VPN by countryThe best VPN for China
China blocks familiar services like Google, WhatsApp and Instagram as standard, through the Great Firewall, the filtering system the Chinese government uses to control which websites and apps are reachable within the country. Traveling with a local SIM means you'll need a VPN for China to reach them. If you use an international eSIM that routes traffic outside the Chinese internet, a separate VPN is often unnecessary, though this varies by provider.
Practical tips
- Install your VPN before you leave and test it right away too, downloading on arrival is often not possible since app stores and VPN websites can be blocked by the Great Firewall as well
- If you're using an international eSIM that already bypasses blocked services, check with the provider first whether you still need a separate VPN
- Keep a second VPN as backup, reliability of VPN services in China can vary and some get temporarily blocked
Recommended providers
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NordVPN
One of the largest VPN providers worldwide, known for speed and a large server network.
Surfshark
Often chosen for its competitive pricing combined with unlimited devices per subscription.
ExpressVPN
Known for reliability and ease of use, with apps for almost every device.
Proton VPN
Swiss VPN with a strong focus on privacy and one of the few genuinely usable free plans.
Private Internet Access
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited devices and extensive customization options for advanced users.