I. Does Three Work in China?

Yes. Three offers roaming in China through local partner networks, so you can call, text, and use data. This service is available for Pay Monthly customers, with some Pay As You Go plans also eligible. China is part of the “Go Roam Around the World Extra” destinations, which come with specific charges and limits.

II. Roaming Charges with Three in China

Understanding the costs upfront is key to managing your budget. Here’s how Three’s roaming charges work in China:

Included Go Roam Passes

If you’re on a Value or Complete plan (after October 2021), you may get up to 56 Go Roam passes per year. Each day in China, you use one pass to unlock your UK allowances for 24 hours. Once passes are used up, or if your plan doesn’t include them, it costs £7 per day to access your allowances.

Fair Usage Limits

When using a pass, you can use:

• Data: Up to 12GB per day from your UK allowance.
• Calls to the UK: Up to 3000 minutes to UK standard landlines or mobiles.
• Texts to UK: Up to 5000 texts to UK numbers.
• Receiving calls/texts: Free.

Out-of-allowance Charges

Without a pass or if you exceed your allowances, charges are high:

• Data: £6 per MB (very expensive, so always use a pass).
• Calls to the UK or voicemail: £1.40 per minute.
• Receiving calls: £0.99 per minute.
• Texts (to UK or China): £0.35 per text.
• Receiving texts: Free.

III. How to Activate Three Roaming

Setting up roaming is straightforward:

• Turn on Data Roaming in your phone’s settings to connect to a Chinese network.
• Track usage via the My3 App or Three’s website, which are free to use.
• Set a Spend Cap in your account to avoid unexpected bills.

IV. Add-ons & Options to Save Money

Three offers ways to keep costs down, especially for longer trips or heavy data users.

Buy extra Go Roam Passes

You can purchase multi-day passes for China, though you should confirm availability via the My3 App or by calling Three (+44 7782 333 333). Typical options include:

• 3-day pass: £17.50
• 5-day pass: £29.75
• 7-day pass: £42
• 14-day pass: £84

These passes give access to your UK allowances within fair usage limits.

Data passport

For unlimited data, get a Data Passport for £5 per day. This is great for streaming, tethering, or using a VPN, but it only covers data, not calls or texts.

V. Limitations & Considerations in China

China’s internet has restrictions that affect your experience. The Great Firewall blocks apps like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Three’s roaming provides data, but you’ll need a VPN to access blocked apps. Install one before arriving, as China’s app stores may restrict VPN downloads.

VI. China eSIM – Alternative to Three Roaming

An eSIM from China eSIM gives you unlimited data and lets you use apps like Google and WhatsApp without restrictions. It’s cheaper than Three’s £7/day roaming or £6/MB extra charges. Here’s why it’s awesome:

• Lots of Data: Get unlimited data daily or monthly for browsing, videos, or work.
• No VPN Needed: Use blocked apps easily without extra setup.
• Quick Start: Activate the eSIM on your phone (like newer iPhones or Samsungs) in minutes.
• Saves Money: Skip Three’s high fees with affordable plans.

Check out China eSIM’s unlimited data plans for a stress-free way to stay online in China!

VII. Smart Roaming Tips for China

Save money and stay connected in China with these simple tips. With Three’s roaming costs like £7/day or £6/MB without a pass, these tricks help you use less data and avoid extra charges.

• Use Wi-Fi: Connect to free Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, or airports to browse or stream without using your 12GB daily data limit. Use a VPN for safety on public networks.
• Download Offline Content: Before your trip, get offline maps (like Maps.me) or translation apps (like Pleco) to navigate and communicate without data or a VPN.
• Turn Off Background Data: Stop apps from using data in the background by disabling background refresh and auto-updates in your phone settings to save your allowance.
• Use WeChat: Download WeChat before you go for messaging and calls. It’s widely used in China, works without a VPN, and saves your 5000-text limit for UK messages.

These tips keep your Three plan’s costs low and help you stay online easily in China!

