TunnelBear in China: How to Access Restricted Sites
TunnelBear can work in China, but success largely hinges on using its unique feature GhostBear. This technological marvel helps your VPN traffic blend into the usual internet traffic, effectively bypassing the strict digital defenses of the Great Firewall of China. Let’s delve into how it operates and the steps you need to take for seamless internet use in China.
Understanding China’s Internet Restrictions
China is infamous for its stringent internet regulations, famously enforced through what is known as the Great Firewall. This system blocks access to many international websites, including search engines and social media platforms. It’s a complex landscape for VPNs, which are only allowed if government-approved, making user experience somewhat unpredictable.
How TunnelBear Bypasses the Great Firewall
TunnelBear uses a feature called GhostBear to circumvent internet censorship. GhostBear disguises VPN traffic to appear like ordinary internet activity through techniques such as obfuscation, making your online actions less detectable to DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) systems like those used by the Chinese government. This added layer of camouflage is vital for anyone looking to ensure digital privacy while staying within China’s borders.
Using TunnelBear’s GhostBear in China
Before embarking on your journey to China, ensure you have installed TunnelBear. Follow these steps to navigate through the Great Firewall using GhostBear:
- Download and install the TunnelBear app on your device. It’s crucial to do this before entering China, as VPN sites are often blocked inside the country.
- Log in, and select a server outside of China. Opt for servers in nearby countries like Taiwan or Japan to enhance connection speed.
- Access the app settings through the hamburger menu and navigate to the ‘Options’.
- Switch on the GhostBear toggle to activate its stealth technology.
- Once activated, a bear head icon indicates a secure connection, and you can now browse freely.
It’s a straightforward procedure ensuring you can access non-Chinese digital content while maintaining confidentiality and security.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite GhostBear’s capabilities, bear in mind that it might slow down your internet speed. It’s a trade-off between speed and security, as the priority here is to mask your VPN use. GhostBear is not available on iOS devices, which means Mac or Android systems might be better suited for this feature.
Traveling to China
As a traveler, it’s crucial to respect local laws. While VPN use among tourists hasn’t led to legal repercussions so far, understanding local regulations can help avoid unforeseen issues. It’s recommended to use a VPN discreetly for personal browsing and not to attempt interactions with censored content from official channels.
Maximize Your Data with TunnelBear’s Free Plan
TunnelBear offers a free version which suffices for short stays with a monthly cap of 500MB. However, by tweeting about TunnelBear, users can boost this to 1.5GB per month, potentially useful for trips of a few days. For extended browsing and streaming needs, opting for a paid plan might be better suited.
Conclusion
Ultimately, TunnelBear with GhostBear offers a feasible solution for travelers and short-term users in China looking to bypass the Great Firewall. While it comes with certain limitations, particularly concerning speed and available platforms, its capabilities in enhancing digital freedom and privacy whilst within China cannot be overlooked. Plan ahead with these strategies, and enjoy a seamless browsing experience during your time there.
