Inevitably, even those of us who aren’t tech savvy are hearing about VPNs lately. Without trying, you’ve heard about them on Reddit, Quora, Twitter, maybe even from study abroad friends or classmates, and everyone seems to have one.
If you don’t know when or why you should use a VPN while abroad, we give you Exhibit A: public WiFi.
In their booming popularity, you’ve probably managed to pick up some information about VPNs on the streets — but you’re still left with lingering questions. Like...what is a VPN? Should I use a VPN? Do VPNs have any specific benefits for people traveling the world?
We’ll answer that last question right now: Yes! Using a VPN while traveling is a smart move. The safety and security of your phone, luggage, cash, and personal belongings are all of the utmost importance to you while you’re abroad, right? So why not your online safety and security too?
We’ve answered some of your most burning, frequent Qs about VPNs to better enable you to make an informed decision about whether or not you should invest in a VPN while abroad. Check out the rundown before you jet off on your next adventure!
The 411 on using a VPN while traveling
1. What is a VPN?
First thing’s first: what is a VPN? All you know is that it’s some kind of...device? Service? Hmm...it’s definitely something that your friend has on their laptop to torrent movies (we won’t snitch). Never fear — we’re here to spell it out for you.
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. Basically, it’s software you download to your computer that will protect your privacy and add an additional level of security to your online connection.
Okay...what does that mean? It means a VPN will hide your IP address, encrypt data transfers, and conceal your location. In a way, it makes you somewhat invisible online, or at least pretty difficult to track.
“Cool. But should I be using a VPN while traveling?” Well...
2. Should I use a VPN while abroad?
Should you get a VPN while traveling? Yes, we highly recommend it! Since the world can seemingly no longer function without the internet, a lot more sensitive activity takes place online nowadays. And while abroad (and even at home), you’ll be vulnerable to having that activity hacked or spied on if you’re not using a VPN.
For example, if you’re going abroad to work or are already an expat working for a company overseas, you’ll probably be required to use a VPN on your computer in order to protect your company’s sensitive information.
Regardless of your travel motivations, using a VPN while traveling will help conceal your personal information online too, like credit card numbers, your social security number, passwords, and more.
Even if you’re just going abroad for a short time, imagine how much it would suck to have your information stolen and to have to go through the process of recovering info or dealing with identity fraud while away from home. That’s the risk you run if you’re not using a VPN.
Better safe than sorry, right? So yes, you should use a VPN while traveling, and even at home too.
3. Why use a VPN overseas?
There are many reasons to use a VPN overseas, some of which have already been covered above. In short, the best reasons to use a VPN while traveling are:
- To keep your activity online private. Think of a VPN as incognito mode on steroids. While using one, no one will be able to see what you’re doing on Chrome, Firefox, etc.
- To encrypt data transfers. Pretty much everything you do online is a data transfer, but relevant examples are Facebook messages and Insta DMs. With a VPN, it’s much more difficult for someone to hack in and access them.
- To hide your location. We’ll talk more about this, but this can be especially beneficial for watching your favorite Netflix shows that are unavailable overseas or using other streaming services that might be restricted in your location.
- To hide your IP address. The benefits here are the same as hiding your location, but hiding your IP address also makes it difficult to trace your activity online back to you.
- To access blocked websites. Some websites and services you’re used to using back home are blocked in certain countries, so a VPN will allow you to access them regardless of geolocation.
A lot of that probably sounds a little creepy to someone who is unfamiliar with VPNs. Sure, there are probably a lot of people out there who use VPNs to do some shady stuff online, but you’re not one of those people, right?
In the context of travel, all of those reasons are still valid, because it all comes back to your privacy and safety first. Hackers are crafty and companies want your data to create better advertisements for you. So, avoid having your information stolen (or bought) by using a VPN while traveling.
4. What to use a VPN for
You can use a VPN while abroad for a lot of things. We’ve talked a lot about protecting your information and privacy, but VPNs are good for more than just that.
