Quick Answer
Email and messaging mostly work, but verification codes are the biggest risk.
You must assume that some services will fail temporarily and prepare backups.
Trips fail when travelers lose access to accounts they need for payments, tickets, or logins.
The Core Reality You Need to Accept
In China:
- Some international services load slowly or intermittently
- App logins may fail even if they worked before
- SMS verification can be delayed or blocked
- Public Wi-Fi often breaks verification flows
The problem is not daily messaging—it is account recovery and verification.
What Usually Works Without Issues
- Receiving and sending standard emails
- Messaging on apps you are already logged into
- One-to-one messages with contacts
- Notifications already enabled before arrival
If you are already logged in, things are usually fine.
What Commonly Breaks (High Risk)
High-risk actions include:
- Logging into an account on a new device
- Resetting passwords
- Receiving SMS verification codes
- Linking payment methods
- Account recovery flows
These are the moments trips collapse.
Exact Actions: How to Stay Reachable and Logged In
1. Log in to everything before you arrive
Before departure:
- Open all critical apps
- Confirm they stay logged in
- Disable forced logouts if possible
Do not assume you can log in later.
2. Reduce dependence on SMS verification
- Enable app-based verification where available
- Save backup codes offline
- Keep your home SIM active if you need SMS
SMS is the weakest link.
3. Keep your home number accessible
If your phone supports dual SIM:
- Keep your home SIM in one slot
- Use local SIM for data
- Enable roaming for SMS only if needed
If you remove your home SIM entirely, you may lose account access.
4. Save critical information offline
Store locally:
- Account recovery codes
- Booking confirmations
- Contact numbers
- Important addresses in Chinese
If an app fails, you need alternatives.
5. Avoid account changes during the trip
Do not:
- Change passwords
- Add new devices
- Migrate accounts
- Switch primary email addresses
Stability beats security upgrades during travel.
Messaging Apps: Practical Expectations
- Messaging apps usually work once logged in
- Group chats may load slower
- Media downloads may lag on Wi-Fi
- Notifications depend on background permissions
If messages stop syncing:
- Switch to mobile data
- Restart the app once
- Stop troubleshooting after that
Failure Scenarios & Fixes
- Verification SMS never arrives: insert home SIM or use backup codes.
- App logs you out unexpectedly: switch networks and retry once.
- Email loads but attachments fail: download later on stable Wi-Fi.
- Login page hangs: stop and use offline copies of information.
- Account locked mid-trip: use hotel staff or business centers for help.
Repeated retries make things worse.
Reality Check
- Most problems happen at the worst possible time.
- Logging in is riskier than staying logged in.
- SMS is unreliable during travel.
- Offline access prevents panic.
Preparation avoids account lockouts.
What Locals Do Instead
- Locals avoid changing accounts while traveling.
- Locals keep backup verification methods.
- Locals screenshot important information.
- Locals wait until they are home to reset accounts.
Follow the same discipline.
Checklist
- Logged into all critical apps before arrival.
- Backup verification codes saved offline.
- Home SIM kept for SMS if needed.
- Important emails and bookings saved locally.
- No planned account changes during the trip.