eSIM China
best eSIM for Shanghai: 8 Providers Ranked
Feb
Best eSIM for Shanghai
Compare the best eSIM options for Shanghai with practical guidance for PVG arrivals, metro-heavy days, and data needs around the Bund, Nanjing Road, and business districts. This guide helps you avoid roaming charges and choose the right plan fast.
Written by Peter Moore – eSIM Content Writer
Our Verdict: eSIM4
eSIM4 is the best overall choice for Shanghai because it combines aggressive pricing, dependable China Unicom coverage, and easy activation before you land at PVG. If you are moving between the Bund, Nanjing Road, Jing’an, and metro transfers all day, reliability matters more than marketing noise.
If you are traveling beyond Shanghai, review our full China eSIM guide for nationwide planning.
Why We Chose eSIM4
- Lowest entry cost: starts at $2.98 with strong promo discounts.
- Practical Shanghai fit: stable data for metro navigation, DiDi booking, and map switching between Amap and Baidu.
- Fast arrival workflow: install before departure and connect right after PVG landing.
- Broad plan depth: quick-trip, long-stay, and unlimited options in one stack.
Quick Comparison: Best eSIMs for Shanghai
Paid plans only. Ranking follows value, practical coverage, and real city usage patterns.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | * eSIM4 | 4.9/5 | $7.20$2.98 | Best Overall Value |
| 2 | Saily | 4.7/5 | $4.49 | Simple Plan Selection |
| 3 | Nomad | 4.6/5 | $4.00 | Flexible Unlimited Options |
| 4 | Airalo | 4.5/5 | $4.00 | App Experience |
| 5 | aloSIM | 4.4/5 | $4.50 | Mid-Range Reliability |
| 6 | Jetpac | 4.3/5 | $4.00 | Short Trips |
| 7 | Roamless | 4.2/5 | $4.45 | Flexible Consumption |
| 8 | GigSky | 4.1/5 | $5.99 | Long Validity Plans |
Choosing the Right eSIM Data Plan
Shanghai trips usually combine airport transfer, metro-heavy city movement, and app-first payments or bookings. Pick plans around those realities, not just raw GB numbers.
| Factor | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Network Quality | Prefer providers on China Unicom, with China Telecom fallback where available. | Dense zones like Nanjing Road and the Bund can get busy fast, so network consistency is key. |
| Data Needs | Estimate navigation, rideshare, social uploads, and translation usage. | Amap or Baidu plus DiDi and media sharing can burn through small plans quickly. |
| Trip Duration | Match validity to your stay instead of overbuying. | Short business trips and longer mixed itineraries need different plan economics. |
| App Constraints | Some global apps behave differently, so keep backup tools and offline maps. | Reliable data helps you pivot between local apps and alternatives without dead time. |
Top eSIM Providers for Shanghai: Reviews
Provider order is fixed. Reviews focus on practical use around PVG, the metro network, city landmarks, and common traveler workflows.
eSIM4
Best Overall Value
eSIM4 focuses on straightforward, value-first travel connectivity and keeps its China lineup easy to compare. It is a strong fit for Shanghai visitors who want to get online quickly at PVG and avoid overpaying for entry data. The provider is especially practical for metro-heavy schedules where maps, ride booking, and messaging run all day.
Coverage
Coverage is strong from PVG and the Maglev or Metro Line 2 route into Pudong and Puxi, including major interchange stations like People’s Square and Jing’an Temple. In busy zones such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, and Xujiahui, service stays stable enough for live navigation, QR ticket checks, and ride-booking during peak foot traffic.
Data Plans
The range covers light, medium, and heavy usage: small plans for weekend stopovers, 5-20GB tiers for week-long metro-heavy trips, and unlimited options for creators or remote workers. In Shanghai terms, 3-5GB usually fits maps plus DiDi and messaging, while 10GB or more is safer if you stream video, upload from the Bund, or tether in cafes and co-working spaces.
Activation Process
Purchase and install before departure, label the line as China eSIM, then enable it after landing at PVG once airplane mode is off. This gives immediate access for DiDi pickup coordination, hotel check-in messages, and map routing without hunting for airport Wi-Fi or physical SIM counters.
