Vodafone Australia International Roaming Pass

Question

We are travelling to China in a few weeks for a 3 week holiday. I am planning on using the Vodafone Australia International Roaming Pass. I have been told that I don't need to download any VPN etc and will be able to have full access to Gmail, Whats App, google maps, Alipass, Facebook etc without any problem. For those who have travelled to China from Australia using the Vodafone International Roaming Pass is this correct? Also did all areas of China have coverage? I have an elderly parent I need to be able to contact. Many thanks in advance

Answer

Using Vodafone Australia’s International Roaming Pass in China can provide mobile data and calling, but it’s important to understand the limitations, particularly regarding internet access and coverage.

1. Internet Access and VPN Requirement

China has strict internet regulations and blocks many foreign services, including Google services (Gmail, Google Maps), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and others. Even if you have an international roaming plan, this does not bypass China’s firewall. Therefore:

You will not be able to access Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, or similar apps directly without a VPN.
Alipay and WeChat Pay work fine, but other Google or Facebook services will remain blocked.
If access to blocked apps is essential, you would need to install a reliable VPN on your devices before arriving in China. VPNs need to be set up in advance because many VPN websites are blocked within China.

2. Mobile Coverage

The Vodafone International Roaming Pass relies on local Chinese networks (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) for coverage. General points:

Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, etc.) have excellent coverage and data speed.
Rural or remote areas, mountainous regions, and some smaller towns may have limited or intermittent coverage. Travel to Tibet, Xinjiang, or deep countryside can be problematic.
International roaming charges apply according to Vodafone’s plan, even if coverage is patchy.

3. Practical Tips for Contacting Family

For reliable communication with an elderly parent, consider local SIM cards with data (China Mobile/Unicom) for critical areas or use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.
Plan for times or locations where data may be limited and have alternative contact options (e.g., hotel phone, SMS via international networks).
Download and test a VPN app before arrival if you need access to blocked apps.

Summary

The Vodafone International Roaming Pass will give you data and calling in China, but it will not allow access to blocked services like Gmail, WhatsApp, or Facebook without a VPN.
Coverage is good in cities but can be limited in rural or mountainous regions.
For peace of mind, consider a combination of roaming, local SIMs, and/or VPN to stay connected throughout your trip.

Vodafone Australia International Roaming Pass

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