My Chinese friend has been using a VPN for 10 years. It's annoying but not difficult. 

I keep hearing people talk about those lists. Where are they? Are those completely secret? Then who cares? If they're used to control your bank account, then the bank must be able to see it. Do you have any evidence that it exists? 

I have used bitcoin to buy illegal drugs online like thousands of other people and none of us ever faced any punishment. This is the main type of censorship in the US and EU (less so). 

Stop being afraid. Likely the supposed watchers are not competent, and they don't give a shit about your data.