Should You Get a VPN When Visiting China?

China’s Great Firewall (GFW) blocks access to numerous popular websites and services. This disrupts both work and personal communication, and makes it confusing to adjust when you are in China. We have used tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and eSIMs to access blocked apps when in China. This is our experience.

Understanding China Great Firewall

China’s GFW is a sophisticated system designed to regulate and monitor internet traffic within the country. For travellers, this means that several popular websites and applications are blocked and inaccessible, including:

• Social Media: Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, and Pinterest.

• Messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord.

• Search: Google and its associated services like Gmail and Google Maps.

• Media Streaming Sites: YouTube, Netflix (limited), and major news outlets such as The New York Times and BBC.

These restrictions means you cannot access your usual apps and subscriptions for information and entertainment. There will also be challenges in staying connected with friends and family while travelling.

How VPNs Bypass China’s GFW

To circumvent these restrictions, travellers commonly turn to VPNs. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through servers located outside of China, effectively masking your location and allowing access to blocked sites.

Limitations of using VPNs in China

While VPNs can be effective in many countries, they are not foolproof. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of VPNs can vary a lot. Chinese authorities continually monitor and block known VPN servers. If a VPN’s IP address is detected, it can be swiftly blacklisted, rendering the service ineffective. For this reason, it might not be a good idea to commit to a long-term VPN plan (eg. for 1 or 2 years). Monthly plans with not lock-in will be ideal.

Redditors keep a monthly megathread of VPNs that are tested to be working for the month. Based on recent user experiences, the following VPNs have been noted for their reliability in China:

⭐️ Mullvad VPN: Incorporated in Sweden. Recommended if you are staying in China for a long period of time.

🆗 Astrill VPN: Incorporated in Liechtenstein. Expensive.

‼️ LetsVPN: Incorporated in Canada. However, the privacy policy is lacking and there are suggestions that it has deep links to Chinese government.

You will need install the respective VPN apps on each of your devices to access their services. Personally, I find this cumbersome and unnecessary for short-term visits to China. Thankfully, there is a better alternative to using VPNs.

eSIMs Are Better Alternative to VPNs for Short-Term Travellers to China

For short-term travellers (ie. staying less than a month), an better alternative to VPNs is utilizing eSIMs with international data plans. An eSIM (embedded-SIM) allows you to access mobile networks without the need for a physical SIM card. By choosing an international data plan that routes traffic outside of China, you can enjoy unrestricted internet access without relying on VPNs.

We wrote extensively on why we prefer eSIM than VPN in the above post. Here is a quick summary.

Cons of Using eSIMs:

⚠️ Only for eSIM capable phones: Your device must be eSIM capable. Else you will need to buy a SIM card instead.

⚠️ One Device Only: eSIMs are loaded on one-device only. The only way to share your data is to turn on hotspot. This will drain your battery faster.

⚠️ Data Only: Most eSIMs only offer data with no local numbers. You will not be able to make phone calls or SMS with data-only eSIMs.

Benefits of Using eSIMs:

✅ Easy to Buy: You can buy an eSIM online and it get’s delivered to your email address almost immediately. No need to travel down to a physical store or wait it to be physically delivered.

✅ Ease of Use: No need to purchase and swap physical SIM cards. Some eSIM providers require you to install an App. But there are also good ones that do not require any installation.

✅ Reliable Connectivity: Consistent access to global internet services without the intermittent performance that some VPNs may experience.

How to Get Started with an eSIM:

1. Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your smartphone supports eSIM functionality. The easiest way to check if your phone supports eSIM is to dial *#06# and press call. If your device is eSIM-compatible, you will see your phone’s EID number.

2. Choose a Reputable Provider: Select an eSIM provider that offers data plans suitable for China. We have tried many providers and recommend these ones from Trip.com.

3. Purchase and Activate: Buy the eSIM plan online, scan the provided QR code, and follow the on-screen instructions to activate.

Navigating China’s internet landscape requires some preparation, but with the right tools, you can stay connected and make the most of your journey. Whether you choose to use a VPN or opt for the convenience of an eSIM, you can access Google, Youtube, Instagram, Reddit, Discord and all the apps you need when in China!

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