Android Phone Apps & VPN's - Shanghai Forum - Tripadvisor

Android Phone Apps & VPN's

Springfield, Ohio
1 post
Android Phone Apps & VPN's

I'm traveling to Shanghai in a couple weeks and I'm wondering if anyone is having problems using Google apps on their Android phones? In particular I'm concerned with my Google maps app since the recent crackdown on Google services as well as VPN's.

Looking for some feedback from someone who has been there within the last couple weeks.

Appreciate your help!

Austin, Canada
Level Contributor
53,773 posts
965 reviews
606 helpful votes
1. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

The performance of all Google products haves been quite spotty in the last few years.

A good VPN solves this issue. Mine works just fine but people here do not publicize this information to make sure that a god one does not get blocked.

Sydney, Australia
Level Contributor
130 posts
41 reviews
10 helpful votes
2. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

Google, gmail and google play store will not work, however if u downloaded the apps b4 hand u can access them

Hong Kong, China
Destination Expert
for Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai Region, Shenzhen, Bangkok
Level Contributor
8,227 posts
102 reviews
41 helpful votes
3. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

use the search function to find threads about Google, Gmail, Maps, Facebook. It has been discussed in the last couple of days, weeks and months and there are threads with good recommendations.

Get a good VPN and make sure to check that it is not blocked in China as recently more and more VPNs get blocked, but still there are good choices available.

Using Maps and Gmail was not an issue for years, but are affected now as well. Google drive and docs were affected about five years ago already.

Shanghai, China
Level Contributor
74 posts
6 reviews
4 helpful votes
4. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

Definitely get vpn, I was in Shanghai in December and my trip would have been So much easier with google maps because Chinese maps are pants, frankly. Also, internet is very very slow.

Singapore, Singapore
Level Contributor
28 posts
466 reviews
312 helpful votes
5. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

most google products will not work without a vpn anymore. that includes downloading gmail/email, updating apps in google play, google maps will not work at all. The same goes for facebook and co. yahoo.

most free openvpns are as well blocked. If you are coming for a longer period then a paid vpn is your best gift to yourself, if it is for a week or two try and work around it somehow or buy a 1 month vpn, costs around 10$.

4 posts
6. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

In my opinion using VPN service is the best choice http://www.vpnfaqs.com/2014/11/china-vpn-android/ enabling you to hide your real IP address with European one according to the country based server you will select giving you free and anonymous surfing everywhere.

7. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.

What are forum guidelines? Edited: 8 years ago
8. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.

What are forum guidelines?
Austin, Canada
Level Contributor
53,773 posts
965 reviews
606 helpful votes
9. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

This thread should be read with a (big) grain of salt.

10. Re: Android Phone Apps & VPN's

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

What are forum guidelines?
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.