Just arrived in Shanghai? With the city’s buzzing energy, dazzling skyline, and nonstop pace, there’s a lot to take in—and one of the first things you’ll need is a stable internet connection.

Whether you're studying, working, or building a new chapter here, setting up your SIM card, Wi-Fi, and essential mobile apps will make daily life far smoother. This guide walks you through everything you need to get connected in China step by step. And if you're working with HERE Real Estate, you’ll have expert support every step of the way.

Choosing a SIM Card Provider in China

China has three major telecom providers. All are solid choices, but here’s how they differ:

China Mobile (中国移动)

Coverage: Excellent across the country
Best for: Travelers and those exploring beyond major cities
Note: Urban speeds may not match the others

China Unicom (中国联通)

Coverage: Strong in urban areas like Shanghai
Best for: Foreigners—stores often have English-speaking staff
Bonus: More compatible with international phone models

China Telecom (中国电信)

Coverage: Great 5G speeds in cities
Best for: Fast, high-data usage
Note: Some foreign phones need adjustments due to the CDMA network

Recommendation: If you’re based in Shanghai, China Unicom is a favorite among expats for its simplicity and phone compatibility.

What You’ll Need to Get a SIM Card

Because of China’s real-name registration laws, you’ll need to present:

Your passport
Valid visa or residence permit
A local address (like your apartment or school)

Most SIM card plans include mobile data, local minutes, and text messages. Expect to pay CNY50–CNY200/month, depending on your needs.

Recommendation: Avoid buying SIMs from airport kiosks or tourist stands—they're often more expensive and limited. HERE Real Estate can guide you to trusted stores with English-speaking staff.

Setting Up Wi-Fi in Your Apartment

Once your SIM card is working, you'll want steady home Wi-Fi. If you're renting through HERE, many of their apartments come with internet already installed and ready to go.

If not, the process is quick and easy:

Setting Up Wi-Fi:

Choose a provider – Most use the same as their mobile plan
Visit an official branch with your passport
Select a speed – Most choose between 100–500 Mbps
Install within 1–2 days
Pay monthly via Alipay or WeChat Pay

Recommendation: If you're unsure which provider to choose or how to schedule installation, HERE Real Estate is happy to coordinate everything for you.

Finding Wi-Fi in Public Spaces

Shanghai offers plenty of public Wi-Fi, though some access points require SMS verification with a Chinese mobile number.

You’ll find free Wi-Fi at:

Coffee shops (Starbucks, Luckin, Seesaw)
Shopping malls
Universities and libraries
Metro stations (coverage is improving)

Recommendation: Public Wi-Fi networks vary in quality. Use mobile data or secure connections when accessing sensitive information.

Must-Have Apps to Stay Connected

Once your phone is up and running, these apps will make everyday life much easier:

Communication & Essentials

WeChat (微信): Everything in one—chat, pay, book, share.
Alipay (支付宝): Used for bills, top-ups, and transactions.

Navigation

DiDi (滴滴出行): Like Uber—available in English.
Gaode / Baidu Maps: Accurate local navigation for walking, metro, and buses.

Everyday Life

Dianping (大众点评): Reviews for food, beauty, and entertainment.
Meituan / Ele.me: Order food or services in minutes.

Need help setting these up? The HERE Real Estate team can walk you through everything even if you don’t speak Chinese.

What’s the Best Setup for You?

Need help figuring it all out? We have helped hundreds of newcomers settle into Shanghai and we’ll help you too. From finding a SIM card to getting your Wi-Fi installed, our support ensures you’re always just a tap away from feeling at home. With HERE, you’re never navigating China alone.

GET STARTED

Dès votre arrivée à Shanghai, il est important d’obtenir une carte SIM en Chine pour accéder aux services locaux. Les opérateurs comme China Unicom sont souvent recommandés aux expatriés. Si vous louez un logement via HERE Real Estate, une connexion Internet pour expatriés peut déjà être incluse, ou être installée rapidement avec leur aide. Pensez à installer les applications essentielles comme WeChat, Alipay, Gaode Maps ou DiDi. Grâce à l’accompagnement de HERE, vous serez connecté et autonome dès le départ.

Staying Connected in Shanghai: SIM Cards, Wi-Fi & Mobile Essentials