I. Does Orange Offer Roaming in China?

Yes, Orange provides roaming services in China through partnerships with major Chinese mobile networks, including China Mobile and China Unicom.

These roaming services allow you to stay connected during your Chinese travels, but remember that while Orange provides the connection, China’s internet restrictions still apply to the content you can access. Checking the specific rates and data allowances for your plan before departure will help you avoid unexpected charges.

II. Orange Roaming Charges in China

Orange provides two main options for travelers to China: standard pay-as-you-go rates and subscription packages.

Standard Roaming Rates

Without a special package, these rates apply automatically:

• 2GB internet: €4 (24-hour validity)
• 10 minutes/SMS: €2 (24-hour validity)

These activate instantly when you first use data or make calls in China, and can be reactivated by texting NET24 to 321 for data.

China Subscription Package

For better value, Orange offers “Go Explore 1”:

• €20 for 15 days
• 10GB data
• 20 minutes/SMS to Romania or local numbers
• Activated via MyOrange app or by texting ROAMING15 to 321

This package is ideal for stays longer than a few days, providing substantially more data and communication at a lower per-unit cost.

III. When Do Roaming Charges Apply?

Roaming charges begin the moment your phone connects to a Chinese network upon arrival, requiring no action on your part. Your device automatically joins available networks, immediately activating international roaming rates.

Be aware that:

• Charges apply even when your phone is idle in your pocket or bag
• Background apps continuously use data for updates and notifications
• Email, social media, and map applications silently consume data

To prevent unexpected charges, consider using airplane mode with WiFi only, disabling background data, or activating a roaming package before traveling to China.

IV. How to Activate and Check Your Orange Roaming Status

Before traveling to China, quickly verify your Orange roaming status to ensure connectivity upon arrival. The process is simple:

• Open My Orange app/website and login
• Navigate to roaming settings
• Confirm China is included in your roaming coverage

Also, ensure your phone is network-unlocked and compatible with Chinese networks (which use 4G LTE bands 1, 3, 38, 39, 40, and 41). Most modern smartphones support these frequencies, but it’s worth confirming before your trip to avoid connectivity problems when you land.

V. China eSIM – Alternative to Roaming

When using mobile data in China, you’ll encounter the country’s internet restrictions regardless of whether you’re using roaming or a local SIM card. Popular services like Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked by China’s firewall, requiring a VPN solution if you need access to these platforms during your visit.

For travelers to China, a specialized eSIM from chinaesim.com offers the simplest way to bypass China’s internet restrictions. Starting at $13.90 for plans between 3-30 days, these data-only packages allow direct access to normally blocked sites including Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp without requiring a VPN.

The service provides 1GB of high-speed data daily followed by unlimited usage at 5Mbps, with hotspot capabilities to share your connection with other devices. Setup is straightforward – just scan a QR code before departure, and you’ll have immediate connectivity upon arrival in China with no language barriers or physical SIM cards needed.

VII. Smart Tips to Save Data and Stay Connected

Manage your data usage effectively while traveling with these simple strategies:

• Use free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and airports for data-intensive activities
• Download offline maps before exploring to navigate without using mobile data
• Disable background data and auto-updates to prevent apps from consuming data silently
• Use WeChat in China for messaging and payments instead of multiple apps

These practical approaches help you stay connected while avoiding unexpected charges during your travels.

I. Overview of Singtel’s Roaming Services

Singtel’s international roaming keeps you connected when traveling abroad without changing your SIM card. Your service turns on automatically when you land in a new country, including China.

Key benefits:

• Works right away upon arrival – no setup needed
• Covers over 230 countries worldwide
• Offers affordable data bundles to control costs
• Let’s keep your regular phone number

In China, Singtel roaming works well with all major local networks (China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom), giving you reliable coverage throughout the country. Most Singtel plans let you add China data packages for better rates during your visit.

II. Singtel Roaming Options for China

Singtel offers several ReadyRoam plans covering China. Here’s what you need to know about your roaming choices.

These plans are ideal for light to moderate data users traveling to China, with fixed pricing and no unexpected charges.

