Staying connected in China: what works, what doesn't
Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp and X don't load on mainland networks. Here's why, and how to set up before you fly.
What is blocked
On mainland China networks, most Google services (Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive), Meta apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook), X, YouTube, Telegram, ChatGPT and many news sites do not load. Hotel Wi-Fi, cafe Wi-Fi and local SIM cards all behave the same way.
Hong Kong and Macau have separate networks and are not affected.
Set up before you board
App stores inside China don't list VPN apps, and you can't reach our website without one. Install GotoChina and sign in while you're still at home, then tap connect once to confirm it works.
- 1Download GotoChina on every device you'll bring.
- 2Create your account and choose a plan (the free plan is fine for testing).
- 3Connect once at home and open Gmail to confirm.
- 4Turn on split tunneling so Alipay, WeChat and DiDi go direct.
Roaming SIM, eSIM or local SIM?
Data roaming on your home SIM is routed back through your home carrier, so blocked apps usually work, but it is expensive. Travel eSIMs vary: some route abroad, some don't. A local China SIM is cheap and fast but is fully filtered.
Many travelers combine a cheap local SIM or hotel Wi-Fi with a VPN for the best price and speed.
- Download offline maps and your boarding passes before you land.
- Tell family to message you on WeChat as a backup channel.
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