Is it possible to use Amazon in China in 2022?You might be under the impression that an Amazon Prime membership is worthless in China. Surprisingly, it’s not! It may not guarantee you 2-day shipping, but youcan watch Prime Video on your Fire TV; youcanlisten to Amazon Music. This guide is meant to show you how.
You’ve probably read about China’s censored internet that blocks access to popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Google and many western media outlets.
It’s annoying, but it’s a part of life and travel in China.
READ MORE: Check out this index of all the websites and apps blocked in China.
It’s tempting to think that Amazon has been blocked in China…
…but it hasn’t.
If you want to listen to Amazon Music in China or watch Amazon Video in China, not all hope is lost.
- Is Amazon Blocked in China?
- How to Unlock Geo-Restricted Content on Amazon
- Setting up a VPN to Use with Amazon
- VPN on Fire TV
- VPN on your desktop
- VPN on your mobile device
- Benefits of Using Amazon in China
Here’s what you need to know.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I will be compensated if you use some of these services I recommend. The good news is that in many cases, such as this link to ExpressVPN, I’ve negotiated special deals to get you 3 months of free service.
Is Amazon Blocked in China?
Technically, no. Amazon isn’t blocked in China.
Don’t get me wrong: it’s a challenge to use Amazon in China, but that’s not because they’ve been blocked by the Chinese government.
In fact, Amazon used to operate a Chinese-based marketplace, although they closed it down in 2019 because of fierce competition from the likes of Taobao and others..
The reason Amazon services are difficult to use in China is because Amazon geo-restricts its content. This means that even if you’re a paying Amazon Prime member, you can’t easily watch Prime Video in China or listen to Prime Music in China.
Thankfully, there is a way to get around these geo-restrictions. I’d like to share with you why I keep my Amazon Prime membership even though I’m living in China…
…and how I use the Amazon services on a daily basis.
Unlocking Geo-Restricted Content from Amazon in China
Perhaps you’re still a bit confused by what I mean by “geo-restricted content.” Don’t worry, I’ll explain quickly.
Amazon faces the same challenges that Netflix in China does: they license content (video, music, etc.) based on country.
Based on these licensing agreements, they are only able to stream content to countries where they have an active license. They restrict based on geographic location, or “geo-restrict” their streaming content.
For various reasons we won’t go into here, none of these video streaming services have been able to license content for streaming in China, which leaves us travelers and expats high and dry.
But there is a solution!
Using a VPN to Access Geo-Restricted Content
For the past few years, I’ve been happily taking advantage of Prime Video, Prime Music, and even the Amazon Fire TV by using a VPN.
There are literally hundreds of VPNs, but the majority of expats in China use either ExpressVPN or NordVPN since they’ve had a reliable track record.
Believe me, a VPN is something that pretty much every expat in China uses (I’ve used ExpressVPN for more than 10 years now).
By connecting to a VPN server in another country on your phone, computer or Fire TV, you essentially access the internet as if you were in another country.
When you’re connected to this foreign server, it makes Amazon think that you’re in the United States, for example, and that they can stream video, music and anything else you want.
And for those who wonder if using a VPN to do this is illegal, think about this: you paid for your Amazon Prime membership, right? Why can’t you be allowed to use it wherever you want?
Setting up a VPN to use Amazon in China
Thankfully, setting up a VPN isn’t terribly difficult. It’s a bit different based on what device you’re using, though, so I’m going to walk you through the most common VPN setups.
I’m going to use ExpressVPN as an example, but it’s pretty similar no matter which VPN service you end up choosing.
How to Add a VPN to Amazon Fire TV
It used to be that adding a VPN to a media device like the Amazon Fire TV stick was a challenge only the super tech-savvy could perform. Amazon has changed all that (which is why I recommend an Amazon Fire TV stick over something like a Roku or other popular media streaming devices).
WATCH! See how a VPN is added to the Amazon Fire TV in this video tutorial.
On the main menu screen, go into search and type in “ExpressVPN”. You’ll see that they have a specific app for the Amazon Fire TV.
Once the app has been installed you can use it like you would on your computer or mobile phone. Connect and then stream!
If you want a more in-depth look at this process, check out this helpful guide to installing a VPN on Amazon Fire TV stick.
Desktop Computer VPN Setup
Setting up a VPN on your computer in order to use Amazon in China is very simple. Once you’ve paid for an ExpressVPN account, you’ll be directed to a downloads page where you download the ExpressVPN program onto your computer.
Once the software is installed and you’ve verified your account, you simply choose the server location and click the big power button to connect.
When it turns green, you’re good to stream whatever Amazon services you want on your computer!
Mobile Phone VPN Setup
The mobile phone setup for ExpressVPN (or pretty much any good VPN service) is equally simple. Go into the App Store or Google Play store and search for your VPN.
Don’t buy a VPN that doesn’t have it’s own app!
Once the VPN app is downloaded and you’ve logged into your account, everything is pretty much the same. Find your server, click the power button and wait for it to turn green.
