Digital Services

Accessing Online Services in China

Guide for CICF 2025 Attendees

Welcome to the 2025 China International Conference in Finance (CICF)! This guide will help you prepare for your stay in Shenzhen (June 29-July 2, 2025) by ensuring you maintain access to necessary digital services during your visit. As this academic conference will be attended by professors and researchers in Finance, Economics, Accounting, and related fields, we've included specific recommendations to support your academic activities.

Note: Internet access in mainland China is subject to restrictions that limit access to many Western websites and services. Proper preparation is essential for a smooth conference experience.

Essential Preparation Before Travel

  • Set up VPN access before arrival: Once in China, downloading VPN services becomes difficult as most VPN websites are blocked.

    • Check if your university or company provides a VPN service (these tend to be more reliable in China)

    • European-based VPN services generally work better than US-based ones

    • Install VPN software on all devices you'll be using (laptop, smartphone, tablet)

    • Test your VPN before departure to ensure it works properly

  • Install and configure all necessary apps before arrival

    • Download offline language packs for translation apps

    • Set up alternative services and create necessary accounts

    • Update all software before your trip

  • Consider backup access methods in case your main VPN fails:

    • Privacy-focused browsers with built-in VPN features

    • Secure DNS services

    • A personal VPS (Virtual Private Server) with SSH tunneling capability

Personal VPN Selection Guide

When selecting a VPN service for use in China, proper research is essential. We cannot recommend specific services directly, but the following resources will help you identify high-quality, privacy-focused options that work effectively in restrictive network environments:

Research Resources for VPN Selection

  • Trusted Review Sources:

    • New York Times Wirecutter technology reviews

    • Consumer Reports technology evaluations

  • Search Terms for Research:

    • "European alternatives VPN"

    • "Digital privacy guides"

Key Features to Prioritize

  • European jurisdiction (generally more privacy-friendly regulations)

  • Verified no-logs policy (independently audited when possible)

  • Strong encryption standards and security protocols

  • Multiple server locations for redundancy

  • Reliable performance in restrictive network environments

  • Support for multiple devices and simultaneous connections

Recommended Services Available Without VPN

Academic Resources

  • CORE - open access research papers aggregator

  • HAL Archives Ouvertes - hal.science - French national open access repository with extensive international research papers

  • Mendeley - reference management, download before travel

  • Zotero - reference management, download before travel

AI Assistants

  • DeepSeek - chat.deepseek.com - Hangzhou-based AI company backed by Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer

  • JAIS Chat - arabic-gpt.ai - UAE-based AI assistant

  • Le Chat - chat.mistral.ai/chat - Mistral's conversational AI assistant from France

  • Qwen - chat.qwen.ai - Alibaba's AI assistant and large language model

Cloud Storage

  • Koofr - European cloud storage service

  • Nextcloud Files - self-hosted or service-based cloud storage

  • Tresorit - Swiss-based encrypted cloud storage with end-to-end security

  • Yandex Disk - 15GB free storage

Communication & Messaging

  • Apple FaceTime - video calling between Apple devices

  • Apple iMessage - works between Apple devices

  • Nextcloud Talk - secure messaging and video calls

  • WeChat - essential in China for messaging, payments, and more

  • Yandex Telemost - video conferencing

  • Zoho Meeting - video conferencing alternative to Zoom

Email & Calendar

  • Microsoft Outlook - Microsoft email services

  • Tuta Calendar or Yandex Calendar - calendar services

  • Tuta Mail - secure email service

  • Yandex Mail - reliable email alternative

Maps & Navigation

  • AMap - Alibaba's map service, widely used in China

  • Apple Maps - available on iOS devices

  • Organic Maps - offline maps, privacy-focused

Note-Taking & Information Management

  • Joplin - cross-platform note-taking app with encryption

  • Simplenote - lightweight note-taking

  • Standard Notes - simple, encrypted notes

Productivity & Office Tools

  • CryptPad - collaborative editing with privacy focus

  • FreeOffice/SoftMaker Office - feature-rich office suite

  • Nextcloud Office - file sharing and collaboration

  • OnlyOffice - compatible with Microsoft Office formats

  • PDFgear - PDF editing and management

  • Zoho Office - comprehensive online office suite

Search Engines

  • Mojeek - UK-based independent search engine with its own web crawler and index, focusing on privacy and unbiased results

  • Yandex - Russian search engine with excellent results and multilingual interface, offering comprehensive web search capabilities

Translation & Language

  • Apple Translate - built into iOS devices

  • DeepL - high-quality translation service

  • Microsoft Translate - reliable translation app

  • Yandex Translate - works well for multiple languages

Transportation

  • Didi - ride-hailing service, similar to Uber

  • Explore Shenzhen - Shenzhen metro map and transit information

Weather & Air Quality

  • Air Matters - air quality and pollution monitoring

  • Foreca - European-based weather service

  • MeteoBlue - European-based weather forecasting

International News Sources & Access Methods

The following news sources are often accessible in mainland China and offer English content or can be easily translated using built-in browser tools or extensions. Consider bookmarking these in your browser before your trip:

