I’m about to leave on a multi-month trip to the Middle East, I know that Internet freedom in this area isn’t nearly on the level as the USA, where I’m from, and I read that some apps may possibly be banned or restricted? However, I haven’t really been able to find too many specifics.
Main countries of concern would be Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Main apps of concern are WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitch and Reddit. However, WhatsApp is the only one of major concern as I use it to communicate, the others are negligible.
Can anyone confirm whether or not the above apps are at all restricted, as well as any other popular apps/websites? If so did you use a VPN to avoid the restrictions? Which one did you use?
I’m pretty sure I’m overthinking this and that all the above apps are probably fine to use, but I just figured I might as well ask anyway.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
I paid to use Express VPN while i too was on a “multi-month trip” in the middle east multiple times.
I love using Astrill. If you want to look at porn it could be blocked - and please do not in Saudi Arabia. You could get in big trouble, and its all about respect.
I believe opera has a free built-in VPN. No experience with its use overseas however. Always something to keep in mind if all else fails.
You can try unblockhub VPN anywhere in the world
Are there actually any apps or websites that are banned?
I also use Astrill, and it’s great. Much better than express, which I previously used.
I never had an issue with apps that i had already downloaded. The playstore might restrict a download. Honestly the only thing I know for sure that is banned tightly is porn, but I was in more conservative countries than turkey and egypt. I just always had the VPN running so i never noticed an issue outside of it.