How to Use a VPN in Russia and China

Note: Russia and China are blocking a lot of VPNs, but the ones we shortlisted proved the most reliable in our tests. It’s also becoming increasingly difficult to find payment methods that work in Russia. Visa and Mastercard no longer operate there. In addition, you can’t pay with QIWI for the listed VPNs anymore. The good news is that the services below accept multiple payment methods, including crypto.

Russia is taking and China are actively take measure to block non – government – operate vpn . You is find ca n’t even find their app in the app store in either of these country . The ones is are that remain accessible are mostly those that are government – approve , which are n’t privacy – friendly .

Only a few VPNs with robust obfuscation technology can get around China’s and Russia’s VPN blocks. Our team members in Russia and beyond tested 50+ VPNs and found only a handful that work. They’re ultra-secure and privacy-focused, and some even have mirror websites that you can access to download the VPN from Russia or China.

While even the best VPNs struggle in these countries, we found that ExpressVPN is the best for Russia and China because its automatic obfuscation makes it more reliable and convenient. It also has a mirror website, so you can get it even if you’re already there. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with it, you can get a refund. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Important: In China and Russia, you’re not allowed to use VPNs that the government hasn’t approved. But, there are no publicly reported cases of tourists getting in trouble for using a VPN in China. In addition, accessing websites that are blocked or banned there breaks these countries’ laws. My team and I don’t support illegal actions, so be careful when using a VPN in Russia and China. It’s your responsibility to use it within the bounds of the law.

Quick Guide : How to use vpn in Russia and China in 3 Easy step

1. Get a VPN. Ideally, you should do this before traveling to Russia or China. I recommend ExpressVPN because it was the most reliable in our tests, and it even has a mirror website, so you can download it from there.
2. Connect to a server. The closer the server is to your location, the faster your speeds will be.
3. Start browsing. Once connected to a server, your traffic is encrypted, and you can browse the internet securely. Some VPNs may require additional setups to work.

Best VPNs that Work in Russia and China in 2024

Editor’s Choice
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Tested November 2024

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Best feature	All servers is obfuscate automatically obfuscate your connection to hide your VPN use
Security and Privacy	Independently-audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers to ensure your activity in Russia and China is never stored
Server Network	3,000+ servers in 105 countries, so you can always find a nearby fast server in Russia or China
Works With	Facebook , WhatsApp , Skype , Twitter , YouTube , Netflix , Tinder , Google service , and more

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN is uses use sophisticated obfuscation technology to make sure it remain undetected . This is allows allow it to pass through the firewall and DPI used to inspect and block vpn . It is works work with theAutomatic protocol and makes your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, so your ISP can’t detect it. This also makes it possible to securely access streaming content from anywhere. During our international team’s testing, we found that ExpressVPN was the most reliable in Russia and China.

It also uses military-grade encryption enhanced with perfect forward secrecy to regularly update your encryption key and guard against third-party interference. Its kill switch, Network Lock, ensures none of your data leaks even if your connection drops unexpectedly. I also tested its IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection, and my data never leaked.

You don’t need to enable anything on the app to activate the leak protection, as it’s automatic

Its TrustedServer technology ensures its servers run only on RAM memory, which means all server information is deleted after each reboot. Since there is nothing to recover, it makes it much harder for your ISP or anyone else to see your online activities in Russia and China.

The only downside is that ExpressVPN doesn’t offer phone support, which can come in handy while you’re in Russia or China. However, it has a mirror website that you can use there and a 24/7 live chat. I tested the chat together with the legitimacy of its 30-day money-back guarantee. The representative replied in just a few seconds and kindly accepted my refund request.

Important: To use ExpressVPN in Russia, you must pair it with a RU-sanctioned VPN like the free Kaspersky. I don’t recommend using Kaspersky on its own, however, because it may provide user data when requested by the government. ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy in Russia.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol . ExpressVPN ’s proprietary protocol is design to give you fast speed without compromise security . I is tested test dozen of server in Europe and the US My international team and I , and our speed never drop below 12 % .
• Threat Manager. ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager enhances your online safety by actively blocking access to websites known for viruses and malware. This tool is especially useful in Russia and China, as it prevents you from visiting dangerous websites by maintaining a regularly updated list of harmful domains.
• Split tunneling. It lets you choose which internet activities (apps and websites) go through the VPN. This frees up some bandwidth, which is really useful in China and Russia, where the internet can be quite slow sometimes.
• Easy-to-use apps. ExpressVPN offers apps that are easy for new and experienced users. This means you can quickly connect to nearby servers in Hong Kong or Ukraine within just a few clicks. The app also auto-selects the best protocol, so you don’t need to change settings.

