How to Use WhatsApp in China to Call India (2025 Guide)
Bypass the Great Firewall & Stay Connected with Family Back Home
📖 17 min read · Updated October 27, 2025
Moving to China or planning a trip there? You'll quickly discover that WhatsApp doesn't work. China blocks WhatsApp—along with Google, Facebook, Instagram, and many other Western apps—through what's called the Great Firewall. This can make staying in touch with family in India very difficult.
But don't worry. There's a simple solution that thousands of expats in China use every day: a VPN (Virtual Private Network). With the right VPN set up on your phone, WhatsApp works perfectly in China, just like it does everywhere else. You can make free voice and video calls to India without any problems.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to use WhatsApp in China to call India. You'll learn which VPN works best, how to set it up before you arrive, what to expect, and what alternatives exist if you don't want to use a VPN. Let's get you connected.
📑 Quick Navigation
Why WhatsApp Doesn't Work in China
China operates the world's most advanced internet censorship system, commonly called the Great Firewall. This system blocks access to many foreign websites and apps that the Chinese government hasn't approved. WhatsApp is one of them.
⚠️ What's Blocked in China
Blocked apps: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Telegram, Line
Still works: WeChat (Chinese app), phone calls and SMS, some VPNs, Apple FaceTime (sometimes)
When you try to use WhatsApp in China without a VPN, one of two things happens:
- The app won't connect at all—messages won't send and calls won't go through
- The connection is so slow that it's unusable (takes forever to load or keeps disconnecting)
This affects all WhatsApp features: messaging, voice calls, video calls, and file sharing. The block is at the network level, meaning it doesn't matter what Chinese SIM card or internet provider you use—WhatsApp simply won't work without help.
Can You Use WhatsApp from Hotels or Offices?
Unfortunately, no. The Great Firewall blocks WhatsApp across all internet connections in China—home WiFi, mobile data, hotel WiFi, and even office internet. Some international hotels used to offer "VPN WiFi" but this has become very rare.
The Solution: Using a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most reliable way to access WhatsApp in China. Here's how it works in simple terms.
What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted "tunnel" for your internet connection. Instead of connecting directly to WhatsApp (which China blocks), your phone first connects to a VPN server outside China (like in Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore). From there, the VPN server connects to WhatsApp for you.
To China's Great Firewall, it looks like you're just connecting to the VPN server—it can't see that you're using WhatsApp. This lets you bypass the blocks and use WhatsApp normally.
💡 How VPNs Bypass China's Blocks
Think of a VPN like mailing a letter inside another envelope. China's censors see the outer envelope (VPN connection) but can't see what's inside (WhatsApp usage). Good VPNs use special "obfuscation" technology that makes their traffic look like normal internet browsing, so China's systems can't detect or block them.
Why Not All VPNs Work in China
China actively tries to detect and block VPN connections. Many popular VPNs like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or free VPNs don't work reliably in China. They might work occasionally, but they get blocked frequently and stop functioning for days or weeks.
That's why choosing the right VPN is crucial. You need one specifically designed to work in China.
Why NordVPN is Best for China
After testing various VPNs in China, NordVPN consistently proves to be the most reliable option for accessing WhatsApp.
NordVPN for China
Most ReliableBest for: Anyone living in or traveling to China who needs reliable WhatsApp access
How it works: NordVPN uses special obfuscated servers designed specifically to bypass China's Great Firewall. Once you turn on NordVPN, it creates a secure connection that lets you access WhatsApp and other blocked services as if you were outside China.
💡 Why NordVPN Works Best in China
NordVPN has dedicated obfuscated servers near China (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan) that use advanced technology to hide VPN traffic. This makes it very difficult for the Great Firewall to detect and block. The company also updates their systems regularly to stay ahead of China's detection methods. Unlike many VPNs that work for a few weeks then get blocked, NordVPN maintains consistent access.
Pros
- Works consistently in China (rarely gets blocked)
- Fast speeds good enough for video calls
- Obfuscated servers specifically for China
- 24/7 customer support if you have issues
- Can use on 6 devices at once
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- After VPN cost, WhatsApp calls are free
Cons
- Requires subscription ($3.39-12.99/month)
- Must install before arriving in China
- Occasional temporary blocks (rare, usually fixed quickly)
- Uses slightly more battery than normal browsing
Pricing: Plans start at $3.39/month with a 2-year plan. Month-to-month plans cost $12.99. All plans include unlimited data, work on 6 devices simultaneously, and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our take: NordVPN is the best investment for anyone spending time in China. At $3.39 per month, it's cheaper than alternative calling services and gives you access to WhatsApp's free calls plus all other blocked services. For complete setup instructions, check our detailed NordVPN setup guide.
