What the official source says
- SourceUK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Australian Smartraveller, 28 September 2026, and Government of Canada travel advice
- What it saysThe UK government says the Chinese authorities control internet access, that Google, Facebook, YouTube and X are permanently blocked, and that access can be limited around key political events. Australia's Smartraveller, updated on 28 September 2026, says you may be unable to use popular phone apps or to make calls or send messages using internet based services. Canada says China blocks access to several websites, social media, search engines and online services.
- What it does not sayNone of the official pages used here names WhatsApp.
- Tools to bypass restrictionsBoth governments mention rules for tools that bypass restrictions. The UK says services such as VPNs need a licence from the Chinese government, and Australia says using such services may be illegal. This page gives no advice on them.
What this means on your trip
- Messages and photos use mobile data, so switch on roaming for the eSIM line after landing.
- Save your hotel address, bookings and phone numbers offline, in case an app does not work.
- Your eSIM has no phone number, so keep your home SIM active for verification codes.
- Rules change. Open the official page again shortly before your trip.
Set it up before you fly
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is not locked: eSIM compatible phones.
- Pick a plan for your destination below.
- Payment is taken once the eSIM is ready.
- Install it at home over Wi-Fi: tap Install in the app or scan the QR code.
- After landing, switch on data roaming for the eSIM line.
- Most plans start when your phone first connects there.
Prefer a daily allowance? 1 GB per day · 7 days for €7.49: full speed up to 1 GB a day, then 384 Kbps until the next day.
Picked like in our shop: the cheapest plan with about 0.7 GB a day. Live prices for China.
Questions and answers
China: does WhatsApp work?
Official travel advice says China controls internet access and blocks many foreign services. WhatsApp is not mentioned by name, so try one call after you land, with the app you plan to use.
China: what if a call does not connect?
Check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line and try again. If voice or video calls still fail, the app may be limited for calls there. A text message needs far less data than a call, so send a message instead.
Does the eSIM come with a phone number?
No. Plans are data only. Keep your own SIM for calls and texts, and use messaging apps over data.
Updated 24 Oct 2026 · checked against our live catalogue
How we check our data · Prices and plans come live from our catalogue; facts come from official sources, listed where we use them.
Sources: GOV.UK: China travel advice, safety and security, internet access · Smartraveller (Australia): China, internet access (updated 28 September 2026) · Government of Canada: China travel advice, internet censorship
