Visit Shanghai DL without China smartphone?

[made in china]

We're in Shanghai right now, want to visit DL here, but we're using US Android smartphones, hopping around on free WiFi.

Trying to register my SHDL app, it wants to send a confirmation code via SMS to my phone number, well, that's not gonna work for us.

I'm under the impression that I need the app to access certain benefits such as Premier Access (I think that's what it's called).

If I can't use my smartphone here, can I still buy special passes at the ticket booth?

 

[PiratesMansion]

Sorry that I didn't see this before your trip, but seeing as you've been to China frequently and may come back...

The main piece of advice I saw before I went was to rent a Chinese SIM card. I chose not to do this, but I did rent a pocket MiFi when I arrived at the airport. With the MiFi, my phone was connected to Chinese networks, and so I was able to use all of the functions of the app on my phone with no hassle or hiccups. I don't believe I would have been able to do that without the MiFi.

 

[made in china]

I was able to borrow some Chinese smartphones.
You have a great suggestion. I used to have my own Chinese SIM, that is often the best way to go. Just make sure your phone can handle a SIM card from a different provider.

Heads up to American visitors: Google services don't work in China, so either get a VPN or use BaiDu

 

[Clyde Birdbrain]

The main piece of advice I saw before I went was to rent a Chinese SIM card. I chose not to do this, but I did rent a pocket MiFi when I arrived at the airport. With the MiFi, my phone was connected to Chinese networks, and so I was able to use all of the functions of the app on my phone with no hassle or hiccups. I don't believe I would have been able to do that without the MiFi.

We will be traveling to China for the first time in September and all the advice I have read is to get a Chinese SIM card at the airport, from either China Mobile or China Unicorm. I hadn't heard of MiFi.

MiFi looks very expensive compared to getting a SIM for my own iPhone.

@made in china above says that he needed to send an SMS to activate the SHDL app. Would that still work with MiFi, as you'll still be using a foreign phone? Were you able to use the SHDL app with your MiFi device?

 

[PiratesMansion]

We will be traveling to China for the first time in September and all the advice I have read is to get a Chinese SIM card at the airport, from either China Mobile or China Unicorm. I hadn't heard of MiFi.

MiFi looks very expensive compared to getting a SIM for my own iPhone.

@made in china above says that he needed to send an SMS to activate the SHDL app. Would that still work with MiFi, as you'll still be using a foreign phone? Were you able to use the SHDL app with your MiFi device?

Yes, I could use the app with MiFi. Probably up to you which way is better, but I got a MiFi cheaply through Klook, so you may consider looking into that. But yes, I saw the SIM card recommendation a lot too.

 

[made in china]

We will be traveling to China for the first time in September and all the advice I have read is to get a Chinese SIM card at the airport, from either China Mobile or China Unicorm. I hadn't heard of MiFi.

MiFi looks very expensive compared to getting a SIM for my own iPhone.

@made in china above says that he needed to send an SMS to activate the SHDL app. Would that still work with MiFi, as you'll still be using a foreign phone? Were you able to use the SHDL app with your MiFi device?

I would assume that the MiFi is a WiFi hotspot? If so, I doubt it would have helped me, as I couldn't activate the app on my Smartphone because it wants to send an SMS which is through your phone number. I think you can activate your app in USA, with an activated app you will be able to log onto Disney WiFi.
However, I'd just get a Chinese SIM and call it good. I have used both CM and CU and they are both good, just get one that gives you what you want for a good deal.

And, BTW, if you use BaiDu, be prepared to be reminded of how great Xi Jin Ping is and how bad Japan is! Every time I used Bai Du, that would be pinned up top, in ENGLISH even! These guys are so blatant in their propaganda!

 

[Buried20KLeague]

We also got a Mifi and it worked very well for 4 devices, and was inexpensive.

We also used a VPN service for a month to get around any other restrictions.

We were able to use the SDL app completely fine, no issues.