So I am in California now. Before I left Taiwan I paid for Chunghwa’s roaming package.
Once in California I notice I can not surf websites like Home Depot which is geoblocked.
When I checked my IP I am still in Taiwan.
But if I used my friend’s WiFi I am indeed in California.
Because roaming tunnels through to the ISP. You are still on the Taiwanese Internet.
On the other hand, it is great for use in China.
It’s not weird, it’s completely normal.
On your friend’s Wi-Fi, you are using a US ISP. Thus, US Internet.
Your ISP gives you your IP address. Taiwanese ISP, Taiwanese IP.
I’ve often wondered what their roaming package was like. Are there decent options? What is the basic fee structure?
I have a VPN that negates geo-blocking and I cannot get into that particular website
https://www.homedepot.com
Even on a US or Canadian server?
I heard many sites that geoblock also blocks known VPN.
I use ProtoVPN and Home Depot works. But had trouble with the Starbucks App.
That sucks. I wanted to watch US only Netflix shows.
Should have gotten an US sim card instead.
I would suggest an app called Airalo if you have a phone that supports ESIM.
Cheaper than roaming and actually also easier . Just buy the esim before departing on a flight and you have internet when you land. Used it so far in Europe, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia at least. If trip is very long then get a local SIM card.
They get mixed reviews. 60% five star and 30% one star. Most of the online positive reviews come from just a couple sources
Can’t you just use wifi?
Yes. Just the wifi at my friend’s place is a tad slow.
