Manidipa Ray

You’re sitting in a hotel lobby in Shanghai, ready to join an urgent client meeting. Maybe you’re a student trying to check into your virtual classroom while backpacking through Chengdu. You open Zoom. The screen loads, then freezes. Nothing. Minutes pass, and frustration rises. It’s not your device. It’s not your hotel Wi-Fi. It’s because Zoom won’t connect. That sinking feeling is familiar to many travelers in China. But here’s the good news: there are reliable ways to fix this.  This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using Zoom in China. Why is it restricted to practical workarounds? Trusted tools to use, like eSIMs. Solid alternatives when Zoom just won’t cooperate. Let’s learn how to access Zoom in China and make sure your next call connects. Can You Use Zoom in China in 2025? Short answer: Authorities in China don’t officially ban Zoom, but they restrict its use. Zoom’s standard services often won’t load for users without workarounds. Personal accounts face more connection issues. While some business accounts linked to Chinese enterprises may have limited functionality. In 2020, Zoom moved its data servers for Chinese users and imposed restrictions, making access inconsistent. Since then, the app has become unreliable for day-to-day use without help from a VPN or eSIM-based internet connection. Is Zoom Blocked in China? Technically, authorities haven’t completely banned Zoom. But here’s what makes things tricky: That unpredictability can be a deal-breaker for anyone relying on Zoom for work or school. Why Zoom Doesn’t Work Well in China Here’s why Zoom access often fails while you’re in China: 1. The Great Firewall Limits Access China’s internet is heavily filtered. The “Great Firewall” restricts many foreign websites and apps, especially those handling video calls and voice messages. That includes Zoom. Even with fast Wi-Fi, a blocked or slowed-down server may prevent Zoom from connecting. 2. Local Partnerships Create Access Gaps To keep operating in China, Zoom had to work through Chinese partner companies. While that keeps the app available in some cases, it also creates issues, especially for travelers or international users. If you do not link your Zoom account to a business or number in China, you may have login issues or connection problems. 3. China’s Strict Internet Privacy Rules China enforces strict rules on how online platforms handle user data and security. Since Zoom designed its systems for global use, they don’t always match China’s local requirements. This mismatch often slows down Zoom. It can also block it or make it unavailable, especially on public or hotel networks. What is the Best Way to Use Zoom in China? Glad to answer this! eSIM is the best solution if you want to use Zoom to join a meeting. Without any fuss, eSIM, like Yaalo eSIM, offers you seamless connectivity and access to the Zoom App. You need to:  Step 1: Choose a China-Compatible eSIM Visit Yaalo.com and search for China eSIM. You will witness some exciting eSIM packages. Choose the one that meets your needs and Buy it! Step 2: Install Your eSIM Before You Land Yaalo eSIMs are 100% digital. You can install one in minutes—no need to visit a store or change SIM cards. Just scan a QR code and follow a few steps. Step 3: Open Zoom and Get Online Once connected, Zoom will work more reliably. That’s because Yaalo’s eSIM accesses cross-border data routes that aren’t blocked like local networks often are. Still Having Trouble? Try a VPN as a Backup If you’re still facing issues—even with an eSIM—a VPN can help you reach Zoom servers. Quick VPN Setup Guide: A Note on VPN Use in China: While many travelers use VPNs, their legality is complex. Use them responsibly and stay updated on the latest regulations. Best Alternatives to Zoom That Work Smoothly in China Sometimes Zoom just won’t work—no matter what. That’s when local platforms come in handy. Here are some reliable alternatives: These platforms are optimized for use within China, and local contacts often prefer them. Pre-Meeting Checklist for Smooth Zoom Access Conclusion Being in China shouldn’t mean being out of touch. While Zoom can be tricky to access, with the right tools, you can stay connected without missing a beat. Use a trusted eSIM like Yaalo, keep a VPN ready just in case, and get familiar with local alternatives. That way, no matter where you are from. From a hotel room in Beijing to a café in Hangzhou, you’re just a tap away from your next meeting or class. FAQs

You’re exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo or watching the sun dip below the Amalfi Coast. You whip out your phone to capture the moment or get lost in a few TikTok videos. Ten minutes later, you’ve gone through 200MB of your travel data. Sound familiar? For today’s digital nomads, creators, and casual scrollers, TikTok is more than an app — it’s a daily ritual. But while it may seem harmless to scroll through dance trends and food reviews, TikTok is quietly one of the most data-consuming applications out there.  Without understanding its data usage, travelers risk burning through their entire international plan before even finishing their morning espresso. That’s where smart planning, tools like TikTok Data Saver, and flexible solutions like Yaalo eSIM come in. Let’s learn how to save data! Understanding TikTok’s Data Consumption TikTok is visually rich, and has a never ending feed of videos. But that demands more data usage. The following is the data usage calculations: What Impacts TikTok’s Data Usage? If you’re constantly on TikTok while traveling, this can add up fast. Understanding these factors helps travelers control their consumption and save money. TikTok Data Saver Mode: A Built-in Solution TikTok includes a native Data Saver feature that can reduce your usage without needing external tools. How to Enable Data Saver on TikTok: Benefits of Using Data Saver: Note: With Data Saver enabled, video quality may decrease slightly and may take longer to load. Comparing TikTok with Other Data-Intensive Apps So, how does TikTok stack up against other popular social media apps? App Approximate Data Usage (Per Hour) TikTok ~840MB Instagram ~720MB YouTube ~1GB (at 1080p) For travelers juggling limited mobile data abroad, knowing which apps are the biggest culprits helps prioritize usage. While YouTube edges TikTok in data drain, TikTok’s autoplay and endless scroll make it deceptively more consuming. Simple Ways to Cut Down on TikTok Data While Traveling Worried about TikTok chewing through your data? Here’s how to stay in control: These small changes make a big difference—especially when you’re abroad and every MB counts. Stay Connected Abroad: Why TikTok Travelers Love Yaalo eSIM Let’s face it — staying connected while traveling shouldn’t feel like a hassle. That’s where Yaalo eSIM makes life easier, especially if you’re scrolling TikTok on the go. Here’s why travelers are switching: With Yaalo eSIM, you’re free to scroll, upload, and stream without interruptions — even while switching countries. You can check your data balance in real-time, top up in a few taps, and stay in control the whole way. Conclusion TikTok has become part of how we explore — whether it’s sharing a sunset clip from Santorini or discovering hidden street food gems in Tokyo. But if you’re not careful, it can also eat through your travel data faster than you think. The good news? You don’t have to choose between staying connected and staying on budget. Use TikTok’s Data Saver settings. Download over Wi-Fi when you can. Be mindful of video quality. And most importantly — travel with Yaalo eSIM. With Yaalo, you’re not just getting global data. You’re getting the freedom — to scroll, post, and stay in touch without worrying about roaming fees or SIM card swaps. So, wherever you’re heading next — from Bali beaches to Barcelona streets — keep your TikTok moments rolling and your data under control. FAQs