III. How to activate the ReadyRoam plan

To activate your ReadyRoam plan:

• Launch the My Singtel app and search for your destination or tap Roaming
• Tap ‘Get’ on the ReadyRoam banner to continue
• Select your plan’s start date
• Review your order details
• Tap ‘Add to Singtel bill’ and then ‘Subscribe’
• Wait for the confirmation SMS once your order is processed

IV. China eSIM – Alternative Option to Roaming

Even with your roaming service activated, you’ll face significant restrictions online. China’s Great Firewall blocks many popular global applications and websites. Services you likely use daily, such as WhatsApp, Gmail, Facebook, and Instagram, will not function properly on a standard roaming connection. You may consider using eSIM for the trip.

eSIMs offer a convenient digital alternative, ideal for avoiding physical SIM hassles. You can buy China eSIM online, install via QR code, and activate automatically upon arrival. Ensure your device supports eSIM technology.

You can buy eSIM for China travel from Chinaesim.com, which offers unlimited data plans starting from $13.90 for 3 days (about $4.63/day). They provide multiple durations ranging from 3 to 30 days. Their plans include 1GB/day high-speed data, then unlimited data at 5Mbps speeds. A key advantage is that these eSIMs allow access to normally blocked sites like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google services without requiring a VPN.

VI. Tips to Reduce Data Usage While in China

Managing your data usage while traveling in China can save you money and prevent unexpected charges. Here are some practical ways to minimize data consumption:

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible – Connect to free Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, cafes, airports, and shopping malls to avoid using mobile data.
• Disable auto-updates and background data – Prevent apps from automatically updating or using data in the background by adjusting your phone settings.
• Download content for offline use – Save maps, music, videos, and travel guides to your device before your trip or while connected to Wi-Fi.
• Use local apps – WeChat and other Chinese apps are optimized for the local network and typically use less data than Western alternatives.

By implementing these simple strategies, you can significantly reduce your data consumption and avoid excessive roaming charges during your stay in China.

VII. FAQs

I. Is TikTok really banned in China?

No, TikTok isn’t officially banned in China, but Chinese people still can’t use it.

You won’t find TikTok anywhere in Chinese app stores, making it impossible for most people to download. When someone in China tries to use TikTok, their device automatically redirects them to Douyin instead. Douyin serves as China’s version of the app – similar in design but with completely different content that follows Chinese regulations and is tailored specifically for Chinese users.

II. Why is TikTok not available in China?

TikTok isn’t available in China for several practical reasons related to business strategy and regulatory requirements. ByteDance, the parent company, operates Douyin for Chinese users instead.

Regulatory Compliance: Rather than modifying TikTok to meet these requirements, ByteDance created Douyin as a separate app that fully complies with local regulations.

Data Storage Requirements: Chinese law requires user data to be stored on servers within China’s borders. TikTok’s data infrastructure operates globally with servers primarily outside China, making compliance challenging without a separate platform.

III. Can you use TikTok in China?

Yes, you can use TikTok in China, but it’s not straightforward. While the app isn’t available on Chinese app stores, there are ways around this with some technical know-how.

To access TikTok from within China, you’ll need to bypass:

• Chinese IP address detection
• Chinese SIM card identification
• Network restrictions that block foreign apps

Most tourists who download TikTok before arriving and use international mobile service may access the app temporarily.

IV. How to log in and use TikTok in China

If you’re visiting China and want to use the international version of TikTok, you might face some restrictions. To keep using TikTok as usual, you’ll need a way to access the global internet.

Here are four reliable methods travelers often use:

Use an international eSIM (No VPN Needed)

The easiest option is to install a travel eSIM that connects you to unrestricted internet. For example, ChinaeSIM.com offers a plan designed for China, allowing access to TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google – all without a VPN. Setup is quick via QR code, and it works on most modern smartphones.

This option is ideal for travelers who want a simple, fast, and secure connection.

