Express VPN in China

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Just a note to anyone coming to Asia, Express VPN in China is still not working. Crazy considering in the pre-COVID days it was easily the most popular with foreigners.

Nowadays the most reliable would be Astrill and Let’s VPN.

I made a video about it a few months ago, which still remains very much in date despite the ever-changing nature of the issue!

If anyone has tried any others (for good or bad) please do comment below and we can help each other and remain full up-to-date :smiley:

BONUS || we also keep this VPN guide updated regularly for any China newbies

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I didn’t now expect this one! But glad there are a couple options available.

I remember Nord VPN was very good at some point in 2019, has any one tried it recently?

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Oh wow, I’m surprised Express VPN never recovered. I’ve also never heard of Let’s VPN, but good to know!

Astrill definitely seems to be working best for most people

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In other news, apparently the eSIM definitely bypasses the need for a VPN. I’ve never had this feeling of checking Google on 5G before!

I also hot-spotted to my laptop to test it, and the result is the same.

Very cool - but how long will it last!

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The fact that eSim might bypass the need of a VPN is insane!! I’m going to Shanghai and Beijing in a couple of weeks so I think I might look into that as well :eyes:

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I would still have a VPN as backup, just in case. When you’re in China, it’s very difficult to get a VPN set up.

Just a heads up :slight_smile:

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Nord VPN doesn’t work!

that was a shock… and as Max says, it’s very hard to get VPN once you’re there.
Someone had to send me a file. It was complicated and illegal because at the moment the rule is you can use one but you need already to have it installed.

Even the Chinese Minister of Education reminds foreign students on Twitter to install one before they arrive in China.

But… it’s illegal to obtain one once you’re there, or send a file of a VPN, as explained to me by a Chinese friend.

I also have Letsvpn and it works very well, cross fingers.

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wow…

except I think when I checked eSim cards it said it’s limited to certain phones.
My old Xiaomi 7 certainly can’t take it.

It would have been great because I travelled through a lot of countries to get to China and I could have had internet so easily. When I upgrade my phone…

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UPDATE FOR JUNE 2024

Express VPN still dead in China. Astrill and Let’s are the ones to go for.

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UPDATE FOR AUGUST 2024

As things are ever changing in China the VPN pendulum has swung again!

Now it appears Astrill is having some issues and the VPN’s of choice are LETS VPN and SHADOWROCKET which are actually a fair bit cheaper than their bigger counterparts.

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I’ve also been hearing Let’s VPN is currently the best VPN to use in China recently!

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Here’s a video guide on the current 2024 VPN situation in China! A lot of the big hitters are experiencing issues lately, so here’s a guide on the best alternative right now: Let’s VPN :sunglasses: :point_down:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOOWr7HeNFY

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I used Lets VPN and Astrill in China during October.

Lets is the new daddy! Much cheaper, worked like a dream and near no downtime. Express VPN still struggling big time in China.

TOP TIP || remember if you can get your hands on an eSim you can use these to bypass the Great Firewall. No VPN needed (though I always recommend you have one downloaded just in case)

REMEMBER || always download your VPN and prepare your eSim BEFORE arriving to China.

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