3 Proven Ways to Access ChatGPT from Anywhere in 2023

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Method 1: Use Perplexity with Integrated ChatGPT
• Method 2: Leverage Po.com for Free Access
• Method 3: ChatGPT Access with VPN and SMS Verification
• Conclusion and Recommendations

Introduction to Accessing ChatGPT from Restricted Locations

ChatGPT has quickly become one of the most popular AI chatbots since its release in November 2022. However, its access is currently limited to only certain countries like the US and UK. For those living elsewhere, accessing ChatGPT can be difficult due to geographic restrictions.

In this blog post, we'll explore 3 methods that provide full access to ChatGPT despite geographic limitations. Whether looking for a free option or maximum capabilities, one of these methods will work for gaining ChatGPT access abroad.

ChatGPT Overview and Capabilities

For those unfamiliar, ChatGPT is a conversational AI chatbot created by OpenAI. It can understand natural language questions and provide detailed written responses on a vast range of topics. Key capabilities include conversational ability, text generation, answering questions, explaining concepts, summarizing content, translating languages, writing code, and more. The longer chat history provided to ChatGPT, the more context it has for thoughtful and accurate responses.

Countries Where ChatGPT Access is Currently Restricted

As of December 2022, ChatGPT access is only available in around 100 countries. Major restricted areas include China, India, Russia, most parts of Africa and South America, and more. Access is granted based on a user's IP address location. So those abroad are blocked when attempting to create a ChatGPT account.

Method 1: Use Perplexity's Integrated ChatGPT

The first method for gaining ChatGPT access from restricted locations is using a third-party service called Perplexity. Perplexity provides an integrated version of ChatGPT called CLA2 within its AI platform.

The key benefit is that Perplexity has no geographic restrictions. Anyone from around the world can sign up and access the built-in ChatGPT functionality.

Perplexity Pricing and Features

Perplexity offers free and paid subscription plans. However, ChatGPT access requires upgrading to a Pro account which costs $20 per month. With a Pro plan, you gain features like higher word count limits, faster response times, multiple models to choose between, and more. The integrated CLA2 is the highlight, providing full ChatGPT capabilities.

Perplexity Pros and Cons

Using Perplexity for ChatGPT access has notable advantages. There's no need for a VPN or SMS verification. Just a simple paid subscription enables CLA2 usage from anywhere globally. Downsides are the monthly cost and some limitations of CLA2 vs native ChatGPT. The context length is shorter in Perplexity and response lengths are capped. But it offers a legitimate way to leverage ChatGPT abilities regardless of geographic restrictions.

Method 2: Leverage Po.com for Free Access

A second option granting ChatGPT access abroad is through a platform called Po.com. They offer an integrated Claude chatbot which mimics ChatGPT's capabilities.

Po.com has free and paid plans. So those restricted can access full-featured ChatGPT functionality at no cost by signing up for a free account.

Po.com Free vs Paid Plans

With a Po.com free account, you gain access to the Claude chatbot with essentially all ChatGPT features. However, daily usage is capped at 50 prompts per day before needing to upgrade. Paid Po.com plans start at $10 per month and lift prompt limits. But the free version is an easy way to leverage ChatGPT-like abilities from restricted regions before deciding if to upgrade.

Po.com Drawbacks

Unlike Perplexity though, Po.com does seem to implement IP blocks still for some countries. Using a quality VPN connection may be required for those that get restricted at signup. Additionally, the Claude bot has similarities but is not exactly the same as native ChatGPT. So you lose some capabilities but gain the core conversational features.

Method 3: ChatGPT Access via VPN and SMS Verification

The best and free way for full ChatGPT access abroad is by masking your location. This involves using a VPN service and SMS verification method to successfully create a ChatGPT account.

When set up properly, you can access the actual ChatGPT and all the most advanced capabilities for free without any limitations.

Recommended VPN Service

The best VPN service I've found for gaining ChatGPT access from restricted regions is HideMyName VPN. It offers reliable connection speeds, servers across the world, and easy account setup. Simply install on your device, select an approved ChatGPT country to mask your IP address, connect to mask your traffic and location.

SMS Provider for Verification

The last step is receiving an SMS for phone verification when you register for ChatGPT. A good provider I recommend is quackr.io. For around $10 you can temporarily rent a number capable of receiving verification texts. Input this number during ChatGPT signup with your VPN active and you'll receive a confirmation code to finish creating your account. Then deactivate any paid services and enjoy full free access.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Despite the geographic limitations currently in place by OpenAI, those abroad still have viable methods to access all ChatGPT features. The free option using VPN and SMS verification provides the real ChatGPT experience. But paid alternatives through Perplexity or Po.com also present great convenience.

I recommend trying the free VPN and SMS process first to unlock the full ChatGPT abroad. But the integrated platforms are great paid fallbacks allowing you to still leverage conversational AI abilities.

FAQ

Q: What countries currently have access to ChatGPT?
A: As of now, ChatGPT is only available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe.

Q: Do I need a phone number for ChatGPT access?
A: Yes, ChatGPT requires a valid phone number to send a verification code during signup.

Q: Can I use ChatGPT for free?
A: Yes, the core ChatGPT model is currently free to use with no pricing tiers. However, access requires meeting geographic requirements or using methods detailed in this post.

Q: Is perplexity better than ChatGPT?
A: No, standalone ChatGPT provides a larger context window and more capabilities. However, perplexity does enable free access to a version of ChatGPT.

Q: What is the best VPN for ChatGPT access?
A: Based on the creator's testing, Hide My Name VPN provided reliable access worldwide to register for ChatGPT.

Q: How much does SMS verification cost?
A: The creator paid $10 USD for 1 week of SMS verification via QuackQuack.io to register for ChatGPT access.

Q: Can anyone use ChatGPT now?
A: With the methods shown, anyone worldwide can gain access to some form of ChatGPT, whether perplexity, po.com or full ChatGPT with VPN and SMS verification.

Q: Is there a free VPN that works for ChatGPT?
A: Most reliable VPNs require a paid subscription. Free VPNs often have bandwidth limits that could disrupt ChatGPT verification and signup.

Q: What are the drawbacks of po.com for ChatGPT?
A: The free po.com tier has daily request limits. Upgrading to premium removes this limitation but adds cost.

Q: How long does ChatGPT access last?
A: Once successfully registered, your ChatGPT access should persist indefinitely without needing to renew VPN or SMS verification services.