No Google, no WhatsApp: how to legally bypass China's internet restrictions as a tourist

China is having a moment with Australian travellers. Thanks to a 30-day visa-free window open until the end of 2026, thousands of Aussies are swapping their Bali flights for the Great Wall.

But while booking your ticket has never been easier, touching down is a whole different ball game. Unlike standard holiday hotspots, entering China means stepping behind the "Great Firewall" - a digital shift that requires some serious prep.

China has completely blocked access to Google services - including Search, Gmail, Maps, YouTube and Drive - as well as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, Telegram, Signal, Reddit, Netflix and ChatGPT.

Cybersecurity expert, Salil Kanhere, from UNSW's School of Computer Science and Engineering, says the disruption of Google Maps is particularly noticeable for travellers, though Apple Maps remains functional.

"These restrictions aim to control information flow and promote domestic apps such as [messaging platform] WeChat," Kanhere says.

"Many services are inaccessible because they do not meet Chinese data and content regulations. Encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp are especially targeted since their end-to-end encryption prevents authorities from viewing message content."

If you're the type of person who doesn't mind taking a gamble with your internet security and rely on local Wi-Fi at hotels and cafes, or buy a SIM card when you arrive, these apps will still be blocked.

Instead, use international roaming on your Australian mobile phone plan.

"In many cases, the data is routed through the traveller's home carrier or an overseas gateway, meaning some apps that are usually blocked might still work in China," Kanhere says.

Dr Marina Zhang, Associate Professor at the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, says roaming has worked perfectly during her trips.

"I use a normal Optus SIM, not an eSIM, and when international roaming is switched on, I can access Google, WhatsApp, Gmail and other services that would normally be blocked on Chinese Wi-Fi or a local Chinese SIM. I use the daily roaming fee option of about $5 per day," Zhang says.

A travel eSIM can also work. UNSW's Kanhere says certain travel eSIMs can bypass mainland filtering by routing traffic through offshore gateways like Hone Kong, Singapore or Australia.

"The key caveat is that you must buy and install it before you arrive, as provider websites are likely blocked once you're inside China. Conversely, a local Chinese SIM or a China-specific eSIM typically remains subject to local filtering," Kanhere says.

Kanhere recommends keeping your Australian number active for roaming to ensure you receive one-time passcodes.

"Your banking and 2FA codes are sent there, and many Western services won't deliver codes to a Chinese number at all, risking lockout if you rely solely on a local SIM," he says.

"As a fallback, install an authenticator app before travelling in case roaming SMS proves unreliable. Use two connectivity methods: a travel eSIM for data and your home SIM for calls and OTPs. Also, download offline maps for convenience."

Skyscanner Australia travel expert, Jarrod Kris, said it's also worthwhile saving key travel documents before you travel, in case you have connectivity issues.

"As digital services and local requirements can change, the best approach is to always research connectivity options ahead of your travel and confirm the latest information with your telco, banking provider and relevant travel service providers, so you can travel with confidence and enjoy your trip without worrying about connectivity," he said.

"I recommend installing and configuring these apps before departing Australia, linking your cards, finishing passport verification, testing logins, and confirming SMS verification works," Kanhere says.

UTS's Zhang says China's domestic internet operators are legally required to retain certain network records and provide information to authorities when legally requested.

"This doesn't mean ordinary tourists are personally monitored all the time," she says.

"Routine surveillance of private tourist conversations is unlikely. Enforcement attention is more likely to focus on higher-risk groups or sensitive activities, such as journalism, activism, political organising, research on sensitive sectors, or commercial activity involving strategically sensitive industries," she says.

"For normal tourism, international roaming or a travel eSIM is generally safer and more convenient than local Wi-Fi or a Chinese SIM. If your traffic is encrypted and routed overseas, Chinese domestic operators are less likely to see the full content of what you are doing, although they may still see basic connection and location metadata."