Most of what you use daily on your phone is blocked in mainland China, including Google Search, Gmail, Maps and YouTube, plus WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, Telegram and ChatGPT[1]. Plan your trip so nothing important depends on them.
It is unsettling to realise that your group chat and your photos go quiet at the border. A few small steps at home make the first week much easier.
Which apps stop working?
Treat these as unavailable on mainland networks.
- Google Search, Gmail, Maps and YouTube.
- WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram.
- ChatGPT.
Apple Maps still works even though Google Maps is disrupted[2]. Our maps guide sets out the full app plan.
Do you need a VPN?
You can travel without one, and it is optional. VPN apps and sites are blocked inside China, so any VPN must be installed before arrival[3].
If you choose to use one, decide at home, check current official guidance, and test the app on your own phone. Build the rest of your plan so it still works if the VPN does not.
Does an international eSIM change anything?
International travel eSIM vendors say their plans route data through servers outside mainland China, which avoids the firewall[4]. That is a vendor claim, not something we have tested, so ask the seller and read the terms.
Our guide to eSIM, roaming and local SIM compares the three paths. Check Malaysian telco roaming passes too.
How do you stay in touch with family and friends?
Pick one channel that works inside China and tell everyone before you leave.
- Agree a messaging app that you will all install at home.
- Set a daily check-in time, which is easy because Malaysia and mainland China share one time zone[5].
- Send your hotel names and addresses to one family member as text.
- Save tickets, bookings and confirmation emails offline as screenshots or PDFs.
In a friend group, nominate one person to be the contact for everyone else.
What about hotel Wi-Fi and SMS codes?
Hotel Wi-Fi may ask for a text verification that does not reach your Malaysian number. See our guide to hotel Wi-Fi and SMS verification problems for fixes.
Bank apps can send a code by SMS, so ask your bank how to log in abroad before you fly. Our translation apps guide shows another tool that must work offline. Browse the preparation topic page for the rest of the checklist.