When selecting a VPN for international travel, prioritize these key factors: “Opt for a Paid VPN Over a Free One”, “Prioritize High Internet Connection Speed”, “Access to Sites and Services from Your Home Country”,“Prompt 24/7 Support”, and “User-Friendly Interface”.
- 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
Benefits of using a VPN when Traveling Abroad
There are several advantages to using a VPN when you’re traveling overseas:
- Access to Websites and Services from Your Home Country
- Secure Use of Free Wi-Fi
Access to Websites and Services from Your Home Country
When you’re abroad, access to certain sites and services from your home country might be restricted. This could be due to copyright constraints, or because some countries, like China, impose restrictions on accessing foreign sites. By connecting to a VPN server located in your home country, you can bypass these restrictions and access content as if you were back home.
Secure Use of Free Wi-Fi
VPNs provide an added layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks. The reliability of free Wi-Fi in cafes, train stations, and other locations abroad can be questionable. If the network isn’t secure, your data could be vulnerable to snooping or, in worse cases, theft of personal and payment information. By using a VPN, your data is encrypted between your device and the VPN server, greatly reducing the risk of external threats.
5 Points to Consider When Choosing a VPN for International Travel
There are five key factors that should be considered when choosing a VPN for international travel.
- Opt for a Paid VPN Over a Free One
- Prioritize High Internet Connection Speed
- Access to Sites and Services from Your Home Country
- Seek Prompt 24/7 Support
- Choose a User-Friendly Interface
Opt for a Paid VPN Over a Free One
While some VPNs offer complimentary services, it’s advisable to choose a paid VPN. Here’s why:
- Lower Security and Privacy Standards
- