Destinations
Internet in China: what works, what does not and how to arrive ready
In China, Google, WhatsApp and Instagram do not work on a local connection. What that means for a traveller and what to sort out before flying.
Irene Salazar 9 min Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash China is the destination where connectivity stops being a logistical detail and becomes part of planning the trip. Coverage is excellent, among the best in the world. The issue is a different one: what you can open with that coverage.
Coverage first, because it is the easy part
China has the largest 5G rollout on the planet and a 4G network that reaches virtually all inhabited territory, including secondary cities and a good share of the countryside. High-speed trains, metros and airports are covered. That is not the problem.
What does not work on a local connection
China filters access to a significant share of Western services. With a local SIM or the wi-fi of a Chinese hotel, this is what you will not be able to use:
- The whole of Google: search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, Photos and the app store.
- WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X and most Western social networks.
- YouTube, Netflix and a good share of video services.
- Many international news outlets.
This has very practical consequences: if the way you find your way around is Google Maps and the way you talk to people at home is WhatsApp, a local connection leaves you without both.
Why a travel eSIM changes the picture
Travel eSIMs usually route traffic outside the country, so in practice you browse as if you were outside China and the usual services keep working. It is the main reason why, in this particular destination, so many people travel with an eSIM instead of buying a local SIM.
That said, and it is worth underlining: we do not take it as guaranteed. It depends on the plan, on the route it uses and on decisions that are not in our hands. Before buying, look at the destination page and, if access to those services is critical for your trip, write to us and we will tell you what we know about the specific plan.
What they use there, just in case
It is worth having a plan B installed before you fly, because if you cannot open the app store you cannot download it there either.
| What for | Local alternative |
|---|---|
| Messaging | WeChat, which over there is practically everything |
| Maps | Baidu Maps or Amap, with partial English support |
| Payments | Alipay and WeChat Pay, which now accept foreign cards |
| Transport | Didi, the equivalent of ride-hailing apps |
| Translation | Download the language for offline use before you leave |
Paying by phone in China is not a convenience, it is the norm: there are places where cash is a nuisance. Setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before flying saves a great deal.
What to sort out before flying
- Install the eSIM at home, on wi-fi. Over there you will not be able to download certain things.
- Download the maps of the cities you will set foot in and the language for offline translation.
- Install WeChat and set up a mobile payment method.
- Save your accommodation addresses IN CHINESE, in a note on your phone. A taxi driver does not read the Latin alphabet.
- Download your tickets and bookings. Do not leave them only in your email.
Hong Kong and Macau are separate
They are special administrative regions with their own framework: there is no filtering there and Western services work normally. For connectivity they count as different destinations, so a mainland China plan does not necessarily cover them. Check the product page if your trip includes both.
Frequently asked questions
Does WhatsApp work in China?
Not on a local connection: it is among the filtered services, like Google, Instagram or YouTube. Travel eSIMs usually route traffic outside the country and in practice it keeps working, although that depends on the plan and is not worth taking as guaranteed.
Is mobile coverage good in China?
Excellent. China has the world's largest 5G rollout and a 4G network reaching almost all inhabited territory, including high-speed trains and metros.
Can I use Google Maps in China?
Not on a local connection. It is worth downloading maps before flying and having a local alternative such as Baidu Maps or Amap installed.
Do I need cash in China?
Less and less: paying by phone with Alipay or WeChat Pay is the norm and they now accept foreign cards. It is worth setting it up before travelling.
Does a China plan cover Hong Kong and Macau?
Not necessarily. They are special administrative regions and for connectivity they count as different destinations. Check the destination page if your trip includes both.
