I will be visiting Turkmenistan in two weeks and am wondering which VPNs work in the country. I understand that it’s on and off, that the big ones like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are blocked, and that it’s best to have several, but which are more likely to work. This is mostly for accessing websites and social media, mostly on iOS.
By the time someone will tell you which VPNs still work in TM, the regime will block more domains to make sure those VPNs stop working too.
use orbot or proton vpn
You can maybe look into setting up your own VPN with some youtube tutorials if all else fails.
Answering to my own question here: none of the subscription-based VPNs that come with their own apps worked for me, I tried 8 or 9.
VPNs in TM currently work differently. Basically there is a black market for holes in the firewall. You install a business-grade VPN client such as Cisco AnyConnect or OpenConnect. Then you pay someone to get an IP address and a username/password combo that is valid for some time. The IP address points to a server in a datacenter somewhere that runs an enterprise VPN server. You point AnyConnect or OpenConnect to this IP address. enable untrusted servers and you‘re good to go.
Of course this system works only because there are people in the security services who are ready to sell this kind of hole. I would also expect that the traffic through these VPNs is closely monitored.
You could probably set up your own VPN on an Azure instance, since Microsoft services appear to be largely unblocked. Or run an SSH tunnel.
Some options here: https://www.reddit.com/r/VPN/comments/m736zt/vpn\_comparison\_table/
I was in Turkmenistan a few weeks ago. As you said, ExpressVPN did not work. What did work flawlessly for me was using Anydesk to connect to a computer in the US. So having either a dedicated computer set up for this or having a friend allow you to connect to theirs are options for getting around the blocks.
Little late but you can use Windscribe, you can make an account and get 10GB free or you can buy the subscription
Just enjoy the internet detox
Sure, I understand that concern. I also know the situation, I’ve been to Turkmenistan several times.
However, I’m pretty sure the government already knows which VPNs people are using and is doing all they can to block them, without having to resort to getting information from Reddit.
Personally I’d be happy already if people could share if there are any apps that they have good experience with over the recent months.
ProtonVPN didn’t work the last time I was in Turkmenistan, I will try and be happy to learn if it now does.
Tested, neither works.
That‘s probably a realistic option.
Did you try Psiphon?
Tried a few, none worked
Tested, doesn’t work
Tested, didn‘t work for me
didn’t work for me, it worked back in 2017 or so, but no more
Why do you go to Turkmenistan?
Have you tried Proton VPNs secure core? Not a single place in the world is resistant to it