Freelancers Archives - Pale Ale Travel

3 of the Best VPNs For Hong Kong to Enjoy Uncensored, Uninterrupted Internet Use

May 10, 2024May 15, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong is changing. For better or worse, there’s a palpable shift in Hong Kong’s political, social, and economic landscape that stands to carry significant repercussions (or benefits) for its residents – both local and foreign. One of the most pressing questions that seems to be echoed amongst both travelers and citizens of Hong Kong is, “At what point do I need to worry about internet censorship?”.

Well, I’d argue now – and that answer isn’t even fully driven by the changing political landscape. Virtual proxy networks, aka VPNs, aren’t just an invaluable tool for protecting yourself against unfettered government surveillance and censorship. They are also practical tools that can make everyday life much easier (and electronically safer).

Whether it’s accessing geo-blocked television shows on your favorite streaming service (the American Netflix catalog in Hong Kong), preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive financial data on poorly secured public networks (ex. cafe), using dedicated work servers while on business trips, or otherwise obfuscating your internet browsing activity, VPNs aren’t just an added value tool in today’s digital world, they are a necessity. I’m currently using one while I write this from a Starbucks in Wan Chai as I just wired some “dollhairs” to another account for my upcoming Europe trip.

Here are 3 of the best VPNs for Hong Kong so that you can enjoy uncensored, uninterrupted internet use (or watch whatever trash bag television show you live for) – all three of which I’ve personally used during my six-year-plus tenure in Hong Kong.

Do I Need a VPN in Hong Kong? Advice From an Average Guy “on the Ground” & on the Web

January 9, 2024May 16, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Having undergone extreme political turmoil and censorship in the past decade, a common question I receive from travelers and expats moving to Hong Kong is, “Do I need a VPN in Hong Kong to access Google and other specific websites?”

While VPNs may seem like “overkill” and a tool “only for those engaged in seditious or unlawful activities,” that’s far from their complete purpose or reality. There are countless reasons why you might consider using a VPN not only in Hong Kong but anywhere in the world.

Hint hint: you may want to access your favorite streaming service that isn’t available or a specific catalog of shows or movies that is only available in your home country. And that television show may or may not be ‘Love Island’.

13 Essential Travel Tools For Digital Nomads to Stay Connected, Productive, & Classy

December 29, 2023May 16, 2024Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Everyone has experienced that moment after a long, arduous journey to whatever corner of the world they decided on when they reach into their suitcase to grab the one item needed to start their move and/or trip out without a hitch, only to find that it’s nowhere in sight. Been there, done that, and got the t-shirt multiple times over.

For digital nomads or freelancers who frequently change locations and battle an array of geographical, work-related, and visa issues, forgetting a crucial item for one’s trip is just part and parcel. And don’t even get me started on things breaking mid-trip.

If you haven’t experienced it, you probably will at some point. Consider it a right of passage. Or, you can learn from my mistakes and follow this list of must-have digital nomad travel items and cover your bases. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just starting out on your journey, here are 13 digital nomad must-haves for your next (or first) move or trip abroad – all of which are used by yours truly.

How to Access ChatGPT in Hong Kong

October 4, 2023May 16, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody 2 Comments

This is a bit of a different article but it seems apropos given that OpenAI just announced the rollout of voice and image support for ChatGPT-4V, an iteration of the AI-powered large language model (LLM.) that has taken the tech world by storm in the last year. From deploying ChatGPT in personal and professional textual applications such as content creation, translation, and even conversational use, to programmatic tasks, data collection and analysis, and other core business operations, such as coding (albeit limited) and customer service support/chatbots, there’s not much that’s off-the-table when it comes to finding a use-case to meet your specific needs.

But for those in Hong Kong (and more than a handful of other countries which some may argue are under totalitarian control – other peoples’ words, not mine), even accessing this free AND paid service can be prohibitive and is not particularly intuitive. That’s why I’m here to break it down into easy-to-understand steps on how to access ChatGPT in Hong Kong (with visuals).

Coworking at The Hive Sheung Wan: What I Liked, Loved, & Didn’t Care For

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

As emphasized in my guide to laptop-friendly cafes in Hong Kong, I truly believe anyone who wants to buckle down with work and do so in the most economical way (in Hong Kong) should explore a coworking space. There are more coworking spaces in Hong Kong than you can shake a stick at, they are reasonably priced, great ways to meet others working non-traditionally in a finance-driven city, and (most) offer flexible contracts and working arrangements (ex. Hot desks, dedicated desks, offices, and more).