Will my usual VPN work in China?
Why it happens, and what to use instead.
At a glance
Many big-name VPNs connect poorly in China. Use a travel eSIM when you are out; on hotel Wi-Fi, a route made for China is usually steadier.
Short answer
Maybe, but do not count on it. Bring a travel eSIM for maps, rides and backup. If you need hotel Wi-Fi for video or work, add a route made for China. If your VPN already works well here, keep using it.
Why big VPNs get blocked
Popular VPNs put many users on the same servers, as NordVPN explains↗. When one server is blocked, everyone on it drops at once. Encryption hides what you send, but not the fact that you are using a VPN — a 2023 USENIX study↗ documented how some encrypted traffic is spotted and blocked.
Keep China apps off the VPN
A VPN that sends everything overseas can make WeChat Pay, Alipay and maps slow, or trigger extra security checks. Choose a setup that keeps China apps on the local network.
Check the real price
A low monthly price often means paying for one or two years upfront. Compare what you pay for this trip, the data included and the renewal terms.
A few more notes for your journey.
Why does eSIM work but hotel Wi-Fi doesn’t?
Your eSIM handles mobile data, not hotel Wi-Fi.
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Find the cause before you buy another service.
4 MIN READ ↗What is Just My Socks?
Pay, copy one link, paste it into the Jamjams app. No server to manage.
Still stuck? Go step by step.
Three common problems, three steps each.