Staying Connected in China: SIM Cards, VPNs, and Essential Apps
If you’re planning a trip to China, staying connected is probably one of your top concerns. Here are some practical tips to make sure you can use your phone and the internet smoothly during your journey.
1. SIM Cards and Roaming
You can either buy a Chinese SIM card or activate international roaming before your trip. Chinese SIM cards can be purchased in advance online or directly at the airport upon arrival. Having a local SIM card usually gives you better data plans and faster internet access.
2. Using the Internet in China
Keep in mind that popular platforms like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in China. To access them, it’s best to prepare a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) before your trip. Some of the most recommended VPNs for travelers are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill.
3. Download a Translation App
Mandarin is the official language in China, and English is not widely spoken, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Even if you book tours through a travel agency or hire a private guide, you may still have free time to explore on your own. That’s why having a translation app is a must—it will help you communicate with locals and navigate more easily.
4. Learn a Few Simple Chinese Phrases
A little effort goes a long way! Learning basic phrases like “Nǐ hǎo” (Hello), “Xièxiè” (Thank you), and “Qǐng” (Please) can make your trip smoother and show respect for the local culture.
5. Chinese Alternatives to Popular Apps
Since many international apps are unavailable in China, here are some local alternatives you can use:
| Website | Alternative(s) |
|---|---|
| https://www.baidu.com | |
| YouTube | https://www.iqiyi.com, https://www.douyin.com |
| https://www.weibo.com | |
| https://www.xiaohongshu.com, https://www.douyin.com | |
| https://www.weibo.com | |
| https://www.wechat.com | |
| Google Maps | https://www.amap.com, https://map.baidu.com |
| Gmail | https://mail.163.com |
| Amazon | https://www.jd.com, https://www.taobao.com |
| Netflix | https://www.iqiyi.com, https://v.qq.com |
| Wikipedia | https://baike.baidu.com |
| https://www.maimai.cn, https://www.lieyunwang.com | |
| Spotify | https://y.qq.com, https://music.163.com |
| Zoom | https://meeting.tencent.com |
| Uber | https://www.didiglobal.com |
| Yelp | https://www.dianping.com |
| Google Translate | https://fanyi.youdao.com |
| Airbnb | https://www.tujia.com |
| Expedia, Booking | https://www.ctrip.com |
| PayPal | https://www.alipay.com |
| Zillow | https://www.beike.com |
| https://www.zhihu.com |
Chinese holidays:
For more questions related to mobile phones and networks, please refer to:https://chinawondersguide.com/2025/08/21/buying-and-using-a-china-sim-card-everything-you-need-to-know/