Price
Entry pricing is the strongest in this ranking, and mid-tier bundles remain highly competitive for real Shanghai usage. For most travelers, the 5GB to 20GB bands deliver better value than international roaming passes, especially when you rely on data all day for transport, translation, and cashless app workflows.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $7.20$2.98 | Save 59% |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $13.50$5.98 | Save 56% |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $18.90$8.98 | Save 52% |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $27.90$13.98 | Save 50% |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $47.70$24.98 | Save 48% |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $20.70$9.98 | Save 52% |
| Unlimited | 5 Days | $35.10$17.98 | Save 49% |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $48.60$25.98 | Save 47% |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $63.00$33.98 | Save 46% |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $72.00$38.98 | Save 46% |
| Unlimited | 20 Days | $88.20$47.98 | Save 46% |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $130.50$70.98 | Save 45% |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lowest starting price in this comparison
- Reliable performance for PVG to city transfers
- Broad plan range including unlimited durations
- Fast setup and consistent support quality
Cons
- Voice and SMS depend on app-based options
Saily
Simple Plan Selection
Saily is positioned as a clean, low-friction option for travelers who prefer simple plan choices over endless variants. Its app flow is designed for quick setup and easy top-ups, which helps on first arrival in Shanghai. For visitors who want predictable onboarding and steady daily data use, it is a solid mid-premium pick.
Coverage
Saily is dependable in core urban zones, including Bund waterfront paths, Nanjing Road shopping blocks, and common hotel clusters in Jing’an and Huangpu. It also performs reliably on airport-to-city transitions from PVG, with steady service for Metro Line 2 transfers and on-street DiDi pickups.
Data Plans
The plan ladder is simple and easy to choose quickly: enough options for short vacations, business weeks, and moderate monthly stays without too many overlapping variants. For Shanghai, the 3GB and 5GB tiers suit navigation plus messaging, while 10GB and 20GB are safer if you are constantly on maps, DiDi, and social uploads.
Activation Process
QR installation is straightforward before your flight, and activation after landing at PVG is fast if data roaming is enabled on that eSIM line. The setup flow is clean for first-day tasks like opening Amap or Baidu, ordering a DiDi, and confirming hotel or office directions.
Price
Pricing is transparent but typically above eSIM4 and some Nomad tiers, especially once you move past entry data packs. It is best for users who want a low-friction buying experience and are comfortable paying a small premium for that simplicity.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $10.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $15.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $26.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $45.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $48.99 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very easy plan selection and onboarding
- Stable coverage in major tourist districts
- Works well for metro and DiDi usage
Cons
- Higher cost per GB than top-value options
- Limited upside for heavy users on long stays
Nomad
Flexible Unlimited Options
Nomad is known for flexible plan architecture, including both fixed bundles and short unlimited passes. That makes it useful for Shanghai trips where data demand can swing between light business days and heavy sightseeing days. Travelers who want options without switching providers usually find Nomad easy to work with.
Coverage
Nomad handles common Shanghai routes well, from PVG arrivals through Pudong to Puxi business corridors and evening traffic near the riverfront. Performance is generally stable around metro interchanges, making it suitable for mixed schedules across meetings, attractions, and late rides back to your hotel.
Data Plans
Nomad offers a deep mix of fixed bundles and short unlimited passes, which is useful when your usage swings day by day. It works well for travelers who need a predictable 10-20GB base for maps and DiDi, plus optional unlimited coverage on heavy days around the Bund, Nanjing Road, or conference events.
Activation Process
Activation is app-led and usually smooth if you install before departure and confirm APN instructions in advance. Once active at PVG, the in-app controls make it easy to track remaining data while you move between metro lines, DiDi rides, and full-day city itineraries.
Price
Nomad is price-competitive in mid and upper tiers, with especially strong value around 10GB and 20GB plans for week-plus stays. It is not always the cheapest at entry level, but cost-per-GB becomes attractive for users with heavier transport and map-driven usage.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $7.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $10.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $20.00 |
| 50 GB | 30 Days | $35.00 |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $12.00 |
| Unlimited | 5 Days | $18.00 |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $24.00 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $33.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good mix of fixed and unlimited plans
- Competitive rates in mid and high data tiers
- Practical for day-to-night city movement
- Strong fit for frequent map and rideshare usage
Cons
- Unlimited plans can include fair-use limits
- Entry pricing is not the lowest in market
Airalo
App Experience
Airalo is one of the most recognized global travel eSIM brands and is often chosen for its polished app experience. In Shanghai, it appeals to users who prioritize familiar workflows and broad catalog depth. It is less of a budget play and more of a convenience-first option for frequent international travelers.
Coverage
Airalo performs reliably in major Shanghai corridors, including central landmarks, shopping strips, and routine metro transfers between districts. It is generally dependable for daily use around the Bund, Nanjing Road, and business zones where you need constant map refresh and transport coordination.
Data Plans
The catalog is broad, with many duration and allowance combinations for uncertain travel schedules. That flexibility helps if your Shanghai stay can extend from a few days to multiple weeks, or if you need to top up after heavier than expected usage from rideshare, mapping, and photo uploads.
