A VPN is an indispensable tool for those living abroad. In this article, we will delve into the importance of VPNs for expatriates and recommend the top VPN services tailored for their needs.
- ExpressVPN: Recommended for those who need higher internet speed
>>Sign up through our site get an extra 3 months free! - NordVPN: Recommended for those who want to balance price and internet speed
- SurfShark: Recommended for those on a budget
3 Key Reasons Why a VPN is Essential for Overseas Assignments
There are three reasons why a VPN is essential for overseas assignments.
- Access to Websites and Services from Your Home Country
- Access to Content Blocked by the Resident Country
- Secure Use of Free Wi-Fi
Access to Websites and Services from Your Home Country
When you’re stationed abroad, you might find that accessing certain sites and services from your home country becomes a challenge. This can be due to copyright limitations or governmental restrictions. For instance, content on YouTube might be restricted to a specific country, and trying to view it from elsewhere will greet you with the message: “Video unavailable.”
Although platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime operate globally, the catalog of movies and shows varies by country. This type of location-based restriction is known as geo-blocking. A VPN, when connected to a server in your home country, allows you to bypass these limitations. For those with paid video service subscriptions in their native countries, a VPN ensures continuous access from anywhere.
Access to Content Blocked by the Resident Country
Certain countries implement their own internet restrictions. China is a notable example where many globally popular sites, like LINE, Facebook, and Google, are unavailable due to the Great Firewall. Similarly, other countries, like South Korea and Indonesia, restrict access to adult content, while others block gambling sites. With a VPN, you can navigate around these restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted access to your desired content.
Secure Use of Free Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks, found in cafes, train stations, and various other venues, can be unreliable and insecure. If the network lacks adequate security, your data could be susceptible to interception or theft. A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, significantly minimizing potential threats and ensuring your online safety.
3 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a VPN for Expatriates
There are three key factors that should be considered when choosing a VPN for expatriates.
- Opt for a Highly Popular VPN
- Ensure the VPN Supports Geo-Blocking
- Choose a VPN Compliant with the Regulations of the Resident Country
Opt for a Highly Popular VPN
A significant user base often indicates a VPN’s reliability. Less popular VPNs might face challenges in bypassing government restrictions or could be prone to unstable connections.
Ensure the VPN Supports Geo-Blocking
Not all VPN services can effectively handle geo-blocking (regional restrictions). Selecting a VPN without adequate geo-blocking support might prevent you from accessing content from your home country. Always opt for a service with a solid track record in bypassing such restrictions.
Choose a VPN Compliant with the Regulations of the Resident Country
Some countries, like China, have stringent regulations concerning VPN use and actively work to block VPN server connections. It’s crucial to choose a VPN service that can adeptly navigate these regulations, possibly by frequently updating server locations or employing other strategies.
The Best VPN Services for Expatriates
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | |
Prices | 1-Month: $12.95 6-Months: $9.99/month 12-Months: $6.67/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Countries | 105 | 60 | 100 |
Servers | 3,000+ | 5,800+ | 3,200+ |
Maximum devices supported | 8 | 10 | Unlimited |
Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast |
Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
Prices | 1-Month: $12.95 6-Months: $9.99/month 12-Months: $6.67/month |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
Countries | 105 |
Servers | 3,000+ |
Maximum devices supported | 8 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
Countries | 60 |
Servers | 5,800+ |
Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN’s excellent service, and balance of price, internet speed, servers, and countries, has allowed it to gain the greatest market share in the world. Overall, NordVPN consistently receives great reviews from leading experts. NordVPN has more than 5,800 servers in 60 countries, so you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. You can et help and advice from our friendly customer support team through email or live chat for your 24/7. And NordVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- Want to balance price and internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Performance with a Lower Price
Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
Countries | 100 |
Servers | 3,200+ |
Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark offers impressive performance with a lower price. You can get Surfshark much cheaper than other services if you apply for the 24-month plan. Furthermore, Surfshark has no connection limits. So, you and your family can connect and use all your devices simultaneously. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Just like the other VPNs, you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. Customer support experts are there for you 24/7, if you need a helping hand with them via live chat or email. And SurfsharkVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Who are budget conscious and want to want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQ
Are paid VPNs better than free one?
Yes. Although there are many free VPN services available, we do not recommend free VPNs for the following reasons.
- Lower Security and Privacy Standards
- Annoying Advertisements
- Restrictions on Speed and Capacity
- Limited Server Options
- Potential Lack of Trustworthiness
Be especially careful about personal information, as there is a risk that a free VPN can be used to link email addresses to communication records and resell them.
Is it illegal to use a VPN?
Generally, using a VPN is legal. VPNs are tools widely used by individuals to protect their privacy and online activity. However, while the VPN itself might be legal, the activities you conduct while using one should always adhere to local laws. It’s worth noting that some countries, like China, place strict restrictions on VPN usage.
What are other advantages of using a VPN?
Beyond the primary benefits, a VPN also allows users to unblock websites restricted in their country, obtain subscription services at lower prices, and often find better deals when making online purchases.
I am planning to be posted to China. Are there any other VPNs you would recommend?
While ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which are discussed in this article, are stable and reliable, we advise subscribing to several VPNs in advance. This prepares you for the possibility of stricter government regulations once you’re in China.
Conclusion
- The reasons why VPNs are essential for expatriates include “Access to Websites and Services from Your Home Country”, “Access to Content Blocked by the Resident Country” and “Secure Use of Free Wi-Fi.”
- When selecting a VPN for expatriates, key factors to consider are the VPN’s popularity, its ability to support geo-blocking, and its compliance with the regulations of the resident country.
- ExpressVPN: Recommended for those who need higher internet speed
>>Sign up through our site get an extra 3 months free! - NordVPN: Recommended for those who want to balance price and internet speed
- SurfShark: Recommended for those on a budget