5.3 The most important prep: Do I need a VPN?

Core pre-departure guide for China: Do I need a VPN?

As you pack your bags and book your hotels for your trip to China, there is one technical preparation that is almost as important as your passport and visa – installing a VPN.

For international travelers who want to stay in normal contact with the outside world during their trip, the answer is: Yes, you very likely need a VPN, and you must complete the installation and subscription before departure.

1. Why do you need a VPN in China? An introduction to the "Great Firewall"

The Chinese government regulates the internet through a system commonly known abroad as the "Great Firewall."
As a result, a large number of popular websites, social media platforms and applications that are accessible outside China cannot be directly accessed within the country.

Blocked services include:

Google services: Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Drive, etc.
Social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram.
Messaging apps: WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram.
Video platforms: YouTube, Vimeo.
Some news outlets: BBC, The New York Times, etc.

If you want to navigate, receive emails, contact family and friends, or share photos during your trip, a VPN is an essential tool.

2. Core rule: You must install it before departure

You must download, install, register and subscribe to a VPN before leaving your home country.

Reasons:

VPN provider websites are blocked: You cannot access their official websites to register or purchase services within China.
App store restrictions:
- Google Play Store is blocked in China.
- The Chinese App Store has removed most VPN apps.

Therefore, once you arrive in China, trying to install a VPN is nearly impossible.

3. How does a VPN solve the problem?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) works by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server outside China.

How it works: For example, by connecting to a server in Japan, all your traffic is routed through Japan before accessing the global internet.
Effect: You can use Google Maps, Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp and other services just as you would in your home country.

4. How to choose and use a VPN

Choose a reliable provider: Not all VPNs work in China. Choose a reputable paid VPN that explicitly supports users in China.
Install on all devices: Pre-install the VPN on your phone, laptop, tablet, etc.
Stay connected: When you need to use international services, open the VPN, select a server and connect.

Conclusion

A VPN is not an optional tool – it is a core essential to ensure you can smoothly access the international internet in China.

Be sure to complete the installation before departure, and put "VPN" at the highest priority on your pre-trip checklist.

Quick checklist

✅ Choose a reliable VPN provider (paid service recommended)
✅ Subscribe and download the app before leaving your home country
✅ Install on all devices (phone, laptop, tablet)
✅ Test the connection before departure
✅ Familiarize yourself with how to connect to different servers

With a VPN properly set up, you'll be able to stay connected with the world throughout your journey in China.