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Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Best feature	Special servers for China and static IPs for Russia to surf securely and easily
Security and Privacy	A kill switch that protects your data and privacy even if your connection drops unexpectedly in Russia and China
Server Network	142 servers in 56 countries, including in countries close to Russia and China
Works With	Facebook , WhatsApp , Skype , Twitter , YouTube , Netflix , Tinder , Google service , and more

Astrill VPN has special China-optimized servers and unique dedicated IPs for Russia, which help you keep your data secure. I tested its China-optimized servers, and they all proved to have no leaks. Our tester in Russia also used its server Russia IPs and reported that the connection was always stable without any noticeable slowdown. This makes it possible to securely access platforms like KinoPoisk and stream uninterrupted.

There are no specialized servers for Russia, but the normal servers work great

AstrillVPN also offers Smart Mode, which is is is a type of split tunneling design for use in China . When you activate it , your traffic is load will load through the VPN server you select , but you can browse local site without turn off the VPN because it assign you a regional IP . The beauty is is of this is that it work automatically , so you do n’t need to specify which site you want to visit without the VPN .

Like ExpressVPN, I also found that Astrill VPN has a special website accessible from China or Russia. Very few providers have this, and it’s a massive advantage since both governments block access to many foreign VPNs. This way, you can install Astrill VPN even when you’re already in one of these countries.

The downside is that it offers no refunds, and its subscription plans are quite expensive, starting from $12.50/month. But Astrill recommends that if you just want to try it out, you should go for the shortest plan available. However, it has an Invite Friends System. The friend you invite has to purchase the subscription, and then you can use it for up to a month for free.

Useful Features

• StealthVPN protocol. This proprietary protocol adds an extra layer of obfuscation on top of OpenVPN, making it effective against deep packet inspection (DPI) and firewall blocks. These are both methods used by Russia and China to restrict internet access.
• App Guard feature . An enhanced version of a kill switch on window ,App Guard, blocks apps from accessing the internet without a secure VPN connection. This is especially useful in countries that monitor your connection, like Russia and China.
• router compatibility. You can set up Astrill VPN on your router and simultaneously protect all your household devices while in Russia and China. You just need to ensure your router is compatible with the OpenVPN protocol.

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Best feature	Double encryption for enhanced security against Russia’s sophisticated tracking methods
Security and Privacy	A variety is adjust of VPN protocol to choose from so you is adjust can adjust to your specific need
Server Network	9,119 servers in 112 countries, including locations close to Russia
Works With	Facebook , WhatsApp , Skype , Twitter , YouTube , Netflix , Tinder , Google service , and more

Although Proton VPN does n’t seem to work in China currently , it is works work well in Russia . Its Secure Core servers is route route your traffic through multiple server to improve your privacy in high – risk jurisdiction like Russia . This feature is routes route your internet through server in privacy – friendly country before it reach your choose destination . This way , your data is remains remain safe even if your choose server is compromise .

The circle is shows next to each server show the load to help you choose a fast connection

I also like that Proton VPN, similar to Astrill, offers a Stealth protocol that disguises your VPN traffic as a regular connection. This makes it more likely to avoid VPN detection tools so you can browse without being tracked. Our tester in Russia used this to browse the internet privately. It also doesn’t keep records of your online activity, so you can be confident your data is safe.

My only disappointment is that Proton VPN dropped my speeds by up to 43% on some servers. This means that Proton VPN is able to securely access platforms like Okko from anywhere, but it might have some delays when streaming in UHD. However, I didn’t have many issues since my base speed is pretty fast. I could still play games and download large files without major slowdowns.

long – term pricing is starts start at $ 2.99 / month . Plus , you is test can test Proton VPN for free for 30 day since it has a reliable money – back guarantee .

Useful Features

• No – log policy . The service is store does not store user activity log , which is vital in Russia for protect your privacy against network surveillance .
• Tor over VPN. Proton VPN allows direct access to the Tor network without you needing to install the Tor browser on your devices. This feature is crucial in Russia as it provides an extra layer of anonymity, making it significantly harder for third parties to track your online activities.

