How to travel in China: Ultimate Guide

This guide covers what travellers need to know about internet access, mobile connectivity, and online security when visiting mainland China in 2026. The country's internet is subject to extensive censorship, and some international websites and apps are unavailable on local networks. Planning ahead can help you stay connected throughout your trip.

That is why one should be aware of so called ‘’hidden dangers’’ if there is a necessity to connect any personal device to the global network.

So, are you coming to China for business or just travelling around this country?

Are you going to use the global network for any reasons?

Then this ultimate guide is for you!

The first thing you might be wondering: the best way to call from China. The best China networks, China SIM cards and many other issues will be discussed in the first section below.

How can I get a China SIM card?

Travellers can get a local SIM card from one of China's three main mobile network operators: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Foreign visitors can apply for a SIM card in person at an operator's service centre using their passport. Before purchasing one, check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the operator's network. You should also confirm that it supports the required 4G, 5G, or VoLTE standards.

It is important to know that not all the national Chinese networks (there are three of them: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom) are compatible with the phones outside China. For instance, China Telecom’s network is not conformant with almost all the devices which were not bought in China. Below you can find the information on the compatibility of Chinese networks with the gadgets that are not from PRC.

China Unicom may be a convenient option for visitors with foreign phones because its network is compatible with a wider range of international devices. However, compatibility is not guaranteed, so check your phone's specifications and confirm with the operator before buying a plan.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in China?

You can prepare for your trip by researching local SIM plans in advance, but foreign visitors generally need to complete identity verification in person when purchasing a Chinese SIM card. Bring your passport and visit an official service centre operated by China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom. Some airports also offer SIM cards and mobile data packages for arriving travellers.

Note: Make sure that the size of the China SIM card will fit your personal device!

Planning to stay for long?

If you are going to stay on in China, you should find SIM card subscriptions for a long period of time. You will be able to save some money from it and spend it on something else.

How to top up your China SIM card?

You can recharge a Chinese SIM card through your mobile operator's official app, website, or service centres. Payment options and available top-up methods vary by operator and plan, so check the instructions provided when purchasing your SIM card.

Wi-Fi in China

Travellers can access Wi-Fi in many hotels, airports, and other public places in China. However, availability, connection requirements, and authentication methods vary by location. Some networks require a local phone number, while others offer alternative verification methods for foreign visitors.

Wi-Fi in China airports and train stations

Many major Chinese airports offer free Wi-Fi, but the connection process differs between locations. Some airports allow international travellers to verify their identity using a passport instead of a Chinese SIM card. For example, Shanghai Pudong and Beijing Daxing airports offer passport-based Wi-Fi authentication. Check the airport's instructions when connecting, as other locations may use different login procedures.

Free Wi-Fi in China airports or train stations: simple tips for connecting

To connect, enable Wi-Fi on your device and select the airport's official network. Follow the login page's instructions, which may ask you to verify your identity using a passport, phone number, or authentication kiosk. Avoid connecting to networks that you cannot verify as official.

Wi-Fi in China hotels

Staying in the hotel, don’t worry about Wi-Fi there, as it is available for the guests. In most of them it is not paid, but you need to ask the receptionist to give you the password for their Wi-Fi network. You should also check in what hotel’s area it is provided, because sometimes you may connect to Wi-Fi network only in a lobby.

It is typical for China that Wi-Fi is pretty accessible in big cities, but if you intend to take a trip around Chinese village areas, you may stay free from internet connections for a couple of days.

Wi-Fi in China is available in buses and bullet trains

It’s good news for those travelling by bus or bullet trains! They will have the opportunity to surf the websites while having a trip. The procedure of connecting is all the same as in hotels or airports, but you should keep an eye on it and remember that free services are not always safe enough. You’d better perform a secure VPN connection when using free Wi-Fi in China.

Internet censorship in China

China's internet censorship system is commonly known as the Great Firewall. It uses a combination of technical filtering, content restrictions, and regulatory controls to limit access to certain foreign websites and online services. The system is continually maintained and updated, so the availability of individual websites and apps can change over time.

