Is Surfshark VPN Available in China? Navigating the Great Firewall with Surfshark

Trying to figure out if your favorite VPN, Surfshark, actually works in China can feel like a bit of a maze, right? I totally get it. You want to stay connected, access your usual online services, and keep your data private, but China’s “Great Firewall” makes things notoriously tricky. So, let’s get straight to it: Yes, Surfshark VPN can be used in China, but it’s not always a straightforward plug-and-play experience.

While Surfshark is available in China, its performance can fluctuate, and you might need to use specific settings or connection methods to get it running reliably. The Great Firewall is constantly , throwing new challenges at VPN providers, so what works perfectly one day might need a tweak the next. This means you’ll often hear mixed reviews, with some people having a smooth experience and others facing connection difficulties. It’s a constant cat-and-mouse game between VPNs and the Chinese authorities, so it’s essential to go in prepared and with realistic expectations.

You might be wondering, “Is Surfshark VPN legal in China?” It’s a bit of a gray area, really. Using a VPN for personal use isn’t strictly illegal, but the Chinese government heavily restricts which VPNs can operate within the country. Essentially, they want VPN providers to cooperate with state regulations, which often means compromising on privacy – something a good VPN aims to avoid. This is why many non-sanctioned VPNs are blocked. However, as an individual traveler or resident, you’re highly unlikely to face any issues for simply using a VPN to access the open internet, unless you’re using it for activities deemed to be speaking out against the state. The key takeaway here is to stick to reputable, privacy-focused VPNs like Surfshark and use them responsibly.

Does Surfshark VPN Work in China? The Reality on the Ground

So, does Surfshark VPN work well in China? My research and user reports indicate that while it does work, you shouldn’t expect 100% uptime or a completely hassle-free experience every single time. Think of it like trying to run through a constantly shifting obstacle course. sometimes you’ll sail through, other times you might stumble and need to find a new path.

Back in 2023 and early 2024, Surfshark, like many other VPNs, faced significant challenges in China, with some users reporting that it wasn’t working at all. But it seems Surfshark’s team has been actively working on solutions, and it’s now considered one of the more reliable options, especially when configured correctly.

What Makes it Work and What Doesn’t

Surfshark has some clever features designed to help you get around China’s tough internet restrictions:

• NoBorders Mode: This is a big one. Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is specifically designed for restrictive environments. When the app detects network restrictions, it automatically switches to this mode, showing you a list of servers optimized to bypass censorship. It’s basically Surfshark’s way of saying, “Hey, I know you’re in a tough spot, let me help you out!”
• Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This feature is super important because it makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. The Great Firewall uses something called deep packet inspection DPI to identify and block VPN connections. Camouflage mode helps you fly under the radar by disguising your VPN usage, making it much harder for the authorities to detect and block your connection. You’ll typically find this engaged when you’re using the OpenVPN protocol.
• Manual WireGuard Connections: Sometimes, the regular app connection might struggle. In these cases, Surfshark and many experts recommend setting up a manual WireGuard connection. This might sound a bit techy, but Surfshark provides instructions, and their customer support can walk you through it. It seems to be one of the most reliable ways to connect when the app itself is having a tough time.
• Kill Switch and RAM-only Servers: Beyond just connecting, Surfshark also focuses on your security. The kill switch feature automatically disconnects your internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. Plus, their RAM-only servers mean that no data is permanently stored, which boosts your privacy by wiping all information with every reboot.

Performance Expectations

Even with these features, you should be prepared for potential connection drops and varying speeds. It’s just the nature of using a VPN in such a heavily censored environment. Is Surfshark VPN Available in Pakistan? Your Ultimate Guide

• Speed: You might experience slower internet speeds than usual. While Surfshark has an extensive network of high-speed servers, the extra hoops your data has to jump through to bypass the Great Firewall can affect performance. Choosing servers geographically close to China, like those in Japan or Singapore, can often give you better speeds and reduced latency.
• Reliability: While Surfshark is generally considered one of the better VPNs for China, it might not be as consistently stable as some highly specialized and often more expensive “China-focused” VPNs like Astrill. Desktop connections with broadband tend to be more reliable than trying to connect via mobile data like China Mobile or China Unicom 4G/5G, which can be very weak or even unusable sometimes. China Telecom is often cited as a more lenient mobile provider for VPN usage.

How to Use Surfshark VPN in China Effectively

Here’s the absolute, non-negotiable golden rule: Download and install Surfshark, and set up your account before you even arrive in China. I can’t stress this enough. Once you’re in mainland China, the Surfshark website and app stores that host it are almost certainly blocked by the Great Firewall, making it nearly impossible to download or subscribe. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling to find a workaround when you’re already there and cut off.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to give you the best shot at staying connected:

1. Subscribe and Install Before You Go: Level Up Your Gaming: How to Use Surfshark VPN on Your Xbox

   • Visit the official Surfshark website before your trip.
   • Choose a subscription plan and complete the payment.
   • Download and install the Surfshark application on all the devices you plan to use in China – your phone, laptop, tablet, everything!
   • Log in to your account to ensure everything is set up and working.

2. Enable NoBorders Mode:

   • Once you’re in China or even before as a precaution, open the Surfshark app.
   • Go to the settings menu.
   • Look for the ‘Advanced’ section.
   • Toggle on the NoBorders Mode. This feature will then show you a list of servers best suited for bypassing censorship.