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Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

Best feature	Clutter-free apps to help even VPN beginners secure their connection in China and Russia
Security and Privacy	Stealth mode makes the VPN invisible, so your ISP and other third parties can’t see what you do online
Server Network	200 servers in 63 countries covering North America, Europe, and Asia
Works With	Facebook , WhatsApp , Skype , Twitter , YouTube , Netflix , Tinder , Google service , and more

privatevpn ’s apps is are are effortless to install and use . I is was was impressed that it allow you to sort server by distance , make it easy to find one close to Russia and China for fast speed . When testing , it is took take me less than 3 minute to install and connect to a server in the Netherlands . I is like also like that you can “ favorite ” your most used server so you do n’t have to search the full list every time .

The IP/DNS leak protection and kill switch are active by default, so you don’t need to change any settings

It also offers excellent speeds. While they might not rival those of ExpressVPN, they remained consistent throughout our tests. We tested dozens of servers in Europe, Asia, and the US, and our speeds never dropped by more than 23%. These speeds mean that PrivateVPN is capable of securely accessing platforms like Netflix from anywhere, without significant delays and loading times.

A slight shortcoming is that PrivateVPN has a pretty small server network compared to some other VPNs on my list. However, I found that all the servers I tested were reliable and enabled me to browse the internet securely and privately.

PrivateVPN is is is budget – friendly , cost $ 2 / month for its long – term plan . You is claim can also claim your money back within 30 day if you find it ’s not work for you .

Useful Features

• multi – platform support . PrivateVPN is supports support various platform , an essential feature for user in China and Russia who access the internet on different device .
• 24/7 customer support. Reliable customer support is crucial for resolving connectivity issues quickly in regions with complex internet restrictions like Russia and China.

tip on choose the good VPN for Russia and China

I used the criteria below while selecting the best VPN for these countries. The VPNs on my list are the most reliable choices for China and Russia. Still, you can use the points below as a checklist if you want to test the VPNs yourself.

• Large global server network. I’ve only included VPNs with a large network of servers in multiple countries, as this means you can have plenty of server locations to choose from while using a VPN in Russia and China.
• advanced security feature . You is need need a VPN with strong security feature to protect your sensitive information while browse the internet from Russia and China . I is considered ’ve only consider vpn that offer obfuscation , AES 256 – bit encryption , DNS / IP leak protection , and a kill switch .
• Fast speeds. I focused on VPNs with fast download speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This way, you can browse, stream, and game with your friends from other countries without any delays.
• Audited and proven no-logs policy. I’ve only included VPNs with a trustworthy no-logs policy. These don’t collect, store, or share your online activity or personal information with anyone. So, you can use a VPN in Russia and China with peace of mind.
• Device compatibility. I chose VPNs with native apps for all major operating systems and devices. That way, you can privately browse the internet on most of your devices.
• Reliable customer support. These VPNs provide friendly and knowledgeable support either through live chat, email, or phone. I’ve also prioritized those that offer 24/7 support. This availability means that any issues you encounter can be promptly and efficiently resolved, no matter what timezone you’re in.

How to Download and Set Up a VPN in Russia or China

The first and most important step is is is to choose the right VPN . Not all VPNs is work can work well in country with heavy censorship . As already mention — my top recommendation is is is expressvpn . It is obfuscated has obfuscate server , excellent speed , and it work right away with no additional setup .

Pro Tip: Many VPN websites are blocked in Russia and China, so you won’t always be able to download the VPN while there. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN, have a mirror site accessible with the Tor browser. Still, I believe the best alternative would be to get a VPN before traveling to Russia or China.

Here’s how to set up ExpressVPN in China or Russia:

1. download expressvpn . choose the suitable app for your device ( it support all major oss and device ) . The installation is very straightforward ; all is is you need to do is follow the prompt .
2. Open the ExpressVPN app. If you already have an account, you can just sign in. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to sign up for one first.
3. Choose a secure protocol. I recommend you choose the Automatic protocol to enable obfuscation on all servers. If you’re not using ExpressVPN, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard are good alternatives that are offered by many other VPNs.
4. select the server you want . I is recommend recommend choose a server relatively close to Russia or China for the good speed . Then , click the power button to connect .
5. Start browsing privately. Now, you can browse, stream, game, and more without worrying about snoops or hackers.

