Best VPN for China – Is VPN Illegal in China & Why Use a VPN? Buy VPN Online

Are you planning to travel to China and worried about using Facebook, Google, and Twitter services in the mainland China? After all, why use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection? Is VPN Illegal in China? Well, during my previous trips (from Singapore to China) I used to have myriads of similar concerns. In fact, I came to China three times just for travelling, and now I’ve a full-time job in China (December, 2017). So I think I am qualified to share my thoughts about the best VPN for China. In this post let’s learn about the current VPN situation in China. I’ll also share some of the photos about the blocked web-contents, and you’d also learn to buy VPN online.

Why use a VPN?

Well, there are so many reasons for us to consider why use a VPN in China. Most importantly, you’d need a VPN connection to access WhatsApp, Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, etc.

You’d also need a VPN for accessing other internet services, including certain restricted research articles and newspapers (BBC is not blocked in China). Moreover, if you are considering navigating in China with Google Maps, a VPN connection is the only way out. In general, to access a web-content that’s blocked in China, you’d need to buy the best VPN for China.

Related post: How I got a mobile SIM card in Xiamen – explaining VPN, Google, and language problems in China

Is VPN Illegal in China?

Recently there has been a massive crackdown on VPN services across China. Now even WhatsApp is blocked in the mainland (I’d repeat – WhatsApp is blocked in China). However, most of the crackdowns are targeted to eliminate the VPN service providers that operate outside the legal framework (e.g. without a valid license).

In fact, the VPN services are technically not illegal in China. There are certain organizations that can legally provide VPN services. Those companies with a valid license can potentially offer you VPN facilities.

Related post : China Holidays, Tours & Travel – China Google Maps

Are Google services Completely blocked in China?

No, there are certain Google services that are still available in the mainland China (without VPN, of course). These services include:

1. Google Translator App – the App only works on mobile phones (blocked on the web)
2. Google Chrome browser (without Google search)
3. Android OS
4. Google AdSense – Google ads are still being displayed in the mainland China

How about using Bing in China?

Well, you can of course use Bing in China and it does work without a VPN connection. However, you’d keep in mind that the search results with Bing may not be always available.

Here is a screenshot from my phone to explain Bing’s situation in China better:

Best VPN for China

Here are the two recommended options to enjoy unrestricted access to the internet services anywhere in the mainland China:

1. Bring your own internet– I came China from Singapore, and I obviously had a Singapore SIM card (in fact, I bought 3 SIM cards, just in case). I’m still using Singapore internet data on my Phone. Fret not, it’s not that expensive. As such, I still have StarHub SIM card and for SG$20, I get 3.6 GB of internet data that’s valid for 30 days (international roaming). For SG$15, you’d get 2.4GB internet data. These rates and internet speeds are exactly the same if you use the StarHub internet in Singapore. Moreover, with StarHub, I don’t need a VPN connection. I just use the internet like I’m in Singapore. For details, you can check StarHub Happy Prepaid Data Plans. Similar concept may be used with another countries SIM card and I’d recommend you confirm the same with your service provider.

   

2. Bring your university’s or company’s VPN – I completed my PhD in Singapore, and I can still use the VPN provided by my university. Moreover, I can use so many online resources, including online textbooks, research papers, etc. for free. For me this has been the best VPN for China, so far.

Basically, on my phone I have StarHub’s internet connection (without any VPN connection). On my desktop, I have my previous university’s VPN. Life’s great! I often feel like in Singapore. 🙂

Buy VPN Online

If you can’t use any of the aforementioned methods of crossing China’s great firewall, then you’d need to buy a VPN connection. I have extensively used ExpressVPN, and I’d recommend buying ExpressVPN’s services. As of December 2017, ExpressVPN services are still working in mainland China. ExpressVPN allows you to easily buy VPN Online. The cost of their VPN packages varies, and you’d check the detailed prices online.

So, is VPN Illegal in China? Fortunately, No!

expressvpn site blocked in China?

It seems that the original site, www.expressvpn.com, is not working in the mainland China. However, another URL, https://www.buy-express-vpn-in-cn.tech/ looks to be the same as the previous site. So you can try the later one. Please note that, I have never bought a VPN account in China from either of the URLs, so it’s up to you verify the trustworthiness of these sites.

That’s all about the VPN issues in China, and wish you a safe and happy travelling in the mainland China.

If you have any query about the best VPN for China, feel free to post in our forum so that others could also contribute and learn. For regular updates like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter!

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Cheers!

Last updated: Wednesday, March 7, 2018