China’s internet restrictions block many Western websites and apps, including news outlets (e.g., NYT, BBC), Google services (Maps, Translate, YouTube), Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), X/Twitter, Wikipedia, and others. This poses challenges for foreign visitors, as Chinese alternatives are often in Chinese or provide limited information.
Smartphones are vital for daily life in China, used for scanning digital menus, making payments, booking tickets, hailing taxis, and translating Mandarin. Without internet access, these tasks become difficult. Below are options to stay connected, accurate as of April 2024. Note that China’s digital environment changes quickly, so verify details before traveling.
Key Point: When roaming with a foreign SIM or eSIM, you typically bypass China’s internet restrictions. However, using local Wi-Fi applies the same blocks as Chinese users face.
Legal Note: Using VPNs, eSIMs, or foreign SIMs is not illegal for visitors, and you’re unlikely to encounter issues. Still, avoid discussing sensitive topics online to prevent complications.
VPNs
VPNs were once recommended to access blocked sites, but China’s authorities now frequently disrupt them, making performance unreliable. Smaller, less prominent VPN providers may work better than well-known ones like ExpressVPN or Astrill. If you opt for a VPN, install it before arriving in China. Due to their inconsistency, I suggest exploring other options below.
SIM Card Options
Here are four ways to manage mobile internet in China:
- Roaming with Your Home SIM
The easiest option if your provider supports China. You retain your phone number, and roaming bypasses internet restrictions, giving full access to Western sites and apps without a VPN.
Downside: Costs can be steep—my provider charges €60 for 0.5GB. Some corporate plans include free roaming, so check yours. For most, this is pricey. - Local Chinese SIM Card
Affordable (e.g., 100 RMB for 10GB+), this provides a Chinese number and data.
Downside: You’re subject to China’s internet restrictions, blocking Google, WhatsApp, etc. This works if you need a local number (e.g., for banking), but since WeChat handles most communication, I rarely need one as a visitor. - eSIM (Recommended)
The best choice for most travelers, if your phone supports it (e.g., iPhone 11 or later). An eSIM is a virtual SIM purchased through apps or websites like Holafly, Nomad, or Airalo. It offers full internet access without a VPN, as it’s treated as a foreign connection.
You can buy and activate it before travel, with prices starting at $3 for 1GB or €27 for a week of unlimited data (Holafly). eSIMs provide data only, but your home number stays active for calls. This is my top pick for convenience and reliability. - Hong Kong SIM
A lesser-known option for those unable to use eSIMs or facing high roaming costs. These data-only SIMs, registered in Hong Kong (which isn’t subject to China’s restrictions), provide full internet access in mainland China.
Buy them from China Mobile in Hong Kong, online, or occasionally at Chinese airports (e.g., Shanghai, post-immigration). Prices are around HK$110 for 5GB. This is a good fallback.
My Recommendation
I prefer eSIMs for their ease, affordability, and unrestricted internet access without a VPN. They can be set up in advance, offer flexible data plans, and let me use Google Maps, WhatsApp, and news apps freely, keeping me connected hassle-free.
If You Face Restricted Internet
If you’re using a local SIM or Wi-Fi, try these workarounds:
- Offline Apps: Google Translate offers downloadable Chinese dictionaries for offline use.
- Alternatives: Use Maps.me or Apple Maps for navigation, the “Translate” app for translations, or Bing for search (though results may be limited).
