Updated info on internet access in China
#1
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Updated info on internet access in China
I'm leaving for China in September, and wondering if I should bother tracking down a reliable VPN or proxy before I go. I will want to access only my email (comcast.net) and blog (blogger.com). Facebook would be nice, but not worth setting up a VPN for, I don't think. I'll be in Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai. I used a China Firewall Test site at bestvpnservice.com and it indicated that the sites I mention (not FB) are accessible through the Great Firewall.
If I were to go the VPN route, I'm looking at SurfBouncer and IAPS.
Any thoughts/advice?
If I were to go the VPN route, I'm looking at SurfBouncer and IAPS.
Any thoughts/advice?
#2
Join Date: May 2005
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Just thoughts -- no advice.
How long you plan to be away, how expensive the VPN is (with alternative uses of the cash), and whether you have intermittent access to another person's VPN-equipped computer may be factors...?
I usually do fine getting my email (gmail) when in China but if I am there for an extended time, I do appreciate the convenience of getting all attachments (e.g., youtubes, int'l news items, etc.,) through my partner's employer-equipped computer with VPN. Intermittent access to that b-list stuff is enough.
Perhaps someone else will advise now that this is back at the top.
How long you plan to be away, how expensive the VPN is (with alternative uses of the cash), and whether you have intermittent access to another person's VPN-equipped computer may be factors...?
I usually do fine getting my email (gmail) when in China but if I am there for an extended time, I do appreciate the convenience of getting all attachments (e.g., youtubes, int'l news items, etc.,) through my partner's employer-equipped computer with VPN. Intermittent access to that b-list stuff is enough.
Perhaps someone else will advise now that this is back at the top.
#3
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Thanks marya! The cost is nothing, both VPNs I'm considering are under $15 for a month of service, which is what I'd want them for. I won't have access to anyone else's laptop. The only things I would absolutely need are my email and access to the blog and local weather sites. Otherwise I'll be on an internet vacation.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2010
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I used Lamnia http://www.lamnia.co.uk/ when I was in China in January. About $15.00 for the month, and worked a treat.
Will use it again when I am there this month
Will use it again when I am there this month
#8
Join Date: Feb 2010
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amyb,
Just got into Shanghai, and my regular VPN isn't working. Set it up before I left Australia, and now, I cant even open their web site.
Looks like " The Great Firewall " has claimed another scalp.
If if does come good, I will advise...
Just got into Shanghai, and my regular VPN isn't working. Set it up before I left Australia, and now, I cant even open their web site.
Looks like " The Great Firewall " has claimed another scalp.
If if does come good, I will advise...
#10
Join Date: Feb 2010
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AmyB
I have three weeks in China.. I will investigate what these guys have to offer, but, not keen on taking out a subscription, and find it doesnt work.
http://www.bestvpnservice.com/offers...html#price_pay
I suppose I can live with out Facebook" and Twitter for a few weeks
I like Facebook as I use it to post photos etc.
BTW..grey and wet and miserable in Shanghai..in other words..just the usual whenever I get here
I have three weeks in China.. I will investigate what these guys have to offer, but, not keen on taking out a subscription, and find it doesnt work.
http://www.bestvpnservice.com/offers...html#price_pay
I suppose I can live with out Facebook" and Twitter for a few weeks
I like Facebook as I use it to post photos etc.
BTW..grey and wet and miserable in Shanghai..in other words..just the usual whenever I get here
#13
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I have posted about Freegate many times in this forum and others. But for some reason, nobody seem interested and always just keep talking about VPN. Of course, it's accessing important info for work, get a VPN. But for just doing FB, why pay when there's something free?
#14
Original Poster
Thanks, rkkwan, I will look into that one too!
gearsu, I found a way to post photos to FB using email (much like posting to my blog using email) but you can't interact with FB otherwise, just to post the photos. If you go to www.facebook.com/mobile, it will show you a private address you can email photos to. I know that won't help you now, but in the future....
gearsu, I found a way to post photos to FB using email (much like posting to my blog using email) but you can't interact with FB otherwise, just to post the photos. If you go to www.facebook.com/mobile, it will show you a private address you can email photos to. I know that won't help you now, but in the future....
#16
Join Date: Aug 2003
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Will I be able to access skype.com in China without using a VPN? I would like to be able to make phone calls back to my business in the US to keep track of things. I have downloaded skype on to my netbook that I'll use for the calls and also on the computer at my office that will receive the calls.
I was looking at reviews of freegate on cnet.com. it doesn't rate very highly with users. They say it goes down after 2 or 3 minutes of use.
I was looking at reviews of freegate on cnet.com. it doesn't rate very highly with users. They say it goes down after 2 or 3 minutes of use.
#19
Join Date: Feb 2010
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AmyB
Well, I was lucky for 5 minutes. After that, no luck.. Suggest that you try FREEGATE..Set it up before you arrive.
Susiesan. No problems with SKYPE. I use it daily here on my trip at the hotel without any problems. Just Facebook, Twitter etc. Some web sites dont open either. No problems with Google and Gmail BTW.
Well, I was lucky for 5 minutes. After that, no luck.. Suggest that you try FREEGATE..Set it up before you arrive.
Susiesan. No problems with SKYPE. I use it daily here on my trip at the hotel without any problems. Just Facebook, Twitter etc. Some web sites dont open either. No problems with Google and Gmail BTW.