The Chatbot launched by OpenAI is multifunctional, hence its emergence impacts many different spheres of life. ChatGPT can answer questions, generate text, compose stories and even poems, engage in dialogue with users, conduct financial analysis, and solve many other tasks. The neural network is capable of retraining, so the service continuously improves. By 2023, the service had over 100 million users. In March of this year, an enhanced version – GPT-4 – was released.
It functions as a regular chatbot, with requests inserted into the dialogue box, where responses also appear. Fortunately, the basic functions of the chatbot can be used for free, although there is also a paid version with extended features. To start using the service, one simply needs to register. The problem is that verifying a Russian phone number is not possible, and access from Russian IP addresses is blocked. Let’s find out if ChatGPT can be used in Russia and if there’s a way to bypass the blockades.
How to Register for ChatGPT in Russia
Before using ChatGPT in Russia, as in any other country, a user needs to register. And this is where problems arise, as the bot creators have blocked access to residents of several countries, including Russia. As a result, an attempt to register in the usual way will bring up a message in English stating: “Service is not available in your country.”
It might seem easy to bypass the ban using a VPN. But if the problem could be solved that easily, there would be no questions arising. The issue is that registration requires linking a mobile phone to the account. Using your real number registered in Russia will result in a registration denial.
Below is a guide on how Russians can register:
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Install Google Chrome Portable;
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Open the installed web browser and set up a VPN extension;
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Note that most extensions require registration, and you’ll need to undergo this procedure;
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Then, with the VPN turned on, go to ChatGPT;
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Click the Sign up registration button;
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Enter your first and last name;
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You’ll next need to enter a foreign phone number, preferably from the USA, which we’ll explain how to get below;
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Type in the code digits that will be sent to the number;
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Enter these digits and authorize on the ChatGPT website; the registration process is then complete.
Until the end of March 2023, these tricks were only needed for registration, after which you could enter the site without activating a VPN. But now, such attempts result in account blocking. Therefore, using a VPN is mandatory to use the chatbot.
How to Obtain a Foreign Phone Number
Now, let’s figure out how to acquire a foreign phone number. This number will be needed only once for registration and won’t be required for future site access.
Several available methods allow you to get a disposable phone number and use it once:
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Free Tone – a free service with numerous numbers registered in the USA and Canada;
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Hush – a paid service, but it has a 3-day free demo version. This time is enough to complete the registration.
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Cover Me – a service offering a package of paid services, including a number for calls and receiving messages, as well as storage for photos and other necessary files;
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Numbers Plus – a service available only for iPhones, does not work with Android-based phones.
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SMS-MAN.RU offers paid rental of a number for receiving SMS, convenient for solving the tasks at hand.
Whichever option is chosen, there is a possibility that the CVC will not reach the first number obtained. In this case, try sending the request again. If that still doesn’t help, you’ll need to take another number.
Registering through a rented phone number is unsafe if you plan on using personal data. Since other people might use the number, they could theoretically access your account.
A safer way is to purchase an eSim from a country not affected by blockades. It’s important to find operators selling without requiring buyer identity verification. Suitable options can be found on the aggregator Esimdb. Keep in mind that payment using cards issued by Russian banks is not possible; you need a card suitable for international transactions.
Does the Bot Work in Russian?
Since the chatbot developer is English-speaking, this service generates texts best in its creator’s language. But it also handles Russian well. No additional settings are required, and the bot provides responses in the language in which the request is sent.
Although sometimes the texts are “clunky” because they go through a translator and may require editing.
Another problem occurs when the generated text stops mid-sentence. To continue, you can try to rephrase the request. But this doesn’t always work.
How to Subscribe for a Paid Membership
GPT-4 handles Russian texts significantly better. To access it, a paid subscription is required:
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Open the menu (in the right corner);
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Select Upgrade Plan;
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Use a card suitable for international transactions for payment.
The subscription costs $20 per month.
Services Available in Russia with ChatGPT Support
The use of AI is becoming more widespread, ChatGPT is available in:
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Bing – a popular search engine that works with Microsoft’s browser.
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Notion – a service that allows you to automate routine tasks, improve texts and photos.
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Poe – a chat to find answers to questions, operates in English.
By paying for access to the API, you can use the chatbot through other services, such as TypingMind.
Chatbots in Telegram – Truth or Exchange
Many bots are launched on Telegram every month, claiming to be ChatGPT. But it’s impossible to verify which technology they operate on; they might be using an outdated language model that has nothing to do with OpenAI.
It’s doubtful that someone would pay for the ChatGPT API to create a free bot in Telegram. Of course, developers can insert ads or offer a paid subscription, but even after paying, users won’t know which model is used. Most bots generate texts successfully, but their quality tends to be low.
Conclusion
So, we’ve figured out how to register for ChatGPT and how to use this service in Russia. And for those who don’t want to look for ways around registration, it’s worth paying attention to Russian developments like GigaChat or YandexGPT, which can also generate texts and perform many other functions.