Get NordVPN for China →NordVPN vs Other VPNs in China
| VPN Service | Works in China? | Reliability | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes, consistently | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast |
| ExpressVPN | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⭐⭐⭐ | Fast when working |
| Surfshark | ⚠️ Rarely | ⭐⭐ | Slow |
| Free VPNs | ❌ No | ⭐ | Very slow |
Complete Setup Guide (Before You Go to China)
CRITICAL: You must set up your VPN BEFORE arriving in China. Once you're in China, you can't download VPN apps or visit VPN websites because they're blocked. If you forget to do this, you'll have no way to access WhatsApp.
Step 1: Get NordVPN (Do This Before Your Trip)
- Go to NordVPN's website while still outside China
- Choose a plan (2-year plan offers best value at $3.39/month)
- Create an account with your email
- Complete payment (remember: 30-day money-back guarantee)
- Save your login credentials somewhere safe
Step 2: Install NordVPN App (Before Arriving in China)
- Download NordVPN from App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- Open the app and sign in with your account
- Grant all permissions when asked (VPN configuration, notifications)
- Test that it works by connecting to any server
- Make sure WhatsApp is already installed and logged in
Step 3: Enable Obfuscated Servers (Important for China)
- Open NordVPN app
- Go to Settings (gear icon)
- Find "Advanced" section
- Turn on "Obfuscated servers" (this is crucial for China)
- Also turn on "Auto-connect" so VPN starts automatically
⚠️ Don't Skip This Step
Enabling obfuscated servers is essential for China. Regular servers get blocked quickly. Obfuscated servers use special technology to hide VPN traffic, making them much more reliable against China's detection systems.
Step 4: Choose Best Servers for China
Once you're in China, connect to these servers for best results:
- Best choice: Hong Kong (closest, fastest speeds)
- Good alternatives: Taiwan, Japan, South Korea
- Also works: Singapore, USA West Coast
The app usually picks the best server automatically, but if you have problems, manually switch between these locations.
Step 5: Test Everything Before Leaving
Before you board your flight to China, test that everything works:
- Connect to NordVPN
- Open WhatsApp
- Send a test message to someone
- Make a test voice call
- Verify everything works smoothly
If anything doesn't work, fix it now while you still have unrestricted internet access.
How to Use WhatsApp Once You're in China
Once you arrive in China with NordVPN already installed, here's your daily routine for using WhatsApp.
Daily Usage Steps
- Turn on your phone: NordVPN should auto-connect if you enabled that setting
- Check VPN connection: Look for the VPN icon in your status bar and "Connected" in the NordVPN app
- Open WhatsApp: It will work normally now
- Make calls as usual: Voice and video calls work just like they do outside China
Best Practices for Reliable Connection
Keep VPN running always: Enable "Auto-connect" in NordVPN settings so it starts automatically when you turn on your phone. This way you never forget to connect.
Connect before opening WhatsApp: Make sure VPN shows "Connected" before you open WhatsApp. If you open WhatsApp first, it might not connect properly.
Use WiFi when possible: VPN works on both WiFi and mobile data, but WiFi is usually faster and more stable for video calls.
Close and reopen if problems: If WhatsApp won't connect, close the app completely, verify VPN is connected, then reopen WhatsApp.
Call Quality Expectations
With NordVPN, you can expect:
- Voice calls: Clear quality, minimal delays (similar to calling outside China)
- Video calls: Good quality on WiFi, acceptable on 4G mobile data
- Messages: Instant delivery, just like normal
- File sharing: Works but may be slower for large files
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: VPN won't connect
- Switch to a different server (try Hong Kong, then Taiwan, then Japan)
- Toggle "Obfuscated servers" off and back on
- Restart your phone
- Make sure you have good internet (test by connecting to VPN first, then opening a browser)
Problem: WhatsApp loads but calls won't connect
- Disconnect and reconnect VPN
- Close WhatsApp completely and reopen
- Try switching to a different VPN server location
- Check that your internet speed is good (at least 1-2 Mbps)
Problem: Very slow speeds
- Switch to a closer server (Hong Kong or Taiwan)
- Use WiFi instead of mobile data if possible
- Try connecting at different times (evenings can be slower)
- Close other apps using internet in the background
💰 What This Actually Costs
Let's look at the real cost of using WhatsApp in China compared to alternatives.
NordVPN + WhatsApp
- VPN cost: $3.39/month (2-year plan) or $12.99/month
- WhatsApp calls: Free on WiFi
- Total for unlimited calling: $3.39-12.99/month
Chinese SIM Card Without VPN
- International calls: ¥2-6 per minute ($0.30-0.85 USD)
- 10 hours of calling: ¥1,200-3,600 ($170-510 USD)
- Problem: Very expensive and no video calls
Conclusion
NordVPN pays for itself very quickly. Even if you only call India a few times per month, it's much cheaper than international phone rates. Plus you get unlimited calls and access to all blocked services.
Alternatives If You Don't Want to Use a VPN
If you prefer not to use a VPN, here are your other options for calling India from China.
