A VPN service is the easiest, most reliable way to get a Hong Kong IP address outside the Chinese Special Administrative Region. It’s necessary if you want to get past geo-restrictions to access local content.
When you connect to a VPN server there, it shields your IP address, and you’re assigned another linked to the server. There are several reasons why you may need this. For instance, you lose access to many local websites and streaming services when you’re abroad. What’s more, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and other banks may flag your transactions as suspicious if conducted outside Hong Kong.
This article will show you how to use the VPN workaround. And because picking the best VPN provider isn’t easy, we’ll throw in the best options to get a Hong Kong IP address.
How a VPN Assigns You an IP Address in Hong Kong
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns your device an IP address. Websites and online services use this address to identify your location and deliver content to you. That is, if you’re within the boundaries of their geo-blocks.
If you’re outside it, you’re either restricted from viewing any content or limited to what is available in your location.
For instance, in Hong Kong, you can watch shows like We Are Legend and Defected on Netflix. You also have access to TV and streaming services like TVB and NowTV. However, as soon as you take a trip abroad, those platforms detect the change, and geo-blocks kick in to enforce content licensing agreements.
Fortunately, a Hong Kong VPN offers a solution to this issue. Say you’re enjoying a vacation in nearby Macau or a business trip to the United States. When you connect to a VPN server in Hong Kong, the technology reroutes your Internet connection through a secure tunnel to the server.
In the process, it masks your actual IP address and assigns you another associated with the server. That way, you regain access to all the websites and services you lost and can follow your favorite content again.
How to Get a Hong Kong IP Address [Tutorial]
Getting an IP address in Hong Kong with a VPN is not a complicated process. All you need is a subscription to a quality VPN service. For Hong Kong, we recommend ExpressVPN. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN
Begin by selecting a reputable VPN service that offers servers in Hong Kong. Make sure to consider factors like performance, unblocking capabilities, server network, and security features.
Step 2: Sign Up and Subscribe
Visit the official website of your chosen VPN provider and create an account by providing your email address. Next, select a subscription plan that aligns with your budget and preferences. You can choose between monthly, annual, or longer-term plans.
Get a Hong Kong IP address with ExpressVPN
Step 3: Install the VPN App
Download and install the VPN application on your device from the official website or your device’s app store. The installation process is typically straightforward, but most premium VPN providers offer installation guides for added support.
Step 4: Connect to a Hong Kong Server
Launch the VPN app and log in using the account credentials you created during sign-up. Browse the list of available servers and select one located in Hong Kong. Click the Connect button on the VPN’s home screen to connect to the chosen server.
Step 5: Verify Your Hong Kong IP Address
Once the connection is established, the VPN replaces your original IP address with a Hong Kong IP address. To confirm this change, you can use an online IP address checker (like whatismyipaddress.com), which should display your new IP address, indicating that you are virtually located in Hong Kong.
You’re now set to carry out the activities you need a Hong Kong IP address for. You can stream exclusive libraries, view blocked content, and use your local banking services as usual.
Best VPNs to Get a Hong Kong IP Address — Our Top 3 Picks
Hong Kong isn’t one of the most popular VPN server locations. Still, even with a smaller array of providers to choose from, you want to make an informed decision. We tested all the VPN services with servers in the territory to arrive at the three best options.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the prime choice for obtaining a Hong Kong IP address due to its exceptional combination of speed and reliability.
With a global network encompassing over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, its overall performance is remarkable.
The VPN doesn’t disclose how many servers are available in the region, but you can expect speedy and stable connections from abroad. ExpressVPN’s impressive speed comes from its high-performance server infrastructure and the innovative Lightway, a custom protocol created by the provider.
One of ExpressVPN’s standout features is its ability to bypass geo-blocks efficiently. It breezes past regional services like Netflix Hong Kong, TVB, and NowTV, granting you access to local content. On top of that, it’s just as proficient at unblocking popular international streaming platforms like Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.
Security is a paramount concern for ExpressVPN. It employs military-grade encryption, incorporates an automatic kill switch, ensures airtight leak protection, and deploys RAM-based servers. Furthermore, it strictly adheres to an independently verified no-logs policy.
