Headed to China and wondering how to stay connected to WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and your banking apps? In this guide we’ll cover China eSIM (no-VPN) options, which VPNs are worth paying for, budget-friendly picks, truly free backups, and a clear how-to for using a VPN in China.
China eSIM: Unrestricted Internet Without a VPN
If you want the simplest and most consistent experience, consider a travel eSIM that routes data outside mainland China. Many international eSIMs (not all) allow direct access to Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc., without a VPN because your traffic is exiting via another region.
Why Malaysians like this approach
- No fiddly setup: Scan the eSIM QR at home, land in China, and go online.
- Stable for everyday use: Great for maps, messaging, emails, bookings.
- Keep a VPN as Plan B: Useful if you need a specific country IP (e.g., office systems/streaming) or if your eSIM route changes.
Tips
- Buy and activate the eSIM before departure.
- Keep your home SIM for OTPs; turn off data on it to avoid roaming fees.
- Store the eSIM QR and instructions offline.
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Quick Comparison for Best China VPN 2025
VPN (2025) | Works in China* | Stealth / Obfuscation | MY / SG Servers | Streaming | Refund | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Yes (not 100% consistent) | Built-in obfuscation + Lightway | Malaysia + Singapore | Strong | 30-day | New tiered plans; wide Asia network; prep & download before travel. |
NordVPN | Yes (tested on China ISPs) | Obfuscated servers; NordLynx | Malaysia + Singapore | Strong | 30-day | Consistently fast in recent on-the-ground tests. |
Surfshark | Works, but less stable | NoBorders mode; WireGuard | Malaysia + Singapore | Good | 30-day | Budget pick; enable NoBorders and try multiple servers. |
Astrill | Yes (China-focused) | StealthVPN / OpenWeb | Malaysia + Singapore | Mixed | No refunds | Reliable in China, but expensive and strict refund policy. |
Mullvad | Improving (new obfuscation) | QUIC (MASQUE) obfuscation | Malaysia + Singapore | Mixed | 14-day | Privacy-first; QUIC helps in censored regions. |
Malaysia-specific tips
- Prefer MY/SG servers for banking and local OTT apps while in China (lower latency).
- Bring at least 2 providers in case one is throttled. (Recent tests and user reports show variability.)
Premium China VPNs (High Speed & Reliability)
1. Astrill VPN (The OG Reliable Choice)
Astrill saved my sanity in Shanghai—Gmail, Zoom calls, even gaming worked most of the time. Yeah, it’s pricey, but when your banking app won’t load and you’re desperate to call home, it’s worth every sen.
- Success Rate: Very high (China-optimized protocols)
- Speed: Fast on home broadband; solid on mobile if signal is good
- Server Locations: Global (incl. Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore)
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, routers
- Price (RM): Monthly: ~RM126.90/1-Year (total): ~RM761.40/ 2-Year (total): ~RM1,269.00
2. ExpressVPN (Polished & Powerful)
If you want a smooth app and quick fixes when China gets feisty, ExpressVPN is the “it just works” pick. Lightway connects fast—set it up before you fly.
- Success Rate: High (varies around sensitive dates)
- Speed: Very fast on broadband; stable on mobile
- Server Locations: 100+ countries (incl. Malaysia & Singapore)
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, TVs
- Price (RM): Monthly: ~RM54.95/ Long-term deals (per month): ~RM14.76–RM26.44 (plan-dependent)
3. NordVPN (Feature-Rich, Obfuscation-Ready)
Extra security bells and whistles (Meshnet, Threat Protection) plus a clear Obfuscated servers toggle for tough days on the GFW.
- Success Rate: High with obfuscation enabled
- Speed: Fast on broadband; good on mobile
- Server Locations: Wide global spread (MY/SG available)
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price (RM): Promo (per month): ~RM15.20–RM19.14 (based on € plans)
4. VyprVPN (Audited No-Logs & Chameleon Protocol)
Old-school favorite with its own anti-censorship protocol (Chameleon).
- Success Rate: High (especially with Chameleon)
- Speed: Good day-to-day; rotate servers if speeds dip
- Server Locations: Global across Asia, US, EU
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, routers
- Price (RM):Monthly: ~RM42.30/ 1-Year (per month): ~RM21.15/ 2-Year (per month): ~RM12.69
5. 12VPN (China Specialist for Power Users)
Built and battle-tested for China, with routing options seasoned expats love—a great backup alongside a mainstream pick.
- Success Rate: High (designed for censored regions)
- Speed: Fast to nearby Asia hubs; steady for work apps
- Server Locations: Global, China-friendly routing modes
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price (RM): Monthly: ~RM118.40/ 1-Year (per month): ~RM52.88/ 2-Year (per month): ~RM42.30
Cheap China VPNs
1. Surfshark
Works in China for many users when you enable NoBorders/Camouflage; highlighted in recent 2025 China tests. Long-term pricing is among the lowest.
- China reliability: Good with NoBorders (varies by city/ISP).
