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2017
8
July
How can you navigate blocked content in China?
8
July
Question:
Humans say...
Sonja
It all.depends where in China you are you going
Jennifer Matheson
Crystal
Lots of places. Beijing, Shanghai, Xian
Sonja
My sister lived in Shanghai she never had problems at taking money out. Internet is not great but there is places you can use it it's hard to get on Facebook
Carey
Take at least two different ways to take money out (i.e. debit card and credit card). I tried using one of mine in the airport in Shanghai and it stopped working for some security reason. I had no problems with the other card - though glad I had backup. FB is blocked for sure - and I think Google too.
Sonja
Make sure you talk to your bank first. Some banks debit cards can't be used overseas
Ursula
Facebook is tough but I have never had trouble with gmail or general internet on multiple trips. Hotmail works great if you want to be sure to be able to communicate. Just certain sites are blocked but hotel wifi I have found to be pretty good.
Katie
I was in Shanghai last year. Gmail, Google maps, and Facebook didn't work. I bought a Chinese Sim card for texting/phone at the airport, which worked great and I had no problem with internet/getting money out via credit card.
Fiona
Yep ATM works fine. Internet a no go
Stacie
I know it's China, not Japan but before I went to Japan in March, I was told my debit card would be useless there because it is ATB and not one of the bigger banks. I had no problems what so ever pulling money out from ATM's there with that card. Especially at 7-11's.
Anisha
I used ATMs when I was there (travelled all over) and got myself a local sim that I put into my unlocked phone. Worked out fine, no issues whatsoever
Crystal
Was anything blocked, such as gmail, google, Facebook, instagram?
Anisha
Oh yeah! It was in 2012 so I wasn't on Instagram yet, but fb was definitely blocked.... I think gmail worked though. I can't quite remember though...
Albert
The Great Firewall of China stops ALLL.
Fiona
We were there again last year and couldn't get on anything. We did get s FaceTime call for about 2 mins
Christin
I was just there 3 weeks ago, no social media at all, Facebook etc.
A.I. says...
Navigating Money, Internet, and Communication in China
Traveling to China can be an exciting experience, but it's essential to plan ahead and understand the nuances of handling money, internet access, and communication. Here's what you need to know:
Money
It's generally recommended to withdraw cash from ATMs in China. Many major banks and financial institutions have agreements with Chinese banks, allowing you to withdraw Chinese yuan (RMB) from their ATMs. However, be mindful of the fees associated with international transactions and notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card.
Internet Access
Internet access in China can be challenging due to the country's internet censorship policies, also known as the "Great Firewall of China." Many popular websites and services, such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube, are blocked or have limited functionality. Additionally, hotel Wi-Fi can be unreliable and slow, especially in remote areas.
To overcome these challenges, consider the following options:
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): A reliable VPN service can help you bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites and services. Before your trip, research and subscribe to a reputable VPN provider that works well in China.
- International SIM Card: Purchasing an international SIM card with data roaming capabilities can provide a more stable internet connection. However, this option can be expensive, so weigh the costs against your internet needs.
- Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: Many public places, such as cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, offer Wi-Fi hotspots. However, be cautious about the security of these networks and avoid accessing sensitive information or financial accounts.
Communication
Communication while in China can be challenging due to the restrictions on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, WeChat, a widely used Chinese messaging app, is an excellent alternative for texting and voice/video calls.
WeChat is a versatile platform that allows you to connect with friends and family, make payments, book services, and even access various mini-programs within the app. It's advisable to download and set up WeChat before your trip to China, as it can be challenging to access and verify your account once you're in the country.
By being prepared and understanding the challenges of handling money, internet access, and communication in China, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
Sites
Crystal
What do people do for money, internet and texting to and from China? I hear it's best just to withdraw from bank machines, wifi is terrible in hotels and some stuff may be blocked. Someone suggested using wechat for texting.