A brief history of Golden Shield Project

The Golden Shield Project is known as an element of the Great Firewall. The system is aimed at the tremendous tracking and Internet censorship. In 2006 it was finished and is currently performed under supervision of the Chinese police. And what activities does the system consist of? People who man the engines inspect websites and e-mail communications, they also have to seek for ambiguous political ideas expressed on the network.

Is Google available in China?

Most Google services, including Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Drive, are blocked on standard mainland Chinese internet connections. Travellers who rely on these services should prepare alternative arrangements before arriving. Access through a VPN may be possible, but VPN connections are not guaranteed to work consistently in China.

What websites are banned in China?

The Chinese government pays strong attention to such services that were developed for online social communicating. In order not to be disappointed at the fact that you are not able to log in some social networks, scan the list of the confined websites in China. Having prepared for the trip to PRC, try to find an alternative way of staying in touch. Make sure to check blocked websites in China before you travel.

How to stay connected with friends in China?

WeChat is also used for mobile payments through WeChat Pay. Foreign visitors can register and link eligible international bank cards, although supported card networks, transaction limits, and fees may vary. You do not need to use a VPN simply to make payments through WeChat Pay.

WeChat: why is it so popular in China?

WeChat is taking over China and getting so much popular among Chinese netizens. You may be thinking: ‘’Why does WeChat dominate in China?’’

Here’s the deal:

Having WeChat, they can:

• Post photos and pictures as in Instagram;
• Send messages to their friends or create a group chatting;
• Make video calls as via Skype.

But wait, there is more…

There is WeChat wallet which is linked to user’s bank account. One may use it for payment transactions.

We strongly recommend you to use this WeChat feature via a respectable VPN service!

Does WhatsApp messenger work in China?

WhatsApp is blocked on standard mainland Chinese internet connections. Travellers who rely on it for messaging, voice calls, or file sharing should arrange an alternative way to communicate before arriving. WeChat and QQ are popular local alternatives that can be used on Chinese networks.

QQ: popular chat app in China

Does it irritate you switching apps for chatting with local and international contacts? There is a way out! Download QQ app, which is popular in China. It allows you to send instant messages, perform video chats, and meet new mates without difficulties.

How to make video calls in China?

Staying for long abroad, you can start missing friends, relatives, colleagues. You may desire to watch them online, and the solution is video chatting.

You would ask: ‘’If I travel to China, what is the best app for video calls from there?’’

Well, this part of the guide will be about services for video calling in China.

Using FaceTime in China

This app is very helpful for those having devices with iOS operating system. If all of your contacts with whom you are going to video chat possess such devices, you may easily use FaceTime for calling them from China. But remember: the service requires fast internet connection that is why you should be very attentive when you choose a VPN provider, as it is believed that VPNs make internet connecting slower. Be sure that the VPN offers ultrafast speeds!

How to use e-mail in China?

If you have read the previous section, you know now that Google and all its benefits are unavailable in China. Consequently, it is not possible to use you Gmail account for sending a letter to friends, relatives or colleagues. ‘’And how can I send an e-mail in China?’’ would be your question. An easy option for doing this will be a VPN connection. Your true IP address will be hidden, which will permit to connect via one of the VPN’s servers.

Yahoo Mail is not blocked in China

It is also very popular among western internet users, and you will be able to easily access it on the net without a VPN connection, when you are traveling around China. It will be a great alternative, if you are going to stay in touch from China by means of e-mails.

Of course, there are a lot of Chinese e-mail services, but using them requires good knowledge of Chinese. Do know Chinese well? Are you staying in China for a long period of time? Then you can choose from various Chinese e-mail servers.

Blogging in China

Blogging networks are not rare nowadays as it is pretty easy to stay in touch while traveling. They allow travelers to share photo and video content and personal experience with the netizens.

Such famous blogging networks as Wordpress and Tumblr are inaccessible in China, so you have to obtain a VPN subscription for documenting your China trip online.

