I am visiting China soon any tips pls?

VPN
1

I want to get eSim which will allow me to use Google services, I found one named Nomad, is it good, does it bypass Chinese firewall?

I also installed WeChat and Alipay, attached my credit card to it and ready for payments.

For maps I downloaded Baidu Maps.

Any other tips and tricks? I have google translate for translation.

Any experienced tip will be very helpful, thank you

2

First year eSim with integrated VPN didnt work for me anymore, but physical SIM with VPN still did, be prepared.

3
  1. Get an eSIM or VPN, it depends on how long ur staying. If u stay longer than a month I suggest VPN, if u stay for less then eSIM is fine
  2. get a local SIM, ur gonna need it for many apps & services
  3. always have cash just in case wechat or alipay don’t work
  4. for maps, I personally use Gaode I think it’s better than Baidu
  5. for English maps, Apple Maps works well and also Maps.me which also works offline and is in English but u have to pay
  6. download MetroMan for the subway map, it’s really useful
  7. Trip.com is also helpful for reservations and buying tickets for attractions
4

r/chinalife Check the sticky post on VPNs.

5

Follow the law and don’t do stupid things.

Besides, I’d suggest having some cash with you. In 10 days in China it happened twice that I couldn’t pay with apps.

7

eSIM ok for unrestricted access.
Google maps, Apple Maps are fine & fully English/Chinese even in giving directions. No need baidu. It’s only Chinese when it comes to directions.

If you will travel around by trains, planes,… etc, download trip.com app where you can even book high speed rail tickets.

Always carry some cash with you.

8

Ostrich vpn is free and it works

9

Just a few tips:

  • Like the dude above said, don’t bring any drugs. A few grams is enough to land you in jail.
  • Google Maps isn’t that accurate or easy to use in China, since many places aren’t marked and most features don’t work. Using Amap or Baidu Maps is a better idea in China.
  • Bring some cash with you and exchange it for local currency at a bank when you arrive in China.
  • Most businesses in China use Alipay and WeChat Pay. WeChat Pay is a bit more widely accepted than Alipay.
  • Uber and Bolt aren’t common in China. Using a local ride-hailing app like Didi Chuxing is more convenient.
  • For most popular attractions, you need to book tickets in advance on WeChat. You can ask the front desk staff at your hotel for help with this – they can usually sort it out for you.
  • Don’t believe any of the nonsense taxi drivers tell you. The restaurants they recommend are usually not very good.
  • Be wary of people who approach you at the entrance to attractions. They’ll often tell you they can offer you convenience, fast entry, discounts, and things like that. Don’t believe them, as sometimes there can be unforeseen problems, especially since you’re not a local and don’t speak the language.
  • All software related to Google is completely unusable in China. Most of the software you usually use will not be accessible, so it’s best to install a VPN. This can save you a lot of trouble.
    If you are using your own country’s phone service provider and using international data roaming, then you won’t be affected by these restrictions.
10

Make sure you verify your identity on Alipay and WeChat to make sure you don’t get locked out. Nomad e-sim has worked well for me. I’ve been using Apple Maps to navigate. It works well.

11

Seeing a couple odd top-level replies to your post. My two cents:

  • Your international eSIM should bypass China’s firewall. (I’ve only tested Airalo, but I’m fairly confident you will have the same experience with Nomad.)
  • You’re all set on payments with WeChat and Alipay. If you’d like cash for a backup, bring your ATM card.
  • Maps are a subjective topic, but I’ve had good results with Apple Maps.
12

I’d get a backup VPN, and not rely on the sim. Don’t use a big name cuz they block those. I’ve had a lot of luck with LetsVPN personally, but others are good. Don’t assume VPNs that work in China are for privacy, though, as the rumor is that many give info about users to the government in exchange for not getting shut down… But it’ll let you access your stuff.

If you haven’t, Google translate can download the Chinese language so it will work offline.

Do you speak any Chinese? If not at least learn a few key phrases to help navigate. Learn the signs for entrance, exit, and proper restrooms and such

13

I always use Airalo, worked perfectly.

14

Hey OP I’m currently in China and it’s also my first time here! If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps > Baidu maps (if your Chinese literacy level isn’t high). Get a VPN so you can use all your apps like normal. You could get an eSIM before landing but I got a SIM after landing so I could get a Chinese phone number cause a lot of apps and services require a mainland China number! Knowing some Chinese will go a long way! Also ppl rarely use seatbelts here :joy:

15

Just returned from a 3-month visit to China. I had to use a VPN since I also needed to use my laptop during my stay. The VPN I used was Mullvad it is the best. It is a paid one, but trust me, it is worth the price and cheap compared to other VPNs out there. If you will not be using your laptop most of the time, then some other VPN on your phone should be fine. Mullvad is also available for phones, and it was the best. If you plan to be in China for more than a week, it is always better to take a local sim from the airport. The seller there helped me install a VPN also on the phone. For sims, the best choice is 3HK or cuniq. Both of them work great, and they do not need a VPN to access your normal apps, including Google. Mind you, these are data only sims.

16

Any other tips?

Don’t eat yellow snow.

17

Bring weed because they don’t have any there

18

Hello, even if you have an eSIM, you will need a VPN to access Google services in China. However, many VPNs can be unstable. Since you are not in China yet. It can be tested whether the Nomad VPN you’re mentioning will work there. Additionally, I can recommend a Chinese ride-hailing app called Didi打车. It’s a very popular app for getting around in China, almost everyone use it. but the prerequisite is that you need to understand Chinese. Regular metered taxis are generally more expensive.

I work in the tourism industry and am currently based in the UK. However, if you need a tour guide or help with itinerary planning, welcome to message me.

Also, make sure not to bring marijuana or any kind of drugs. Even if you are a foreigner, drug trafficking in China is punishable by death, and many foreigners involved in drug trafficking have already been executed in China. Although weed is not as serious as other drugs, it is still illegal. You could be arrested and sent to prison or deported.

19

You have Baidu why would you want to use crappy Google services?

20

You might get disappeared