Mobile internet

Does WhatsApp work in China? How to access with Holafly

Find out how WhatsApp works in China and the different mobile internet alternatives you can get to avoid the Great Firewall on your trip.

As you may have heard, WhatsApp does not work in China. Despite being the world’s most popular messaging app with over three billion users, the app has been blocked in China since 2017.

Despite the ban, there are ways to access WhatsApp in China. Learn how to use the platform with a Holafly travel eSIM in our short guide below.

In this article

Why is WhatsApp banned in China?

WhatsApp has been banned in China since 2017. The Chinese government’s doubts about its end-to-end encryption and strict internal censorship measures led to this restriction.

However, this is not the only app banned in China. Other apps like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google services are also banned in the country as part of the Great Firewall of China, an extensive system of imposed controls to regulate local internet activity.

How to access WhatsApp in China

Wondering how you can use WhatsApp in China? You’ll need two things: mobile data and a reliable virtual private network (VPN).

This is the best way to avoid the Chinese WhatsApp ban, and you’ll also get a safe connection during your trip.

Here are two ways to do it.

1. Separate data and VPN

There are a handful of alternatives to unblock WhatsApp in China.

Based on the length of your trip and the amount of data you’ll need, you can choose from the following options to get internet in China as a tourist:

Once you’ve determined which option is better for your trip and budget, it’s time to get a reliable VPN app, so you can use WhatsApp in China.

Here’s a list of recommended VPN providers so you can use WhatsApp in China.

TunnelBear: Gives you 2 GB of data and over 15 different destinations with the free plan.
Proton VPN: Works with five free VPN locations without a data limit. The Plus plan provides coverage in 122 destinations.
ExpressVPN: When visiting China, you can get a 30-day trial and use your secure VPN without limits. It also offers high-end features like constant IP refreshing for a steady internet connection.

2. eSIM with VPN included

Using a travel eSIM is an excellent option for your trip, but using a travel eSIM with VPN included is the best way to use WhatsApp in China.

An eSIM for China from Holafly can save you time and money. It gives you access to a free VPN for as long as needed, meaning you can use WhatsApp in China at no extra cost.

For $6.90/day, you’ll get unlimited data, 500 MB of data tethering, 24/7 support, 5G data speeds, and an integrated VPN for as long as you travel.

But the longer you stay, the cheaper your eSIM plan will be. For a 7-day trip, you’ll pay $29.90, or $4.27/day, which is cheaper than most roaming and pocket WiFi plans.

A VPN is the best way to use your phone without limitations in China. Source: Shutterstock

How to use WhatsApp in China with a Holafly eSIM

Since WhatsApp is banned in China, the Holafly eSIM for China is your ideal solution to save time and money.

You don’t need to activate a VPN, as it is integrated into your eSIM. Simply choose your arrival date in China, install your eSIM, and you can use all the apps the Great Firewall has blocked.

Disclaimer: If you have any issues with your eSIM VPN, simply contact customer support, and you’ll get a new eSIM to get a reliable connection during your trip!

Holafly eSIM for China: Unlimited data, VPN included

Now that we know how WhatsApp works in China, the only thing you’re missing for your trip is your eSIM.

Simply choose how many days you’re staying, install the eSIM on your phone, and as soon as you land, you can say goodbye to the local internet restrictions.

Plus, you’ll avoid the Chinese WhatsApp ban and have access to apps like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all the Google services.

The best part? Depending on your stay, your eSIM for China can cost as little as $1.55/day!

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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