Do you know anything about Virtual Private Network? We think you will find some simple hacks for secure internet connection with a VPN in China. You must read the next section, if you want to keep your devices away from cyber dangers.

How to use a VPN in China

Now, you may understand that using a VPN in China is a vital necessity, if you are going to enjoy the internet services you get used to at your place. Owing to Great Firewall of China a long list of famous web services are not in free access there (the list of top websites banned in China is provided in our dedicated article).

Many internet users visit these sites for social communication, task management or work. Of course, you can live a few days without them, but for those who plan to stay in China for long, it is necessary to find a solution to this problem.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN app is stated to be a sustainable tool for being private, secure and anonymous on the web. It is achieved with strong data encrypting protocols with the help of which the information passing over the network is codified. No cyber predators may exploit into your system or intercept your personal data.

Moreover, when you connect to the net your authentic IP address is concealed as you use the IP of another server available within a VPN. Now, you see the advantage of connecting via a VPN, do you?

Why is it better to have a respectable VPN in China?

A reliable VPN can help protect your internet traffic and may provide access to some services that are restricted on mainland Chinese networks. However, no VPN can guarantee uninterrupted access to blocked websites or complete protection from monitoring. Travellers should also be aware that using VPN services to bypass internet censorship can carry legal risks in China.

1 simple tip you must know:

Install and configure any necessary VPN apps before travelling. Some VPN provider websites and services may be inaccessible from mainland China, making it difficult to download an app or troubleshoot a connection after arrival.

Best VPNs for China: What is the price?

Though there a lot of free VPN services on the network, it is recommended to chose those that require paying for the plans, as some free VPNs may lag some features which would help to bypass Great Firewall of China.

An average price for a paid VPN is 3$-10$ per month. Moreover, certain providers offer a discount for annual plans.

You can also share VPN charges with your friends, if you travel to China together. Many of the best VPNs allow you to make a few simultaneous connections within one account.

Top 10 features for a VPN in China

Choosing a decent VPN plan requires much time, especially if you are not an advanced computer user. Further you can read top 10 features you need to know about, if you want to buy the best VPN for China.

• Speed

Does your work require ultrafast speeds? Are you an avid blogger? Then your best VPN should be as fast as possible. Some VPNs are believed to slow down internet connection that is why read some people’s reviews on the speeds of the VPN are going to subscribe for.

• Encrypting

Find a VPN that applies at least 128-bit encryption. You may be wondering: ‘’Will the higher encryption provide the strongest protection?’’ Yes, it will, but the internet connection would be a little bit slower.

• Simultaneous connections

Having more than 1 possible connection allows you not only to connect via all your personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops, but you can also save some money by sharing your VPN payment with your friends while travelling to China.

• Reliability

In order to bypass Great Firewall of China, it is necessary to obtain a reliable VPN that will ensure you with the highest level of cybersecurity. (One may read further information on cybersecurity during summer vacation in our dedicated article).

• Easy setup

Some VPN services can be too complicated in installation. Unless you are a professional programmer, be sure that you can set up a VPN without any help. You just need to be able to follow the instructions which are always offered by VPN providers.

• Plenty of servers

If a VPN provider can offer a great number of servers, you can easily find the most suitable position for performing a fast VPN connection.

Remember: choose a server located half way between your location and the web server you intend to connect!

Moreover, if you have the opportunity to choose between the servers, you may change it, in case it is blocked in China.

• Apps for mobiles

Try to find the one with a developed app for your Android or IPhone, because it is not convenient and sometimes complicated enough to make all the necessary configurations in manual way.

• Reasonable pricing

A VPN service should not take the largest part of your budget, nevertheless do not ignore important features, such as encryption and reliability. You’d better to pay some money for protecting your personal banking data from virtual theft and frauds.

• OS compatibility

Make sure that the VPN is compatible with various platforms: Windows, Linux, MAC OS, Android. You need to be able to use every device with the VPN while traveling in China. It will give you additional opportunities to enjoy this adventure!

