Internet in China: VPN, eSIM and how to survive the Great Firewall
Most important: China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Without a VPN, you are disconnected from the outside world. And without WeChat, you can't communicate with locals.
The Great Firewall of China
China has the largest internet blockade in the world. This is locked:
- ❌ Google (Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Drive)
- ❌Twitter/X
- ❌ Telegram
- ❌YouTube
- ❌ Netflix
This DOES work:
- ✅ Alipay
- ✅ Baidu
- ✅ Weibo (Chinese Twitter)
- ✅ Douyin (Chinese TikTok)
- ✅ Baidu Maps
Option 1: VPN (THE BEST)
A VPN encrypts your traffic and passes it through another country. It is the only way to access Google and WhatsApp in China.
Best VPNs for China (2026)
| VPN | Price/month | Speed | Reliable in China |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | €3.50 | Quick | ★★★★☆ |
| ExpressVPN | €8 | Very fast | ★★★★★ |
| Astrill VPN | €10 | Excellent | ★★★★★ |
My recommendation: NordVPN or ExpressVPN
NordVPN: Cheaper, works well, server in Japan. ExpressVPN: More expensive but the most reliable in China. If you can afford it, buy it.
How to configure your VPN (STEP BY STEP)
BEFORE arriving in China:
- Download the VPN from the official website
- Register and pay (1 month ≈ 3.50-€10)
- Set favorite servers (Japan, Singapore, Korea)
- Test the connection — make sure it works
- Save the app on your home screen
Upon arrival in China:
- Open the VPN
- Connect to server in Japan or Singapore
- Try opening Google
- If it does not connect: Change server or protocol
Tricks if the VPN does not connect:
- Change the protocol (OpenVPN → IKEv2)
- Try different servers
- Use "obfuscated" mode if the VPN has it
- Restart the mobile
Option 2: eSIM with roaming
An international eSIM can give you internet without VPN, but with limitations.
| Supplier | Price | Data | Works in China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellofly | €27 | Unlimited | Yes (with VPN included) |
| Air it | €11 | 10GB | Yes (no VPN) |
| Nomad | €12 | 10GB | Yes (no VPN) |
Advantage of Holafly:
- Includes integrated VPN
- You don't need to configure anything
- Internet works directly
Disadvantage:
- More expensive than other options
- Limited speed sometimes
Option 3: Hotel WiFi
Most hotels in China have WiFi. But it has limitations.
What works with hotel WiFi:
- ✅ Alipay
- ✅ Baidu
- ✅ Chinese apps
What does NOT work without VPN:
- ❌YouTube
Tip: Use the hotel WiFi for Chinese apps and your VPN for Western apps.
How many GB do you need
| Usage | GB/day | GB in 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Maps and messages only | 0.5GB | 3.5GB |
| Maps + social networks | 1GB | 7GB |
| Maps + networks + photos | 2GB | 14GB |
| Remote work + everything | 3+ GB | 21+GB |
Tip: If you use hotel WiFi at night, you can use less GB.
Settings of your mobile
iPhone:
- Settings → Mobile data → Add data plan
- Scan the QR of your eSIM
- Name the line (ex: "China")
- Activate "Allow data line change"
- Select the eSIM as main data
Android:
- Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM
- Scan the QR
- Set as main data
- Activate roaming if necessary
Public WiFi in China
Where is free WiFi:
- ✅ Airports (good WiFi)
- ✅ Train stations
- ✅ Starbucks and McDonald's
- ✅ Hotels (most)
- ✅ Shopping centers
Where there is NO WiFi:
- ❌ Streets and parks
- ❌ Public transportation
- ❌ Temples and attractions
- ❌ Small restaurants
Mistakes that everyone makes
- Do not install VPN before arriving: You cannot download it in China
- Don't try VPN: Some won't work in 2026
- Depend only on hotel WiFi: Does not work for Google/WhatsApp
- Not setting up WeChat Pay: You can't pay
- Delete the eSIM after the trip: Keep it in case you return
Connectivity checklist
- ☐ VPN installed and working (NordVPN or ExpressVPN)
- ☐ eSIM purchased and QR saved
- ☐ eSIM installed (but not activated)
- ☐ Google Translate with Chinese offline
- ☐ WeChat and Alipay configured
- ☐ Hotel WiFi confirmed
- ☐ Saved Chinese emergency number: 110 (police) / 120 (ambulance)