Shanghai Meituan Guide 2026: Sign-Up, Address & eSIM Tips

Your Essential Guide to Using Meituan in Shanghai: Sign-Up, Address Registration, and More!

By Supypy @sue__ryan

✅ Sign up for Meituan *before* you arrive in China!

✅ Register your hotel address *before* you land in Shanghai to order delivery right away.

✅ Add a note that you are a foreigner and may not be reachable by phone to ensure smooth delivery.

✅ Link Meituan with Alipay or WeChat Pay for seamless transactions.

1. Signing Up for Meituan

When you travel to China, there are a few essential apps you absolutely need to download. While the list of must-have apps seems to grow every year (especially in 2026!), the core essentials remain the same.

Make sure to sign up for the necessary apps using the links below. And here's a crucial tip: an eSIM is a game-changer in China.

If you've ever visited China, you'll know that using local Wi-Fi often blocks access to popular global apps like Instagram, Google, or WhatsApp. So, what's the solution?

The first option is to use a VPN, and the second, which I highly recommend, is an eSIM.

I've personally used a Usimsa eSIM and have never had to bother with a VPN. I truly recommend Usimsa's unlimited eSIM for a hassle-free experience.

📍 Get 20% off Usimsa China eSIM

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While there are two major delivery apps in China, I primarily used Meituan for food delivery. First, let's find the Meituan app.

Once you've located the app, you're ready to proceed with registration!

There’s a crucial detail to remember when signing up for Meituan (and other Chinese domestic apps like Amap, the local map app). When receiving a verification code, your international phone number *must* be entered in the format: +[Country Code]-[Area Code]-[XXXX-XXXX].

For example, if you're using a US mobile number, it would be +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. Unlike some countries where the system automatically removes leading zeros, China's systems are quite specific.

When registering your number for the verification code, ensure you use the correct format for your country, for example for US numbers: +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX!

+[Your Country Code]-[Your Area Code if applicable]-[Your Phone Number]

Otherwise, you won't receive the verification code! As long as you follow this one rule, signing up is a breeze.

2. Registering Your Hotel Address on Meituan

Once you’ve successfully signed up, the next step is to register your hotel address in China. This is essential if you want to order food for delivery even before you arrive at your hotel.

Click on the rabbit icon located at the bottom right of the screen. After that, tap on the map icon.

Next, tap on "Register Address" (or "Add New Address") in the top right corner.

If you signed up from your home country, your region might default to that. You'll need to change this to "Shanghai" and then enter your hotel's address. It's highly recommended to input the hotel address in Chinese characters. You can copy and paste the Chinese address from your hotel reservation confirmation or use a translation tool like ChatGPT or Gemini to get the correct Chinese text.

After changing the city to Shanghai, I entered the Chinese address for my hotel.

To confirm the address, I recommend cross-referencing it by entering the hotel name into Amap (Gaode Maps) and comparing it with the map display. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s always better to double-check and avoid any delivery mishaps!

While you could theoretically enter your international phone number, you won't be able to receive calls on it once in China (unless you have a local Chinese number or an international roaming plan that specifically allows it, which is less common with eSIMs). Instead, you can input a generic Chinese number format like: +86-17712345678.

Just enter something similar to this.

For the "Information" field, you would typically put your hotel room number. However, if you haven't checked in yet, you won't know it! In this case, simply writing "Lobby" is perfectly fine. Worried about the hotel not accepting deliveries? Don't be – most hotels are accustomed to it. But if you're still feeling uneasy, it's a good idea to send an email, WeChat message, or use the chat feature on your booking platform (like Trip.com) to ask if they accept deliveries under your name.

It's also highly recommended to add a note in the "Information" section stating that you are a foreigner and cannot be reached by phone, asking them to leave the food at the door or front desk. Here’s a helpful phrase in Chinese:

我是外国人，无法接听电话。请把餐品放在门口（或前台/外卖柜）即可，谢谢！ (I am a foreigner and cannot answer calls. Please leave the food at the door (or front desk/delivery locker). Thank you!)

3. Placing Your Meituan Order

Now, let's try placing an order, perhaps even before you board your flight to Shanghai! This time, tap the house icon located at the bottom left of the screen, then click on the location/address option.

You'll see a list of addresses you've registered, including your hotel. Select your hotel from the list. If you see your hotel name displayed in the yellow-bordered area at the top of the screen, you've successfully set your delivery location!

From there, you can search for your desired restaurant, add items to your cart, and hit "Order." It's that simple!

For example, I've ordered from Dim Sum specialty shop, Dian Du De (点都德).

And also placed an order from Chajido, a popular milk tea specialist.

Signing up for Meituan isn't as daunting as it might seem, right? Just remember these key takeaways: ensure you have an unlimited eSIM plan for China, and correctly format your phone number for verification, like +[Your Country Code]-[Your Area Code]-[Your Phone Number]! Don't forget these crucial steps for a smooth experience!