Do I need a VPN to use the internet in China?

Yes. Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, and most Western news sites are blocked. A working VPN installed before arrival is essential. See /articles/china-vpn-2026/.

What is the best eSIM for China in 2026?

Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad all work. Airalo is cheapest ($5-9 for 5GB), Holafly offers unlimited data ($27-32 for 5 days), and Nomad has the strongest 4G/5G coverage. China Unicom and China Mobile eSIMs are also available at airport counters. See /articles/best-esim-china-2026/.

Can I use a normal SIM card in China?

Yes, but you need a foreign-pasport-registered China Mobile or China Unicom SIM. Available at airport counters (passport required) for ¥100-300 with data plan. eSIM is more convenient if your phone supports it. See /articles/best-esim-china-2026/.

Which apps should I download before going to China?

Essential: Alipay, WeChat, Didi (ride-hailing), Baidu Maps or Apple Maps, Pleco (dictionary), Trip.com (bookings), Dianping (reviews). Optional: Meituan, Xiaohongshu, Bilibili, Spotify (with VPN). See /articles/essential-apps-china/.

Will WhatsApp work in China with a VPN?

Yes, but only with a reliable VPN. Connection is often slow or drops during peak hours. Telegram and Signal face the same issue. Many travelers switch to WeChat for in-China communication and save WhatsApp for after returning. See /articles/china-vpn-2026/.

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Apps

15 Essential Apps for China Travel (Foreigner-Friendly)

The 15 must-have apps for China in 2026: Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Amap, Pleco, VPN, eSIM, and more. What each does, free or paid, and how to set them up before you fly.

8 min · Aug 2026

China Esim

A modern smartphone with dual SIM card tray, showing the removable tray for two nano SIM cards

China eSIM 2026: Trip.com vs Airalo vs Holafly vs Local SIM (Tested in Mainland China)

An independent 2026 comparison of 4 main options for getting mobile data in China: Trip.com marketplace eSIMs, Airalo eSIM, Holafly eSIM, and a China Unicom local SIM. Covers download/upload speeds, ease of setup, cost, hotspot support, app access (WhatsApp, Google, Instagram), and reliability across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Tibet. Verified pricing 2026-08-12.

8 min · Aug 2026

Esim

How to Set Up a China eSIM in 2026: iPhone & Android Step-by-Step (Trip.com Top 5)

Activate a China eSIM in 5 minutes before you fly. iPhone 15/16 and Android setup, APN config, and what to do if it won't connect on landing. Uses Trip.com's 5 best-selling China eSIMs (Mainland/HK/Macau from $0.17/day) with verified affiliate links.

7 min · Aug 2026

Meituan

Meituan & Dazhong Dianping for Foreigners 2026

How to register Meituan (美团) and Dazhong Dianping (大众点评) as a foreigner in 2026 — find restaurants, order food delivery, book hotels, and get the same discounts locals use. No Chinese phone number required.

9 min · Aug 2026

Vpn

VPN apps on smartphone screen for traveling in China 2026, blocked sites diagram

What's Blocked in China 2026: Internet, WiFi, eSIM and VPN Reality

What actually works in China in 2026 and what does not: the roughly 80% of the internet you can use without a VPN, the sites that stay blocked, hotel WiFi vs mobile data, the legal position since 2023, and the VPNs that still connect.

10 min · Aug 2026

VPN app interface on a smartphone with China map and connection status

Best VPN for China 2026: 5 That Still Work (Tested Monthly)

Which VPNs actually work in mainland China in 2026? Tested monthly against the Great Firewall. ExpressVPN, Astrill, NordVPN, Mullvad, and Surfshark — the honest 2026 ranking with real performance data, setup instructions, and 3 mistakes that will get your VPN blocked at the border. China blocks 90% of VPN providers — the working 5% are tested here.

4 min · Aug 2026

Compare & Decide

Top 5 China eSIMs on Trip.com 2026: pricing and reviews

Top 5 China eSIMs on Trip.com 2026: Pricing, Plans & What Travelers Buy

Real data on the 5 best-selling China-region eSIMs on Trip.com in 2026. Verified pricing, sales counts, and fast-selling badges from the Trip.com marketplace. Mainland China + Hong Kong + Macau only — no Asia or Japan fluff.

9 min · Aug 2026

Best eSIM for China 2026: Trip.com Top 5 China eSIMs

Best eSIM for China 2026 (with VPN + Phone Number): Trip.com Top 5 Tested

Real-tested ranking of the 5 best-selling China eSIMs on Trip.com in 2026. Verified pricing, sales counts, and 'fast-selling' badge from the marketplace. All 5 run on China Mobile / China Unicom / China Telecom, all under $0.25/day. Mainland + HK + Macau only — no Asia or Japan fluff.

8 min · Aug 2026