WhatsApp/Instagram/Google in China 🇨🇳 – What’s working for you? Just arrived or planning a trip? Here’s the real deal on staying connected: 🔴 The Block WhatsApp, Instagram, Google (Maps, Gmail, Drive), Facebook, and X are blocked here without a stable connection tool. Don’t panic—it’s manageable. 🟢 What actually works: WeChat = Everything (chat, pay, mini-apps, life) Baidu Maps > Google Maps for local navigation (Chinese/English available) Outlook/Hotmail usually works without issues for email Bing works for search (international version) Apple Maps works if you have iPhone 💡 Pro tips: - Download a VPN before you arrive (if you go that route—test a few, they vary by city/ISP) - International roaming: from your home SIM sometimes bypasses blocks (but check data costs!) - Alipay or WeChat Pay are essential—way more important than Instagram access 😅 🤔 My question to you: What’s your setup? VPN, roaming, or full "going local" with Chinese apps? Any apps surprisingly working better than expected? Drop your tips below for the new arrivals! 👇 #ChinaLife #ExpatTips #Tech #NewInChina #DigitalNomad