• Customer support

The last, but not the least feature, you should pay attention when you buy a VPN for China. If you have some troubles with the VPN, you can refer to the specialists via e-mail, online chat or other available ways.

Are VPNs in China legal?

VPN regulations in China are complex, and travellers should not assume that using any commercial VPN is legally permitted. Chinese regulations require VPN services to comply with government licensing and regulatory requirements. Foreign travel advisories also warn that using VPNs to bypass internet censorship may carry legal risks.

The US Department of State warns that VPN use is illegal in most cases, while the German Federal Foreign Office advises against using VPN services to circumvent censorship. Enforcement and the risks for individual foreign visitors may vary, so check your government's latest travel advice before travelling.

VPN protocols

When the data is transported via a VPN tunnel, it is encrypted in a certain way hic is called a VPN protocol.

Top 3 popular VPN protocols are:

• OpenVPN

It is the most modern VPN protocol which is considered as one of the most reliable encoding methods. OpenVPN is rather flexible, and sometimes it might be complicated enough for configuring. As a rule it works faster than IPsec.

• PPTP

PPTP is a standard protocol which is built into most operating systems. It is believed that this protocol is not complicated in setting the configurations and provides fast internet connections.

• L2TP/IPsec

L2TP is not used for encrypting and security without IPsec which essential for codifying and privacy. IPsec is considered to be extremely secure, and it has not difficult configurations. Besides, it is available for modern operating platforms

However, it is stated that it is slower than OpenVPN.

It is highly recommended to obtain a VPN service with a few protocols for China as Great Firewall of China is constantly enforced, and it can cause blocking VPN connections or at least slow internet speeds.

In case you choose the best VPN for China which supports more than one VPN protocol, you will be able to change it and reconnect to the network.

It’s hard enough to say which of the VPN protocols would be the most efficient and reliable for bypassing Great Firewall of China, but OpenVPN is commonly used for VPNs in China as it is fast and secure enough. Nevertheless, it would be even better to double your safety with additional security instruments which are provided by numerous VPN services all over the network.

Below you will find the chart containing 5 top security instruments applied with a VPN in China.

Bottom line: VPN services seem to be more efficient and reliable in China, but one can combine these instruments together to enforce security of connecting to the Internet in China.

What are the advantages of using a VPN in China?

• Defense of your internet connection, as well as overcoming censorship;
• Your bank credentials are to be pretty defended from identity theft;
• You will manage to download anything you desire;
• You will make your device running a Wi-Fi hotspot sheltered from hackers and snoopers;
• Any mobile devices can be secured with the use of VPNs, whatever hotspots it runs for connection;
• All the business bank transfers can be protected from multiple threats;
• All your business chats can be secured.

5 China VPN arrangement tips

1. Try to obtain a VPN subscription before leaving as you might encounter some troubles with buying it in China. Certain VPN websites may be blocked and unavailable there.
2. Install a VPN app on your device at home before traveling or ask a good friend of yours for help, if you are not good at computer issues.
3. Find out and study the details of the VPN’s customer support, especially the way it is performed (online chats, e-mail, mobile calling and others). If you have some difficulties with the VPN connection, you need to have the opportunity to get their specialists’ assistance.
4. Insure yourself against unexpected troubles by having a free VPN as backup. It can be a lifebuoy for extreme situations.
5. Read the reviews of the best VPNs for China on the network where you can find simple tips for taking advantage of VPN connection in China. (Detailed information for 5 best VPNs for China is provided in a dedicated article.)

5 final simple precautions that will prevent cyber attacks in China

As there are plenty of hacking and online snooping in China, you are at real risk of data theft and malicious activity unless you precautionary measures. You should really use all the following hacks anyway but it’s never too late to start caring about security online.

• Never type your passwords (or write them down). Use a free password manager for creating secure.
• Check your devices regularly for malware with antivirus software
• Keep your antivirus software working and up-to-date.
• Have instruments installed for removing spyware, for instance SpyBot.
• Apply two-factor authentication on your email and social media account.

