Which VPN works in China? Getting online for foreigners

✅ Updated Jul 2026

If you are visiting or living in China and want to reach your usual apps and sites — Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, your home bank — you will need a VPN, because ordinary Chinese networks block them. This is a normal, everyday tool for foreigners here; the main thing is to set it up the right way. The single most important step: install and pay for your VPN BEFORE you arrive in China. Once you are on a Chinese network the providers' own websites and the app stores that carry them are often unreachable, so downloading one after landing is hard. Set it up on your phone and laptop at home and confirm it connects. VPN apps that foreigners in China most commonly rely on: • Astrill — long the expat favourite for reliability in China; has a dedicated China mode. Pricier, but many keep it for that reason. • LetsVPN (快连) — popular and easy, widely used by both locals and visitors. • ExpressVPN — well-known, simple apps, generally works with the right server; keep the app updated. • Surfshark / NordVPN — mainstream, cheaper, work for many; results can vary, so test before you rely on them. Practical tips: install two different VPNs, not one — during sensitive periods a given service can slow down or drop, and a backup saves the day. Connect to nearby servers (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) for the best speed. Turn on the app's auto-connect so you are not exposed on reconnects. If you need it for work, ask your employer about a sanctioned corporate VPN. Reliability changes over time, so check a recent review before you buy — and download everything while you are still on your home network.