Use roaming from your home SIM

If your mobile provider supports international roaming in China, enabling it can let you access TikTok without restrictions. Your phone connects through a foreign network, bypassing internet blocks.

While convenient, this option can be expensive and may not always offer strong speeds or coverage.

Use a portable Wi-Fi Router with VPN

Tech-savvy travelers can bring a travel router with a pre-installed VPN. This allows multiple devices to connect securely and reach apps like TikTok. It requires some setup and a VPN subscription but can be useful for families or

Remote access to a device outside China

As a backup, you can control a computer in another country using apps like Chrome Remote Desktop. It’s not ideal for video apps due to lag, but can help for brief access to blocked services.

Each method has trade-offs. For most travelers, the eSIM from China eSIM offers the best balance of convenience and reliability – no VPN, no setup hassle. But depending on your needs, roaming, routers, or remote access may also work well.

V. Chinese alternatives to TikTok

China has several popular alternatives to TikTok that are tailored for local users:

• Douyin – TikTok’s sister app in China with the same core features, plus enhanced e-commerce and livestreaming capabilities
• Xiaohongshu (RED) – Combines elements of Instagram and Pinterest for lifestyle content and shopping recommendations
• WeChat Channels – Short video platform integrated within China’s most popular messaging app
• Bilibili – Originally an anime platform that expanded to include vlogs, educational content, and youth-oriented entertainment

These apps comply with local regulations while offering features specifically designed for Chinese user preferences, often with stronger integration between social content and shopping.

Since VPNs remain the most popular solution for avoiding such restrictions, they are not always effective and require special configuration. them, in this article we will describe the difficulties of the Internet connection in China and examine ways how to use Google, Facebook, and other blocked resources in China without any VPN.

I. Understanding China’s Internet Censorship

The policies that China uses to regulate Internet access are commonly called the “Great Firewall,” The Great Firewall is an array of tools and mechanisms that prevent China users from accessing entire categories of Websites, blogs, social networks, and other outside services. Some of these are Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter among many others are considered as popular social media platforms. For this purpose, the government continues to censor the flow of information to ensure its subject does not experience social vices that might cause the collapse of the existing social order.

Some of the changes like this censorship may not impress the visitors, but then, some censorship rules are supposed to be understood and complied with. It is understood that when improper precautions are taken to gain access to banned sites then trouble can occur and sometimes attention is sought.

II. Can I Use Google, Facebook in China?

Unfortunately, the straightforward answer is no. Google, Facebook, and many other western based website and services are currently banned in mainland China. What this implies is that when one tries to address them at this level, they reach a dead end or come across a ‘message of the day.’

The Chinese government censors the internet within its jurisdiction and using these banned sites might be difficult sans the right tools or methods. At the same time, it is far from pointless to adhere to these restrictions and consider other ways by which a person can communicate in China.

III. How to Use Google, Facebook in China without VPN

As of now, VPN is still the safest and most effective solution to avoid a Great Firewall; however, there are some ways to try if you have no access to VPN. But it should be noted that VPNs won’t always be effective, nor will not provide the same levels of security and privacy as a VPN.

Method 1: Using a Proxy Server

By its essence, a proxy server helps you unblock access to a particular website, by relaying your connection request through a server in another physical location. Some proxy servers that have been known to work in China include:  

• ProxySite.com
• KProxy
• HideMyAss

But, it is important to note, that the use of proxy servers can be much slower, compared to VPN and provide rather limited security, as such a server does not encrypt your traffic.

Method 2: Utilizing the Tor Network

Tor is an uncensored Internet ecosystem available to everyone as free and open-source software that let you communicate anonymously. It bounces your internet connection through multiple of volunteer-run computers making it exceedingly hard to monitor your activity online. Actually, Tor is quite helpful for you to connect to the websites blocked in China, yet, you are supposed to know that it may be quite slow for use and not all tasks, such as streaming, can be done using it.  