Do you think you will manage to do everything you have read above?

We believe that it is not hard to follow these simple tips which will enforce your defense from hacking, snooping, malware and other undesired activities on the network. They are constantly monitoring the net for virtual victims.

You have to use as many security instruments as possible in order to strengthen protection of your personal devices, such as desktops, tablets, smartphones and others. Put all the security means together, when you going to China as it takes plenty of efforts to bypass China network firewalls for accessing the website or internet service you might need. It is also necessary to be ready to prevent undesired outcomes caused by virtual dangers.

VPN vs Proxy: are they different or similar?

1. Proxy redirects your traffic via a different server as a VPN does it. But Proxy does not defend all sorts of information, it is usually aimed at securing the data of the browser. In comparison with a VPN which encrypts all the data travelling through the network, proxy is not believed to be as reliable for network security as a VPN service.
2. Moreover a VPN app is configured once which is very convenient for ensuring safe internet connections. You do not need to set configurations each time you connect to the network.
3. Encrypting methods that VPN services apply are various and strong enough for providing secure internet connecting.

Bottom line: VPN services seem to be more efficient and reliable in China, but one can combine these instruments together to enforce security of connecting to the Internet in China.

What are the advantages of using a VPN in China?

• Defense of your internet connection, as well as overcoming censorship;
• Your bank credentials are to be pretty defended from identity theft;
• You will manage to download anything you desire;
• You will make your device running a Wi-Fi hotspot sheltered from hackers and snoopers;
• Any mobile devices can be secured with the use of VPNs, whatever hotspots it runs for connection;
• All the business bank transfers can be protected from multiple threats;
• All your business chats can be secured.

5 China VPN arrangement tips

1. Try to obtain a VPN subscription before leaving as you might encounter some troubles with buying it in China. Certain VPN websites may be blocked and unavailable there.
2. Install a VPN app on your device at home before traveling or ask a good friend of yours for help, if you are not good at computer issues.
3. Find out and study the details of the VPN’s customer support, especially the way it is performed (online chats, e-mail, mobile calling and others). If you have some difficulties with the VPN connection, you need to have the opportunity to get their specialists’ assistance.
4. Insure yourself against unexpected troubles by having a free VPN as backup. It can be a lifebuoy for extreme situations.
5. Read the reviews of the best VPNs for China on the network where you can find simple tips for taking advantage of VPN connection in China. (Detailed information for 5 best VPNs for China is provided in a dedicated article.)

5 final simple precautions that will prevent cyber attacks in China

As there are plenty of hacking and online snooping in China, you are at real risk of data theft and malicious activity unless you precautionary measures. You should really use all the following hacks anyway but it’s never too late to start caring about security online.

• Never type your passwords (or write them down). Use a free password manager for creating secure.
• Check your devices regularly for malware with antivirus software
• Keep your antivirus software working and up-to-date.
• Have instruments installed for removing spyware, for instance SpyBot.
• Apply two-factor authentication on your email and social media account.

Do you think you will manage to do everything you have read above?

We believe that it is not hard to follow these simple tips which will enforce your defense from hacking, snooping, malware and other undesired activities on the network. They are constantly monitoring the net for virtual victims.

You have to use as many security instruments as possible in order to strengthen protection of your personal devices, such as desktops, tablets, smartphones and others. Put all the security means together, when you going to China as it takes plenty of efforts to bypass China network firewalls for accessing the website or internet service you might need. It is also necessary to be ready to prevent undesired outcomes caused by virtual dangers.

What‘s the bottom line?

Well, if you have read this ultimate guide 2026 for traveling in China, you are aware of all the most prominent issues about cybersecurity in China one should definitely know.

We think that you are well-prepared now for traveling in China. We tried to provide you with the best tips for secure traveling in China. We hope that this ultimate guide will be useful for you.

In case you have comments, suggestions, and, of course, any corrections or just want to share your personal experience with our followers, please, contact us via email or write your comments below.

Enjoy traveling in China! Good luck!