Activation Process
The app workflow is polished and beginner-friendly, with clear install steps before you fly and straightforward activation once you land at PVG. This reduces setup errors for first-time users who need immediate data for navigation, payment app logins, and transport booking.
Price
Airalo usually sits above value-led providers at equivalent data amounts, so it is rarely the lowest-cost pick for Shanghai. It makes the most sense when you value app UX and global familiarity more than absolute price per GB.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3 Days | $4.00 |
| 3 GB | 3 Days | $9.50 |
| 3 GB | 7 Days | $10.50 |
| 5 GB | 7 Days | $14.50 |
| 10 GB | 7 Days | $24.50 |
| 5 GB | 15 Days | $15.00 |
| 10 GB | 15 Days | $25.50 |
| 20 GB | 15 Days | $39.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $15.50 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $26.50 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $40.00 |
| 50 GB | 30 Days | $49.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clean app interface for setup and management
- Wide range of duration and data choices
- Reliable in core tourist and shopping districts
Cons
- Higher price points versus top-value providers
- Less compelling if budget is your priority
aloSIM
Mid-Range Reliability
aloSIM sits in the middle of the market with a practical balance of usability, plan clarity, and stable day-to-day performance. It is typically chosen by travelers who want a straightforward experience without chasing the absolute cheapest rate. For Shanghai itineraries with routine map and transport usage, that middle-ground approach works well.
Coverage
aloSIM delivers consistent urban coverage across common traveler routes between hotel districts, metro interchanges, and major attractions. In practice, it handles airport arrival movement from PVG and daily crossings between Pudong and central Puxi without major reliability issues.
Data Plans
The plan stack is straightforward and aimed at moderate users who need dependable data for Amap or Baidu, chat apps, and repeated DiDi bookings. The 3GB to 10GB range is practical for a standard week, while 20GB suits heavier users with more media sharing and tethering.
Activation Process
Setup is app-guided and clear, with low friction if you install before boarding and only switch to the eSIM after landing at PVG. That workflow is reliable for immediate first-day tasks such as hotel navigation, QR code check-ins, and airport transfer coordination.
Price
aloSIM is mid-range on price, usually above eSIM4 and often above Nomad at comparable sizes. It is acceptable for users who prioritize predictable onboarding and stable day-to-day performance over lowest possible spend.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $8.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $11.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $16.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $27.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $44.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stable performance in dense central districts
- Simple onboarding and account management
- Useful plan ladder for medium usage profiles
Cons
- Pricing is less competitive at higher data tiers
- No standout value edge versus top-ranked options
Jetpac
Short Trips
Jetpac is geared toward travelers who need quick, short-duration connectivity with minimal setup friction. Its plan mix is useful for stopovers, long weekends, and compact work trips through Shanghai. If your schedule is tight and you mainly need reliable data for transport and navigation, Jetpac is a practical candidate.
Coverage
Jetpac benefits from Unicom and Telecom combinations, which helps coverage consistency across different Shanghai districts and travel hours. It performs well on practical routes from PVG into the city, across metro-heavy corridors, and through busy zones like the Bund and Nanjing Road.
Data Plans
Short-validity plans are the core strength, making Jetpac useful for quick Shanghai layovers, weekend visits, and compact business trips. It also offers larger bundles, but value is best when your priority is 4-10 day connectivity for maps, DiDi, and routine messaging rather than month-long heavy usage.
Activation Process
Activation is quick when installed pre-flight, and first connection after landing is generally smooth with automatic network selection. That speed is useful when you need to request a DiDi immediately from PVG, confirm Chinese address strings, or reroute using Amap during transfer delays.
Price
Entry and mid tiers are fair for short stays, especially on lower-GB options with brief validity. Some larger bundles are less efficient than higher-ranked competitors, so compare carefully if you expect heavy daily consumption.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 4 Days | $4.00 |
| 3 GB | 7 Days | $7.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $10.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $14.99 |
| 15 GB | 30 Days | $19.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $35.00 |
| 30 GB | 30 Days | $29.99 |
| 40 GB | 30 Days | $34.99 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $33.99 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good option for short city stays
- Fast activation for arrival-day use
- Wide set of plans including unlimited
Cons
- Some upper-tier prices are uneven
- Not the best value for longer visits
Roamless
Flexible Consumption
Roamless is built around flexible consumption, which suits travelers who cannot predict daily data usage in advance. In Shanghai, that can be useful when plans shift between meetings, shopping districts, and evening city movement. It is best for controlled, moderate usage rather than consistently heavy streaming or tethering.
