Do You Need a VPN For Travel to China?

China’s internet restrictions block access to many popular international sites and services like Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

A trusted VPN (Virtual Private Network) gives you a secure, stable connection to the open internet — making it not just helpful, but essential.

But is it essential for every traveler? Not always. Let's break down when and why you might need a VPN in China, and the available alternatives.

What Online Services Are Blocked in China?

China’s advanced internet censorship system, widely known as the Great Firewall, limits access to many international websites and services. Even if you know where to buy a SIM card in China, using a local SIM alone won’t give you unrestricted access. That’s because Chinese mobile networks still route your internet traffic through the country’s heavily filtered system.

Here’s what typically blocked:

• Google: This includes its core services such as Search, Maps, Docs, Gmail, and the Google Play Store.
• Meta: Access to popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger is blocked.
• Video and Social Media: Platforms like YouTube, Reddit, Twitter (X), the global version of TikTok, and Wikipedia are generally inaccessible.
• Western News Outlets: Many international news websites, including The New York Times, BBC, and Reuters, are blocked.

To access these, you will need a VPN or a travel eSIM that routes traffic through unrestricted servers.

Do You Need a VPN In China?

It depends on how you plan to use the internet. If staying connected to platforms like Google, Instagram, YouTube, or WhatsApp is important to you then a VPN isn’t just useful, it’s practically essential.

VPNs allow you to bypass the Great Firewall. But, if you are not restricted by the Great Firewall, then there isn’t really a need to get a VPN. And the good news is that if you are on data roaming, you are subjected to restrictions of your home country and not the Chinese restrictions.

Similarly, if you were connected to the internet using a travel eSIM for China, chances are that you will not be restricted by the firewall restrictions either. This is because the network traffic will be routed to a different location before it is connected to the internet.

So, if you are using a travel eSIM or if you are roaming to connect to the internet while abroad, you wouldn’t need a VPN installed.

However, it is important to note that the moment you connect to local Wi-Fi in China, the Great Firewall restrictions kick in. If you plan to use a laptop or multiple devices, a VPN is highly recommended to ensure uninterrupted access to the sites and services you rely on. Want to avoid WiFi entirely? Use a travel eSIM with tethering and hotspot support.

If you’re concerned about excessive charges, you can check out our blog for tips on the amount of data you need for overseas trips.

Who Needs a VPN When Traveling to China?

You’ll likely need a VPN if you fall into any of these categories:

• Digital Nomads & Remote Workers: If your workflow relies on Gmail, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, or other cloud-based tools.
• Social Media Users: Want to access Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp while travelling.
• Tourists & Short-Term Travelers: Use Google Maps, Google Translate, booking sites or everyday travel tools.
• Journalists, or Researchers: Require unrestricted internet access for work involving sensitive topics or secure communication.

How to Choose the Right VPN for China

Not all VPNs work reliably in China due to constant efforts by the government to block them. Here are a few tips for selecting the best VPN:

1. Choose a VPN with Stealth Features: Look for a VPN that offers obfuscation technology, which disguises your VPN traffic to bypass detection.

2. Pick a Reputable Provider: Well-known VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are popular among travelers for their consistent performance in China.

3. Check for Multiple Server Locations: Opt for a VPN that offers servers in nearby countries like Japan, or Singapore for faster connection speeds.

How a VPN Works in China

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through external servers,masking your location and helps you bypass local restrictions.This enables access to blocked websites and services like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

Beyond unblocking content, a VPN also adds a layer of security, especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, or airports. It keeps your data private and your connection protected, wherever you go.

How to Set Up a VPN Before You Arrive in China

Because VPN websites are blocked once you're in China, setup needs to happen before you arrive. Here’s what to do:

• Choose a VPN that works in China: Not all VPNs are created equal. Look for one that’s proven to be reliable.
• Install the VPN on all your devices: Set it up on your phone, tablet, and laptop — anything you plan to use to access the internet.
• Activate and test the connection before departure: Make sure it’s working smoothly and you know how to switch it on quickly, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi in transit or immediately after landing.
• Download offline setup files (if available): Some VPNs offer installation files you can keep as a backup in case you need to reinstall the app later without accessing their website.

Tips for Using a VPN Effectively in China

• Install multiple VPNs as backups in case one is blocked
• Enable auto-reconnect so your VPN reconnects quickly if connection drops
• Update VPN app regularly to ensure it can bypass the latest censorship measures.

Try a Nomad Travel eSIM to Stay Connected in China Without a VPN

VPNs are helpful but not always necessary. With a Nomad eSIM for China, you can stay connected and access your favourite apps without the need of an external VPN. Nomad’s eSIMs also support tethering and data sharing, so if you need to connect a second device to the internet, you can also rely on the same data plan to help you get connected.

It is important to note that due to local regulations, you will not be able to purchase eSIM data plans and add-ons once you arrive in China, so make sure to purchase a large enough data pack for the duration of your trip.