On a mainland Chinese connection, such as a local SIM or hotel Wi-Fi, Google, YouTube, Facebook and X don’t work, and neither do apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram. Your home provider’s roaming and many travel eSIMs usually route data through a network outside mainland China, so travellers using them can generally keep reaching those services.
So the decision to make before you fly is how you’ll connect. Then install a small set of Chinese apps for maps, rides and payments, and sign in to each one while you’re still at home.
What stops working, and what to use instead
The UK government’s travel advice says Google, Facebook, YouTube and X are permanently blocked, other websites may sometimes be blocked, and access can be limited around key political events. On a local connection, plan for these replacements:
| If you normally use… | In China, set up… |
|---|---|
| Google Maps | Amap (高德地图), which has an English version for international users |
| Uber or a local taxi app | DiDi (滴滴), as its own app or inside Alipay or WeChat |
| Gmail or Google Drive for tickets and bookings | Offline copies or screenshots of every confirmation, saved on your phone |
| Google Translate | A translation app with the Chinese offline pack downloaded before you leave |
| WhatsApp for local contacts | WeChat, which hotels, guides and Chinese friends are more likely to use |
Even if your connection reaches Google, Amap and DiDi are still worth having. Their places, routes and pickup points are built for mainland China.
Choose how you’ll connect
| Option | Blocked services | A good fit if… | Check before paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home roaming | Usually work, because data is routed via your home network | You want no extra setup and to keep your usual number | That mainland China is covered, and the daily or per-MB cost |
| Travel eSIM | Usually work on plans that route traffic outside mainland China | You want data ready on landing at a known price | Your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible; the plan covers mainland China; where traffic is routed |
| Local SIM | Don’t work | You’re staying longer or need a Chinese phone number | Plan terms, and bring your passport to register |
| Hotel or café Wi-Fi | Don’t work | You only need it as a backup | Some networks send a login code by text |
For a short first trip, I’d start with a travel eSIM or home roaming and keep your usual SIM active for texts. Add a local SIM only if you’re staying for weeks or a service you need insists on a Chinese number.
A few details matter:
- Data-only eSIMs don’t receive texts. Alipay, DiDi and your bank send verification codes to your usual number. On a dual-SIM phone, use the eSIM for data and keep your home SIM on for texts, with its data roaming switched off if you want to avoid charges.
- Roaming routes add some delay. Data going abroad and back can feel slower. Some eSIM plans list an “internet breakout” or routing location; one closer to China is usually quicker.
- Local SIMs need your passport. The State Council’s guide for foreigners lists passport-based applications at China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom offices. Ask staff to activate and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
- Public Wi-Fi: the US State Department advises travellers not to connect to public Wi-Fi networks in China. Treat it as a backup, not your main connection.
VPNs
VPNs come up in almost every China trip discussion, so here is what the official advice says. The UK government notes that online services such as VPNs need to be licensed by the Chinese government. The US State Department goes further: it says using a VPN in China is illegal in most cases and may lead to device confiscation, a fine or detention.
This guide doesn’t recommend VPNs. For a short trip, roaming or a travel eSIM covers what most visitors need, without installing anything extra.
The apps to install before you fly
Download these from your phone’s official app store at home, sign in and complete any verification while you can still receive texts easily.
- Alipay or WeChat for payments. Add your card and finish identity checks before travelling; the Alipay and WeChat Pay guide covers each step. Alipay also offers city metro and bus QR codes, and shared bikes, under Transport.
- Amap for maps and public transport. Its English version launched in January 2025 and added more languages in July 2025. It can also request rides from several ride-hailing providers in English.
- DiDi for rides. Install the version for rides in mainland China, register with your overseas number and switch the language to English under Me → Settings → General → Language. You can also use DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat, with the fare charged to that wallet.
- A translation app, with the Chinese offline pack downloaded before departure. Practise pointing your camera at a menu so you know where the feature is.
- China Railway 12306 or another booking app if you plan to take trains between cities. The 12306 English site shows official departures and fares.
Also save offline: your hotel’s address in Chinese, flight and hotel confirmations, and the first day’s route from the airport.
From living in China: getting into a DiDi
- Check the plate first. Before you get in, match the car’s licence plate with the one shown in the app.
- Expect to be asked for your phone number’s last four digits. It’s the standard check drivers use to make sure the right passenger is getting in. They’ll usually ask 手机尾号 (shǒujī wěihào).
- Prepare a note on your phone. Before you order, write something like 我的手机尾号是 1234 (“the last four digits of my phone number are 1234”), using the last four digits of the number on your DiDi account. Once you’re in the car, show it to the driver. No conversation needed. The phone number card makes one for you and reads the four digits in Mandarin.
When you land
Before you leave the airport, check three things while you still have help nearby:
- Mobile data is working, and you can open both a Chinese app (Amap) and an overseas service you rely on.
- Verification texts arrive on your usual number.
- Your payment app shows your card as ready to use.
If your eSIM won’t connect, check that it’s selected for mobile data and that data roaming is switched on for that line. Most providers require both.
Which services are reachable can change, and eSIM plans differ in coverage and routing, so check your plan’s details before you buy. Next, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay, then tick off the China travel checklist.
Want a travel eSIM?
If your home plan’s roaming is expensive or doesn’t cover mainland China, a travel eSIM is the next thing to compare. Select China, then check the data allowance, validity, activation steps and fair-use limits, and confirm your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
Browse Yesim plans for China (affiliate link)The provider handles your booking and sets the availability and terms.
Sources and updates
Sources checked on 30 Oct 2026.
- UK Foreign Office: China travel advice, internet access
- US Department of State: China travel advisory
- eSIMDB: how travel eSIM routing works in mainland China (explainer)
- State Council: daily-life services for foreigners, including mobile SIM applications
- Shanghai municipal government: Amap’s English map, January 2025
- Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office: Amap multilingual version and ride-hailing, July 2025
- Shanghai municipal government: how to use DiDi, updated July 2026
- Beijing municipal government: transport tips for new arrivals
- China Railway 12306 (English)
Check the latest official information for your travel date before making a booking.
Spotted a mistake? Let me know.