jbtc
Member
Posts: 38
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Post by jbtc on Aug 28, 2018 16:23:34 GMT
Hi, I am aware that KSA has pretty strict rules/prohibitions in terms of what can be accessed via internet. However, if I get a VPN set up for when I arrive in Dhahran and access the internet only through the VPN, will that then effectively give you full, unrestricted access to all internet sites and content? Or would certain content/sites still be blocked even when accessing the internet via VPN? Thank you
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Post by trebbie on Aug 28, 2018 17:18:33 GMT
I'll certainly be interested in the response to this one. My limited research to this issue seems to indicate that different ME countries swap between making VPNs illegal and legitimising their use depending on (I imagine) a number of opaque factors. I know for sure that I will miss Auntie Beeb and won't feel any guilt in accessing it as I am paying a licence fee in the UK for its use. This website seems fairly good in assessing different countries and seems to indicate that VPN use is currently (well as of April 2018) legal: thebestvpn.com/are-vpns-legal-banned-countries/#vpnlegal-section-SThe word on the street would be very much appreciated though. |
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swan
Senior Member
Posts: 209
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Post by swan on Aug 28, 2018 17:55:47 GMT
Sites aren't blocked by Saudi when using a VPN, but some companies block access to their sites when you are using a vpn. Netflix, for example, seems to know when you are using a vpn. BBC can pick up the basic ones. And they tell you to switch off the vpn so they know you are accessing from a country they hold a licence to operate in.
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Post by BlueStaff on Aug 28, 2018 18:22:22 GMT
I'm using NordVPN these days - huge choice of countries with multiple servers in each. Cost wise I guess there are cheaper, but it's cheap enough that I'm not worried about changing. If you want to keep your browser cookie / history free also remember to use an "incognito" tab with the vpn.
The issue with the BBC is that they actively ban IP addresses from their service when they realise that it's being used en-masse by people abroad to access their services.
You have several options in addition to the beeb - Netflix, Amazon prime via Fire-box or even Kodi box / other streaming service. If you have a Netflix account, the access is based on your account country.
Aramco ADSL struggles a bit sometimes with bandwith, but be aware that the 4g packages that are available can sometimes be too fast (my family used 150Gb in 2 weeks on a 3-month STC pre-pay in July - Netflix saw the 20Mb+ connection and streamed at HD I guess !
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jbtc
Member
Posts: 38
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Post by jbtc on Aug 28, 2018 18:29:19 GMT
Thanks swan
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Post by StarboyX on Aug 29, 2018 17:13:28 GMT
NetFlix and other streaming sites don't work with VPNS, so if you have a Canada/US NetFlix account, you'll now get the Saudi catalog.
There seems to be an issue in the UAE with VPN usage.
In Saudi, you can legally use a VPN, as long is it's NOT for illegal use.
In any case, VPN or not, always remember it's all monitored ...
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jbtc
Member
Posts: 38
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Post by jbtc on Aug 29, 2018 22:14:08 GMT
But for "illegal" use under their laws, how would they even be able to catch one doing that if they pull banned content via a VPN? I thought VPN fully masks where the device is located, so if someone pulls something illegal it wouldn't show that they are pulling the content from within KSA. Is that not correct?
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Post by NoName on Aug 30, 2018 6:21:01 GMT
NetFlix and other streaming sites don't work with VPNS, so if you have a Canada/US NetFlix account, you'll now get the Saudi catalog. There seems to be an issue in the UAE with VPN usage. In Saudi, you can legally use a VPN, as long is it's NOT for illegal use. In any case, VPN or not, always remember it's all monitored ... I am able watch Canadian Netflix using Express VPN service, once I select the VPN server for Toronto. Express VPN is little expensive, However I am quiet satisfied with there service on Laptop as well as mobile. |
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Post by fieryphoenix7 on Aug 31, 2018 19:58:58 GMT
You can use VPN as much as you like but it won't solve everything; as mentioned above, some services like Netflix won't work. VPN may also cause your connection speed to be slower than normal.
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jbtc
Member
Posts: 38
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Post by jbtc on Sept 3, 2018 17:11:09 GMT
What happens if by chance you do get caught accessing something on the internet while you are in the Kingdom that by Saudi government terms is illegal?
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Post by steve8411 on Sept 3, 2018 18:59:13 GMT
In worst case you can get deported.
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jbtc
Member
Posts: 38
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Post by jbtc on Sept 3, 2018 20:23:27 GMT
Thanks Steve
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