Is it illegal to use a VPN? All questions about Internet use when traveling in China.

We have gathered some frequently asked questions from users about using Internet in China and provided corresponding answers.

Quick Q&A

1.Which apps and websites are unavailable in China?

• All products under Alphabet, including Google, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Translate, etc.
• All products under Meta, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.
• Others, including Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, are also unavailable.
• Note: Although TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is a Chinese company, TikTok cannot be used in China. Even if connected to a VPN, it won't work. You need to use a VPN and remove your Chinese SIM card simultaneously to access it.

2.Is it illegal to use a VPN in China?

• Don’t worry, it’s not illegal.
• A VPN is just a network technology, and there are no specific laws prohibiting its use in China. However, there are administrative regulations that govern the use of the international internet. If Chinese citizens or companies violate these regulations, they may face administrative penalties such as fines or revocation of business licenses.
• While using a VPN and accessing international internet services is not illegal, engaging in illegal activities through these services will result in legal consequences. It is advised that visitors respect local laws and regulations.

3.When should we use VPN?

• Once you enter China, you won't be able to use a range of foreign apps and services without a VPN.
• Some telecom operator' eSIM cards may allow you to use Google and other services, but the connection may not always be stable. Please check with your network provider for specific details. We recommend using a Chinese SIM card for more convenient and stable network services.

4.Why do some companies' services still work, such as those of Apple and Microsoft?

• Microsoft and Apple comply with China' laws, so services like Bing and Apple Maps are accessible. In contrast, companies like Google did not adhere to the relevant regulations, so they are prohibited from providing user-facing services but still maintain B2B (business-to-business) operations.

Everything You Need to Know About Using the Internet While in China

Living in the Internet age, we rely heavily on the web. The stunning landscapes and cultural features of China are also worth sharing on social media with friends. So, how can you access the Internet effectively while traveling in China? This is something to pay special attention to!

1.Content Censorship

Due to China's internet content regulation system, internet companies must have servers located in China and comply with government content monitoring. Some companies choose not to comply with these regulations and thus do not offer services to general users in China.

Products from Google, services from Meta, and the international version of TikTok, along with other commonly used social media apps abroad, are not accessible within mainland China.

As a result, users cannot access their apps, although these companies still maintain services for business clients, and you can find their offices in major cities.

2.Real-Name System and Digitalization

China has a real-name registration system for internet services and is highly digitalized. It is also one of the best countries for 5G network coverage. Without a Chinese SIM card, you may not be able to access many convenient online services, such as hotel booking, ride-hailing, food delivery, and train ticket booking.

Therefore, we recommend getting a Chinese SIM card and then using a VPN service to bypass internet restrictions, allowing you to access Google, Facebook, and other international services.

3.How to Use the Internet in China:

Here is a summary table for internet options during your stay in China:

4.About VPN

The Great Firewall of China updates its blocks based on data access records within the country, which means that VPNs may sometimes be unstable. It is recommended to choose a reputable VPN service provider.