Molaaa May 8, 2024 @ 8:14am
Using VPN to circumvent ISP block and buying from Store
Hi,
Currently in Vietnam ISP provider has blocked steam website and store, preventing access.

I can still use VPN to access it normally but I wonder that if I purchase game with VPN do I risked getting my account banned?

Pricing and everything is still under my region and I paid with a Visa card. I understand that VPN usage to disguise yourself and change region is strictly forbid.

Any clarification is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
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Showing 1-11 of 11 comments
nullable May 8, 2024 @ 8:39am 
Well... VPN's are just a tool, and there's nothing wrong with using a tool legitimately. So the question is who's responsible for Steam being blocked? Is it just your ISP, or is it your government?

If you're breaking the law to access Steam, Valve might not approve of that. They have to follow the law, even Vietnam laws when dealing with Vietnamese customers. So while I understand your situation isn't good, I don't know I'd ask the opinions of randos on a forum, largely dominated by non-Vietnamese users, about how to navigate this situation.

I would tread carefully, and probably look for better resources that deal with the specifics of what's going on in Vietnam. And I might try to avoid listening to folks who are going to tell me what I want to hear.
N3tRunn3r May 8, 2024 @ 8:43am 
To use VPN or other software to circumvent regional prices, even if Steam is blocked in various countries, can cause a Steam Account Lock or even closure ..

To use VPN to play on different servers is allowed and not against Steam TOS ..

Not Steam does block in your country, Steam has to follow country and regional rules ..
Last edited by N3tRunn3r; May 8, 2024 @ 9:27am
Supafly May 8, 2024 @ 9:25am 
Steam sells using a payment method at the users registered address. Even if you use a VPN you payments registered address would show you as being in a country that can not by the product, thus I suspect you won't be able to buy it
Carlos100 May 8, 2024 @ 9:44am 
Can you access sites like humble /fanatical or https://isthereanydeal.com/

Them sites are safe sites to buy steam games avoiding actual steam store
Last edited by Carlos100; May 8, 2024 @ 9:45am
Supafly May 8, 2024 @ 9:47am 
Originally posted by Carlos100:
Can you access sites like humble /fanatical or https://isthereanydeal.com/

If it's banned in their Country I don't believe they'll be able to redeem a key for the game as Steams systems should see it's banned and prevent them from redeeming the key. Op should be sure before buying a Steam Key of the game as they may not be able to redeem it
N3tRunn3r May 8, 2024 @ 9:57am 
If keysellers show something like "redeemable :: global", it should still work ,,
HikariLight May 8, 2024 @ 10:23am 
Access to servers for a game and browsing, those are fine with VPN use.
Trying to buy anything while using a VPN is not allowed.
Molaaa May 8, 2024 @ 11:45am 
Basically they only block access to the storepage everything else is pretty much functional. I can play game, update, etc.
While im not trying to cheat the system in anyway, probably gonna hold off from buying stuff til further notice i guess. Appreciate all the comment.
Ettanin May 8, 2024 @ 11:56am 
Does Firefox using DNS over TLS allow you to open the store page? In that case, a VPN won't be necessary.
Last edited by Ettanin; May 8, 2024 @ 11:56am
Molaaa May 9, 2024 @ 12:17am 
Originally posted by Ettanin:
Does Firefox using DNS over TLS allow you to open the store page? In that case, a VPN won't be necessary.
Will try it thanks
MancSoulja May 9, 2024 @ 12:57am 
As long as you're not using the VPN to hide your county of origin or bypass geographical restrictions it shouldn't be an issue.

So in other words, make sure you're using a server in the same country as you're located.
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Date Posted: May 8, 2024 @ 8:14am
Posts: 11