You’ll now be able to stream Prime Music and Prime video on your phone!
Benefits of Using Amazon in China
The benefits of using Amazon in China may seem obvious. Of course, to some it may seem like a waste of money.
As you’re weighing the pros and cons of purchasing both an Amazon Prime membershipand a VPN subscription, think about these reasons that I love being an Amazon Prime member even though I live in China.
- Easy Gifting from Overseas: Amazon makes it super easy for me to send birthday gifts and Christmas gifts without having to go to the post office. I promise you – holidays and birthdays sneak up on you when you’re living in another country, so free 2-day shipping can be a lifesaver!
- Save Money on Pandora and/or Netflix: Unless you have specific shows you want to watch on Netflix, having an Amazon Prime membership in China has allowed me to drop my Pandora/Spotify fees and just stream music on Prime Music. Likewise, I can drop Netflix and still be able to stream some great shows on Amazon Prime Video.
- Watch the NFL in China: There are a number of ways that you can watch NFL games in China, but one of my favorites is being able to watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video. Obviously this isn’t a solution for big NFL fans who want to watch every game, but if you simply need a weekly fix of NFL football, it’s a great option.
- Free Prime Books: Since moving to China, I’ve converted most of my library to digital books. Being an Amazon Prime member gives me access to a number of Prime books and magazines that rotate each month.
I’m unashamed to say that I enjoy the services that Amazon has to offer – even here in China! If you’re not already an Amazon Prime member, you can learn more about what they offer here.
Conclusion | Using Amazon Prime in China
As you now know, China doesn’t block Amazon in China – but it’s still difficult to use great Amazon services like Prime Video, Prime Music and Fire TV from within the country.
Using a simple solution like ExpressVPNand/or NordVPN will give you access to all of this geo-restricted content and restore the value that a Prime membership provides.
Mind you, any Amazon.cn purchases you make (“.cn” is Amazon’s China website), won’t give you free 2-day shipping. At least not yet. What we’re talking about is using most of the services from Amazon in China.
But in the same way that expats can still enjoy posting to Instagram in China or communicating via Gmail in China, you can still make use of Amazon in China.
Further Reading & Resources
China Business Guide | Gift Giving Ideas for China Business Partners
How to Install a VPN from within China in 2022 (2 Methods)
Traveling or Moving to China Soon?
Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip!
Download the Tips Here
FAQs
Does Amazon Fire TV Stick work in China? ›
As you now know, China doesn't block Amazon in China – but it's still difficult to use great Amazon services like Prime Video, Prime Music and Fire TV from within the country.
Does Amazon Prime work in China? ›Popular platforms such as Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Sky Go aren't available in every country (for example, China), and even if they are available, their content tends to vary greatly from one country to another.
Can people in China access Amazon? ›Amazon continues to offer limited services in China, like Amazon Prime, but without the on-demand video benefits. Customers can still enter the webpage amazon.cn, but can only access products imported from Amazon sites located overseas. This includes the US, UK, Germany or Japan.
Does Amazon Fire TV work outside the US? ›Take compatible Amazon Fire TV devices with you if you're moving or traveling outside your home country. Note: Residents of the European Union, while traveling within the European Union, have access to the same titles that are available when streaming from their country of residence.
Can I use a Firestick to watch Amazon Prime in another country? ›Firesticks have the capability to be used while traveling to several countries outside the United States. As of 2019, Amazon operates twelve global sites to reach all over the world. Therefore, in most cases, (with a reliable internet connection) Firesticks can be used while traveling abroad.
How do I use Amazon Prime internationally? ›To access Amazon Prime Video from any country, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your solution. A VPN routes your internet traffic through an intermediary server in a location of your choice, masking your real location, and making it appear to Amazon that you're somewhere else.
What streaming services work in China? ›Top Chinese Streaming Services: Iqiyi
Founded in 2010 by Chinese tech giant Baidu, iQiyi is most often referred to as the “Netflix of China.” This is not an entirely accurate comparison, since iQiyi is controlled by a larger tech firm, offers a free, ad-supported viewing option, and is worth far less than Netflix.
Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd. (BABA) is often called "The Amazon of China" in reference to the giant American e-commerce company, Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN).
What free VPN works with Amazon Prime? ›That being said, the best free Amazon Prime VPN that unblocks Prime Video and still keeps you secure is Windscribe. It has proven to be a great option that checks all the boxes, and comes at no cost — if you don't mind the limited bandwidth and data.
Can I have Amazon Prime in two countries? ›Yes, you can have single Amazon account for different countries. Just navigate to the specific URL that belongs to specific country and login.
Why is Amazon not popular in China? ›
A more seamless interface, with easier payment options, such as Alipay; its failure to capitalise on promotional days like Single's Day; and a more competitive product range offered by its rivals with speedier delivery all contributed to losing a highly online-literate customer base and eventually put Amazon China out ...
Is Amazon cloud blocked in China? ›A court in China has banned Amazon from using its cloud-computing business' logo there — but the tech titan says it's appealing.
