Getting ready for a trip to China? Fantastic! But before you start packing, there’s a critical question you need to answer: How will you get online?
Due to China’s “Great Firewall” (GFW), many of the apps and websites you use every day—like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube—are completely blocked. Your choice of internet access isn’t just about cost; it’s about whether you can stay connected to the outside world.
Let’s break down the three main options: a VPN, International Roaming, and a local SIM card, to help you make the smartest choice.
1. International Roaming
This is, without a doubt, the most convenient option. You land, turn on your phone’s data, and you’re instantly online using your home carrier.
- Pros:
- Effortless: No setup required. You keep your original phone number for calls and texts.
- May Bypass the GFW: Some (but not all) roaming data is routed through your home country, meaning it might not be affected by the firewall. This is NOT a guarantee.
- Cons:
- Extremely Expensive: Roaming charges are notoriously high. A few days of moderate use can lead to a shocking phone bill.
- Slow & Unstable: Your data has to travel all the way back to your home country and then to the server you’re accessing. This creates high latency (lag) and slow speeds.
- The “Bypass” is Unreliable: More and more carriers are partnering with Chinese networks, meaning your roaming data could still be subject to the GFW.
Verdict: Only suitable for very short-term business travelers who are not price-sensitive and have minimal internet needs.
2. Local Chinese SIM/eSIM Card
You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or in the city to take advantage of cheap local data plans.
- Pros:
- Very Affordable: Data is incredibly cheap compared to roaming.
- Fast Speeds: You get access to China’s fast, low-latency 4G/5G networks.
- Convenience for Local Apps: Having a local number can be useful for apps like Didi (ride-hailing) or Meituan (food delivery).
- Cons:
- Completely Behind the Firewall: This is the deal-breaker. With a local SIM, you are 100% inside the GFW. No Google, no WhatsApp, no Facebook. Nothing.
- Requires Passport Registration: You’ll need to show your passport for the required real-name registration.
- You Get a New Number: You’ll have to swap out your SIM card (unless you have a dual-SIM phone), potentially missing calls or texts to your regular number.
Verdict: Great for fast, cheap data, but useless for accessing the global internet. This alone is not a complete solution for most international travelers.
3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is the “master key” for solving the internet problem in China. It works by creating a secure, encrypted connection to a server outside of China, making it appear as if you’re browsing from another country.
- Pros:
- Unlocks Everything: This is the only reliable way to freely access Google, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, news sites, and everything else blocked by the GFW.
- Protects Your Privacy: A VPN encrypts all your data, keeping your personal information safe from hackers and surveillance, especially on public Wi-Fi in hotels and airports.
- Works With Any Connection: You can use a VPN over any internet connection—hotel Wi-Fi, a local SIM card, or even a roaming connection.
- Cons:
- MUST Be Installed Before You Arrive: This is non-negotiable. Once you’re in China, VPN websites and the Google Play Store are blocked. You cannot download one after you land.
- Requires a Paid Subscription: Free VPNs do not work in China. A reliable, paid service is essential.
- You Must Choose Wisely: Not all VPNs can bypass the GFW. You need to pick a provider known for its performance and reliability in China.
The Final Comparison
| Feature | Intl. Roaming | Local SIM | VPN |
| Access Blocked Apps | Maybe, Unreliable | No | Yes |
| Cost | Very Expensive | Cheap | Affordable |
| Speed | Slow | Fast | Good to Great |
| Setup | None | Buy & Register | Must Set Up Before Trip |
| Security | Standard | Standard | Excellent |
The Winning Combo: A Local SIM + A Reliable VPN
For 99% of travelers, this is the gold-standard solution. It gives you the best of both worlds.
Here’s how it works:
- Before you leave home, sign up for and install a high-quality VPN on your phone and laptop.
- When you arrive in China, buy a cheap local SIM card for fast, affordable data.
- Whenever you want to access the global internet, simply open your VPN app and connect.
Ready to find a VPN that is guaranteed to work? Don’t waste your money on a service that will fail you. We’ve tested all the major providers.
➡️ See Our List of the Top 3 VPNs for China in 2025