What works in China today
Check any app, VPN or eSIM before you fly. Every answer is dated and comes with its sources.
| Service | On Chinese networks | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked | Oct 8 | |
| Google Maps | Blocked | Oct 8 |
| Gmail | Blocked | Oct 8 |
| Works | Oct 8 | |
| Blocked | Oct 8 | |
| ChatGPT | Blocked | Oct 8 |
| Apple Maps | Works | Oct 8 |
| YouTube | Blocked | Oct 8 |
Pick your setup
Most travelers need one of three.
| Your trip | What to use | Why | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short tripUp to two weeks, phone only | A roaming eSIM that routes abroad | Blocked apps work without a VPN | Compare eSIMs → |
| Working tripLaptop, hotel Wi-Fi, work apps | An eSIM for your phone, a VPN for your laptop | Hotel Wi-Fi is filtered, and an eSIM doesn't help there | How to set it up → |
| Long stayA month or more | A VPN on every device, plus a local SIM | Cheaper data over months, and a local number | Compare VPNs → |
VPNs
- 01 AstrillWorks
- 02 SurfsharkUnreliable
- 03 ExpressVPNUnreliable
eSIMs
Why a roaming eSIM works
The one thing to understand before you buy.
- Your phone
- Chinese network
- Great Firewall
- Google, WhatsApp: blocked
- Your phone
- Chinese network
- Gateway outside mainland China
- Google, WhatsApp: work
What changed in 2026
Dated events that changed what works, with sources.
-
LetsVPN pulls out of mainland China
After weeks of disruption, it announced it would stop serving users in mainland China.
Latest reader reports
Reviewed by hand before they appear.
No reports yet. Been to mainland China recently? Tell us what worked, on which network, and when.
Guides
- eSIM or VPN for China? How to Choose
When a roaming eSIM is enough in China, when you still need a VPN, and why many travelers set up both before they fly.
- Is Using a VPN Legal in China for Foreigners?
Unapproved VPNs are not allowed in mainland China, but there is no reported fine against a tourist for private use. What the rules say and who gets penalized.
- Apps to Download Before Going to China: A Checklist
Install WeChat, Alipay, Amap, DiDi and Baidu Translate before you fly. WhatsApp and Google need a VPN or a roaming eSIM, so set one up too.
- Airalo vs Holafly for China: Plans, Routing and Hotspot
Both say WhatsApp works on their China eSIMs without a VPN. Airalo costs less and sells small plans. Holafly is unlimited, with 1 GB hotspot a day.
- Does AT&T International Day Pass Work in China?
AT&T International Day Pass covers mainland China for $12 a day, up to 10 fees a bill period. Whether Google and WhatsApp work on it is not confirmed.
- Does EE Roaming Work in China?
EE roaming works in mainland China: £6 for 24 hours or £30 for 7 days on pay monthly. Most EE forum reports say blocked apps work; EE doesn't say.
- eSIM for China and Hong Kong: Plans That Cover Both
Holafly sells one eSIM for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, with 3 days for $11.90. Airalo, Nomad and Saily cover all three only in wider regional plans.
- Does Google Fi Work in China?
Google Fi works in China on Flexible and Unlimited Premium. Older reports found Google working without a VPN, but Fi doesn't confirm it. Costs vs eSIMs.
- Does Optus Roaming Work in China?
Optus roaming works in mainland China: Daily Roaming is A$5 per 24 hours for 5GB. Users say Google and WhatsApp work; Optus doesn't say.
- Does T-Mobile Work in China?
T-Mobile covers China on Experience plans or with an International Pass from $10 a day. One traveler reports Google and WhatsApp working; T-Mobile doesn't say.
- Does Telstra Roaming Work in China?
Telstra roaming works in mainland China: A$10 a day for 2GB on Day Pass, or Pre-Paid packs from A$10. Forum users say blocked apps work; Telstra doesn't say.
- Does Verizon TravelPass Work in China?
Verizon TravelPass covers mainland China for $12 a day, with 5 GB of high-speed data a day. Whether Google and WhatsApp work on it is not confirmed.
- Does Vodafone UK Roaming Work in China?
Vodafone UK roaming works in mainland China for £8 a day on pay monthly plans bought since 11 August 2021. Whether WhatsApp and Google work is not confirmed.
- Alipay for Foreigners: Setup, Limits and Fees
Foreigners can use Alipay with a foreign phone number and card. Each payment is capped at US$5,000, and payments over 200 yuan carry a 3% fee.
- WeChat Pay for Foreigners: Setup, Limits and Fees
Foreigners can use WeChat Pay with a foreign card and phone number. No fee under 200 yuan, 3% above that, and a US$5,000 cap per payment.
- LetsVPN Not Working in China? What Happened and Alternatives
LetsVPN stopped serving mainland China in April 2026, citing ongoing network blocking. What it said, refunds, and which VPNs and eSIMs to use instead.
- NordVPN Not Working in China? How to Set It Up Manually
NordVPN says its apps are blocked in China. Set up IKEv2/IPsec by hand on iPhone, Mac, Android or Linux before you go. Windows has no workaround yet.
- VPN for Hotel Wi-Fi in China: How to Connect
Hotel Wi-Fi in China is filtered, and a roaming eSIM doesn't help on it. Log in first, then connect your VPN. Provider fixes and an eSIM hotspot backup.
Statuses come from reader reports, public tests and provider notices. Every price and status shows when we last checked it and links to the source. Some links pay us a commission; that never changes a status. How we rate · Disclosure