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How to Set Up a VPN Before Flying to China

Using Surfshark as an Example  ，  By China Travel OS  ，  Updated for 2026 Travelers

TL;DR ！ The Short Version

If you're visiting China, install and test your VPN before your flight. The biggest mistake first-time visitors make isn't choosing the wrong VPN. It's landing in China and then trying to download one. For this guide, we'll use Surfshark as an example ！ it's beginner-friendly, available on all major devices, and takes less than 10 minutes to set up.

Why You Need to Do This Before You Fly

Every month, I see the same thing happen. Someone lands in China, turns off airplane mode, opens Instagram ！ and nothing loads. Then they try Gmail. Nothing. Then Google Maps. Still nothing.

At that point they start searching: "Best VPN for China."

Unfortunately, that's exactly the wrong time to start looking. Many VPN websites can be difficult to access once you're already in China. The solution is simple: install and test everything before you leave home.

Traveler unable to access Instagram and Google services after arriving in China

Why You Might Need a VPN in China

A guide for first-time visitors

Most everyday services in China work smoothly:

But many services commonly used in Western countries are unavailable without a VPN. These include:

If you rely on any of those services, prepare before your trip.

How to Stay Connected in China? The answer isn't any single app ！ it's preparing before you fly. Below we'll walk through the setup using Surfshark as an example, but the same principles apply to the provider currently available on your device ！ the key is having something installed and tested. Don't overthink which one.

?? A note on scope: This guide is for short-term visitors preparing personal internet access before traveling. It is not legal advice. Rules and enforcement can change, and what works for one traveler may not work for another. Avoid using VPNs for any activity that may violate local laws ！ the risks are yours to assess.

Step 1: Download a VPN (Example: Surfshark)

Choose your device and install Surfshark before traveling.

iPhone

Open the App Store and search for: Surfshark VPN
Developer: Surfshark

Android

Open Google Play and search for: Surfshark
Developer: Surfshark

?? Important: There are dozens of VPN apps that look similar. Before downloading, make sure the developer name is Surfshark. If you're using Android, download it from Google Play before your trip. If you're using an iPhone, install it from the App Store before boarding your flight. Don't assume you'll be able to download it after landing.
Surfshark VPN on the App Store ！ make sure the developer is Surfshark
Reference image

Step 2: Create Your Account

Open Surfshark. Create an account using your email address. Choose a subscription plan.

Use an email address you can easily access while traveling. Trust me ！ trying to reset passwords on airport WiFi after a 12-hour flight is not fun.

Surfshark account creation screen
Reference image

Step 3: Log In Before Your Flight

Open the app. Sign in. Make sure everything works.

This sounds obvious, but it's where a surprising number of people get stuck. I've had friends arrive in China only to discover they forgot their password and couldn't access their email to reset it. Solve that problem now, not later.

Surfshark login screen ！ sign in and verify before your flight
Reference image

Step 4: Connect to a Server

Open Surfshark. Choose a nearby location. Good options include:

Generally, closer servers mean better speed. You don't need to overthink this ！ just pick one and test it. Exact performance changes over time, so don't be surprised if one location works better than another on any given day.

Surfshark server selection ！ Japan, Singapore, and South Korea are good nearby options
Reference image

Step 5: Test Everything

Before your trip, connect to Surfshark and verify that:

If all five work, you're ready.

Surfshark connected ！ verify all your essential services work
Reference image

Step 6: Create a "China" Folder

This sounds silly. It's actually one of the best travel hacks I know.

Create a folder on your phone called "China" and put these apps inside:

When you land, everything is in one place. No searching through dozens of apps while a taxi driver waits.

China folder on iPhone ！ all essential apps in one place

Common Questions

Do I Need a VPN All the Time?

No. Most Chinese apps work better without one. I usually turn my VPN on only when I need Gmail, Google, YouTube, Instagram, or WhatsApp. For Alipay payments, I often turn it off first ！ some VPNs interfere with the connection and the payment spinner just spins.

Can I Install It After Landing?

Maybe. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. I wouldn't risk it. Install everything before your trip.

Is Surfshark the Only Option?

No. Check what's currently available for your device and location, and test before departure. Which VPN works best can change over time ！ what's more important is having a working VPN installed before your flight.

?? Pro Tips From People Who Live Here

Keep Two Browsers Installed

Sometimes one browser behaves differently from another. Having both Chrome and Safari (or Chrome and Edge) gives you options.

Save Important Information Offline

Before your flight, save your hotel address, flight information, and emergency contacts. Take screenshots. Don't rely entirely on cloud services.

Test on Mobile Data Too

Some VPNs behave differently on WiFi and mobile networks. Test both before you travel.

Don't Panic If One Server Is Slow

Switch to Japan, Singapore, or South Korea ！ usually one of them will perform better.

?? My personal recommendation: Don't spend hours comparing VPNs. Pick a reputable provider. Install it. Test it. Move on. The difference between having a decent VPN and having no VPN at all is huge. The difference between the top three VPN providers is usually much smaller than people think.

Final Checklist Before You Fly

If you've done all that, you're already better prepared than most first-time visitors. And future-you will be very grateful when the plane lands.

Related Guides

！ How to Use Alipay in China ！ Essential Apps for China Travel

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