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Why You Can’t Access TikTok or ChatGPT on Some Travel eSIMs — And How to Avoid It

 

 

(This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure about affiliate links here.)

 

 

Using a travel eSIM while abroad is supposed to keep you connected without the hassle of roaming fees — but what happens when apps like TikTok or ChatGPT suddenly stop working?

If you've run into this, you're not alone. The issue usually has nothing to do with your phone, the app, or your location. Instead, it often comes down to how your eSIM routes its data.

 

 

The Real Problem: Where Your eSIM Routes Internet Traffic

Many travel eSIMs, especially those offering global or regional plans, route internet traffic through specific countries. And in some cases, that means your data is being routed through China or Hong Kong — even if you're traveling in Europe, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia.

 

 

Why does this matter?
Both China and Hong Kong have restrictions on certain online services. When your eSIM uses servers in these regions, your traffic inherits those restrictions. As a result, you may find:

• TikTok won’t load or shows blank feeds
• ChatGPT gives connection errors
• Google services (like Search, Gmail, or Maps) are unreliable or blocked
• YouTube and social platforms load slowly or not at all

 

 

Why This Isn’t Always Clear

Most eSIM providers do not openly disclose where their plans route traffic. This detail is rarely mentioned on their websites or app descriptions. You typically need to ask their customer support team directly with questions like:

 

“Does this plan route internet traffic through China or Hong Kong?”

 

If the answer is yes, then you may run into access issues with popular services.

 

 

How to Avoid the Problem

To ensure unrestricted internet access while traveling, keep the following in mind:

• Ask Before You Buy – Always check where an eSIM plan routes its traffic. Look for routing via regions with open internet access like the US, Europe, or Singapore.
• Test Early – If you already purchased a plan, test access to services like TikTok, ChatGPT, and Google early in your trip. This gives you time to switch if needed.
• Choose Providers That Prioritize Open Routing – While we won’t name providers in this article, many travelers report fewer restrictions with plans that use Western or Southeast Asian routing points.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Travel eSIMs are a powerful tool — but the routing setup behind the scenes can make or break your experience. If access to TikTok, ChatGPT, or other global services matters to you, take the time to verify where your data is being routed. It’s the difference between a connected trip and a frustrating one.