Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Living in China, a country rich in traditions and cutting-edge technologies, offers a unique experience. However, distance can make maintaining connections with loved ones more complex. Fortunately, digital solutions provide numerous ways to stay connected despite the thousands of miles that often separate expatriates from family and friends.
Between instant messaging apps, social networks, and video conferencing platforms, this article presents various clever methods to maintain close relationships with those dear to us. Discover how these modern tools, combining practicality and accessibility, can transform China into a bridge rather than a barrier between you and your loved ones.
Choosing the Right Internet Service Provider in China
Major Internet Service Providers in China and Their Features
| Provider | Coverage | Device Compatibility | Strengths | Main Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | Very extensive | Sometimes limited (2G/3G on foreign mobile devices) | Competitive pricing, best national coverage | Frequent incompatibility with European smartphones, possible limitation to 2G |
| China Unicom | Good (major cities, urban areas) | Excellent with international devices | Compatible with most foreign smartphones, easy top-up | Higher prices than China Mobile |
| China Telecom | Very broad | Variable | Good coverage, fiber and mobile options | Less popular among travelers, compatibility needs verification |
Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Provider
- Connection speed: prioritize fiber or 4G/5G in major cities for better experience, but be mindful of frequency band compatibility.
- Geographic coverage: essential if traveling outside metropolitan areas; China Mobile dominates in rural zones.
- Customer service quality: major brands offer multilingual services in large cities, but English is rarely standard.
- Subscription costs: plans vary based on data volume, duration, and associated services. Prepaid options are often simpler for foreigners.
Internet Restrictions in China and VPN Solutions
The Great Firewall blocks most Western services (Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
Some internet providers may further restrict access to certain foreign services.
VPN: essential to bypass censorship and stay in contact abroad. It’s recommended to subscribe to a reliable VPN before arriving in China since many VPN websites are themselves blocked in the country. The best VPNs are selected based on their ability to mask VPN traffic, speed, and stability.
Some operators or specialized resellers may offer integrated VPN solutions or setup assistance, but caution is advised: their effectiveness varies and they can be quickly blocked.
Practical Tips for Comparing Offers
- Use online comparison tools (in English or Chinese) to view coverage, prices, and customer reviews.
- Read expatriate testimonials or recent traveler accounts to learn about actual network quality and customer support by region.
- Verify your device’s compatibility with local networks before subscribing.
- Compare top-up options (online, in-store, via apps).
- Prefer no-contract plans for greater flexibility during temporary stays.
Administrative Procedures for Subscribing to Internet as a Foreigner
- Present a valid passport (and sometimes a valid visa).
- Provide a local address (hotel, accommodation, etc.).
- Visit an official store or authorized reseller; some major train stations or airports have sales points adapted for foreigners.
- Sometimes, an ID photo or proof of temporary residence may be required.
- For home fiber or ADSL, a rental contract or proof of residence is generally needed, and sometimes the landlord’s assistance for installation.
Key Takeaways
Staying in touch with loved ones from China requires carefully choosing your provider, anticipating Great Firewall restrictions, and preparing in advance for installing a reliable VPN. Device compatibility, network coverage, and plan flexibility are keys to an effective and secure connection.
Good to Know:
In China, choosing the right internet service provider is crucial for maintaining contact with loved ones abroad. The main operators are China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile, each with its advantages, such as China Telecom for its extensive coverage or China Unicom for its speed in major cities. When making your choice, consider connection speed, coverage extent, customer service quality, and subscription costs. Great Firewall restrictions can impact connections with the outside; some providers offer VPN solutions to help bypass these limits. To compare offers, use online tools and consult expatriate reviews, which are often very helpful. As a foreigner, be prepared to provide valid identification and possibly proof of residence to subscribe to a plan.
Preferred Communication Tools for Staying Connected
Overview of Access Restrictions to Social Media and Messaging in China
The Great Firewall (GFW) refers to the set of legislative and technological measures implemented by China to control internet access within its territory. This system blocks or slows access to many foreign websites, including social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), Western messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger), as well as Google and its services. Filtering occurs at the entry points of the Chinese network: traffic inspection, blocking entire IP addresses/domains, censorship of sensitive keywords, or technical attacks (e.g., resetting TCP connections). This policy aims both at information regulation and protection of the national digital sector.
| Inaccessible Services | Main Blocking Methods |
|---|---|
| DNS/IP Blocking | |
| Keyword Filtering | |
| Forced Connection Resets | |
| SSL/TLS Interception |
Recommended Apps for Communicating in China
To stay connected from mainland China without interruption:
- WeChat
- Instant text/voice/video messaging
- Individual and group VoIP calls
- Photo/file sharing
- Integrated mobile payments
- Social features (“Moments”)
- QQ
- Classic messaging and voice/video calls
- Broad thematic groups
- Quick large file sharing
- DingTalk
- Tool developed for collaborative work (Alibaba)
- Stable HD audio/video calls even with weak connection
- Team/project management and secure cloud storage
These apps are widely used in both personal and professional contexts. They also allow adding international contacts: however, it’s advised that your loved ones install these apps before your departure.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can sometimes bypass the Great Firewall to access your usual blocked tools. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a server located outside China. This can make WhatsApp, Gmail, or Zoom accessible.
Essential Precautions:
- Chinese authorities actively monitor abnormal network usage.
- Some VPN providers are blocked; only a few remain operational.
- Private use is tolerated but not strictly legal; providing or promoting an unauthorized VPN service can lead to administrative or even criminal penalties.
