Internet access

Question

Hi, I'm a Brit travelling to Kunming from Hanoi in September for 10 days

I've read through the very useful Sticky on Internet, VPN's etc but wondering if it's still up to date.

What's best for me considering my situation:

I'll happy to connect to wifi using my hostel's connection when I'm there. I hope to connect at cafes etc as well when I'm out.

I need access to FB, Google and as many western sites as I can when I am connected.

(I can always use a map for getting around, just like the old days! lol)

Otherwise I'm happy to be offline. I don't need a telephone number. Would prefer to keep my home SIM in the phone.

I want to be able use cash for payments and my foreign bank cards (Visa & Mastercard) when available. Is this possible?

What's the cheapest/best way forward.

Thanks and sorry if this has been asked before

Answer

Traveling to Kunming from Hanoi in September and wanting to access western websites such as Facebook, Google, and other services requires some planning, as internet in China is heavily restricted and many sites are blocked.

Internet Access Options:

VPN (Virtual Private Network): This is the most common method to access blocked sites. You should install and test a reliable VPN before arriving in China, as VPN websites are often blocked once inside the country. Paid VPNs generally offer more stable connections than free ones.
Wi-Fi at hostels, cafes, and public places: You can connect to Wi-Fi networks without a Chinese SIM, but note that most Wi-Fi hotspots will also be subject to the Great Firewall restrictions. Without a VPN, access to Facebook, Google, and many western sites will not work.
Data roaming with home SIM: You can keep your UK SIM active for emergency data, but roaming charges are usually high. Alternatively, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is inexpensive and provides mobile data for general browsing and maps, though again blocked sites require VPN.

Payments:

Cash is widely accepted, especially for smaller transactions in markets, taxis, and local restaurants.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in some hotels, large restaurants, and international chains, but China heavily favors UnionPay. Many smaller vendors, taxis, and local services may not take foreign cards.
Mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are popular, but generally require a Chinese bank account or verified AliPay/WeChat account linked to a local card. As a tourist, using cash and international credit cards is more reliable unless you set up a tourist-friendly AliPay account in advance.

Cheapest and Most Practical Approach:

Download a reliable VPN before arrival and test it at home.
Use hostel and café Wi-Fi for general browsing, maps, and social media via VPN.
Keep your UK SIM for emergency calls or data, but limit usage to avoid high roaming fees.
Carry enough cash for daily expenses and check with each vendor if they accept Visa/Mastercard before assuming payment by card is possible.

In summary, a VPN is essential for accessing western websites. Relying on Wi-Fi is fine for light usage, cash is widely accepted, and foreign cards will work at larger establishments but not everywhere. Setting up a local SIM is optional but useful if you need continuous data coverage.

Internet access

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