How to use the internet in China as a tourist
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked on Chinese networks. Here's how tourists stay online in China: travel eSIMs, the apps to install, payments and offline maps.
On Chinese networks and Wi-Fi, many apps you rely on are blocked: Google Search, Maps and Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube. The simplest fix for a tourist is a travel eSIM that connects as a roaming visitor. Its data is routed outside mainland China, so these apps usually work as they do at home.
What's blocked in China, and what works
Usually blocked on Chinese networks Works normally
Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, YouTube) WeChat, Alipay
WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal Apple iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Maps
Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads Microsoft Outlook, Bing
Many Western news sites Booking.com, Trip.com
Rules change without notice, so expect surprises and keep a backup.
Option 1: A travel eSIM (easiest)
A travel eSIM for China is installed at home and switched on when you land. Because it connects as a roaming visitor, your data typically goes through a network outside mainland China. Google Maps, WhatsApp and Instagram then work without any extra app.
Things to know:
Hotel and cafe Wi-Fi still follows local rules. Use your eSIM data for blocked apps, even at the hotel.
A travel eSIM is data only and has no Chinese phone number. Some services, such as ride-hailing or bike sharing, may want a local number. Alipay and WeChat accept foreign numbers for most things.
Speeds are usually good in cities. In remote western regions, coverage gets thin on every network.
Option 2: A Chinese SIM card
You can buy a SIM from China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom with your passport. You get a local number and fast local data, but Google and WhatsApp stay blocked. Most travelers end up needing a second solution anyway.
Option 3: Hotel Wi-Fi plus a VPN
Many travelers try this, but VPNs are unreliable in China and their use is restricted. We don't recommend relying on one.
Apps to set up before you fly
WeChat: messaging, mini-apps for trains and tickets, and WeChat Pay. Add your card at home.
Alipay: the easiest way to pay with a foreign card. It also has a built-in translator and ride-hailing.
Maps: Apple Maps works in China. Amap (Gaode) is the local favorite. Download offline areas for Google Maps too, as a backup.
Translation: download the offline Chinese pack in Google Translate or Apple Translate.
Train tickets: the official 12306 app or Trip.com.
How much data do you need in China?
About 1 GB a day covers maps, messaging, payments and social media. You'll lean on your phone more than usual in China, because cash is rare and nearly everything runs through apps. For a 10-day trip, look at 10 GB or more, or an unlimited plan.
Hong Kong and Macao
Hong Kong and Macao have open internet: Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work on local networks. If your trip includes them, look at a regional plan that covers mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.
Bottom line
Set up WeChat and Alipay at home, download offline maps, and install a travel eSIM before you fly. Then your usual apps keep working from the moment you land. See China eSIM plans .