What is a Hong Kong IP address?
A Hong Kong IP address is an Internet Protocol (IP) linked to an internet server in Hong Kong. Your IP address acts like a marker that tells websites which country you’re accessing the internet from.
Some websites and apps that use Hong Kong servers only allow internet traffic from local devices. If you leave Hong Kong and travel abroad, you may be unable to use these websites. Thankfully, obtaining a Hong Kong IP allows you to access Hong Kong servers even if you’re in another country.
Why would you need a Hong Kong IP address?
A Hong Kong IP allows you to access the internet as if you were using a local server in Hong Kong. Even if you’re traveling abroad, you can still enjoy content and online services from Hong Kong.
Below are some of the main benefits of acquiring a Hong Kong IP address:
- Access local content while traveling abroad. Some Hong Kong websites may restrict access to devices that don’t have a Hong Kong IP. Various platforms may have similar restrictions, preventing you from watching content from Hong Kong. A Hong Kong IP lets you enjoy your favorite home content while traveling abroad.
- Securely access online services. These kinds of restrictions may also apply to online banking services. Although this is a good security measure, it’s inconvenient if you’re trying to access your account while traveling abroad. Using a Hong Kong IP might help you access these services regardless of location.
- Compare prices while shopping online. Some online retailers charge different prices and offer special discounts depending on a customer’s location. Changing your IP address to a Hong Kong IP while shopping abroad could help you get better prices. This extra step helps you take advantage of offers for cheaper flight tickets or hotel reservations.
- Extra privacy and security. Changing your IP allows you to hide your virtual location, giving you an extra level of online privacy and security. If you’re visiting a country that censors the internet, using a different IP allows you to bypass some of these restrictions.
How to get a Hong Kong IP address
You have several options if you want to get a Hong Kong IP address. The best and most popular methods include using either a VPN, a proxy server, or the Tor browser. These are all temporary methods of changing your IP address.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which method suits your needs.
Use a VPN
The easiest and safest way to change your IP address is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN reroutes internet traffic through a VPN server based in a different country, such as Hong Kong. When you access the internet, your device will register as if it was accessing the internet from Hong Kong.
In addition to changing your IP address to a Hong Kong IP, a VPN provides an extra layer of security. A VPN connection encrypts all traffic between your device and your chosen server. This encryption process stops your internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties from monitoring your online activity. A VPN also helps protect your device against potential hackers. Many VPN providers also allow multiple simultaneous connections.
Setting up a Hong Kong IP address using a VPN is pretty easy. For example, if you’re using NordVPN, you simply need to:
- 1.
Download the NordVPN app.
- 2.
Create or sign in to your account.
- 3.
Find Hong Kong on the map or country server list and click on your chosen server.
Use our “What is my IP?” feature to make sure that you’ve obtained a Hong Kong IP.
Most VPN services have a subscription-based model. Although this may seem costly, using a free VPN provider instead creates several problems. Free VPNs might sell customer data to third parties, so you’ll be subject to targeted advertising. By contrast, NordVPN has a no-logs policy, giving you online privacy.
Most free VPN services also lack the unlimited VPN bandwidth, multiple server options, and strong security features of a paid VPN.
Let’s examine the pros and cons of using a VPN:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A huge number of available VPN servers | Paid subscriptions may be expensive |
| Allows the use of multiple simultaneous connections | Free VPNs are unreliable |
| Encrypts your online traffic | |
| Easy to set up and use | |
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Use a proxy
A proxy server is another method of changing your IP address to a Hong Kong IP. Like VPNs, proxy servers hide your actual IP and reroute online traffic through a different server. To use a proxy server to obtain a Hong Kong IP, all you need to do is:
- 1.Choose a reliable proxy server provider to get access to the server’s IP address and port number.
- 2.Access the proxy settings on your device or web browser and type in the proxy server’s IP address and port number.
Although both methods work similarly, there are some differences between a proxy server and a VPN. While a proxy server does change your IP address, it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN does.
Proxy servers are usually free, which means they have to rely on advertising revenue to make a profit. As such, proxy server providers will likely sell user data to third parties. Some websites may also deny you access if they detect that you’re using a proxy server.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of using a proxy server to change your IP address:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many proxy servers are free | Doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic |
| Easy to use | It may be blocked by some websites |
| | Free providers are often unreliable |
Use Tor
Another easy way to change your IP is to use the Tor browser. This free browser routes your online traffic through several relays across its global network. Usually, the Tor browser chooses a random IP address to hide your real location. However, you can ask it to use an IP from a specific country, such as Hong Kong.
Tor, which stands for The Onion Router, was created to give greater online anonymity to users worldwide. However, setting up the Tor browser is a bit more complicated than using a VPN or proxy server. Here’s how to install and configure the Tor browser to change your IP address:
- 1.Download the Tor browser file from the Tor project’s website.
- 2.Locate the Tor browser installation folder and access the following files: “Browser” > “TorBrowser” > “Data” > “Tor.”
- 3.Use a text editor to open the file named “torrc.”
- 4.Add the following text in the editor to configure the Tor browser to use a Hong Kong IP: “ExitNodes (hk) StrictNodes 1.”
- 5.Save your changes and restart the Tor browser.
The Tor browser uses an open network that is operated by volunteers. As such, some of the exit nodes might not be fully secure and may even be malicious. Your ISP can also identify when you’re using the Tor browser, which is banned in some countries. The Tor browser may also slow down your internet connection while it routes traffic through multiple relays.
You may use NordVPN to access the Onion network without using the Tor browser. NordVPN offers the Onion Over VPN feature. This feature routes traffic through a VPN server before connecting you to the Tor network. Using Onion Over VPN removes the need to install the Tor browser on your device.
Although the Tor browser is an intriguing option, it does have some weaknesses. Here are the pros and cons of using the Tor browser to change your IP address:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and accessible to most users | Slows down your internet connection more than other options |
| Multiple layers of encryption | Blocked by some websites |
| | Some exit nodes may be malicious |
Get a dedicated Hong Kong IP address
A dedicated Hong Kong IP address is a specific IP address in Hong Kong that only you can use. Websites using Hong Kong servers may block access to devices that use a shared IP. Having a dedicated IP address allows you to sometimes bypass these restrictions. It also allows you to skip repetitive CAPTCHA checks when browsing websites based in Hong Kong.
Many VPN providers allow you to obtain a dedicated IP address. For example, you can set up a dedicated Hong Kong IP when you purchase a NordVPN subscription. After choosing your preferred plan on the pricing page, follow these steps:
- 1.Click “+Add” next to the dedicated IP section on the checkout page.
- 2.Complete your payment.
- 3.Select “Hong Kong” as your dedicated IP address location.
Are there risks when using a Hong Kong IP address?
Yes, you should be aware of risks if you use a Hong Kong IP address. The Hong Kong authorities are subject to the Chinese government. As such, a growing risk of internet censorship can be felt in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong authorities recently passed a new national security law. The new law includes harsh penalties for sedition or inciting support for rebellion. This may include sharing online articles that criticize the government. If you’re using a Hong Kong IP, make sure that you don’t break any of these laws.
If you’ve obtained a Hong Kong IP through a free VPN or proxy server, your privacy could be at risk. If your online activity isn’t encrypted, hackers can gain access to your online traffic. A premium VPN like NordVPN is often the best option because it provides extra security features. Check out these NordVPN reviews to find out more.
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