ROAMCHINA/WAYS TO CONNECT / VPN

Thinking of a VPN? Read this first

Many VPNs struggle in China. For most visitors a travel eSIM is enough. If you also want Google on hotel Wi-Fi, consider a ready-made monthly route — or your own server if you’re technical.

Why not start with a commercial VPN? ↗

Three checks before buying a VPN

Does it fit your devices?

Check it supports your phone and laptop, how many devices it allows, and whether it has instructions for China. For a work VPN, check your company’s rules first.

What if it stops working?

Check what you can switch to, how to reach support from China and whether you can get a refund. Working at home doesn’t mean it will work in China.

Will China apps slow down?

Look for a “smart” or “split” mode that lets China apps connect directly. If everything goes abroad, WeChat, Alipay and maps can get slow or confused.

VPN not working?

First, check the Wi-Fi itself

Turn the VPN off, join the hotel Wi-Fi and open a Chinese website. If a login page pops up, finish logging in.

Then try another server

Follow your provider’s instructions to switch servers, and make sure you don’t have two VPN apps running at once.

Finally, compare

Try your apps on mobile data and on Wi-Fi. Noting which app fails on which connection finds the cause faster than reinstalling.

Test my connection ↗

Other ways to get online.

Travel eSIM: for most visitors ↗Google on hotel Wi-Fi ↗Tailscale ↗

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