While some hotels and cafes in Shanghai offer Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi can be unreliable, often requiring local phone numbers for registration or being slow. An eSIM provides consistent, secure mobile data, essential for navigating with apps like Baidu Maps, using WeChat Pay, or staying connected while exploring attractions like Yu Garden or the Oriental Pearl Tower.
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Is public Wi-Fi reliable in Shanghai, or should I get an eSIM for data?
Updated May 30, 2026
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