Do You Need a VPN to Travel to China? What You Should Know Before You Go

China is a must-see destination for many travelers whether you're drawn to the food, the culture, the history, or the cutting-edge cities. But one thing that often surprises visitors is just how different the internet experience is compared to what they’re used to.

From social media to search engines, many of the apps and websites you rely on every day are restricted once you land. That’s why so many people ask: Do I need a VPN to travel to China?

The short answer: Maybe. It depends on how you plan to connect to the internet and what kind of access you need. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know including alternatives like eSIMs that may work even better for today’s digital traveler.

What Is the Internet Like in China?

China’s internet landscape is shaped by a sophisticated filtering system commonly referred to as the Great Firewall. It controls and restricts access to a large number of international websites and online services.

Some of the major platforms you won’t be able to access include:

• Google and its services like Gmail, Maps, Drive, and Translate
• Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
• Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal
• Streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu
• News outlets like BBC, CNN, and The New York Times

This means that even simple tasks, such as checking your email, sharing a photo, or looking up directions, can become difficult unless you prepare in advance.

What Is a VPN, and How Can It Help?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes your data through servers in another country. This lets you access the web as if you were browsing from a different location, for example, the US or Europe, even when you're in China.

For many travelers, VPNs have long been the go-to solution for bypassing the Great Firewall. By disguising your online activity, a VPN allows you to access restricted websites securely and privately.

But not all VPNs work in China. The government actively identifies and blocks many VPN services. To stay connected, you’ll need a provider that uses stealth or obfuscation technology, which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. Importantly, VPN apps are also not available in Chinese app stores, so they must be downloaded and configured before your trip.

Is a VPN Always Necessary?

Not necessarily. Whether you need a VPN largely depends on how you plan to connect to the internet while you’re in China.

If you’re using hotel or public Wi-Fi networks, then yes, a VPN is essential. These connections are filtered by the Great Firewall, so without one, your online access will be very limited.

But if you’re using mobile data via international roaming or a travel eSIM, your experience may be very different. These connections are often managed by servers outside of China, which means your data can bypass local censorship altogether without the need for a VPN.

Why eSIMs Are Becoming the Best Option for Travelers

In recent years, travel eSIMs have emerged as one of the easiest and most reliable ways to stay online while in China. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you connect to a local or international data network without swapping out your physical SIM.

What makes eSIMs especially useful for travelers to China is that many providers route your data through servers in other countries. As a result, your internet access isn’t filtered by the Great Firewall. You can check your Gmail, scroll Instagram, and message your friends on WhatsApp - all without the need to install or manage a VPN.

Travel eSIMs also offer other benefits:

• Fast setup: Install the eSIM before your trip and activate it on arrival.
• No local registration required: Skip the lines and ID checks that come with buying a local SIM.
• Supports hotspot/tethering: Share your data with other devices.
• Better pricing: Avoid expensive international roaming fees.

How to find the Right eSIM with AI-Powered Recommendations

Choosing the best eSIM for your needs can be confusing, especially when you’re not sure how much data you'll need, how long you'll be traveling, or which network will work best in your location.

That’s where Maaltalk’s AI-powered eSIM recommendation feature comes in. Built right into the MaaltalkNow app, it takes into account your destination, travel dates, and typical usage patterns to recommend the perfect plan for your trip to China.

The app helps you:

• Avoid overpaying for data you won’t use
• Find plans that support VPNs and hotspot sharing
• Get the most reliable connectivity for your itinerary

Best of all, Maaltalk offers 10% off all eSIM plans purchased through the app.

When You Might Still Want a VPN

Even with a great eSIM, there are some situations where a VPN can still be helpful.

For example, if you:

• Frequently use public Wi-Fi networks (in cafés, hotels, or airports)
• Need an extra layer of privacy for sensitive work or financial data
• Require secure access to corporate tools like Slack, Dropbox, or Microsoft Teams
• Want to stream content that’s geo-blocked in your home country

In these cases, having a VPN installed and ready to go provides a helpful backup — even if you don’t end up using it every day.

Tip: It's smart to install two different VPNs on your device before you go. That way, if one service gets blocked or slows down, you have a second option ready to use.

Preparing for Your Trip: What to Do Before You Fly

Whether you're going the VPN route, using a travel eSIM, or both, the most important thing is to prepare before you arrive in China. Here are a few things to take care of ahead of time:

Install your VPN

Make sure it’s one that is proven to work in China, with obfuscation or stealth features enabled. Test it before you leave to confirm everything is working smoothly.

Download the MaaltalkNow app

This is where you’ll find AI-powered eSIM suggestions tailored for your travel needs and where you’ll get that 10% discount.

Activate your eSIM

Most travel eSIMs should be installed before you depart but activated once you land. Make sure you follow the provider's instructions so you’re good to go as soon as you arrive.

Install key apps

Get any messaging, navigation, or travel apps you’ll need while you still have full access to your usual app store.

A few minutes of prep before your flight can save you hours of frustration once you're on the ground.

VPN or eSIM: Which Should You Choose?

So, do you really need a VPN to travel to China?

If you’re using public Wi-Fi or want an extra layer of security, then yes, a VPN can still play an important role. But if you’re primarily relying on mobile data and want the simplest, most reliable way to access the full internet, a China eSIM is the smarter choice.

With AI-driven recommendations from the MaaltalkNow app and an exclusive 10% discount, staying connected in China has never been easier.

The key is to plan ahead. Decide how you’ll be connecting, install what you need before you go, and you’ll be ready to use the internet in China just like you do at home - without barriers, blocks, or stress.