As we mentioned, you can use VPNs to access Netflix in countries where it isn’t available, as well as Hulu, Spotify, Amazon, and other streaming services that restrict content based on geolocation.
You can access websites blocked in other countries too. For example, lots of people use VPNs in China in order to use websites that are currently blocked there. You can use a VPN at home to use a jailbroken Firestick or Roku too (although, you should try not to break any laws or user agreements).
Using a VPN can also help you save money when booking hotels and flights, since prices may fluctuate depending on where you’re booking from. Plus, if you’re an expat or going abroad for an extended period of time, we can bet you’ll spend a lot of time in coffee shops using free WiFi — and those networks are notoriously unsecured.
Finally, you can also use a VPN to feel safe and secure while making bank transactions online. Transferring funds from your bank account abroad to your bank account back home is a prime example (which will be necessary for everyone who’s working abroad to pay off those pesky student loans at home).
5. How to use a VPN
Using a VPN is as simple as choosing one and downloading it to your computer. Once you’ve decided how much you’re willing to pay for a VPN and done the proper research into which one is right for you, all you have to do is download the software.
After that, you can install it, launch it, sign up, and you’re good to go. If you don’t want to have your VPN connected at all times, just be sure to switch it on when you’re using public WiFi, transferring money, or booking flights and accommodations. Also be sure to be clear on how and when your VPN service is going to charge you each month.
6. When to use a VPN abroad
Wondering when to use a VPN abroad? It’s up to you. As we previously mentioned, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time on free (and usually unsecured) WiFi networks while traveling, whether at coffee shops, airports, or elsewhere. These are hotbeds for hacking, so keep your information and your identity safe and switch on your VPN in those situations.
However, you don’t necessarily have to have your VPN connected at all times, especially since they’re known to slow down internet speeds. Just use your best judgement about your situation; if you’re trying to keep information private or find a sweet travel deal, for example, connect your VPN.
7. What is the best VPN for traveling abroad?
When it comes to VPN providers, there are dozens to choose from. The easiest way to decide on the best VPN for traveling abroad for YOU is whether or not you want to pay for a VPN service, since free and paid services vary widely. You know the saying — you get what you pay for.
Generally, most travelers recommend a paid VPN service to preserve internet speed and to have an overall better user experience. But if you’re willing to put the work and research in, you may be able to find a free VPN suitable for you.
8. Are there disadvantages to using a VPN?
We’ve briefly touched on the disadvantages to using a VPN briefly, but honestly, there’s not many. There are just two major ones: cost and internet speed.
That’s right — sadly, VPNs cost money. The good news is that there are plenty of free options to choose from; however, a free service comes with its own disadvantages, such as annoying ad banners. Apparently some free VPNs might even sell your information to who you’re trying to hide it from, so definitely read the user agreement if you decide to go the unpaid route.
Furthermore, VPNs are known to naturally slow down internet speeds, but this may be avoided more so through a paid VPN service than a free one. (However, speeds still remain at about 4 Mbps, which is “fast” for standard browsing and streaming; the only people who may be affected are gamers who would typically require much more capacity.)
And if that’s an issue that doesn’t really bother you, your options for VPNs will open up even more!
So...should you get a VPN while traveling?
Using a VPN while traveling is absolutely in your best interest, especially if you frequent places like this!
Ultimately, whether or not you should get a VPN while traveling will depend on how often you’re using unsecured networks and what your budget is like. For instance, volunteers might not be able to pay for a monthly VPN with their whopping salary of $0 per month. However, if you’re a professional working abroad, it’s highly recommended that you use a VPN for the safety and security of not only your own information, but that of your company as well.
Just keep in mind that the name of the game is At Your Own Risk. Many people have had trouble with identity theft online, and later lament their failure to use a VPN. While a VPN isn’t 100% foolproof (nowadays you’re never completely safe online), it’ll definitely keep you out of trouble more often than not. Now get out there and find your best VPN for international travel!
Check Out GoAbroad’s Travel Tools & Resources
This article was written with help from Namecheap.com. They offer a safe, reliable VPN service for expats that starts at $1.88/month.
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