The over-the-counter and peer to peer bitcoin exchange LocalBitcoins has issued instructions that will help users to continue using resources despite Russia officially blocking access to its platform.

Roskomnadzor, the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications of Russia, has officially blocked access to LocalBitcoins on September 13, 2016. LiveBitcoinNews reported that the ban, imposed without any prior notice, followed a spike in the weekly trading volumes of LocalBitcoins Russia from US$900,000 to nearly US$4 million over the past 12 months.

“Recently, Roskomnadzor, it was decided to block LocalBitcoins in Russia. For us, as well as for you, this decision was very unexpected”, LocalBitcoins said in a blog post (Google translated).

In the instructions, the startup has recommended Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can be used to install a direct encrypted connection between a user’s computer and the server in another country.

“This not only allows you to make the entrance to the LocalBitcoins, but also on any other site that is blocked in your country. VPN also eliminates the possibility of your Internet provider to monitor your actions and communication in the network, because your traffic is encrypted”, it added.

LocalBitcoins further warns users not to use free VPN services, because they can keep track of user’s traffic. For users who don’t want to pay for VPN services, it recommends TOR browser to access the LocalBitcoins.com.