WhatsApp is a popular communication app widely used in Western countries and many parts of Asia. If you’re planning a trip to China, you might be wondering if WhatsApp will work during your visit. In the past, the Chinese government blocked WhatsApp due to its privacy policies, forcing travelers to either find ways around these restrictions or use alternative messaging platforms while in the country.
Has this policy changed in this year? Let’s explore the current status of WhatsApp in China and discover effective methods to use the app during your visit to this fascinating country.
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No, WhatsApp does not work in China until now. This application continues to be blocked by the Great FireWall of China, the national internet censorship system that has blocked WhatsApp since 2017 and maintains this restriction till now.
As a result, when you visit China, WhatsApp cannot connect to its servers, making it impossible for users to send or receive messages, make calls or use any features when using regular Chinese internet connections.
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in China, but only if you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass the Great Firewall. There is no way to use WhatsApp directly with a standard Chinese internet connection.
To use WhatsApp in China, you need methods to bypass this restriction. Here are 04 common methods:
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most reliable solution for accessing WhatsApp in China. A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and a server located outside China, effectively bypassing the country’s internet restrictions.
When you activate a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through servers in other countries, making it appear as though you’re browsing from that location instead of China. This allows you to access WhatsApp and other blocked services normally.
Using VPN in China allows you to access WhatsApp and other blocked apps like Google, Facebook,…
Recommended VPN services: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Astrill consistently perform well in China.
However, up to now, free VPNs rarely work in China due to the country’s sophisticated blocking technology. Quality VPNs that consistently work require paid subscriptions, typically ranging from $3-12 per month. Additionally, your internet connection may experience some slowdown when routing through a VPN, and you should be aware that the Chinese government constantly evolves its detection and blocking methods to identify VPN traffic.
Note: Remember to keep the VPN active while using WhatsApp.
International data roaming allows you to use your home country’s mobile carrier while in China. Because your data is routed through your home carrier rather than Chinese networks, you can often bypass the Great Firewall without additional tools. This solution is particularly convenient for short trips when you don’t need to set up anything.
However, the cost is very expensive, not to mention the risk of not working because it varies by carrier.
eSIMs have become increasingly popular for international travelers to China due to its ability to bypass the Great Firewall. You can purchase and activate them online before your trip, without needing physical cards or waiting for delivery. It makes eSIMs a hassle-free option for maintaining access to WhatsApp and other blocked services.
Most modern smartphones now support eSIM technology, so compatibility is rarely an issue for travelers with recent devices. This option offers a middle ground between expensive international roaming and the technical setup required for VPNs.
You can buy a China eSIM plan from Gigago.com which offers multiple eSIM plans suitable for different customers’ needs. You can choose either unlimited or fixed data plans based on your demand. The price starts from $4.9.
Some international hotels in China, particularly high-end and Western chains, provide uncensored or partially uncensored internet connections for their guests. These hotels often have their own VPN systems or special internet connections to accommodate international business travelers who need access to global websites and services.
Of course, there are no VPNs needed, but obviously it is not applicable for the average tourists. Also, you can only use it when in the hotel, not while moving around.
China continues to maintain one of the world’s most controlled internet environments up to now. As our guide confirms, WhatsApp remains blocked throughout mainland China, with no signs of this policy changing in the near future. Fortunately, several effective workarounds exist. Travel eSIMs offer another convenient option, particularly for those less comfortable with technical solutions. Whichever method you choose, planning ahead is crucial – set up your solution before arriving in China to ensure seamless communication throughout your stay.
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