Internet in China for tourists: what works

Internet in China gives most tourists the same surprise: many apps they use every day don’t work on local networks. Here is what to expect and how to prepare, so you can still use maps, messages and email during your trip. The connection options themselves are covered in mobile data in China.

What doesn’t work on local networks

Many foreign services, including Google services and WhatsApp, are blocked on local Chinese networks. That also applies on hotel, café and airport Wi-Fi: a local Chinese SIM and hotel or café Wi-Fi go through the domestic network, so blocked apps usually stay blocked there.

Why roaming is different

Roaming on your home SIM, and many travel eSIMs, route your data outside mainland China, which is why blocked apps can still work on them. That is why your connection choice matters more than your phone.

Prepare before you fly

1. Choose your connection (roaming or travel eSIM) and set it up at home: buy and install a travel eSIM before you arrive: once you are in mainland China, the seller’s website may be blocked.
2. Download offline maps of Beijing and a translation app’s offline language pack.
3. Save key documents offline: booking confirmations, hotel address in Chinese, passport copy.
4. Tell your contacts how to reach you if a messaging app doesn’t work.
5. Set up payment apps: see how to pay in China.

Booking tickets from China

Booking at release time needs a stable connection. If you can, book the Forbidden City before you fly: see Forbidden City tickets.