Visiting china

[1Smacgowan]

Hi, I am soon to be visiting China and I'm concerned that my phone may not work over there especially certain apps like WhatsApp and instagram etc... what is the best way to make sure my phone works and also to make contact with family in the uk whilst I'm away. 
many thanks. 

[caesarome]

@1Smacgowan 

China is a Roaming Plus country so it should work there as it will be £2 per day or free if you are a Diamond VIP member. Data is restricted to 25 GB per billing period.

[Daniel0210]

@1Smacgowan 

For that destination it should cost you £2 for each 24 hours use of your home allowance ~ but if you are a Diamond VIP member the daily roaming is free in Roaming Passport Plus destinations.

You need to ensure roaming and mobile data are turned on in your phone settings and it will kick in when you send a text, make a call or use a small amount of data. Set any spend cap to cover the total number of days you are there. Remember that calls to local numbers are charged extra at international rates and there is now a limit on data use of 25GB per billing period, after which Sky can charge you an extra £2.50 per GB or even suspend your useage due to overuse.

https://www.sky.com/help/articles/sky-mobile-roaming-destinations-and-charges 

https://www.sky.com/help/articles/sky-moblle-tair-usage-policy. 

[1Smacgowan]

So you don't think there is any need for an eSIM? I've read that WhatsApp is blocked and Chinese apps are needed to communicate back home to the uk? 
it all seems a bit different to when I've travelled to other destinations. 

[Daniel0210]

@1Smacgowan 

No idea on what China may or may not block and obviously Sky have no control of coverage abroad. 

[PandJ2020]

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@Daniel0210 wrote:

@1Smacgowan 

No idea on what China may or may not block and obviously Sky have no control of coverage abroad. 

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AIUI anything with end-to-end encryption is blocked (as it cannot be intercepted), i.e. WhatsApp.

SMS and standard calls should work but assume they may be monitored and/or blocked.

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it all seems a bit different to when I've travelled to other destinations. 

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That might be the communist Government...

[TimmyBGood]

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@1Smacgowan wrote:

So you don't think there is any need for an eSIM? I've read that WhatsApp is blocked and Chinese apps are needed to communicate back home to the uk? 

it all seems a bit different to when I've travelled to other destinations. 

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Choosing to visit a non-democratic state which fundamentally restricts its own citizens freedom of expression (and communication) does bring some inevitable consequences.

Typically you'll find this being discussed (outside China) on travel and other websites.

Perhaps note that eSIM providers are extremely vague about whether their products can actually evade the notorious 'Great Firewall'.