While Hong Kong enjoys more open internet access compared to mainland China, certain online platforms, including ChatGPT, remain inaccessible due to OpenAI’s regional restrictions. However, it is possible for residents in Hong Kong to access ChatGPT by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
This article will explain how to utilize ChatGPT in Hong Kong and provide a guide for its use.
※Please be aware that the accessibility situation may evolve based on government policies or changes made by the respective service providers.
Is ChatGPT Available in Hong Kong?
No, ChatGPT is currently not directly accessible in Hong Kong. If you attempt to access ChatGPT from within Hong Kong, including at locations like the Hong Kong airport, you will typically encounter a restriction message indicating that OpenAI’s services are not available in your region. This is due to regional restrictions imposed by OpenAI, rather than a ban by the Hong Kong government itself.
While mainland China blocks ChatGPT due to government regulations, in Hong Kong, it’s OpenAI’s own service policies and restrictions that render it unavailable. Some sources indicate that OpenAI’s decision for this restriction in Hong Kong may be related to privacy concerns.
How to Access ChatGPT in Hong Kong
Accessing ChatGPT in regions where it’s restricted, such as Hong Kong, is feasible by utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. A VPN establishes a secure, private connection over the internet, effectively masking your true location and making it appear as though you are Browse from a different country where ChatGPT is available. This allows you to bypass local restrictions and access the platform.>> What is a VPN?
- Register with a VPN (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Connect to a VPN server in a country where ChatGPT is accessible
- Access and Use ChatGPT
Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN
To register with ExpressVPN, click the “Claim Exclusive Deal” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
STEP2.Connect to a VPN server in a country where ChatGPT is accessible
After registering with ExpressVPN, download and launch the app. Next, connect to a server in a country where ChatGPT is accessible, such as the US or Japan.
When connecting to a US server, click “…” in the app and type “United States” in the search box. Now, you can connect to a server in the US.
STEP3.Access and Use ChatGPT
With your VPN connection active, navigate to ChatGPT’s website. You can now use ChatGPT just as you would if you were in an unrestricted region.
The Best VPN Services for Using ChatGPT
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
There are free VPNs. But we recommend paid services in terms of privacy and security because we don’t know how free VPNs manage our log traffic data. It is also said that free VPNs are more likely to track our data. Many paid services have a money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the service, you can receive a refund. ExpressVPN, NordVPN and SurfsharkVPN offer a full refund within 30 days.And, They keeps no activity or connection logs. They do not log traffic data, or anything that could be used to identify you. However, these policies may change in the future, so please remember to keep yourself informed about the risks associated with web browsing. >> Paid VPNs vs. Free VPNs
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 | 118 | 100 |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 7,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Excellent speed and stability
- Fast and user-friendly app
- Strict no-logs policy
- Wide range of server countries
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 118 |
| Servers | 7,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN’s excellent service, and balance of price, internet speed, servers, and countries, has allowed it to gain the greatest market share in the world. Overall, NordVPN consistently receives great reviews from leading experts. NordVPN has more than 5,800 servers in 60 countries, so you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. You can et help and advice from our friendly customer support team through email or live chat for your 24/7. And NordVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- World's most popular VPN by new user subscriptions
- Large number of available servers
- Competitive pricing
- Strict no-logs policy
- User-friendly dedicated apps
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Short-term plans can be relatively costly
- Want to balance price and internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Performance with a Lower Price
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 100 |
| Servers | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark offers impressive performance with a lower price. You can get Surfshark much cheaper than other services if you apply for the 24-month plan. Furthermore, Surfshark has no connection limits. So, you and your family can connect and use all your devices simultaneously. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Just like the other VPNs, you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. Customer support experts are there for you 24/7, if you need a helping hand with them via live chat or email. And SurfsharkVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Affordable price (cheaper than NordVPN & ExpressVPN)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (ideal for families)
- Large number of available servers
- Speeds comparable to top-tier providers
- Strict no-logs policy
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Less effective at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Limited service history / Less established
- Who are budget conscious and want to want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQs
Is the functionality of ChatGPT limited when accessed from Hong Kong via a VPN?
Once you access ChatGPT using a VPN, you can utilize all its features without any limitations, just as if you were in a country where it is directly available.
Are VPNs illegal in Hong Kong?
No, it is generally legal to use a VPN in Hong Kong. Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong retains a semi-autonomous status that supports a more open internet. While there are growing concerns about internet monitoring and potential future censorship due to the National Security Law, VPN usage itself is not currently illegal.
What else can a VPN be used for?
Beyond bypassing geographical content restrictions for services like ChatGPT, VPNs offer numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Online Privacy and Security: VPNs encrypt your internet connection, protecting your data from being intercepted by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government agencies, or cybercriminals, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Access to Geo-Restricted Content: You can access streaming services, websites, and other online content that might be unavailable in your current location due to regional licensing agreements.
- Avoiding Price Discrimination: Some online services, like flight booking sites or e-commerce platforms, may show different prices based on your location. A VPN can help you appear to be Browse from a region with lower prices, potentially saving you money.
- Secure Remote Work: VPNs provide a secure tunnel for remote workers to access company networks and sensitive data, ensuring confidentiality.
- Bypassing Censorship: In regions with strict internet censorship, a VPN can allow access to blocked websites and social media platforms.
Can I create an account with a Hong Kong phone number?
o, you cannot create a ChatGPT account using a Hong Kong phone number. This is because ChatGPT registration is not permitted for phone numbers from countries where the service is unavailable. If you attempt to register, you’ll likely see a message stating, “OpenAI’s services are not available in your country.” Therefore, please use a phone number from a country where ChatGPT registration is allowed.
Which countries can’t access ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is currently unavailable in several countries, primarily due to local regulations, government censorship, or OpenAI’s own service policies. These include:
- China
- North Korea
- Russia
- Iran
- Syria
- Cuba
- Certain African countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Eswatini, Central African Republic, and Eritrea.
- Other countries may also have restrictions based on OpenAI’s API availability, such as Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belarus, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen.
Additionally, in some countries like the United States, France, and India, the use of ChatGPT in educational institutions may face restrictions. If concerns arise regarding the implications of ChatGPT, additional countries might implement temporary bans or limitations.
Conclusion
- ChatGPT is not available in Hongkong.
- By using a VPN, you can use ChatGPT in Hongkong.
- How to use ChatGPT in Hong Kong: [Register with a VPN >> Connect to a VPN server in a country where ChatGPT is accessible >> Access and Enjoy ChatGPT