Phone & Internet in China

Complete Guide to Staying Connected - eSIM, VPN & Bypassing the Great Firewall

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🚀 Quick Start Guide

1️⃣ Understand the challenge – The Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many other international services
2️⃣ Choose your solution – eSIM with foreign exit point (easiest), VPN service, or international roaming
3️⃣ Set up before you go – Download apps and configure services before entering China
4️⃣ Have backup plans – Multiple solutions increase your chances of staying connected

🚫 What's Blocked in China

Blocked Services

❌ Google (Gmail, Maps, Drive)
❌ Facebook & Instagram
❌ WhatsApp & Telegram
❌ Twitter/X
❌ YouTube & Netflix
❌ Snapchat & Discord

Available Services

✅ WeChat & Alipay
✅ Douyin (Chinese TikTok)
✅ Baidu Maps
✅ iMessage & FaceTime
✅ Microsoft Office
✅ Skype (limited)

💡 Solution: You need either an eSIM with foreign routing, VPN service, or international roaming to access blocked services.

Choose Your Connectivity Solution

Great Firewall

Understanding Blocks

• IP & DNS blocking
• Deep packet inspection
• URL filtering system
Learn how it works
• Technical details
• Bypass methods
• Testing tools
Learn More →

eSIM

Digital SIM Card

• Instant activation
• No physical SIM needed
• Foreign routing bypasses firewall
$0.5-8 per day
✓ Easiest setup
✓ No VPN needed
✓ Reliable connection
View eSIM Guide →

VPN

Virtual Private Network

• Encrypts your connection
• Works with any internet
• Multiple server locations
$3-12 per month
✓ Works anywhere
⚠ Setup required
⚠ May be unstable
View VPN Guide →

🏆 Recommended Setup for Most Travelers

Primary Solution: eSIM

1 Buy eSIM before departure (Trip.com, Airalo, or carrier)
2 Install on your phone before traveling
3 Activate upon landing in China

Backup: VPN

1 Download VPN app before departure
2 Subscribe and test at home
3 Keep as emergency backup

💡 Pro Tip: Having both eSIM and VPN gives you maximum reliability and flexibility for accessing blocked services.

📱 Before You Go Checklist

Download Before Departure

✓ Offline maps (Google Maps offline areas)
✓ Translation apps (Google Translate offline)
✓ VPN apps (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark)
✓ Chinese apps (WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Maps)

Save Important Info

📝 Hotel address in Chinese characters
📝 Embassy contact information
📝 Emergency contacts (local & home)
📝 Important phrases in Chinese