only — set up an eSIM before you fly if that's your preference, since it's generally not an on-the-spot airport option.
MiFi / hotspot rental
One rented hotspot can cover several devices at once — useful for families or small groups traveling together.
See rental optionsPlans & top-up
Pricing below is sourced directly from Holafly's China eSIM page — unlimited data, CMCC network, includes a 1GB/month "Always On" backup allowance. Physical SIM pricing is sourced from airport counter listings.
| Plan type | Typical data | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-day eSIM (unlimited) | Unlimited + 1GB/mo backup | US$27.50 | Short trips |
| 15-day eSIM (unlimited) | Unlimited + 1GB/mo backup | US$50.50 | Two-week trips |
| 30-day physical SIM (airport) | 20–30GB + 80–200 min | ~¥150–200 (~US$20–27) | Extended stays, real Chinese number |
| 60-day physical SIM (airport) | 100GB + 700 min | ~¥500 (~US$68) | Long-term visitors |
Holafly also offers 3-day (US$11.90), 5-day (US$20.50), 10-day (US$36.50), and 30-day (US$73.90) eSIM options for China specifically — the two above cover the most common trip lengths. See all China eSIM durations.
Already have a China Mobile number and just need to top up? See our top-up guide.
Need to visit a service hall in person?
Full directory of all 119 China Mobile service halls across Shanghai's 16 districts, with addresses, hours, and a district filter.
FAQ
Is China Mobile available throughout Shanghai?
Yes — 4G/5G coverage extends across all 16 districts, including the metro and both Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports, though Hongqiao handles mostly domestic traffic.
Should I get an eSIM before arriving, or buy a SIM card there?
eSIM suits short trips since you're connected on landing. A physical SIM is usually cheaper and better value for stays of a few weeks or more, and gives you a real Chinese number.
Where can I buy a SIM card at Shanghai's airports?
Pudong (PVG) has the most reliable options — carrier kiosks and convenience-store counters in the arrivals hall, staffed by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Hongqiao (SHA) is mainly a domestic airport, so SIM availability there is more limited — if you're flying in internationally, plan on PVG.
Do I need to register my passport to get a SIM card in Shanghai?
Yes — Chinese regulations require real-name registration for all SIM cards, whether bought at a hall, an airport kiosk, or activated as certain eSIMs.
Where is my nearest China Mobile service hall in Shanghai?
See the full searchable directory of all 119 halls across 16 districts on our Shanghai service halls page.
中文说明
快速解答：中国移动的4G/5G网络覆盖上海全部16个区，包括地铁沿线以及浦东（PVG）、虹桥（SHA）两大机场。短期访客通常更适合在出发前办理eSIM，落地即可使用；如计划停留数周以上，现场购买实体电话卡通常更划算，还能获得真实的中国手机号码。需要前往营业厅办理？请查看 上海中国移动营业厅完整目录（覆盖16个区，共119家网点）。
如何在上海接入网络
- 出发前办理eSIM：适合短期旅行者，一落地即可使用，无需在机场排队或现场出示护照。
- 现场购买实体电话卡：长期停留更划算，并可获得真实的中国手机号码；需持护照办理实名登记，可在营业厅或机场柜台办理。
- 机场柜台购卡：浦东机场（PVG）入境大厅设有中国移动、中国联通、中国电信的运营商柜台，可现场购买实体卡；虹桥机场（SHA）以国内航班为主，选择较少。请注意：机场柜台仅出售实体卡，一般不支持现场开通eSIM。
- 租用随身WiFi（MiFi）：适合多人同行，或需要多台设备共享同一网络的情况。
如需亲自前往营业厅，请查看我们完整的 上海中国移动营业厅目录，支持按区域筛选与关键词搜索。
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