In short
Yes, you can use Google, WhatsApp and LINE in China without a VPN, if you use a roaming eSIM from outside China. On hotel Wi-Fi or a Chinese SIM card, those apps don't work.
Prices are from Vacay, the eSIM store GoeSIM partners with, on 21 Oct 2026, in baht. Check the current price before you buy.
What's blocked in China
China filters the internet and blocks many foreign apps and sites, including:
Anything that goes through a network inside China is filtered: hotel Wi-Fi, café Wi-Fi and SIM cards bought in China.
Why a roaming eSIM works without a VPN
A travel eSIM sold outside China connects to Chinese cell towers, but your data is routed out through a network outside China, so it doesn't pass through the filter. Your apps work as they do at home, with no VPN to install or keep running.
ChatGPT and Gemini are a separate case: they aren't offered in China, and Vacay says only its China (Social + AI) plans work with them. Open the AI app you need as soon as you land; if it doesn't connect, contact the eSIM store's support while you're still at the airport.
Which China eSIM
All of these are roaming plans, so all of them get around the filter.
| China (Social + AI) | Best China | China Hong Kong Macau | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong and Macau | — | — | ✓ |
| ChatGPT, Gemini | ✓ | ✗ | Not stated |
| Networks in China | China Unicom + China Telecom | Not named by Vacay | China Unicom + China Telecom |
| Price | Lowest | Same as Social + AI | A little more |
Best China has the most reviews of the China plans, but it costs the same as China (Social + AI) and doesn't support AI apps, so Social + AI is the better buy.
Prices
Unlimited
| Plan | 5 days | 7 days | 10 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (Social + AI) 10 Mbps | ฿379≈ $12.51 | ฿519≈ $17.13 | ฿709≈ $23.40 |
| China (Social + AI) full speed | ฿479≈ $15.81 | ฿659≈ $21.75 | ฿909≈ $30.00 |
| China Hong Kong Macau 10 Mbps | ฿429≈ $14.16 | ฿589≈ $19.44 | ฿809≈ $26.70 |
| China Hong Kong Macau full speed | ฿559≈ $18.45 | ฿749≈ $24.72 | ฿1,019≈ $33.63 |
The 10 Mbps option of China (Social + AI) Unlimited goes up to 15 days; full speed goes up to 30.
By the GB
| Data | China (Social + AI) | China Hong Kong Macau |
|---|---|---|
| 5GB, 5 days | ฿119≈ $3.93 | ฿129≈ $4.26 |
| 10GB, 7 days | ฿229≈ $7.56 | ฿239≈ $7.89 |
| 10GB, 10 days | ฿249≈ $8.22 | ฿259≈ $8.55 |
| 20GB, 10 days | ฿449≈ $14.82 | ฿499≈ $16.47 |
For a week of maps, chat and social media, 10GB is usually enough. Heavy users: on a 7-day trip, unlimited at 10 Mbps (฿519 (≈ $17.13)) costs less than 30GB (฿579 (≈ $19.11)). Not sure how much you'll use? Try the data calculator.
Before you fly
Apps to download before China
Summary
New Vacay customers get 10% off with the code THAF-UCQY. Compare every plan and length on the China eSIM comparison, or, if you're also going to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong eSIM comparison.