Short answer
On a local mainland network, Google services, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X are generally unavailable; WhatsApp and Telegram can be unreliable. International roaming and some travel eSIMs route traffic through a home network and may work, but no provider guarantees every app. Set up payments, maps, translation and backups before departure rather than relying on a workaround after arrival.
What visitors usually experience
- Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Drive and other Google-hosted services are commonly inaccessible on local networks.
- Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X are commonly inaccessible or unstable.
- WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and iMessage can vary by network, city and time.
- Domestic services such as Amap, WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Bilibili and Xiaohongshu are designed for the local network.
What to prepare before boarding
- International roaming or a travel eSIM details, with the provider's supported-app list checked.
- Offline map and translation packs downloaded before departure.
- Alipay or WeChat Pay set up and tested.
- A second communication channel for tickets, guides and emergencies.
Legal and safety boundary
This page does not recommend or sell circumvention tools. Rules and enforcement can change, and commercial VPN apps may be removed without notice. Choose connectivity that is lawful where you travel and follow your provider's terms.
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Where these matter
Official sources
Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.