Using VPNs in China: What Aussies Need to Know in 2025

🌏 VPN Use in China: What Aussie Travelers and Expats Face in 2025

If you’re an Aussie heading to China or living there, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Great Firewall.” It’s the nickname for China’s strict internet censorship system that blocks many foreign websites and apps. So, naturally, you might be wondering: Can I still use a VPN like Lets VPN in China? Or should I be looking elsewhere?

The truth is, VPNs are a lifeline for many wanting uncensored internet access in China. But not all VPNs are created equal — especially with China’s ever-evolving crackdown on unauthorized VPN services. Free VPNs, including ones like Lets VPN, often struggle with connection drops, slow speeds, or worse — questionable privacy practices.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Aussies really need to know about using VPNs in China in 2025. We’ll look at how effective popular VPNs are at bypassing censorship, what risks to watch out for, and how to choose a VPN that won’t leave you hanging halfway through your favourite Netflix binge or critical research.

📊 VPN Performance Snapshot: How Top VPNs Stack Up for China Access

This table sums up the current landscape for VPN use in China, especially from an Australian user’s standpoint. NordVPN leads the pack with a near-perfect success rate getting through China’s censorship and delivers strong speeds suitable for streaming or gaming. It also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your browsing stays private.

ExpressVPN is a close second, known for reliable connections and verified privacy promises, though it carries a slightly higher monthly price tag. Surfshark is a solid budget-friendly option, but with a slightly lower success rate and speed, which might affect streaming quality.

Then there’s the shady zone of free VPNs and services like Lets VPN — which don’t have verified track records for China. They often have flaky connections and questionable privacy policies, posing risks especially when handling sensitive data.

For Aussies planning trips or longer stays, investing in a tried-and-tested VPN with proven China access is worth the peace of mind and smooth browsing experience.

😎 MaTitie SHOW TIME

Hi, I’m MaTitie — the bloke behind this post, a VPN junkie who’s tested more virtual tunnels than I care to admit.

Here’s the deal: China’s internet restrictions are no joke. Wanna watch your Aussie footy streams, catch up on YouTube, or just keep your privacy intact? You need a VPN that actually works in China — not some freebie that’s gonna drop out after 10 minutes.

The word on the street? Lets VPN is kinda iffy in China — unreliable and sketchy on privacy.
If you want speed, safety, and legit access in 2025, do yourself a favour and check out NordVPN. It’s worked like a charm for me and heaps of Aussies living or travelling there.
No dramas, no hassle, and you can test it risk-free for 30 days.

Trust me, mate — your Netflix binge and your data will thank you.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I might earn a small commission. Cheers for the support!

🔍 What Makes VPNs Like Lets VPN Risky in China?

Let’s be straight: China’s internet censorship has tightened in recent years. The so-called Great Firewall blocks tons of sites and filters traffic heavily. To get around it, many turn to VPNs. But here’s the catch — not all VPNs are allowed or technically capable of bypassing this firewall.

Free VPNs like Lets VPN often fall short because:

• Unstable connections: China’s firewall actively detects and blocks many VPN protocols. Free services rarely have the resources to maintain stealthy, consistent servers.
• Data privacy risks: Some free VPNs may log your data or even sell it, which is a big no-no if you’re trying to stay private.
• No guarantee of updates: China’s censorship tech evolves fast. VPNs need constant updates and tech improvements to keep working. Free apps often lag behind.
• Poor speeds: Shared free servers get crowded quickly, causing buffering and slow load times — a pain if you want to stream or video chat.

In contrast, paid VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark invest heavily in obfuscation technology, server diversity, and privacy audits to stay ahead of China’s blocks.

🛠️ How to Use a VPN Safely in China: Quick Tips for Aussies

• Get your VPN set up before you arrive. Many VPN websites and app stores are blocked in China.
• Choose VPNs with obfuscated servers. These hide your VPN traffic so China’s firewall can’t sniff it out easily.
• Avoid free VPNs for critical use. They’re tempting but riskier for privacy and reliability.
• Keep your VPN app updated. Developers roll out fixes to counter new censorship methods.
• Test your VPN regularly. Try connecting to servers from different countries and check speed/stability.
• Use trusted payment methods. Some VPN providers accept anonymous payments or cryptocurrencies.
• Be aware of local laws and risks. VPN use is a grey area — avoid doing anything that might put you in hot water.

With a good VPN and some street smarts, you’ll get through the censorship hassle and enjoy the open internet again — even from the other side of the world.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is Lets VPN safe to use in China?

💬 Honestly, it’s a gamble. Lets VPN doesn’t have a proven track record for working reliably in China, and its privacy policies are unclear. For Aussies wanting stable, safe access, paid VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN are safer bets.

🛠️ Can I download VPN apps like NordVPN while in China?

💬 Usually no. China blocks VPN app websites and app stores. Best to download and install your VPN before you travel. Alternatively, use a trusted friend or family member’s network outside China to get the app.

🧠 Why do free VPNs often fail in China?

💬 Free VPNs lack the resources to constantly update servers and develop obfuscation tech to beat China’s firewall. They also tend to overload servers, leading to slow speeds and frequent disconnections.

🧩 Final Thoughts…

Navigating China’s digital landscape can be a headache without the right tools. While the idea of a free VPN like Lets VPN is tempting, it’s rarely worth the frustration or risk. For Aussies, investing in a premium VPN service with a proven China track record is the way to go.

Remember, the internet’s freedom is something we often take for granted back home in Australia. When you’re abroad, especially somewhere with strict controls like China, it pays to be prepared. A solid VPN isn’t just about streaming or chatting — it’s about keeping your digital life private and access open.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 How to download apk safely: Essential tips to avoid malware
🗞️ Source: TechBullion – 📅 2025-07-14
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Mozilla VPN Lands on Every Linux Desk
🗞️ Source: The Arabian Post – 📅 2025-07-14
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Is Free Wi-Fi In UAE Really FREE? Here’s Some Fine Print Nobody Told You!
🗞️ Source: Curly Tales – 📅 2025-07-14
🔗 Read Article

😅 A Quick Shameless Plug (Hope You Don’t Mind)

Let’s be honest — most VPN review sites put NordVPN at the top for a reason.
It’s been our go-to pick at Top3VPN for years, and it consistently crushes our tests.

💡 It’s fast. It’s reliable. It works almost everywhere.

Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than others —
But if you care about privacy, speed, and real streaming access, this is the one to try.

🎁 Bonus: NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can install it, test it, and get a full refund if it’s not for you — no questions asked.

📌 Disclaimer

This post blends publicly available information with a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion purposes only — not all details are officially verified. Please take it with a grain of salt and double-check when needed.