The internet in China: VPN, eSIM, and the apps you'll actually use
Two things, both done before you fly: eSIM + VPN
Buy two things before you fly: a travel eSIM for mobile data, and a paid VPN with obfuscation so Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp work. All local services — maps, DiDi, translation, Alipay — work perfectly without a VPN.
They're complementary, not interchangeable: the eSIM is your pipe to get online anywhere; the VPN is the key that routes your traffic outside China so your apps work. You need both — eSIM alone leaves you unable to access your apps, VPN alone leaves you without data when there's no Wi-Fi.
Both must be bought, installed, and tested before you board — neither can be set up after landing.
What's blocked
The following services won't work without a VPN: Google (including Gmail, Maps), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, Reddit, TikTok. Your phone will connect fine to local data — you just can't reach these services. Local apps (maps, ride-hailing, translation) work fine without a VPN.
VPN unlocks Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp
The key is obfuscation: it hides the fact that you're using a VPN, making it harder for the firewall to block. Without obfuscation, a VPN may die within hours of going live.
| VPN | Reliability | Monthly price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astrill | Most stable | ~$12.50 | Heavy users, high budget |
| NordVPN | Very stable | ~$3.49 | Most people — best value |
| ExpressVPN | Very stable | ~$2.49 | Beginners, one-tap connect |
| Surfshark | Occasional drops | ~$1.99 | Tight budgets |
| Proton VPN | Occasional drops | ~$2.99 | Privacy-focused |
Run two backups. China's blocks change daily — a server that works today may be dead tomorrow. Use NordVPN as your main, ExpressVPN or Surfshark as backup.
You can't install a VPN after arriving in China. App Store and Google Play usually don't show VPN apps inside China, and free VPNs almost never work. Buy, install, and test your VPN ahead of time. This is the #1 mistake first-time visitors make.
eSIM gets you online anywhere in China.
They solve different problems: eSIM gives you data; VPN gives you access. In most cases, you need both.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Trip.com) | Buy & activate before you fly, no SIM swap needed | Data only — won't bypass the firewall |
| Local SIM (China Mobile) | Cheap, huge data allowances, strong signal | Requires real-name registration; won't bypass the firewall |
| US carrier roaming | Bypasses the firewall automatically | Expensive (~$10/day), slow speeds |
Best plan: A travel eSIM for everyday data, plus a paid VPN for Google/Instagram. Buy the eSIM before you fly; pick up a local SIM at the airport if you need more data.
Apps to install after arrival, same habits, new names
None of these will feel unfamiliar — they're the Chinese versions of apps you already use. The only differences: payment goes through Alipay or WeChat, and Chinese-only screens rely on photos, ratings, and your camera.
| App | Use for | US equivalent | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Maps / Amap | Navigation | Google Maps | Google Maps data doesn't exist here — Apple Maps fills the gap for English maps, while Amap has better coverage but is Chinese-only. Save your hotel's Chinese address for drivers. |
| DiDi | Ride-hailing | Uber | Flow is similar to Uber, but no cash and no tipping — fares auto-charge to Alipay or WeChat. If the driver calls, show your saved Chinese address. |
| Dianping | Restaurant reviews | Yelp | Mostly Chinese interface, but photos and ratings are intuitive enough; use Baidu Translate's camera feature to order. |
| Meituan | Food delivery | DoorDash | Same account system as DiDi, Alipay payment, no tipping. |
| Trip.com | Hotels, train tickets, attractions | Expedia | Has English interface and international support, takes foreign credit cards directly. |
| Baidu Translate | Translation (camera translate menus!) | Google Translate | Offline packs and camera translation work great on Chinese menus. |
When connectivity breaks (the small problems)
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "VPN won't connect in China" | Server blocked or app outdated | Switch nodes (Hong Kong/Japan/Singapore are usually fastest). Open your backup VPN. Contact support for working server info. |
| "Hotel Wi-Fi is slow / won't connect to Google" | Hotel throttles or blocks VPNs | Stop relying on hotel Wi-Fi for VPN. Use your eSIM data instead. |
| "Apple Maps looks wrong" | You're expecting Google data | Nope — Apple Maps uses Amap data in China and it's very accurate. Trust it. |
| I forgot to set up a VPN. | App stores won't help now. | Use US roaming temporarily, or buy an eSIM with basic access included. Set up a real VPN next time. |
| VPN subscription expired | Lost access mid-trip | Renew via Alipay's international payment — yes, Alipay can pay foreign merchants. |
Download offline maps before you go. In Apple Maps, save the cities you'll visit. Even if your VPN drops on a random Tuesday, you can still walk to your hotel without signal.
Quick checklist
- Buy a VPN with obfuscation; install and test it at home.
- Add a backup VPN.
- Buy a travel eSIM; download offline city maps.
- Install DiDi, Amap, Dianping, Trip.com, Baidu Translate.
- Save VPN support contacts somewhere accessible without a VPN.
China's connectivity problems are "before you fly" problems, not "after landing" problems. Set things up at home and the only thing you'll notice is that Gmail is one tap away.