Connectivity
Connectivity
Internet access in China is a bit different from what you might be used to, so sort this out before you land.
The main thing to know as a traveler is that services like Google, YouTube, X, Instagram, Discord, and more may not work normally on a mainland Chinese connection. It’s a good idea to know how you’re going to access them before you arrive in China.
China has its own set of apps that people use for almost everything. WeChat, Douyin, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, and a bunch of other local platforms are deeply built into daily life.
If one of your usual apps suddenly doesn’t work, don’t panic. With the right setup, you can still access most of them. Here’s how.
eSIM
The easiest & cheapest way to stay connected on your phone
A roaming eSIM usually routes your data through an overseas network, so apps like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail can often work normally without a VPN.
We still recommend getting one even if you plan to buy a local SIM later. It’s cheap, easy to set up before your flight, and gives you internet as soon as you land.
The downside is that most travel eSIMs are data-only, so you won’t get a Chinese phone number. Some local apps like food delivery and ride-hailing may ask for one, but you can always decide later if you actually need it.
- Buy from
- Trip.com, Klook
- Routes via
- Usually Hong Kong / Japan, depending on the provider
SIM
Only needed for some local apps that need a Chinese number
Get a Chinese phone number for local apps and services that need one.
A local SIM can be useful for food delivery (Meituan, Eleme), ride-hailing (Didi), restaurant ordering, account verification, and other apps that ask for a Chinese number.
Just keep in mind that it won’t bypass the Great Firewall. If you want to access blocked foreign apps and website while using a local SIM, you’ll still need a VPN.
- Available at
- Airport, carrier stores
- Needs
- Passport to register
- Providers
- China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
VPN
Useful if you’re using a Chinese SIM or spend a lot of time on a laptop
If you’re using an eSIM, your usual apps may already work without a VPN. You’ll need one more when using hotel Wi-Fi, a local Chinese SIM, or a laptop on a mainland connection.
There’s no perfect VPN for China, and speed can change from day to day.
If you plan to use one, install it before you arrive and have a backup ready.
- Common picks
- Astrill, Mullvad, Proton VPN, LetsVPN
- Cost
- Around US$5–30/month, depending on the provider and plan
- Free VPNs
- Likely won’t work
Roaming
The easiest alternative if you’d rather just use your existing SIM
International roaming through your home carrier works much like an eSIM and will let you access services like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail without a VPN.
The main downside is price. It’s usually more expensive than buying a travel eSIM, especially for longer trips, but it can be worth it for the convenience of keeping your existing SIM, number, and mobile plan without setting anything else up.
If your carrier offers a reasonably priced China roaming package, it’s a perfectly good option.
TikTok
TikTok can be a little trickier than the rest
TikTok is a little trickier than most foreign apps in China. International roaming usually works, and most travel eSIMs do too, as long as your connection is routed through a country where TikTok is available.
A local Chinese SIM with a VPN is much less reliable. TikTok looks at your SIM region, device settings, and location, so simply turning on a VPN often isn’t enough to get the app working.
If you need TikTok during your trip, stick with international roaming or choose a travel eSIM. Don’t rely on a local SIM and VPN to get it working after you arrive. However, the web version can sometimes work when the app doesn’t.