3. Choose Your Server Wisely:

   • After enabling NoBorders, select a server from the optimized list.
   • Many users report better luck with servers located in nearby countries like Japan, Singapore, or the US West Coast. Hong Kong servers are often fast but can be heavily targeted and blocked.
   • Don’t be afraid to try a few different servers if your first choice doesn’t connect. Connectivity issues can sometimes be with a specific server, not the VPN itself.
4. Consider Manual WireGuard Setup:

   • If the app’s direct connection repeatedly fails, especially on mobile, Surfshark often recommends a manual WireGuard connection. This is a more robust method that can bypass blocks that the app might struggle with.
   • You’ll need to log into your Surfshark account on their website again, before you enter China or via a different working VPN to generate a key pair and download the WireGuard configuration file.
   • Then, use the official WireGuard app available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS to connect. Surfshark’s support team can provide detailed instructions if you need them.

5. Change Protocols if needed:

   • If you’re still struggling, try switching your VPN protocol within the app settings. If you’ve been using WireGuard, try OpenVPN UDP or TCP. Using OpenVPN will also activate Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode, which is designed to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. IKEv2 is another option to try if OpenVPN isn’t working for you.

6. Contact Support as a last resort: Surfshark VPN on Arch Linux: Your Complete Guide

   • If all else fails, reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They are usually aware of current workarounds and can provide specific manual configuration files if needed. Keep in mind that email might be your best bet if their website live chat is blocked. Remember, Gmail is often blocked in China, so an Outlook or other non-Google email might be more reliable.

Important Considerations:

• Have Backup VPNs: Seriously, this is crucial advice from seasoned travelers. No single VPN can guarantee 100% uptime in China. The Great Firewall is too dynamic. Having one or two other reliable VPNs like ExpressVPN or Astrill, which are also often recommended for China installed and set up before you go is a smart move.
• Mobile Data vs. Wi-Fi: Many users report that VPNs, including Surfshark, tend to work better on fixed broadband connections than on mobile data, especially from providers like China Mobile. If you have issues on your phone, try connecting via Wi-Fi if available.
• Streaming and Other Services: Surfshark is generally good for unblocking streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and others. It can also help you access services like ChatGPT and Gemini from China, provided you connect to a server in a country where those services are available. However, be ready to switch servers if you hit a snag.

Is Surfshark Chinese? Addressing Concerns about Origin

This is a really important question for anyone concerned about privacy and data security, especially when dealing with a country like China. I’ve seen questions like “Is Surfshark owned by China?” pop up quite a bit.

Let me set the record straight: No, Surfshark is not a Chinese company, nor is it owned by the Chinese government or any Chinese corporation.

Surfshark B.V. is a cybersecurity company that was established in 2018. It was initially registered in the British Virgin Islands, a popular jurisdiction for VPNs due to its strong privacy laws at the time. However, in 2021, Surfshark moved its headquarters to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a solid choice because it doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws and adheres to strict GDPR requirements, which is great for user privacy. Is Surfshark VPN Safe? Your Guide to Online Security and Privacy

In 2022, Surfshark also merged with Nord Security the company behind NordVPN under a single holding company, but they continue to operate as independent brands. You can find their offices in other European countries like Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.

So, if you were worried about Surfshark having any ties to China that could compromise your data, you can breathe a sigh of relief. They are a European company with a strong focus on privacy, as evidenced by their no-logs policy and independent security audits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN allowed in China?

Using a VPN for personal use in China isn’t explicitly illegal for individuals, but the Chinese government has a very strict licensing system for VPN providers. Many non-sanctioned VPNs, including aspects of Surfshark’s service, are blocked by the Great Firewall. However, individuals using VPNs like Surfshark for personal access to the global internet generally do not face legal repercussions, as long as their activities do not involve speaking out against the state.

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Is Surfshark VPN blocked in China?

Yes, Surfshark, like many other commercial VPNs, faces active blocking by the Great Firewall of China. The Chinese authorities constantly work to detect and disrupt VPN connections. This is why Surfshark has developed features like NoBorders and Camouflage modes to help bypass these blocks, and why manual connection methods like WireGuard are often recommended for greater reliability.

Can Surfshark use in China on mobile devices?

Yes, you can use Surfshark on mobile devices in China, including Android and iOS. However, mobile data connections from providers like China Mobile or China Unicom can often be less stable and harder to connect through than Wi-Fi or broadband. If the app struggles, a manual WireGuard setup on your mobile device is often the most reliable solution. Remember to download the app and set it up before you arrive!

What should I do if Surfshark stops working in China?

If Surfshark stops working, don’t panic! First, try switching to a different server location, especially those nearby like Japan or Singapore. Next, try changing your VPN protocol – if you’re on WireGuard, switch to OpenVPN TCP or UDP, which will activate Camouflage Mode. If the app still isn’t connecting, consider setting up a manual WireGuard connection. As a last resort, contact Surfshark’s customer support via email, as they can provide the latest workarounds and manual configuration files.

Is Surfshark VPN good in China for streaming?

Surfshark is generally recognized as a good VPN for streaming and can unblock many popular platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. When using it in China, its ability to unblock these services depends on successfully connecting to a server outside of China where these platforms are available. You might need to experiment with different server locations or protocols to find the best connection for streaming, as speeds can be inconsistent.

Should I get Surfshark VPN if I’m going to China?

If you’re planning a trip to China, Surfshark is definitely an option to consider, especially given its budget-friendly price point and features like NoBorders and Camouflage mode. However, it’s crucial to understand that no VPN guarantees 100% uptime in China. Many experienced users recommend having at least two or three different reputable VPNs like ExpressVPN or Astrill installed and ready to go before you travel, to ensure you have backup options if one struggles. And seriously, download and set up everything before you enter China! The Truth About VPNs and Malware Protection