China's internet is not the open internet. Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many Western news sites are blocked. Some travelers use a VPN configured before arrival; others rely on Chinese apps and offline tools. Either way, do not arrive expecting your usual phone to work as it does at home.
Checklist
- VPN or roaming plan sorted before arrival
- Offline maps and translation app
- Chinese names and addresses saved as screenshots
- Power bank and charging cable
- WeChat installed and set up
What is blocked and what works
Google Maps, Gmail, Google Search, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X, and most Western news sites are blocked. Apple Maps and some Apple services work with limitations. Chinese apps — WeChat, Alipay, Amap/Gaode, Dianping, Meituan — are excellent for local use but mostly in Chinese.
International roaming may route data through your home carrier and bypass some blocks, but it is expensive and not guaranteed. A local SIM gives you cheap data but puts you behind the firewall. Decide which trade-off you prefer before you arrive.
- Set up any VPN before entering China
- Download offline maps and translation packs
- WeChat is essential for local communication
A workable setup
Download a Chinese map app (Amap or Baidu) and a translation app with offline Chinese. Save your hotel's name and address in Chinese. Screenshot bookings and tickets. Carry a power bank; maps and translation drain battery quickly.
If you need to contact family, agree on an app that works — email, WeChat, or international SMS. Do not rely on WhatsApp calls. Hotel wifi is common but can be slow; a local data plan is more reliable for navigation. Emergency calls (110, 120) work on any phone.
- Blocked
- Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X
- Useful apps
- WeChat, Alipay, Amap, Baidu Translate
- Emergency
- 110 police, 120 ambulance
- Wifi
- Common in hotels; speed varies
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