Your Digital Survival Kit
for China
The apps that work. The tools you need. Set up everything before you land.
Critical: Download your VPN BEFORE landing. Once in China, VPN websites are blocked.
China's Great Firewall — What's Blocked
These services are blocked in China. Plan your alternatives before you arrive.
BLOCKED
WORKS
* iMessage and Line work with limitations
Download your VPN now — before you fly
Tested and verified for China access. These are the VPNs that actually work.
Astrill VPN
Most reliable for China
ExpressVPN
User-friendly & fast
NordVPN
Budget option
We earn a small commission if you purchase through our links. We only recommend services we've tested.
Essential Apps for China
Download these before you land. Each one solves a real problem you'll face.
🗺️ Maps & Navigation
🚕 Transportation
12306 Guide
TransportOfficial China railway booking. Requires Chinese ID by default — use Trip.com instead for foreign passport booking.
💬 Communication
🍜 Food & Delivery
💊 Health & Safety
China SOS
SafetyEmergency assistance for foreigners in China. One-tap SOS, location sharing, and embassy contacts.
First Aid (急救)
HealthRed Cross official first aid app. Step-by-step emergency instructions with illustrations.
📱 Essential Setup
Offline Maps
MapsPre-download city maps in Amap, Baidu Maps, or Maps.me before arriving. Essential when internet is spotty.
Screen Translator
TranslationApps like Google Lens or Baidu Translate can translate Chinese text on your screen in real-time. Great for apps with no English.
China SIM Card Guide
Stay connected from the moment you land. Choose the best option for your trip.
International Roaming
💡 Only for short trips (1-3 days). Use as backup for SMS verification.
Airport SIM Card
💡 Best for trips 4+ days. Buy at China Mobile/Unicom counter at airport.
eSIM
💡 Best for dual-SIM phones. Combine with roaming for SMS verification.
Recommended providers:
Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers before you need them. Screenshot this section.
Common Questions About Internet in China
Everything you need to know about staying connected.
You can use your phone, but many services will be blocked. Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and many other Western apps won't work without a VPN. Chinese apps like WeChat, Alipay, and Baidu will work fine. We strongly recommend setting up a VPN before you arrive.
Astrill VPN is the most reliable, followed by ExpressVPN. NordVPN works but may require manual configuration. VPN performance in China changes frequently — check recent reviews before purchasing. Always download and test your VPN BEFORE entering China.
Yes, eSIMs from providers like Airalo and Holafly work in China for data. However, eSIMs provide data only — you won't get a Chinese phone number, which means you can't receive Chinese SMS verification codes. Consider combining an eSIM with your home SIM on roaming for verification codes.
It's very helpful but not strictly necessary. A Chinese number lets you: receive verification codes for Chinese apps, use DiDi ride-hailing, order food delivery, and register for services. If you're staying 4+ days, get a local SIM at the airport.
No, Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely accepted in China. The payment ecosystem is dominated by WeChat Pay and Alipay. Set up one of these before you arrive — they accept international Visa/Mastercard.
VPN connectivity can be unreliable, especially during politically sensitive dates. Tips: (1) Always have a backup VPN, (2) Download offline maps and translation packs, (3) Use Baidu instead of Google for local searches, (4) Hotel Wi-Fi often has less restrictions than mobile data.
WeChat is monitored by Chinese authorities — this is public knowledge. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics. For general travel communication, restaurant recommendations, and payments, it's perfectly fine and essential. Use your regular messaging apps (via VPN) for private conversations.
Google Drive and Dropbox are blocked in China. Solutions: (1) Use VPN to access them, (2) Download important documents before arriving, (3) Use Baidu Wangpan (Chinese cloud storage) as an alternative, (4) Email important files to yourself.
Ready to download your Digital Survival Kit?
Includes VPN setup guide, app download links, and offline access. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
Includes VPN setup guide, app download links, and offline access