Do You Need a VPN in Hong Kong or Macau?
No. Hong Kong and Macau have their own internet and are not behind the Great Firewall. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube all work normally there.
Updated
What changes at the border
As soon as you cross into mainland China, for example Shenzhen or Zhuhai, Wi-Fi and Chinese mobile networks are filtered. If you are travelling on to the mainland, set up your VPN while you are still in Hong Kong or Macau.
A Hong Kong or Macau SIM roaming on the mainland usually still bypasses the firewall, in the same way as other foreign SIMs.
Should I still use a VPN in Hong Kong?
You do not need one to reach blocked sites. You may still want one on public Wi-Fi for privacy, or to reach streaming libraries from home, but that is the same as anywhere else.
Last chance to install
- Buy and install your VPNs from Hong Kong or Macau if you have not already.
- Update every VPN app to its latest version.
- Test the stealth protocol settings before you cross.