The Secret for Getting a Chinese VPN for Free
Michael Harbour
February 28, 2024 10:13
Travel Tips
If you plan to travel to or live in China, you’ll need Chinese VPNs to access content from other countries. Without a VPN, you’ll be drastically restricted in what sites you can visit once you’re in the country.
In this article, we’ll look at the best VPN for China and how to save yourself some money when setting it up.
Why Do You Need a VPN in China? #
Put, Chinese internet access is state-owned. The Chinese government has put a wide range of restrictions on what Western sites you can visit using the internet in China. By extension, internet use is monitored, which impacts your online privacy. Luckily, this is something a VPN can solve.
Another obvious issue a VPN can solve is streaming sites, such as Netflix. While it’s blocked in China, a VPN allows you to access region-locked content wherever you are.
Is VPN Illegal in China? #
Based on how closely the government monitors internet use, it’s fair to ask, is VPN in China illegal?
The short answer is that VPNs aren’t fully illegal in China. However, the government has stated who can use a VPN in the country and what you can use it for. Some VPN services are banned nationwide, but you can still access plenty.
Importantly, you must download a Chinese VPN before you get to the country. The ones you can get once there are monitored by the government. To receive approval, the VPN provider must give the government backdoor access. Unsurprisingly, this completely negates the point of a VPN.
In terms of who can use VPNs and when it’s okay for expats and travelers to use a VPN to access content from their home country, the Chinese government is stringent on dissension and anti-government content, so be very careful about what sites you visit.
Which VPN Server Works in China? #
When it comes to Chinese VPNs, knowing which works and which offers the best service is essential. If you already know about VPNs, it’ll be no surprise that the following are good options for the best VPN for China.
NordVPN #
NordVPN is a popular option worldwide, and it works well in China. It offers high data speeds and plenty of worldwide servers. Better yet, it’s not too expensive.
ExpressVPN #
ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than NordVPN, but some users claim it’s a better option for China. There are options for mobile devices and computers, so you shouldn’t have the option to find the right one to use as a Chinese VPN.
Surfshark #
Surfshark is another well-known option for Chinese VPNs. As with the others listed above, you have to pay, but it’s not expensive, and the plan allows you to use it on unlimited devices. This makes it a good option if you’re a tech-heavy traveler.
Which VPN Can Connect to China for Free? #
Although VPNs generally aren’t expensive, the costs can start to add up once you factor in multiple devices or accounts. So, is there an option for a free VPN in China?
Roamify eSIM is an alternative for VPN for China because you don’t need to download a VPN app once you’re in the country. Instead, you buy an eSIM and choose the Asia-Pacific Plus data plan from Roamify. As the name suggests, this gives you SIM coverage in Asia but doesn’t lock you into a local network.
After you download the eSIM profile on your phone, set it up and activate it in China. It gives you the same benefits of accessing the internet without restrictions as a VPN but without using an extra app.
One benefit is that it doesn’t matter if you wait until you’re in China to set it up. On the other hand, a VPN app usually can’t be downloaded in China because the country restricts them. This is especially true, considering you’d have to use the Chinese internet to download the app!
Roamify eSIM Supports Unrestricted Browsing. #
Roamify eSIM comes with unrestricted internet browsing, so you don’t have to worry about downloading other apps or switching between countries as needed. With the Roamify eSIM app, you can browse the following websites and use the following apps:
· BBC
· CNN
· Facebook and Messenger
· Gmail
· Google Apps (Calendar, Docs, Maps, etc.)
· Wikipedia
· OneDrive
· Spotify
· Wall Street Journal
· New York Times
· YouTube
· Snapchat
· Twitch
· Slack
These might sound like sites and apps we take for granted, but they’re all banned or heavily restricted in China. Of course, another benefit of using Chinese VPNs is that they protect your privacy, which is also true of Roamify eSIM.
With our eSIM plan, you don’t have to worry about compromising personal information, which can happen whenever you use public WiFi, regardless of the country’s monitoring rules.
Get Roamify eSIM for Traveling in China. #
Roamify eSIM is the best option for short-term travel in China and is even better if you plan to visit several Asian countries on the same trip. There’s no need to change SIM cards as you move between countries. Instead, you have one eSIM and data plan, which you can use in China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and more.
It's an ideal option for any travel in Asia, whether you’re going for business, a family vacation, or backpacking. When you’ve got a lot going on, the last thing you want to think about is setting up a new SIM card on your phone.
Roamify eSIM has plans for other regions, and we’re constantly updating our options. Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest news and offers.
Download the Roamify eSIM app today to see how easily it can make short-term international travel.
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Frequently asked questions
- What will I learn in The Secret for Getting a Chinese VPN for Free?
- You will learn how eSIM activation works, how to compare data plans, and which setup steps matter most before and during your trip.
- How do I choose the right eSIM plan for Japan?
- Match your plan to trip length, expected daily data use, hotspot needs, and network quality in your destination. Short stays usually need less data, while remote work and video calls need more.
- Where can I buy travel eSIM plans for Japan and Thailand?
- Use the destination links in this guide to go directly to Roamify country pages, compare plan options, and complete checkout before departure.