China has world-class mobile infrastructure. But the Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram. Here is what every traveller absolutely must do before they land.
China
Zhōnghuá Rénmín Guó
9.1
★★★★★
Coverage score
// Why get an eSIM
Saily vs. roaming on your home SIM
| SailyRECOMMENDED | Roaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | 2 min, pre-trip | Automatic |
| Cost | Flat, upfront | Per-day, uncapped |
| Speed | Full local speed | Often throttled |
| Local number | No (data-only) | Keeps your number |
Prepaid eSIM data plan · affiliate link
⚡ CRITICAL — DO THIS BEFORE YOU LAND
Download offline maps (Maps.me or OsmAnd), install a VPN on your device, and save your accommodation details offline before crossing into China. Once inside, it is too late — the apps you need to do this are blocked.
🚫 THE GREAT FIREWALL
Google Maps, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, and Netflix are all blocked inside China. VPN use by foreigners exists in a legal grey area — rarely enforced against tourists but technically restricted. Set up everything before you enter. See our full firewall guide below.
⏱ Facts verified July 2026 • Always confirm regulations before travel
// Network operators
China Mobile
The world's largest mobile network by subscriber count. Coverage is genuinely exceptional — major cities, rural areas, and even many remote regions all have reliable 4G/5G. The infrastructure investment here is unlike almost anywhere else on Earth.
China Unicom
China's second-largest carrier. Equally strong coverage across urban and suburban areas. Historically the better choice for international roaming compatibility, and well-supported by international eSIM providers operating in China.
// The honest picture
Blocked for all users in China
Google (all services including Maps, Gmail, Drive, Chrome), WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Twitter/X, Dropbox, and most Western news sites. This is not a grey area — these services are completely inaccessible without a VPN.
What still works without a VPN
WeChat (China's dominant messaging app), Baidu Maps (download before arriving), DiDi (ride-hailing), Alipay and WeChat Pay (essential for payments), local hotel booking sites, and all Chinese apps. You will need WeChat to function normally in China — set it up before you go.
⚠ VPN status for tourists — the honest answer
China's laws technically restrict unauthorised VPN use. In practice, enforcement against foreign tourists is extremely rare, and many business travellers and tourists use VPNs routinely. The key practical point: you must install and test your VPN before entering China. Once inside, downloading VPN apps is blocked and many VPN services themselves are blocked or throttled. Use a well-established commercial VPN that actively works to maintain connectivity inside China, and download it in advance.
// Practical tips
Emergency number: 110 / 120
Police is 110, medical emergency is 120. Both work without data. China's emergency services do not routinely have English-speaking operators — hotels can assist with medical emergencies. Save your hotel's direct number before heading anywhere.
China runs on QR code payments
Cash is accepted less and less in major cities. Most day-to-day transactions in China use Alipay or WeChat Pay via QR code. International visitors can now link overseas Visa/Mastercard cards to Alipay. Set this up before you arrive — you will struggle without it in many cities.
Download offline maps now
Google Maps does not work in China. Download offline maps via Maps.me or OsmAnd before crossing the border. Baidu Maps works inside China but is in Chinese only. Having offline maps of your key destinations is non-negotiable if you're travelling independently.
// Travel security
Use your eSIM data, not public WiFi
Hotel and café WiFi networks in China are subject to the same content restrictions as mobile data. Your eSIM data connection does not bypass the firewall — a VPN is needed regardless of whether you're on WiFi or mobile data. Use your VPN consistently for sensitive communications.
Protect your identity when signing up
Local apps, hotel WiFi portals, and tourist booking services collect personal data. A disposable email and identity for sign-ups reduces your footprint in Chinese data systems — particularly worth doing if you are a business traveller or have concerns about data privacy.
Surfshark Alternative ID
Generate a disposable identity for every app you sign up to abroad. Your real details stay private.