The complete guide to staying connected: eSIM vs VPN, blocked apps, WiFi tips, and real traveler solutions
China blocks access to most Western websites and apps you use daily. Without preparation, you CANNOT use Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, or access your usual services.
โ Blocked Services Include:
Search & Communication:
Social & Media:
โ ๏ธ These restrictions apply to ALL WiFi and Chinese SIM cards
No VPN needed - Bypasses Great Firewall automatically
100% reliable - Works for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Reddit
Easy setup - Buy online, get QR code via email, activate in 2 minutes
Fast speeds - 4G/5G on China Mobile/Unicom networks
๐ฐ Pricing Examples:
๐ง How It Works:
eSIM routes data through Hong Kong/Singapore IP addresses. Great Firewall doesn't filter these international connections, so you get unrestricted access.
Unreliable - ExpressVPN & NordVPN frequently blocked in 2025
Slow speeds - Significant slowdowns even when working
Complex - Must download before arrival, hard to fix if issues
Works on WiFi - Can use hotel/cafe WiFi (if VPN connects)
๐ก๏ธ VPNs That MAY Work:
โ ๏ธ ExpressVPN, NordVPN, TunnelBear: NOT working
โ๏ธ Legal Gray Area:
VPN use is not explicitly illegal for tourists but is restricted. Connectivity can be cut off without warning.
"Don't bother with VPN. Buy an eSIM issued by Hong Kong or external party. No firewall rules are applied and everything just works without VPN. Way more reliable."
Poll result: 90% of travelers (2024-2025) recommend eSIM over VPN for trips under 30 days
Most iPhones (iPhone 11 and newer), Samsung Galaxy (S20+), Google Pixel (3+) support eSIM. To check:
๐ฑ Dial: *#06# and press Call
If you see an EID number (32 digits), your phone supports eSIM
Purchase from reputable providers. Recommend buying 3-7 days before departure.
Top eSIM Providers for China:
Within 1 hour of purchase, you'll receive an email with:
โ ๏ธ Save this email offline or screenshot QR code before entering China
Install while you have WiFi/data in your home country:
๐ฑ iPhone:
๐ฑ Android:
As soon as your plane lands:
โ You should immediately have unrestricted internet access!
iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud, and Apple Maps work in China without VPN (they're not blocked). However, you still can't access Google services, WhatsApp, or Facebook apps.
๐ฌ WeChat (ๅพฎไฟก)
Messaging, payments, mini-apps. Essential for communication and mobile payments.
๐ฐ Alipay (ๆฏไปๅฎ)
Primary payment app. Link international card for QR code payments everywhere.
๐บ๏ธ Amap/Gaode (้ซๅพทๅฐๅพ)
Navigation app. Has English version, more accurate than Google Maps would be.
๐ Didi (ๆปดๆปดๅบ่ก)
Ride-hailing (Chinese Uber). English version available, accept international cards.
๐ฑ Pleco
Chinese-English dictionary. Works offline, has camera OCR for translating signs.
๐ MetroMan
Offline subway maps for all major Chinese cities. No internet needed.
๐ Google (Search, Maps, Gmail)
Completely blocked. Use eSIM or VPN to access.
๐ฌ WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal
All messaging apps blocked. eSIM is the reliable solution.
๐ Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
All social media blocked. Need eSIM for access.
๐บ YouTube, Netflix (most areas)
Video streaming blocked or limited. eSIM provides full access.
๐พ Dropbox, Google Drive
Cloud storage blocked. Download files before arrival.
๐ฐ Most Western news sites
BBC, NY Times, etc. blocked. Need eSIM to access.
โ Must-Have Apps:
โ Recommended Apps:
A: Yes! International roaming bypasses the Great Firewall. However, costs are astronomical ($10-12/day). For trips longer than 2-3 days, eSIM is much cheaper ($10 for 10 days).
A: Not essential for tourists. WeChat and Alipay both accept international numbers. However, some mini-programs and food delivery apps require Chinese numbers.
To get Chinese number: Buy local SIM at airport with passport. But this will be filtered by Great Firewall.
A: Tricky. International TikTok blocks China/Hong Kong/Macau IPs. Some eSIMs (e.g., Trip.com with Singapore routing) work with Mullvad VPN connected. Not guaranteed.
A: No. OpenAI blocks access from China, Hong Kong, and Macau IP addresses. Even with eSIM or VPN, access is blocked. Use local alternatives or wait until you leave China.
A: For typical usage (maps, messaging, social media): 2-3GB per week. Heavy video streaming: 2GB per day. Recommended: 20GB for 2-week trip (costs ~$10).
A: China Mobile has the best coverage nationwide, especially in rural areas. China Unicom is second. China Telecom has weaker tourist support. Always choose eSIM that connects to China Mobile if possible.
Get our comprehensive PDF with setup tutorials, troubleshooting tips, app lists, and money-saving tricks for staying connected in China
Includes: eSIM setup videos, VPN comparison chart, offline map tutorials, WeChat payment guide
Sources: Lonely Planet China Travel Guide (2025), Reddit r/travelchina community, Lost Plate Food Tours, OurWander Travel Blog, BetterRoaming eSIM Guide, GoMoWorld China Connectivity Report
Last updated: February 2025 | Information based on traveler experiences from 2024-2025