LINE, Facebook, Instagram, Gmail and ChatGPT in China: what to expect

Will your usual apps work in China?

The short answer depends on the network you connect to. On mainland Chinese networks and hotel Wi-Fi, many foreign services such as Google, LINE, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X and WhatsApp are usually not reachable. On a travel eSIM or roaming connection that routes data through a gateway outside the mainland, these apps usually open, but nobody can guarantee every app on every network.

App-by-app table

ChatGPT and other foreign AI services tend to sit in the same group as Google: usually not reachable on mainland networks, and possibly open on a travel eSIM. Some services also restrict use by region. If you depend on a translation app, download the Chinese language pack for offline use and keep a translation app that works inside China as a backup. Data use for translation apps is covered in the Google Translate data guide.

Why a travel eSIM usually opens these apps

A travel eSIM from a provider outside China usually routes data through a gateway outside the mainland, similar to roaming, unlike local Chinese carrier data that stays on domestic networks. That is why foreign apps usually open on it, but real results depend on the plan, provider and area. More background is in the guides on how China's internet works and on China eSIMs without a VPN.

Before you fly: arranging contact with family

1. 1Tell family the main channel may changeExplain that on some networks LINE may be unreachable for a while, and that this does not mean something is wrong.
2. 2Set up WeChat as a backupAsk a family member or close friend to install WeChat and add each other. See our WeChat setup guide.
3. 3Share your itinerarySend hotel names, addresses and phone numbers plus your flights in advance.
4. 4Agree a check-in timeAgree a simple daily check-in time in case signal is poor.

Before you fly: accounts and backups

• Set up Google two-factor authentication and save backup codes before flying, since a code sent through an app or SMS may not reach you in China.
• Keep the Thai SIM active for SMS so bank OTP codes still arrive; check roaming and charges with your carrier and bank.
• Back up your LINE chats in the app before the trip in case you change phones or run into problems.
• Download offline maps and key info such as the hotel address in Chinese and booking confirmations.

One more reminder: do all of these setups in Thailand before you leave, because once you are in China some steps, such as a password reset that needs an emailed confirmation, may not work straight away. With planning, most problems stay a minor inconvenience rather than a real obstacle.

Hotel and airport Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés and public places mostly uses domestic networks, so foreign apps are usually not reachable, and some venues ask you to verify with a Chinese phone number or a WeChat QR code, which a visitor may not be able to do. Always have your own mobile data rather than relying on Wi-Fi alone, and avoid banking on public Wi-Fi. See the public Wi-Fi safety guide for more cautions.

After you land: test before relying

After switching on the eSIM, test your key apps right after landing: open LINE and message yourself, load Gmail and open a map. If one fails, ask the eSIM provider and fall back on a backup channel such as WeChat or email. Do not use methods that break the law or an app's terms, and do not buy software from untrusted sources.

If you cannot reach each other

• Switch channels, for example from LINE to WeChat, email or a call over the Thai SIM if your carrier allows it.
• For urgent matters, call your hotel or the Thai embassy or consulate in China through their official channels.
• Family should keep your hotel and flight details so a delayed reply is no cause for panic.

ראו חבילות eSIM לסין