WeChat (Chinese App)
Best for: Quick solution without VPN
WeChat is China's version of WhatsApp. It works without any restrictions in China because it's a Chinese app. Both voice and video calls work fine.
Pros:
- Works perfectly in China (no VPN needed)
- Free voice and video calls
- Includes messaging and payments
- Very popular in China
Cons:
- Your family in India needs to download and set up WeChat
- Less popular in India than WhatsApp
- Interface and features different from WhatsApp
- Privacy concerns (Chinese government can access conversations)
International Phone Calls
Best for: Emergency backup only
You can make regular phone calls from your Chinese SIM card to India, but it's very expensive—typically ¥2-6 per minute. This should only be used for emergencies.
eSIM for Travel
Best for: Short trips to China
If you're only in China briefly and will visit India soon, consider getting an Airalo eSIM for your India trip instead. This gives you a local Indian number when you arrive. Learn more in our complete eSIM guide for India travel.
⚖️ Legal and Safety Considerations
Many people worry about using VPNs in China. Here's what you need to know.
💡 VPN Use in China
VPNs exist in a gray area in China. While the government officially requires VPN providers to have licenses (which most foreign VPNs don't have), individual users are generally not prosecuted for using VPNs for personal communication. Millions of expats and Chinese nationals use VPNs daily without issues. The focus is on businesses and VPN providers, not individual users calling family.
Best practices:
- Use VPNs only for legitimate personal communication
- Stick to reputable VPN providers like NordVPN
- Don't discuss sensitive political topics even with VPN
- Keep your VPN use low-key and for normal family calls
For context, similar situations exist in other countries. See our guides on calling India from UAE and calling India from Saudi Arabia where VPNs are also commonly used.
📑 Related Guides You Might Find Helpful
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WhatsApp work in China?
No, WhatsApp does not work in China without a VPN. China's Great Firewall blocks WhatsApp completely—you cannot send messages, make voice calls, or use video calls. The only way to use WhatsApp in China is by connecting through a VPN like NordVPN that bypasses the restrictions.
What is the best VPN for using WhatsApp in China?
NordVPN is the best VPN for using WhatsApp in China. It uses obfuscated servers specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall, maintains consistent reliability even as China updates its blocking technology, and offers fast speeds good enough for video calls. At $3.39 per month, it's also affordable for long-term use.
Is it legal to use VPN in China?
VPN use in China exists in a gray area. While only government-approved VPNs are technically legal, individual users are generally not prosecuted for using VPNs for personal communication like calling family. Millions of expats and locals use VPNs daily without problems. The government's enforcement focuses on businesses and VPN providers, not individuals making phone calls home.
Can I download a VPN after arriving in China?
No, you cannot download VPN apps after arriving in China. The App Store and Google Play in China don't offer VPN apps, and VPN websites are blocked. You must install your VPN before arriving in China. If you forget, you'll need someone outside China to help you install it remotely, which is very complicated.
Will WhatsApp video calls work in China with a VPN?
Yes, WhatsApp video calls work well in China when using a good VPN like NordVPN. On WiFi with NordVPN connected, video quality is good enough for clear conversations. On 4G mobile data, quality is acceptable though sometimes pixelated. Voice calls work excellently on both WiFi and mobile data.
What happens if China blocks my VPN while I'm there?
If your VPN stops working in China, try switching to different server locations (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan). NordVPN has multiple obfuscated servers that usually work even if one gets temporarily blocked. If all servers are blocked, contact NordVPN's 24/7 support—they provide manual server configurations that often work when the automatic connection doesn't.
Are there free alternatives to NordVPN for China?
Free VPNs do not work reliably in China. China's Great Firewall easily detects and blocks free VPN services. Additionally, free VPNs are too slow for video calls and often have security issues. For reliable WhatsApp access in China, you need a paid VPN specifically designed to work there, like NordVPN.
Final Thoughts
Living in or visiting China doesn't mean losing touch with family in India. While China blocks WhatsApp, the solution is straightforward: install NordVPN before you arrive.
For just $3.39 per month, NordVPN gives you reliable access to WhatsApp with free voice and video calls to India. It's the same solution that thousands of expats in China use daily. The setup takes about 15 minutes, and once configured, WhatsApp works just like it does everywhere else.
Critical reminders:
- Install NordVPN BEFORE traveling to China—you can't download it once you're there
- Enable obfuscated servers in the settings for best reliability
- Connect to Hong Kong or Taiwan servers for fastest speeds
- Keep VPN running always by enabling auto-connect
NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If it doesn't work for you in China (very unlikely), you get a full refund.
Don't let China's internet restrictions keep you from your family. Get NordVPN today, set it up properly, and maintain your connection to home no matter where you are.
For more information about calling India from different locations and situations, check out our complete guide to calling India with all available methods compared.
