Planning a trip to China doesn’t have to be stressful! I’ve wrote some extensive China Travel Guides along with videos that will help you prepare for your upcoming trip. But today, we’re talking VPN. What is VPN? Why do you need it for traveling in China? This how to use VPN in China guide will answer your questions in simple terms and get you all set up for your China trip!
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➜ UPDATE SEPT 24, 2019: I was just in China for a week and tested out 2 different VPN services, and ExpressVPN is still the one that outperforms any other services. With any major political situation happening, the government tends to crack down on all VPN services. This is all very routine BUT ExpressVPN continues to update their servers to ensure continued usage for customers. (They even sent me an email to inform me of what they’re working on and how to best stay connected while living or traveling in China)
What is VPN? and What does it do?
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network”. Essentially it does 4 main things:
1. It allows you to browse the internet anonymously.
2. Unblock websites that have been censored in certain countries.
3. Allows you to stream entertainment location independently.
4. Hides your IP address.
For example, it allowed me to stay connected every time I go to China. It allowed me to stream Netflix titles that were available in the U.S but not in Thailand while traveling abroad.
Why do I need VPN while traveling in China?
Here’s a list of websites and apps you may be used to accessing but will NOT be able to once you land in mainland China.
- Google, Google search, Gmail, Google Maps
- Instagram, Facebook, FB Messenger, YouTube, Snapchat, WhatsApp
- plus more..
If you like to stay connected while traveling or living in China, you’re gonna have to invest in a reliable VPN provider. The Chinese government blocks certain websites for censorship. Basically they don’t want people using social media (that they cannot monitor) to spread negative sentiment or propaganda about them. Sounds scary? Keep reading.
Can I use VPN in China without getting into trouble?
The short answer is yes. Not only do foreigners use VPN in China, much of the mainland locals also use VPN to access apps like Instagram or Facebook. There have been zero reports of foreigners getting into trouble with the law by using VPN to access those sites and apps. I’m assuming that you are just looking to have a good time in China and explore some amazing places while staying connected with family and friends back home. I was born in China and lived there for 9 years before moving to the U.S, every time I go back it’s been essential for me to use VPN so I can stay connected and check my e-mails for work.
Related Articles:
Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China
15 Things NOT to Do When Visiting China
How to Avoid These Top 10 Common Scams in China
Which VPN is the best?
I did a lot of research before settling on ExpressVPN. It’s honestly the best rated VPN service out there at the moment. China has actually banned and blocked many VPN services, so there are a lot of free and paid ones that don’t really work in China. My boyfriend tried several free VPN apps on his phone while we were in China, and either the connections weren’t stable enough, it was way too slow or just simply wouldn’t connect. He ended up having to borrow my ExpressVPN account.
How does ExpressVPN work?
The thing that I love is by having one account, I can connect all my devices. For your laptop you simply have to install a Google Chrome extension. and for your mobile devices or iPads, just go into the app store to find the ExpressVPN app, download it and log on. Then with the ease of pressing one button, it will reroute your IP address so it appears as if you’re browsing from another country than the one you’re actually in!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you download or install the VPN app BEFORE you arrive in China.
Feedback from travelers that have used ExpressVPN
After I made 2 China Travel Tips videos on Youtube, a swarm of comments came to me about using VPN. The viewers who downloaded ExpressVPN had a great experience using in while traveling in China. Some called it a life-saver and I get it. You have no clue how many times a day I reach for my phone to Google random information. When I personally used it in China, the connection was 99% smooth and sometimes I did need to reconnect but that’s part of using any VPN services.
Bonus tip: Another fun thing you can test out with having VPN is to check for flight prices from various locations. You’ll be surprised at the prices differences depending on which country you’re browsing from.
Feel free to use my link and get 3 MONTHS FREE off the 12 month plan. If you’re a frequent traveler, or plan on working/living in China, I would definitely recommend this option. It’s the best deal out there, at only $6.67 a month!
And there you have it! I hope I answered some of the questions you had about how to use VPN in China, and if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask me!
Watch my China Travel Tips to help you prepare for your trip!
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I am excited to go to China in Mid-April 2020. I think you are the one the has provided the most useful video about China! Everyone else focuses on the attractions or themselves. Thank you for sharing helpful tips.