Vodafone/Optus International Roaming from Australia

Question

Hi I am travelling to China in a couple of months from Australia for 3 weeks. I am with Vodafone who have advised me that I will be able to access whats app, gmail, facebook, messenger, use my wifi etc. Has anyone who has used Vodafone international roaming had any trouble accessing any of these apps or wi-fi etc whilst in china? Your help is appreciated. I am also considering Optus international roaming as Vodafone international roaming has in the past not always been reliable overseas. I am aware that this is the more expensive option but I have elderly parents and need to be able to have contact in case of an emergency.

Answer

Traveling to China from Australia and relying on Vodafone or Optus international roaming requires some careful planning, especially when it comes to accessing certain apps and services. While both Vodafone and Optus offer international roaming, China has strict internet restrictions, often referred to as the "Great Firewall," which can block or limit access to many popular apps and websites.

Here are the main considerations:

Access to Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Gmail may not work reliably in China over standard mobile networks. This is due to government censorship, not your Australian carrier. Even if Vodafone or Optus roaming is active, these apps can be blocked unless you use a VPN that works in China.
Wi-Fi Usage: You can use hotel or public Wi-Fi in China, but the same restrictions apply. Without a VPN, sites like Facebook, Gmail, and WhatsApp may still be inaccessible.
Reliability of Roaming: Vodafone and Optus roaming generally provide good connectivity for calls, SMS, and mobile data. However, service quality can vary by location, especially in more rural or less urbanized areas of China. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou usually have strong coverage.
Cost: Roaming through Vodafone or Optus is typically expensive, especially if you rely heavily on data. Optus is often considered slightly more reliable overseas but comes at a higher cost compared to Vodafone's roaming plans.

Practical suggestions for staying connected in China:

Consider purchasing a local Chinese SIM card with data if your phone is unlocked. This can be much cheaper and often more reliable for mobile data within China.
Research and install a VPN app that is known to work in China before arriving, as app stores may be restricted once in the country.
For emergency contact, ensure you have a way to reach your family using local phone numbers or apps that work in China, such as WeChat.
Plan for slower or limited internet access at times, especially outside major cities.

In summary, neither Vodafone nor Optus roaming guarantees access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, or Gmail in China due to government restrictions. They will provide mobile connectivity for calls, SMS, and general data use, but accessing blocked apps will require a VPN. For safety and communication with elderly parents, a combination of roaming for emergencies and a pre-arranged VPN or local SIM is the most reliable approach.

Vodafone/Optus International Roaming from Australia

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