📱Communication

What's Blocked in China

China's internet firewall blocks most Western apps and services. You need a VPN for:

Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Drive)
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
Twitter / X
Snapchat, TikTok (ironically)
Most news sites (NYT, BBC, etc.)

Solution: VPN

Install before you land. Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill (most reliable in China). A VPN lets you access all your normal apps and services as if you're back home.

VPNs sometimes drop in China during major events or government meetings. Have 2 VPN apps installed as backup.

What Works Without VPN

WeChat (messaging, calls, payments)
Alipay (payments)
DiDi (rides)
Baidu Maps (Chinese language, but has transit routes)
Local Chinese apps

Translation

Google Translate — need VPN, or use offline mode (download Chinese pack)
Baidu Translate — works without VPN, good for Chinese to English
WeChat Translation — press and hold any message to translate
Camera translation — works for menus, signs, product labels

Staying Connected with People at Home

WhatsApp needs VPN
WeChat works everywhere and many Chinese contacts will be on WeChat
Signal needs VPN
iMessage works without VPN for iPhone users

Emergency Calls

All emergency calls work without VPN, SIM card, or mobile data.

110

Police

120

Ambulance

119

Fire