- Deal price (RM): from ~RM8–RM11/mo on 2-year promos.
- Tip: Install + test in Malaysia before you fly.
2. LetsVPN
With Alipay/WeChat Pay support, LetsVPN ($6.69/month) is perfect for quick trips. It unblocks YouTube and Minecraft Education seamlessly but struggles with niche platforms like Discord. Limited to 30+ servers, it’s not ideal for heavy streaming—think of it as your “emergency exit” VPN.
- Success Rate: 95% (user-recommended).
- Speed: 7.4 MBps (Home), 4.2 MBps (Mobile).
- Server Locations: 30+ countries, optimized for Asia.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
- Price:
- Monthly: $6.69.
Free China VPNs (Short-Term/Backup)
Here’s a no-BS shortlist of free (or freemium) options you can keep as short-term/backup when your premium China VPN flakes. Expect limits, manual tweaks, and mixed reliability.
Windscribe Free — best all-round free backup
- Data: 10GB/mo (can vary by promo)
- Why it’s here: Has Stealth/WStunnel modes that can help in censored regions; decent speeds for a free tier.
- China reality: Sometimes works; be ready to switch protocols/ports.
Proton VPN Free — privacy-first, but inconsistent in China
- Data: Unlimited on free plan, limited locations/speeds
- Why it’s here: Trusted brand; easy setup as a backup.
- China reality: Proton says it can’t guarantee it’ll work on the mainland; many reports say unreliable.
TunnelBear Free — super simple, tiny data
- Data: 2GB/mo free
- Why it’s here: Friendly apps for quick, occasional use.
- China reality: Hit-or-miss; use sparingly due to the small cap.
PrivadoVPN Free — generous speeds, 10GB cap
- Data: 10GB/mo, then Lite Mode throttling
- Why it’s here: Strong free-tier performance for basic access.
- China reality: Not marketed for China; use only as a “try it and see” backup.
Atlas VPN Free — 5GB/mo freemium
- Data: 5GB/mo
- Why it’s here: Easy, lightweight backup client.
- China reality: No guarantees; limited data makes it emergency-only.
How to Use VPN in China for Foreigner
1. Choose a Reliable China VPN
- Opt for reputable providers like Astrill VPN or VyprVPN, which are designed to bypass the Great Firewall while adhering to technical compliance measures (e.g., obfuscated servers and AES-256 encryption)
- Avoid free VPNs, as they often lack proper encryption, leak data, and may violate local laws. Stick to paid services with verified no-logs policies (e.g., NordVPN or ExpressVPN, though reliability varies).
2. Prepare Before Arrival
- Download and install the VPN before entering China. Most VPN websites (e.g., Astrill, NordVPN) are blocked within the country.
- Enable obfuscation features (e.g., StealthVPN on Astrill or Chameleon Protocol on VyprVPN) to mask VPN traffic from detection.
- Save setup guides offline in case app updates or support pages become inaccessible.
3. Use Legally Permitted Servers
- Connect to nearby servers like Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore for faster speeds and reduced risk of disruptions. Avoid U.S./European servers unless necessary, as they’re more likely to be throttled.
- Avoid sensitive activities (e.g., political content or torrenting). Stick to basic browsing, email, and approved apps like Zoom or Gmail.
4. Stay Within Legal Boundaries
- Use VPNs for personal, non-commercial purposes. While China tolerates VPN use by foreigners for accessing international services, distributing or promoting VPNs locally is illegal.
- Pay anonymously via Bitcoin or international credit cards to avoid linking payments to Chinese accounts.
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China VPN FAQs
1) Do VPNs work in China right now?
Yes—but reliability fluctuates by city/ISP and around sensitive dates. Always bring two providers (primary + backup).2) Is using a VPN legal for foreigners in China?
China restricts unlicensed VPNs and their sale. Foreigners are rarely targeted for personal use, but you should comply with local laws and company policies. This is not legal advice.3) Which VPNs are best for China?
Premium: Astrill, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, VyprVPN, 12VPN (China-focused). Budget backups: Surfshark, PrivateVPN, Windscribe (with Stealth/WStunnel). Always install before you fly.4) Should I install the VPN in China or before I go?
Before. App stores, provider sites, and even email links may be blocked once you’re in China.5) What settings help a VPN connect in China?
Turn on Stealth/Obfuscation (e.g., Stealth, Camouflage, NoBorders, Chameleon), try OpenVPN TCP 443 or WireGuard with stealth, enable Kill Switch and Auto-reconnect.6) Which server locations are best from China?
Nearby hubs: Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia. They usually offer lower latency for calls, meetings, and banking.7) Can I use a free VPN in China?
Free options are fine as short-term backups only (tight data caps, slower, often blocked). Stick to known names; avoid random “free China VPN” apps.8) Will a VPN let me use WhatsApp/Google/Instagram in China?
Yes—once connected, you can typically access Google, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, WhatsApp, IG, Facebook, etc.