Questions
Search the China systems that confuse visitors first
Focused answers for foreigners dealing with payments, blocked apps, maps, VPN planning, transport, SIM cards, and everyday digital setup in China.
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Do I need a VPN in China?
Maybe, but not always in the way travelers think. If you use a local mainland network and depend on services that are unreliable there, a separate VPN or another workaround may matter. If you use certain roaming or travel eSIM routes, many everyday foreign apps may already remain reachable without adding another app to the stack.
Should I use eSIM or roaming in China?
For many short trips, travel eSIM or international roaming is the simplest option because it often preserves access to foreign apps and reduces setup friction. A local China SIM can still be useful if you need a mainland phone number, longer-term local service, or a more locally integrated setup, but it usually demands more preparation and comes with different app behavior.
What apps are blocked in China?
Many Google, Meta, and other international services are still unreliable or unavailable on mainland China network paths, but the practical result now depends heavily on how you connect. A local mainland SIM, hotel Wi-Fi, international roaming, and a travel eSIM can produce different app experiences on the same day in the same city.
Do I need a China phone number for Alipay?
No for basic tourist use. Official city guidance says overseas visitors can link foreign cards to Alipay without first obtaining a Chinese phone number. A mainland number can still help in some edge cases, but it is no longer the basic prerequisite many travelers assume it is.
Is Google Maps usable in China?
Not as your only map. Depending on your network path, Google Maps may open or partly function, but it is still a weak primary navigation tool for mainland China because local listings, transit detail, entrances, and ride-hailing pickup logic are usually much better in local map apps.