Coverage
Roamless performs adequately in core Shanghai areas, covering typical movement between transit hubs, attractions, and office districts. Reliability is usually sufficient for day-to-day navigation and booking tasks, though it is less consistent than top-ranked options in very dense peak-time areas.
Data Plans
The flexible model suits travelers with uncertain daily usage, especially when schedules shift between meetings, sightseeing, and evening activities. It is practical if you want to start small and add more only when needed for heavier map usage, DiDi trips, or app-based communication.
Activation Process
Provisioning is simple, and pre-travel setup avoids downtime on arrival day when you are switching between Amap and Baidu for route checks. Once active at PVG, it is straightforward to stay connected for metro directions, ride hailing, and contact verification.
Price
Entry pricing is acceptable for light use, but larger packages become less competitive than providers with stronger tier discounts. It is generally better for flexible moderate consumption than for sustained heavy data needs.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 400 MB | 30 Days | $4.45 |
| 1 GB | 30 Days | $4.45 |
| 2 GB | 30 Days | $8.45 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $9.95 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $13.95 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $24.95 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $38.95 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flexible usage model for variable schedules
- Simple setup and straightforward management
- Decent coverage for common city routes
Cons
- Large plans are not highly price-competitive
- Value proposition is weaker for heavy users
GigSky
Long Validity Plans
GigSky is generally positioned for travelers who value longer validity windows and fewer plan changes during extended trips. That profile can work for Shanghai visitors combining business, side trips, and multi-week stays. The tradeoff is higher typical pricing, so it is usually chosen for convenience over lowest cost.
Coverage
GigSky covers major Shanghai areas reliably, including PVG corridors, central districts, and common business or tourism routes. It is dependable for standard travel tasks such as map routing, transport booking, and communication while moving between Pudong and Puxi.
Data Plans
Long-validity options are useful for extended stays, multi-city China itineraries, or repeat business travel across several weeks. For Shanghai users, this is helpful when you want one plan that survives changing schedules without frequent renewals.
Activation Process
Setup is straightforward, and pre-installing before departure is the safest approach to avoid first-day delays around PVG and hotel check-in. After landing, activation is typically quick enough to handle immediate transport booking and arrival coordination.
Price
GigSky is usually more expensive than similarly sized alternatives, so it is not ideal for budget-first travelers focused on cost per GB. Its value case is long validity and reduced plan-switching rather than lowest upfront pricing.
Pricing Plans
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $5.99 |
| 3 GB | 15 Days | $13.59 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $20.39 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $31.02 |
| 50 GB | 90 Days | $110.49 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long validity options for extended itineraries
- Dependable baseline coverage in city centers
- Useful for travelers managing multi-week stays
Cons
- Higher pricing across most comparable tiers
- Less attractive for short budget trips
Our Verdict: The Best eSIM for Shanghai
eSIM4 is the best overall choice for Shanghai because it performs where first-day friction usually happens: arrival, transport, and navigation. In practice, setup is reliable at PVG when installed before departure, so you can get online quickly for immigration messaging, hotel contact, and immediate DiDi booking instead of waiting for airport Wi-Fi or troubleshooting on the curb.
It also holds up in the actual city routine: metro transfers, DiDi rides between districts, and heavy map use around the Bund and Nanjing Road where traffic and routing can shift fast. If something breaks, the support and recovery flow is more usable than most alternatives, which matters when you cannot afford dead data in the middle of a move across town.
- PVG-ready onboarding: dependable first connection for immediate airport-to-city logistics.
- Daily movement reliability: steady data for metro planning, DiDi, maps, and chat apps.
- Stronger fallback: faster support and clearer recovery steps when activation or data issues happen.
How Do I Know If My Phone Is Compatible?
Most recent unlocked phones support eSIM, but do not guess. Confirm compatibility before you buy, especially if your device was purchased through a carrier contract.
For Shanghai trips, this matters because you want the profile installed before your flight so you can get online at PVG immediately for DiDi, metro routing, and hotel coordination.
- iPhone XR and newer generally support eSIM; dual eSIM is available on newer models.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer usually support eSIM, but support can vary by region and carrier firmware.
- Google Pixel 3 and newer usually support eSIM in most global models.
- In settings, confirm you can see an option like “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”.
- Phone must be carrier-unlocked; a locked device may block foreign eSIM profiles.
- Update iOS or Android before travel to reduce activation issues at the airport.
Can I Make Phone Calls with My eSIM?
Most travel eSIM plans for Shanghai are data-only. You can still call normally through internet calling apps, which is how most travelers handle voice on arrival.
This is usually enough for airport pickup, restaurant reservations, and contacting hosts or clients while moving between metro stations and DiDi rides.