Practical Tips:
- Install/configure your VPN solution BEFORE arriving in the country.
- Avoid any public sharing related to VPN usage while in China.
Popular Video/Messaging VoIP Services & Practical Tips
Beyond the WeChat–QQ duo:
- DingTalk offers secure video calls/groups suitable for both work and private use.
To ensure a stable experience:
- Prefer a reliable Wi-Fi connection over fluctuating mobile data.
- Check permissions granted to apps to protect your personal data.
Some international services like Skype may work partially but their stability is uncertain without using a VPN workaround.
User Reviews on These Tools
“WeChat centralizes everything: instant written/voice messages with my friends back in France. Audio/video quality remains good even with poor network.”
“I mainly use QQ for quickly sending large work files or chatting in multiple different groups.”
“With DingTalk we organize our international meetings without cuts or technical issues.”
Frequently mentioned points:
- Excellent local integration – optimal reliability under Chinese coverage.
- Useful automatic translations in some cases.
- Possible language barrier during initial setup if interface is entirely in Chinese.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Regular Communication Despite Constraints
- Inform your loved ones before departure: explain which apps to install (and how to create their accounts).
- Test each tool together from home before traveling.
- Choose times suitable for the Chinese time zone during scheduled exchanges.
- Mentally prepare to primarily use WeChat / QQ / DingTalk during your stay—keep them always updated!
- Always enable two-factor authentication & secure cloud backup when possible.
Staying connected in China requires adaptation: choosing the right local tools now ensures relational continuity despite all geographic or regulatory constraints.
Good to Know:
In China, the Great Firewall limits access to common social networks and messaging services like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Skype, often requiring a VPN to bypass these restrictions, though this carries legal risks. To stay in touch with your loved ones, WeChat is essential with its messaging features, video calls, and integration of various practical services; QQ offers an accessible interface for instant messaging and file transfers, while DingTalk is effective for group calls and also used in professional settings. Users praise their simplicity and reliability, though WeChat is often considered the most user-friendly. For video and VoIP messaging, WeChat remains popular, ensuring stable connection, but make sure you have a good internet connection and adjust sleep settings to avoid interruptions. To maintain regular communication, schedule discussion times suitable for both time zones and explore sharing photos and videos through family groups to enrich your exchanges despite the distances.
Tips for Bypassing Digital Restrictions
To bypass censorship and access blocked communication services in China (like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram), it’s crucial to choose a reliable and efficient VPN, while respecting local legislation.
Reliable VPNs for China
| VPN | Main Strengths | Works for WhatsApp/Facebook | Obfuscation | Customer Support | Trial/Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Fast speeds, advanced security, nearby servers (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong), strict no-logs policy, obfuscation on all servers, 100+ countries | Yes | Yes | 24/7 | 30 days |
| NordVPN | Robust security, obfuscated servers, reliable in China, large network | Yes | Yes | 24/7 | 30 days |
Usage Tips:
- Install the VPN before arriving in China.
- Contact the VPN’s support for instructions/mirrors adapted to China.
- Enable obfuscation to mask VPN usage and avoid blocking.
Messaging Apps Compliant with Local Legislation
| Application | Legal Status in China | Encryption | Main Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliant | Limited | State control, low privacy | |
| Compliant | Limited | Very widespread use, monitored |
Note: All communication on these platforms may be monitored by authorities. Do not share sensitive information.
Alternatives for Voice/Video Calls
- Skype: Accessible via VPN, variable quality, sometimes monitored.
- Line: Works via VPN, popular for calls and messaging.
- WeChat: Voice/video calls allowed, but not end-to-end encrypted.
- QQ: Calls and video allowed, same privacy limitations.
Tips for Privacy Protection
- Prefer using VPN with obfuscation.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your messaging accounts.
- Never share sensitive information on local applications.
- Use end-to-end encryption when available (e.g., WhatsApp via VPN).
- Regularly update all applications to benefit from the latest security patches.
- Disable automatic backups to Chinese cloud (WeChat, QQ).
Secure Multimedia File Sharing
- Prefer sharing via encrypted platforms (Signal, WhatsApp via VPN, or foreign cloud services via VPN).
- For large files, use temporary links or services offering automatic deletion after download.
- Compress and encrypt files before sending using tools like 7-Zip or VeraCrypt.
Legal Implications and Regulatory Compliance
- Using an unauthorized VPN is theoretically prohibited for individuals in China. Risks include service blocking, or even administrative penalties.
- It’s imperative to verify the legality of each application used and consult usage terms specific to China.
- Respect local regulations: avoid sharing content deemed sensitive or prohibited.
Practical Tips
- Install several trusted VPNs before traveling.
- Prepare backup apps (e.g., WeChat, QQ) for essential communications.
- Keep in mind that confidentiality is never total on Chinese networks.
Staying connected in China requires both caution, preparation, and respect for local laws, to ensure digital security and peace of mind.
Good to Know:
Using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN can help you access blocked services in China, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, while protecting your privacy; however, ensure you verify the legality of their use according to local legislation. For daily communication, prefer compliant messaging apps like WeChat or QQ and adjust privacy settings to limit data sharing. Line and Skype are effective alternatives for video calls, but it’s crucial to read the terms of use carefully. To share multimedia files, opt for secure platforms and ensure your apps are regularly updated to incorporate the latest security improvements. Finally, always keep in mind the potential legal implications of using these tools and comply with local regulations to avoid any legal issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