ExpressVPN supports a wide variety of platforms while allowing up to 8 simultaneous device connections under a single subscription. You can try the VPN out risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our ExpressVPN analysis to find out more about its features.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive server network. It has a staggering 9,700+ servers spanning 91 countries, including dozens in Hong Kong, making it a reliable option for obtaining an IP address in Hong Kong.
As a result, you can expect responsive and reliable connections for streaming, gaming, and downloads. The integration of WireGuard and 10 Gbps servers further enhances its overall performance.
You won’t have any issues catching up on live events and entertainment from home. CyberGhost bypasses local TV and streaming platforms hassle-free. Streaming-optimized servers help ensure you don’t run into roadblocks when you try to stream on more popular services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. The VPN even has dedicated servers for different platforms.
Don’t expect it to consistently match ExpressVPN’s blazing speeds, but CyberGhost still handles streaming and other data-intensive tasks well. If you encounter congestion or roadblocks, there are plenty of other server options to switch to.
CyberGhost emphasizes user security and privacy, implementing bank-level encryption, a dependable kill switch, and DNS leak protection. We like its automatic Wi-Fi protection feature, which ensures that forgetting to turn on your provider before hopping on a public network doesn’t come back to haunt you.
A generous 45-day money-back guarantee sets CyberGhost apart, giving you more than enough time to test the service thoroughly. One subscription provides coverage for up to seven simultaneous device connections.
To find out more, take a look at our CyberGhost VPN review.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is a highly regarded VPN service recognized for its emphasis on privacy and exceptional service. It offers a network of over 5,800 servers spanning 60 countries, including 70+ in Hong Kong. This is one of the reasons why many people choose it to get an IP address in Hong Kong.
The VPN’s remarkable speed, second only to ExpressVPN, makes it an excellent choice for performance-intensive activities like streaming and online gaming. Even when connected from far distances, you’ll get a seamless experience free from buffering or lags more often than not.
It excels at bypassing geo-restrictions, enabling access to streaming providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Plus, you can easily stream your favorite Hong Kong content wherever you are.
Privacy and security are top priorities for NordVPN. It employs the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to protect against potential threats. It’s virtually unbreakable and will keep your data from being read by hackers and other malicious actors. The provider also offers features like a kill switch, leak protection, and RAM-based servers. If you need advanced protection or shielding, you’re covered — NordVPN packs a wide array of advanced functionality, including Double VPN and obfuscation.
The provider is compatible with the major devices and operating systems. Purchase a plan, and it lets you protect up to six devices at the same time. You have a 30-day window from the date of purchase to evaluate the service and determine if it works for you.
To find out more, check out our full NordVPN review.
What About Free VPNs to Get a Hong Kong IP Address?
We get the appeal of free VPNs. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy online privacy and access international content without shelling out a dime? Unfortunately, the downsides are simply not worth it.
For starters, it’s worth mentioning that no reliable and secure free VPN allows you to obtain a Hong Kong IP address. In fact, none of them has servers in the country.
On top of that, most free VPNs make significant compromises on speed and bandwidth. They tend to offer slower connections and impose data caps or bandwidth limitations, which can severely hamper your online activities. Streaming, gaming, or downloading larger files can become really frustrating.
Even worse, there’s the potential compromise of your privacy and security to consider. Many free providers resort to logging data and online activities to later sell to third parties, putting both your privacy and data security at risk. What’s more, they are notorious for inundating users with intrusive ads and pop-ups as they seek ways to generate revenue.
You’re better off paying for a premium VPN service. If price is a significant factor, an affordable service like CyberGhost provides excellent value for your money.
Conclusion
Travel beyond the borders of Hong Kong, and you’ll find yourself promptly cut off from a range of online services, courtesy of geo-restrictions. Suddenly, viewing and streaming much of the content you’re accustomed to becomes an uphill battle. Even basic banking transactions might trigger security alerts.
However, when you connect to a VPN server in the region, you receive a Hong Kong IP address that gets rid of these issues.
We recommend ExpressVPN as the best provider to use. Take advantage of a 49% discount on its annual plan and enjoy three extra months.
