The country has exactly one Internet Service Provider, the state-run Turkmentelecom. The ISP provides the government with extensive monitoring of users’ online travels, while also blocking numerous popular websites and social services, like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Online users who are critical of the government face extensive intimidation, as well as imprisonment. The government monitors online usage, VoIP calls, operates surveillance webcams and records user keystrokes. (It’s all in the link in the first paragraph.)
In addition to all of the above, Turkmenistani internet users lack access to streaming content, as well as other online content from other countries.
Happily, for Turkmenistani and online users everywhere, there is a handy tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encrypted protection. This hides your online travels from being monitored or blocked by the government, your ISP (I guess that’s the same thing in Turkmenistan) and hackers. Reliable VPN providers also offer other protective features to keep your online activities incognito.
A VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. Since an IP address can be used to determine your geographical location, by connecting to a VPN server located in another country, you will appear to be connecting from that country, opening up access to content that is reserved for that country’s online users.
In this article, I tell you about the 5 top VPN providers to use from inside of Turkmenistan.
How to Use a VPN in Turkmenistan
To use a VPN in Turkmenistan, follow the steps below.
- Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPN is my top choice).
- Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
- Log into the VPN app.
- Connect to a server in any country besides Turkmenistan. No VPN on this list has servers in Turkmenistan.
- Enjoy your newly protected internet connection and access to international content!
Note: Download and install your VPN provider before entering Turkmenistan. VPNs are illegal in Turkmenistan, and the government blocks access to their websites. That’s why you need to set up the VPN beforehand, or you won’t have access.
Best VPNs for Turkmenistan
These 5 top VPNs listed below all offer comprehensive VPN protection and enhancement for your internet connection in San José.
Here’s a quick overview of the VPN providers on this list:
- NordVPN: This top-ranked VPN provider offers an impressive global server network, fast downloads, comprehensive online security and privacy, and excellent app support for most popular devices.
- Surfshark: Budget-minded users will appreciate this VPN’s comprehensive online protection at a bargain price. The provider’s large global server network provides access to geo-controlled content, while also offering extensive protection for an unlimited number of devices.
- ExpressVPN: This somewhat expensive, yet premium VPN provider will likely be attractive to many users. The provider’s speedy and well-protected connections are available for most popular devices, all from an impressive global server network.
- CyberGhost: First-time VPN users or those looking for easy-to-use access to a large global network of servers will appreciate this VPN. One-click access to fast connections (including streaming- and downloading-optimized servers) are available in a large number of locations around the globe.
- IPVanish: IPVanish makes this list thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, as well as the additional privacy that its proprietary global server network offers. This makes this VPN’s service ideal for privacy-minded users who own multiple devices.