ESAsia
🇨🇳
Connectivity — China
What travelers need to know about connectivity in China. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Short answer
Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free appConnectivity in China: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
RESTRICTED
Using a satellite phone in China requires a permit; an unpermitted device may be confiscated and you may face a fine or detention.
Confiscation, fine, or detention
§ US State Dept — ChinaVerified Jul 13, 2026
PROHIBITED
Using a VPN in China is illegal in most cases and can lead to your device being confiscated, a fine, or detention — assume no privacy on any network there.
Device seizure, fines, or detention
§ U.S. Department of State — ChinaVerified Jul 3, 2026
Recommended for travelers · partner
More in China
LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.