- Use WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Telegram, or WeChat voice for app-to-app calls over data.
- Use Yabb when you need to call regular mobile or landline numbers directly.
- Keep your home SIM active for one-time banking or security calls if your carrier allows dual SIM standby.
- Save key contacts in both international and local format to avoid dialing errors.
- Test one call at PVG before leaving the terminal so you can fix settings early.
Can I Send Text Messages with My eSIM?
Most travel eSIM plans are data-first and may not include native SMS. In Shanghai, messaging is usually handled through data apps, so this is rarely a deal-breaker.
If you still need classic SMS for banks, logistics, or non-app contacts, plan a backup before departure.
- Use WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage for day-to-day messaging.
- Use Yabb SMS when you need to send messages to standard mobile numbers.
- Keep your primary SIM available for one-time passcodes tied to your original number.
- Screenshot key booking references in case you cannot receive an SMS at the exact moment.
- Store hotel, airline, and driver details in notes so you are not dependent on a single channel.
How to Activate an eSIM in Shanghai
Activation is easiest when completed before departure, then switched on right after landing at PVG. Do not leave setup for airport arrival unless necessary.
- Buy the right plan: choose data and validity based on your stay length, map usage, and transport habits.
- Install while on stable Wi-Fi: scan the QR code, add the eSIM, and label it clearly as “Shanghai” or “China”.
- Set defaults: keep your home SIM for calls/SMS if needed, and set mobile data to the travel eSIM.
- Enable roaming on the eSIM line: many travel eSIMs require this toggle even though they are prepaid.
- Activate at PVG: disable airplane mode, switch on the eSIM, and wait 1-3 minutes for network registration.
- Run a fast test: open Amap or Baidu, load your hotel route, and test a DiDi request screen before leaving the terminal.
If connection fails, restart once, reselect network automatically, and recheck APN instructions from your provider app or email.
Essential Tips for Using eSIMs in Shanghai
Prepare your app stack before boarding
Install Amap and Baidu Maps, DiDi, translation tools, airline apps, and your hotel app before flying. Log in early so you are not dealing with password resets at PVG.
Use metro for speed, DiDi for edge cases
Shanghai Metro is usually the fastest for daytime movement between major districts. Use DiDi when you have luggage, late-night returns, rain, or direct point-to-point trips after Bund or Nanjing Road visits.
Protect data on long city days
Download offline map areas and key Chinese addresses, and use hotel or cafe Wi-Fi for cloud backups and large media uploads. Keep mobile data for high-value tasks while in transit.
Plan around payment and verification flows
Many bookings and payment steps are app-based. Keep your primary number reachable for one-time codes and save screenshots of tickets, reservation IDs, and pickup points.
Carry a quick fallback routine
If data drops, toggle airplane mode for 10 seconds, reopen maps, then switch between Amap and Baidu if one route fails. This simple routine solves most on-street issues quickly.
How We Ranked These eSIM Providers
We rank providers using a practical traveler-first framework, not marketing claims. Scoring is based on how each option performs in real Shanghai movement patterns and common app behavior.
We evaluate each provider on city-relevant usage: PVG arrival setup, metro-heavy routing, Bund and Nanjing Road congestion periods, DiDi reliability, map consistency across Amap and Baidu, and overall cost efficiency by trip length.
- Coverage performance: stability in dense zones, airport corridors, and high-transfer metro routes.
- Plan usefulness: how well data tiers match light, moderate, and heavy Shanghai usage profiles.
- Activation reliability: time and friction from purchase to first usable connection at arrival.
- Price efficiency: value per GB and value per trip, including whether higher tiers remain competitive.
- Transparency: clarity on fair-use rules, throttling, validity windows, and top-up behavior.
- Operational fit: practical support for app-driven travel tasks, including transport, communication, and booking workflows.
Provider ranking remains fixed in this guide to preserve comparison consistency across updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eSIM is best for Shanghai?
eSIM4 is our top recommendation for value, reliability, and easy PVG-to-city activation.
Can I rely on eSIM for metro navigation in Shanghai?
Yes, with a stable provider you can use Amap or Baidu Maps throughout metro-heavy days.
Is one gigabyte enough for a short trip?
It can work for very light usage, but most travelers should choose more to cover maps, rideshare, and messaging.
Do I need to activate at PVG airport?
You can install before departure and simply switch on after landing, which is usually the smoothest workflow.
Can I keep my existing WhatsApp number?
Yes, your WhatsApp account remains tied to your original number while using eSIM data.
Are unlimited plans worth it in Shanghai?
They are useful for heavy users, creators, and anyone relying on frequent uploads or tethering.
