Do you need a VPN for travel to China?
A VPN is useful but not absolutely necessary.
· 3 min read
summary
If you're planning a trip to China, you’ve probably heard about the country's strict internet controls, commonly referred to as the Great Firewall of China. This robust system of censorship blocks access to many popular websites and online services, including Google, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. So, the question arises: Do you need a VPN when you go to China? The short answer is it depends—but there's more to it than just downloading a VPN. Let’s dive into the details.
Why Do You Need a VPN in China?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, allowing you to bypass internet restrictions. In China, a VPN is essential if you want to:
Access Blocked Websites and Apps:
Popular platforms like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and even news websites like The New York Times are inaccessible without a VPN.
Communicate Seamlessly:
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are blocked, making it hard to stay connected with friends, family, or colleagues abroad.
Maintain Privacy and Security:
A VPN adds an extra layer of encryption, which is especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks at hotels, cafes, or airports.
Work Remotely:
If you’re traveling for business, many workplace tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Slack won’t work in China without a VPN.
Do you need a VPN for China?
Well, it depends.
If you will primarily be accessing the internet on your phone and you just want to access your social apps, you might not actually need a VPN. There are ways that you can still access the blocked services without a VPN.
VPNs would help you to bypass the Great Firewall. But, if you are not restricted by the Great Firewall, then there isn’t really a need to get a VPN. And the good news is that if you are on data roaming, you are subjected to restrictions of your home country and not the Chinese restrictions.
Similarly, if you were connected to the internet using a travel eSIM for China, chances are that you will not be restricted by the firewall restrictions either. This is because the network traffic will be routed to a different location before it is connected to the internet.
So, if you are using a travel eSIM or if you are roaming to help you get connected to the internet while you are traveling, then you wouldn’t need a VPN installed.
But, it is important to note that the moment you get connected to a local WiFi, the firewall restrictions would apply.
What that means is that if you will be traveling to China for work, or if you will need to be able to connect your laptop to the internet and will be primarily relying on the local WiFi for internet, then it might be important for you to get a VPN.
Of course, you could also rely on tethering from your mobile data plan but that could rack up expensive roaming charges. Alternatively, consider getting a travel eSIM plan for China that allows tethering.
How to Choose the Right VPN for China
Not all VPNs work reliably in China due to constant efforts by the government to block them. Here are a few tips for selecting the best VPN:
Choose a VPN with Stealth Features:
Look for a VPN that offers obfuscation technology, which disguises your VPN traffic to look like normal internet traffic, helping it evade detection.
Test Before You Arrive:
Many VPN websites are blocked in China, so download and set up your VPN before entering the country.
Pick a Reputable Provider:
Well-known VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are popular among travelers for their consistent performance in China.
Check for Multiple Server Locations:
Opt for a VPN that offers servers in nearby countries like Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore for faster connection speeds.
Tips for Using a VPN Effectively in China
Keep Multiple VPNs Installed:
Sometimes, a VPN might face connectivity issues due to updates in the Great Firewall. Having a backup VPN ensures uninterrupted access.
Enable Automatic Reconnect:
This feature ensures your VPN reconnects quickly if the connection drops, maintaining a secure browsing session.
Update Regularly:
Keep your VPN app up-to-date to ensure it can bypass the latest censorship measures.
Stay connected in China without the need for an external VPN with a Nomad eSIM for China
If you plan to use the internet freely during your trip to China, a VPN could be important, but not absolutely necessary.
An alternative is to get a Nomad eSIM for China, which ensures that you can stay connected and access your favourite apps without the need of an external VPN. Nomad’s eSIMs also support tethering and data sharing, so if you need to connect a second device to the internet, you can also rely on the same data plan to help you get connected.
It is important to note that due to local regulations, you will not be able to purchase eSIM data plans and add-ons once you arrive in China, so make sure to purchase a large enough data pack for the duration of your trip.
