Internet in China: VPNs, eSIMs and What's Actually Blocked

The single most common surprise for first-time visitors: your phone lands in Shanghai and half your apps stop working. Google (including Maps and Gmail), Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and most Western news sites are blocked by the Great Firewall.

The one rule about VPNs

If you want your usual apps, install and test a VPN before you enter China. VPN websites and app store listings are blocked inside the country, and there is no reliable workaround once you've landed.

Test it properly: connect to a nearby server (Japan, Singapore), confirm Google loads, and test on mobile data as well as WiFi — some VPNs fail on cellular networks.

Or skip the VPN: what locals use

You may need the firewall less than you think. Amap replaces Google Maps with full English support; WeChat replaces WhatsApp; Baidu Translate handles menus and conversations. Many travellers find a VPN is mainly needed for Gmail and posting to Instagram.

One useful loophole: most travel eSIMs route data through Hong Kong or Singapore, which means blocked apps often work on eSIM data without any VPN — check your provider's routing before buying.

Getting data: eSIM vs SIM

Easiest is a travel eSIM bought online before departure — it activates when you land and you keep your home SIM for verification SMS (which you'll need for Alipay and WeChat). Physical tourist SIMs are sold at airport counters with your passport. Either way, sort data before you leave the airport: DiDi, payments and translation all need it immediately.