Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and other Western services are blocked on mainland networks. The practical answer for travelers: use an international eSIM or roaming data plan — data routed through your home carrier is not filtered, so your usual apps keep working.
eSIM vs roaming
Travel eSIMs installed before landing are usually cheaper than carrier roaming. Hotel and airport Wi-Fi in China is filtered like local mobile data.
Maps and navigation
Apple Maps and Google Maps may show limited detail; Amap (Gaode) and Baidu Maps are accurate but Chinese-first. Screenshot your hotel name in Chinese — drivers understand it.
Practical tips
Download offline maps, translation packs and everything you need before arrival. Keep your hotel's Chinese address saved on your phone.
Bottom line A travel eSIM or roaming plan is the single most useful purchase for a Hainan trip — it keeps your apps, maps and messaging working as at home.
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