How We Handle Affiliate Links
Some guides on this site contain affiliate links. When you buy something through one of those links, we earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
That's the short version. Here's the longer one, because we think you deserve to know exactly how this works.
Rankings are never for sale
When we rank VPNs, eSIMs, hotels, or anything else, the order comes from one thing: does it actually work in Shenzhen?
We test products, read community reports, and rank on reliability. Commission rates, affiliate availability, and partnership deals don't move anything up or down. Period.
If the best product in a category doesn't have an affiliate program, it still gets the #1 spot.
We tell you who pays us — and who doesn't
This is the part most sites skip. When a guide has affiliate links alongside non-affiliate recommendations, we name both:
- Which products are not affiliate partners (we earn nothing from those)
- Which product is an affiliate partner (we earn a commission)
We do this because "some links on this page are affiliate links" tells you nothing. Knowing that we ranked a non-paying product above a paying one tells you everything.
Where affiliate links appear (and don't)
You'll find them in: product guides — VPN reviews, eSIM comparisons, hotel recommendations. They show up after the editorial content, never above it.
You won't find them in:
- Live data pages (like the border status page) — you're making an urgent decision, not shopping
- Tools (visa checker, border picker) — these are lookup tools, not endorsements
- The About page — that page explains why you can trust us; ads there would defeat the purpose
- FAQ answers — the most trust-sensitive part of any guide
- Food guides — food is cultural content, we recommend restaurants because they're good
How we disclose
Every affiliate link comes with a plain-language disclosure — in the same section, in the same font size, visible without scrolling or clicking "more info."
We say things like:
- "We earn a small commission when you sign up through this link."
- "Affiliate link — we get a commission. Rankings aren't affected."
We don't say vague things like "partner links" or bury asterisks in the footer.
What we won't do
- Create a guide section just to promote an affiliate product
- Change a recommendation after signing an affiliate deal
- Remove a higher-ranked competitor to make room for a paying one
- Use countdown timers, pop-ups, or fake urgency
- Accept pre-written copy or talking points from partners
Legal bits
All affiliate links use rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" per FTC and ASA guidelines. Disclosure appears adjacent to the link, not buried at the bottom of the page.
VPN guides include a dated legal disclaimer about personal VPN use in China — because we recommend VPNs for practical reasons, not as legal advice.
Questions?
If something on this site feels like an ad pretending to be a recommendation, tell us. We'll respond within 48 hours.