Method 3: Leveraging Alternative Platforms and Services

If you mostly need to browse or communicate with friends, you should switch to other sites and services that are unavailable in China. Some options include:

• Search Engines: Baidu, Sogou, 360 Search
• Social Media: WeChat, Weibo, QQ
• Messaging Apps: Telegram, Signal

These platforms are similar to those found within the West and are present in China.

IV. Essential Tips for Staying Connected in China

In dealing with China’s internet, one must learn to expect the unexpected and to be more prepared than you have to be. Here are some essential tips to help you stay connected during your travels:

• Pre-Trip Preparation: It is advisable to download necessary applications (maps, translator, and others) and content as many of them will be blocked in China. Nowadays, try to get acquainted with other platforms and services. Share the possibility of communication difficulties with people close to you.
• On-the-Ground Strategies: If a traveler has some use for the Internet and cannot rent a local SIM card, they should buy one with a data package that offers the simplest connectivity. Avoid posting anything that is related to the following: politics, religion, economics. Be very careful when connecting to public WLANs, while you might want to use a VPN occasionally to have access to restricted and blocked sites.

This way, you can remain plugged in and up to date during your China trip if you already have a rough plan on how to handle the local digital landscape with its many possibilities.

V. VPN for China: Top 5 Options

It can be very challenging to determine the right VPN for China. Every day, officials of China are improving the Great Firewall and not all VPNs are capable of avoiding restrictions set by Chinese authorities. The above table summarizes five best VPN service providers that have always proved their capability of unblocking China censorship.

In this case, the general advice that applies to China might change over time but the underlying principle remains the same. The availability of a suitable provider should critically be supported by looking at its performance, security, and technical support. By purchasing a reliable VPN, one can expect a reliable and secure connection while traveling in China.

VI. Best VPN in China – How to Install

Choosing a VPN is not where it ends, it is just the beginning. Therefore, it should be installed and set up before its use in China since after entering the country, many of the VPN websites and app stores may be unreachable.

The process is typically straightforward:

1. Select a provider from our list above or look for others on your own.
2. Subscribe to a suitable plan.
3. Visit your VPN vendor’s website and acquire an application that is compatible with your device.
4. Go to the service, choose a server that is geographically close to China for instance, Hong Kong, and then activate any option that will disguise the connection.
5. Activate the kill switch for added security.
6. Create a VPN and get back a chance to use the Internet without limitations!

Always check your VPN before traveling and if something is wrong, you should contact the customer support service.

VII. Beyond VPNs: Embracing the eSIM Advantage

VPNs are one of the oldest and most reliable techniques to enable people in China to access content that is blocked by The Great Firewall. If you prefer less complicated Means of maintaining connectivity without the fuss of quite technical VPN arrangements, then China eSIM could well be your travel buddy.

• Wide Range of Plans: They have more plans which range from 5 days to 30 days with 1GB to 20GB data depending on the user’s needs and his/her pocket.
• Reliable Network Coverage: They connect to China Unicom and China Mobile networks, so you’ll have a great signal and fast 4G LTE at all times on your trip to China.
• Instant Connectivity: You can switch on your eSIM over a few minutes after arriving in China which will save you the hassle of looking for a local vendor where you have to go through a lot of procedures.
• Competitive Pricing: At Chinaesim.com, this is accompanied by Competitive pricing structures which do not have any concealed charges throughout the value-adding process.
• VPN Included Options: They also have eSIM plans, including a VPN it, for people worried about being connected to blocked sites and services.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Thanks to their trained customer support team, you will always receive the necessary help in case of any problems you might face.

ChinaeSIM.com helps you to have internet access in China without using SIM cards, and the complications of VPN. Keep in touch with loved ones, use your social networking applications, make orders, find your location, and much more – all these are available while marveling at China.

VIII. Conclusion

Searching for content and different platforms like Google and Facebook in China as is realized by the Great Firewall has its own peculiarities. Thus, it is still safe to say that even when VPN remains a potential solution, searching for an alternative or accepting the benefits of eSIMs can be helpful. Knowing these constraints, as well as learning how to measure your options and take all the essential precautions, you can keep in touch with the outside world during your time in China.sao