When WhatsApp and Google do not work in China
Many travellers only notice this after arrival: the phone is online on hotel Wi-Fi, but WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, YouTube or other western services do not load properly. In most cases this is not the hotel’s fault and not a problem with your phone. Ordinary Chinese internet simply works differently from what European travellers are used to.
That is why mobile internet for China is not just a comfort issue. It affects orientation, translation, hotel addresses, taxis, train connections, bookings and staying in touch with people at home. If you prepare this before arrival, you avoid a lot of stress.
My recommendation: start with an eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM, I would start with a suitable China eSIM. I like this solution because you can buy and prepare it before the trip. After landing, you do not have to find a shop first. Ideally, you can switch on mobile data right away.
The big advantage of these travel eSIMs is not only that you have data immediately after landing. The key point is that many China eSIMs explicitly advertise support for western services such as WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, YouTube and similar apps. In my own experience, this has worked. With suitable eSIM packages in China, I was able to use my western apps reliably.
That is why I would choose an inexpensive China package and check before buying that it is really meant for mainland China. I have had good experiences with eSIM packages from Trip.com. For me, this is the main reason for using an eSIM: not just internet, but usable internet for the apps European travellers normally rely on.
Note: tariffs, availability and technical details can change. Before buying, check whether the eSIM matches your phone, travel dates, data needs and destination.
Also useful: a physical SIM card with a Chinese number
If you want to be extra safe, you can also buy a physical tourist SIM card at the airport. After baggage claim and once you are outside the secure area, many major airports have proper offices or counters from providers such as China Mobile or China Unicom.
There, your SIM card is registered with your passport, you choose a data package and you receive a Chinese phone number. This is not the same thing as an international travel eSIM. The Chinese number can be a real advantage for some local apps.
Important difference: a local SIM card from China Mobile or China Unicom is mainly useful for Chinese services and for having a Chinese phone number. For western apps such as WhatsApp, Google, Gmail or YouTube, it is not the same solution as a suitable international travel eSIM. Over ordinary Chinese mobile internet or hotel Wi-Fi, these services often do not work reliably or do not work at all.
The usual process is simple enough: show your passport, choose a tariff, let the registration be done, insert the SIM card into your phone or second phone and test mobile data. If you travel with two devices, using both options is especially relaxed.
Good if your phone supports eSIM and you want data straight after landing. The big advantage: WhatsApp, Google, Gmail and YouTube often work much better with suitable China eSIMs than through hotel Wi-Fi or a local Chinese SIM.
Useful if you need a local number for certain Chinese apps, verification codes or services on the ground.
An eSIM for mobile data and western apps, plus a Chinese SIM card for local services. It is a little more effort, but more robust.
Why a Chinese number can be useful
WeChat can generally be registered with a European number. Still, a Chinese number has advantages. Some services in China expect a local phone number or work more smoothly with one.
One example is Meituan. The app is very Chinese, very extensive, and in my own case the Chinese number was an important step in getting the registration to work. A Chinese number can also help with some shared electric scooters, local verification codes and other services. It does not guarantee that everything works with every provider, but it improves your chances compared with only having a European number.
My practical view is therefore simple: an eSIM is convenient and often the best first solution. A real Chinese SIM card with a Chinese phone number is not pointless, though. It can be very useful once you are there.
If your phone does not support eSIM
If your smartphone does not support eSIM, then a physical SIM card is the remaining option. You can order a physical China travel SIM card before departure if the provider explicitly supports mainland China and says that western apps such as WhatsApp or Google should work.
I have also seen hotels in China offer physical SIM cards at reception, sometimes with the promise that WhatsApp is possible. That can be an emergency option, but it does not replace preparation. It is better to know before the trip which solution you want to use.
Check before travelling to China
Check whether your device supports eSIM and whether it is locked by a mobile carrier.
Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau are not always covered in the same way. Choose the destination carefully.
Hotel Wi-Fi is not enough for many western apps. Plan your mobile solution before the trip.
FAQ: internet, eSIM and SIM card in China
What is the big advantage of an eSIM in China?
The big advantage is not only that you can have mobile data right after landing. With suitable international China eSIMs, western services such as WhatsApp, Google, Gmail and YouTube have worked much more reliably for me than through hotel Wi-Fi or a local Chinese SIM card.
Why does WhatsApp not work in China?
WhatsApp often does not work reliably through ordinary Chinese internet. With a suitable travel eSIM or roaming solution, it can be much easier for travellers.
Does Google work in China?
Google, Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps often do not work through normal hotel Wi-Fi or local Chinese connections the way they do at home. That is why you should plan your internet setup before the trip.
Does hotel Wi-Fi solve the problem?
Hotel Wi-Fi gets you online, but it does not automatically solve the problem with western apps. Many services remain restricted.
eSIM or physical SIM card for China?
If your phone supports eSIM, an eSIM is often the most convenient solution. A physical Chinese SIM card can additionally make sense because it gives you a Chinese phone number.
Do WhatsApp and Google work with a Chinese SIM card?
A local SIM card from China Mobile or China Unicom is useful for Chinese services and for having a Chinese phone number. For WhatsApp, Google, Gmail or YouTube, it is normally not the same solution as a suitable international travel eSIM.
Where can I get a tourist SIM card in China?
At many major airports, after baggage claim and outside the secure area, there are offices or counters from providers such as China Mobile or China Unicom. The SIM card is registered with your passport.
What do I need a Chinese phone number for?
A Chinese number can help with local apps, Meituan, some shared electric scooters, verification codes and other services on the ground. It does not guarantee everything, but it is often an advantage.
Should I use both options?
If you want the safest setup, use an eSIM for mobile data and western apps and add a Chinese SIM card for local services. It is a little more work, but practical.
My conclusion
For most travellers, a suitable eSIM is the easiest preparation for China. If your phone supports eSIM, I would start there and set up an inexpensive China package before the trip.
If you also want to use local services or simply want more safety, you can buy a physical Chinese tourist SIM card at the airport. Then you also have a Chinese number. Especially for apps such as Meituan or some local services, that can make a real difference.