Staying connected in mainland China is one of the most common concerns for international travelers, particularly if they need access to familiar overseas websites and apps.
A traveler considering a 3 Hong Kong (3HK/My3) eSIM for Hong Kong and mainland China asked whether it would allow access to American websites.
The Traveler’s Question
Has anyone tried the My3 eSIM services in HK and China? Were you able to access American website? Thanks.
AI Travel Planner Answer
Yes — 3HK/My3 is a reasonable option for Hong Kong and mainland China, provided the specific plan you buy includes mainland-China roaming.
Importantly, 3 Hong Kong currently states that its mainland-China roaming passes can use WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram without a VPN, and its China/HK/Macau data pack makes the same claim. (3 Hong Kong) That strongly suggests the roaming data is handled differently from an ordinary mainland Chinese internet connection.
So for the question about “American websites”: many normally restricted international services should be accessible when using the 3HK roaming mobile data connection. However, I wouldn’t promise that every American website or app will work—3HK specifically confirms those social platforms, not every US service.
One important distinction: if you switch from the My3/3HK mobile data to hotel Wi-Fi in mainland China, you’re then using a mainland internet connection, so your experience can be different. This distinction between internationally routed roaming/eSIM data and local Wi-Fi is worth understanding.
Before purchasing, I’d confirm with 3HK that the exact My3 eSIM package you’re considering includes mainland China and ask whether the international services you specifically need—Google, Gmail, YouTube, etc.—are supported.
Further Reading
Useful for understanding the differences between eSIMs, international roaming, mainland Wi-Fi and internet restrictions.
ChinaTravelBUG Verification Note
Last verified: August 16, 2026
3 Hong Kong currently states that its qualifying Chinese Mainland and Macau roaming services allow customers to use WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram without a VPN.
That is useful evidence that travelers using the relevant 3HK roaming connection in mainland China can access at least those overseas services specifically identified by 3HK.
However, travelers should not interpret this as a guarantee that every American or international website and app will work. Individual services may behave differently, and roaming arrangements, routing and product terms can change.
Before purchasing, check that your exact 3HK/My3 eSIM or roaming package includes mainland China, rather than assuming that every My3 product provides the same coverage.
If access to a particular service such as Google, Gmail or YouTube is essential, confirm that specific service with 3HK before traveling.
Also remember that using hotel, restaurant or public Wi-Fi in mainland China is different from remaining on your 3HK roaming mobile-data connection. Switching networks can therefore change which overseas services are accessible.
About This Traveler Question
This question was adapted from a real traveler discussion. Personal identifying details have been omitted.
The AI Travel Planner answer above is shown as originally generated, without editorial rewriting.
A note about this AI Travel Planner answer: This answer is shown as originally generated, without editorial rewriting. Travel information can change, especially internet access, mobile services, eSIM and roaming arrangements, app availability and provider terms. Always verify time-sensitive information with the relevant provider before purchasing or traveling.
Related China Travel Reading
For the broader picture of getting online after arriving in mainland China, Internet in China Made Easy explains the practical differences between international roaming, travel eSIMs, mainland mobile connections and Wi-Fi.
If you’re preparing the rest of your phone before departure, 15 Essential Apps Every First-Time Visitor Should Install Before Flying to China (2026) covers the payment, transportation, translation and travel apps that are genuinely useful once you’re in China.
And because getting online is only half the technology preparation, How to Use Alipay & WeChat Pay in Chinaexplains how overseas visitors can prepare China’s two major mobile-payment platforms before their trip.
The important distinction is simple: an international roaming eSIM and mainland Chinese Wi-Fi are not necessarily giving your phone the same route to the internet. Understanding that difference can prevent a lot of confusion when something works on mobile data but stops working after you connect to hotel Wi-Fi.
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