News Wire Services & International Outlets

  • ANSA - ansa.it - Italian news agency

  • Associated Press - apnews.com - Major US wire service

  • BNO News - bnonews.com - Netherlands-based breaking news service

  • EFE - efe.com - Spanish news agency with international coverage

Broadcast News Networks

  • CNN - US cable news network

  • France 24 - French international news channel

  • National Public Radio (NPR) - US public radio network

  • NHK World - Japan's international broadcasting service

Alternative News Access Methods

  • Set up RSS readers before arrival (Feeder or Fluent Reader) and subscribe to news sources

  • Use Instapaper to save articles before travel for offline reading - excellent service that saves the entire contents of articles viewed in browser like Firefox, without depending on hyperlinks

  • Email Newsletters - Subscribe to newsletters from major news outlets before traveling, as email content can often be received without restriction even when direct website access is blocked. Conference attendees can receive daily summaries and financial news updates, though links within emails may not always work

  • Download offline copies of any essential documentation

  • Television channels for CNN International, BBC World News, Bloomberg, and CNA (Singapore) are usually available in accommodations at international hotel chains

Content Filtering Notice: While these news sources may be accessible in mainland China, specific articles or topics may be blocked, particularly those related to sensitive political issues. Access can also vary by region within China, with some areas having stricter controls. Consider using read-it-later services to save important articles before travel.

Mobile Payments

  • Alipay - Ant Group's comprehensive digital payment platform supporting QR codes, in-store payments, online shopping, plus travel essentials like taxi rides, food delivery, and hotel bookings

  • Apple Pay - often the most convenient option for Western visitors

    Apple Pay provides a convenient payment solution for international visitors by supporting most U.S. and international Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards—eliminating the need for a Chinese bank account. Once added to your iPhone or Apple Watch, these cards can be used for seamless transactions at many major retailers, grocery stores, convenience shops, and restaurants, especially in urban centers like Shenzhen. This ease of use makes Apple Pay a practical option for hotels, shopping malls, and international chains with minimal setup compared to platforms like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

    That said, acceptance may vary depending on your card issuer and the merchant's payment network. Since China's infrastructure largely revolves around UnionPay, some businesses may not support foreign-issued cards, even via Apple Pay. American Express cards may offer slightly broader acceptance due to their earlier integration with UnionPay. For broader compatibility, travelers may wish to add a UnionPay card to their Apple Wallet or confirm international card acceptance before attempting payment.

  • WeChat Pay - Tencent's integrated payment system within WeChat, enabling seamless transactions, peer-to-peer transfers, and access to mini-programs for Didi rides, food delivery, restaurant bookings, and shopping—essentially a super-app for daily conveniences

Internet Access in China

  • Wi-Fi availability: Free Wi-Fi is widely available at the conference venue, hotels, cafes, and restaurants

    • Many public Wi-Fi spots require a Chinese phone number for verification

    • WeChat can sometimes be used for security code verification instead of a phone number

    • Hotel Wi-Fi typically only requires room number and name

  • Mobile data options:

    • Chinese SIM cards are available for short-term visitors but require passport registration

    • International roaming may be sufficient for moderate use (check with your provider for China-specific rates)

    • eSIM services probably need to be set up before arriving in China and may offer more convenient options for travelers. Some may have built-in VPN functionality as well

eSIM Options for China Travel

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone that can be activated via QR code or app instead of requiring a physical SIM card swap. This makes it perfect for travelers who want to maintain connectivity without changing their primary phone service.

Why eSIMs Work Well for China

Local Chinese eSIMs are subject to China's internet restrictions. However, eSIMs from Hong Kong or Singapore can roam in mainland China while routing data through unrestricted servers abroad, potentially giving you access to blocked services like Google, WhatsApp, and other Western platforms without needing a separate VPN.

Setup Requirements

  • Download the provider's app and purchase your plan before arriving in China

  • Ensure your device supports eSIM (most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and Google Pixels do)

  • Have a backup internet connection for initial setup

Recommended eSIM Providers

  • Airalo: Popular choice with Hong Kong eSIMs, easy-to-use app

  • Holafly: Unlimited data plans, some include VPN functionality

  • Nomad: Singapore-based eSIMs with clean interface

  • Ubigi: Global coverage with reliable service

Important Considerations

  • Choose Hong Kong or Singapore-based plans for best unrestricted access

  • Most eSIMs do not include built-in VPN, though some providers offer VPN services separately

  • May not support mobile hotspot/tethering on all plans

  • Generally more cost-effective than international roaming

Data Security Considerations

  • Consider using a "travel device" with minimal personal data if security is a concern

  • Enable two-factor authentication on all essential accounts before travel

  • Avoid discussing politically sensitive topics online

  • Download any research papers or academic resources you may need during the conference

Important for Academics: Many scholarly databases and journal websites are restricted in China. Download any essential papers and research materials before your trip. Also consider setting up institutional VPN access, as university networks often provide more reliable connections to academic resources.

Additional Tips for CICF Attendees

  • Download offline maps of Shenzhen and the conference venue area

  • Save important addresses (hotel, conference venue) in Chinese characters for showing to taxi drivers

  • Consider bringing a portable power bank as you may use your devices more frequently

  • Install a reliable offline translator app with Chinese language pack

  • Download presentation materials and research papers you might need before arrival

  • Exchange business contact information via WeChat during networking events (standard practice in China)

  • Pre-download any statistical software or academic tools you rely on for your research

 

 

This guide was prepared for attendees of the 2025 China International Conference in Finance (CICF)
Shenzhen, China (June 29-July 2, 2025)
Information current as of June 2025