Top VPNs for Traveling in China: Stay Connected Abroad
When traveling in mainland China, some websites and services may not be directly accessible, such as:
- Google (Gmail, Docs, Maps)
- Facebook / Instagram
- WhatsApp / Messenger
- YouTube
- Twitter / X
- TikTok
It’s a good idea to install and test a VPN on your phone before you arrive. Here are some reliable options:
- ExpressVPN (expressvpn.com) – fast and stable, ideal for China
- NordVPN (nordvpn.com) – supports multiple devices, cost-effective
- Surfshark (surfshark.com) – unlimited devices and data
- Astrill (astrill.com) – performs well in China, paid plans are stable
Tip: Gmail may not work properly in China. To avoid issues, back up important information such as your itinerary and contacts on paper, or sync them to a Chinese email service like 163.com or 126.com.