Can Tourists access internet in China? ›Even though the internet is available throughout China, not all internet is available for tourists. In fact, many internet cafes only accept customers with Chinese ID, preventing foreign travelers from accessing what they'd take for granted normally.
How do I change my location on fire TV? ›Log in to the Amazon account that's linked to your Firestick. Go to Accounts and Lists, hit Your Content and Devices, and select the Preferences tab. Go to Country/Region Settings, select Change next to your current country, and fill in the form using an address in the region you want.
Does Amazon Firestick work in Hong Kong? ›To use your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick in Hong Kong you need to get a VPN app. Before there wasn't much support for the Amazon devices but now there are a handful of VPN companies who support the devices. A VPN app allows you to trick the Fire TV Stick into thinking you're in another country.
Are there free VPN for Firestick? ›Based on our tests, the best free VPN apps for Fire TV Stick in 2023 are: Windscribe – Best Totally Free VPN for Firestick. Unblocks 6 Netflix Regions and BBC iPlayer. Proton VPN – Only Free VPN for Fire TV Stick with Unlimited Bandwidth.
What is the most popular streaming app in China? ›China video streaming app usage
Tencent Video is by far the most popular video streaming platform in China, with free and premium content available on the platform. Douyin is the fastest growing service, which is China's TikTok.
Select the Settings icon at the top of Amazon Assistant. Select Change country/region. Select the marketplace you want.
Why did Amazon expand to China what entry mode did it use? ›Amazon entered China by acquiring Joyo.com, which was an online bookstore, and expanded to an online website to sell different consumer goods. Amazon adopted certain localization strategies to win market share and also introduced Amazon Prime to offer better delivery services to Chinese customers.
How does Amazon Prime detect my VPN? ›Amazon is very efficient at detecting VPNs and regularly blacklists their IP addresses, meaning most free VPNs are unlikely to work. Free VPNs tend to have too many users on a limited number of servers and these IP addresses are quickly flagged as a result.
Does Amazon ban VPNs? ›
Can Netflix or Amazon ban you for using a VPN? Netflix and Amazon Prime Video reserve the right to close your account if you're found to be using a VPN. That's because the usage of VPNs goes against their Terms of Service.
Why does Amazon block VPN? ›A: Amazon is blocking VPN connections in order to collect more data about users. If you are using macOS, you should download NordVPN (OpenVPN) version, in settings find "Obfuscated servers" and switch it on. Anoth… see more.
Does Amazon fire stick work in Asia? ›Can I Use Amazon FireStick Abroad? There's no easy way to answer that question. The Fire Stick itself does work in the UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, Austria, and India.
Does Fire TV Stick work in Hong Kong? ›To use your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick in Hong Kong you need to get a VPN app. Before there wasn't much support for the Amazon devices but now there are a handful of VPN companies who support the devices. A VPN app allows you to trick the Fire TV Stick into thinking you're in another country.
How do I change my Fire TV location to China? ›Click the Preferences tab. Select Country/Region Settings. Click Change next to your current country. Fill in the form with an address in the country you want to be associated with your Firestick.
Are fire sticks region locked? ›If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can stream Prime exclusive content (only) from more countries using your Firestick. But most other apps and content will not work because of geographic licensing resections. Using a VPN on a Firestick may help here though. The Fire TV Cube only works in the United States.
How do I change the country on my Fire TV? ›Log in to the Amazon account that's linked to your Firestick. Go to Accounts and Lists, hit Your Content and Devices, and select the Preferences tab. Go to Country/Region Settings, select Change next to your current country, and fill in the form using an address in the region you want.
Do I need a VPN for Amazon FireStick? ›Using a quality VPN will keep your Amazon Fire TV viewing activity hidden from your ISP and will prevent your speeds from being throttled. The best VPN for Fire Stick devices not only will improve your privacy and security, but will also help you unblock geo-restricted content, opening up even more streaming options.
How do I get international channels on my FireStick? ›Live Net TV for FireStick is a solid option to watch several satellite channels for free. This app not only packs some of the best channels in English, but you can also watch channels from other countries in foreign languages.
How much is Fire TV Stick a month? ›There are no monthly fees associated with the Amazon Fire Stick. All you need to pay for is the device itself.
How does VPN work on Firestick? ›
In the context of a Firestick, or any gadget, a VPN is a simple piece of software that encrypts your data before it reaches your internet provider, then routes it through one of its own servers for added security and privacy.
Can you get caught jailbreaking Fire Stick? ›No one is going to sue you for jailbreaking your Fire Stick. Installing Kodi or any other such FireStick apps are also not illegal. However, if you access to copyright content using Kodi builds or add-ons, then you can very much land in trouble with your government or your ISP. It is very much like torrenting.
How much is Fire Stick VPN? ›Installing NordVPN on Fire TV Stick is simple and only costs from $2.99/month for 6 simultaneous connections. With a single subscription, you can stream movies on Fire Stick with your family and friends. Also, there's a 30-day money back-guarantee if you are not satisfied with the services.