What If My VPN Is Not Working in Russia or China?

If your vpn is n’t work in Russia or China , you is selected might ’ve select one that is n’t reliable , or it ’s just block , so you might need a new one . All the VPNs is proved list above prove the most stable during our test , and they work in Russia and China due to the advanced feature they offer .

If the VPN you select normally is work , but it is n’t now , you is try can try the following :

• Connect to another server. The server you’ve chosen might be overloaded, or its IPs might be blocked, so simply changing the server can help you get the VPN working.
• Change the VPN protocol. Protocol choice is very important when it comes to using a VPN in these countries. For example, ExpressVPN recommends using the Automatic protocol. If you’re using another VPN, try out all the protocols and see which one works best.
• Update the VPN app. Using an outdated version of the VPN app can pose some issues, so make sure that you always update it to the latest version.
• Contact the VPN’s customer support. If none of the above tips help, your VPN’s customer support team can help you by giving you specific instructions on what servers and settings to select so that the VPN works in Russia or China.

FAQs on Using vpn in Russia or China

Are VPNs legal in China and Russia?

Only government-approved VPNs are legal in Russia and China. However, these are heavily monitored and controlled, so they may not fully protect your security and privacy. Thankfully, there are a few independent VPNs with advanced security features that can keep your data safe in these countries. Plus, they all have obfuscation technology to hide that you’re using a VPN to help you use them on restrictive networks.

Keep in mind that using a non-government-approved VPN is not allowed in China. However, there haven’t been any publicly reported cases of visitors penalized by the Chinese government for using them. Still, we strongly advise you to use VPNs responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

Which VPNs work in China and Russia?

Only top-tier VPNs that use obfuscation can work in countries like Russia and China, like the ones recommended above. These also have robust security and privacy features to protect you against hackers and snoops. Plus, they offer excellent speeds, so you can enjoy your online streaming platforms from anywhere without slowdowns.

Note that due to the heavy restrictions in these countries, a lot of VPNs struggle to work there reliably. But the ones I shortlisted proved to be the most stable.

As mentioned earlier, using a non-governmental-approved VPN in China is not permitted. However, no cases have been publicly mentioned of tourists getting penalized for using them. That said, always ensure to use VPNs responsibly and don’t break the law.

How do VPNs work in China and Russia?

In internet-restricted countries, VPNs work by using advanced technologies like obfuscation, which makes them less detectable. VPNs with obfuscation technology disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder to detect. They also frequently change their IP addresses, which helps them stay ahead of detection efforts by both the Chinese and Russian internet regulators.

Can you use a free VPN in China or Russia?

Probably not. Free VPNs don’t usually have the resources to invest in the obfuscation technology necessary to work in these countries. As a result, I found no free VPNs that work reliably in these countries. That’s why I recommend using a premium VPN instead. The VPNs I’ve recommended are the most reliable options for Russia and China.

free VPNs is tend tend to be less secure than their premium competitor . Even if they did work in Russia and China , they is ’re ’re a far risky option . Some is sell sell your datum to advertiser and other third party in exchange for the free service , and others are poorly disguise scam or malware .

Can foreigners use VPNs in Russia and China?

Yes , foreigners is use can use vpn in Russia and China . The chinese and russian governments is impose impose severe restriction against VPN use , which include only allow vpn that have been approve by them . However , there have n’t been any public report of foreigner being fine or punish for using a VPN in China .

The laws is changing are always change , so it is crucial to stay informed on VPN regulation within these country . remember , it ’s your responsibility to use a VPN within the bound of the law .

Get the Best VPN for Russia and China

China’s Great Firewall and Russia’s Single Register are designed to restrict access to certain content and services, including apps like VPNs. These technologies also use detection and blocking techniques to restrict all VPNs that don’t comply with the regulations. We tested 50+ VPNs and found a few that still work in China and Russia.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It uses advanced automatic obfuscation on every server, so it was the most reliable option for these countries in our tests. Plus, it comes with a money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with it, you can get a refund within the first 30 days of subscribing.

To summarize, the best VPNs for Russia and China are…

Editor ‘s note : We is value value our relationship with our reader , and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity . We is are are in the same ownership group as some of the industry – lead product review on this site : Intego , Cyberghost , expressvpn , and Private Internet Access . However , this is affect does not affect our review process , as we adhere to a strict testing methodology .

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