Visiting China is a wonderful thing to do, especially once in your lifetime. However, expect there to be a few hiccups in the process. While the language is definitely a hard one to learn, Mandarin being rated as an extremely hard language for English speakers, there are some other hiccups to be aware of during your travels.
The thing is, you cannot just type in the webpage that you want to visit and voila, you’re sent right there. This might be true for home, it is not true for places such as China, Syria, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and so many other places. They have internet censorship. This means it takes some steps to access the places you want to access.
What is Internet Censorship?
Internet censorship came about because several types of legislation went through the government to censor specific places on the internet through all of China. They currently have over 60 different internet regulations in place. People in China are restricted and blocked from using social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
Being put up in 1996 and known as the Golden Shield Project, it has continued to stay strong and be one of the greatest firewalls to exist. It is one that blocks freedom of speech to those living in the area, while also keeping many of the news outlets and information from outside the country from entering into the country.
Useful Tips for Getting Online
If you want to access any sites through the traditional Chinese internet, then you are going to have some trouble doing so. However, there are ways around this that can help you check your email, stay in contact with family and friends through social media, and many other accessible options that are otherwise off limits for visitors and those living in the area.
- Use T-Mobile – They have specific SIM cards in them that allows you to get the connection that you need, though it is spotty in certain areas. You don’t even need a VPN to skip the firewall that is in place, just a T-Mobile account. You might also want to consider a portable wifi booster to attach to your phone for good measure.
- VPN or Virtual Private Network – This is a secure way that you can get onto the internet by saying you are on a different server somewhere else. You can not only get these for your phones but your computers and router systems, as well. It helps many people stay in touch with those outside of China.
- Pocket Wifi and the use of a VPN – Both of these options are available to those that are searching for the best way to connect. You can grab wireless internet that you can carry around in your pocket, thus the name “pocket wifi” and then add a VPN for added measure. You can use this with T-Mobile without the SIM.
- Grab a local SIM card and a VPN – If your cellphone is unlocked, you can grab a SIM card right in China and slip it into your phone. Once done, add the VPN to it and you can then connect. Finding the SIM card in China can be difficult to do, only because of the language barrier, so ask around and learn some basic words before you go.
Make sure that if you are using the internet throughout the country that you are not connecting to unsecure networks. These might give your information to the wrong people. Since you are from another country, there are many hackers that would love to have your information. Always remember to connect to a secure network, especially while visiting public places!
Be prepared before you head out to China. You want to make sure that you are obtaining the best possible internet connection, but you also want to make sure that your phone is ready. Grabbing any of the items you need before you go to China might be the best way to guarantee that you will have access to the websites that have been banned by the Chinese government.
Don’t let the lack of internet access keep you down while on your trip. Get the connections you need in the places you need them.
By Shobhit ChoudharyShobit is a dedicated globe-trotter on a lifelong quest for adventure. He thrives on exploring diverse cultures, savoring new cuisines, and forging lasting connections. Shobit's life is a testament to his unquenchable wanderlust, as he continuously seeks out uncharted territories and unforgettable experiences.
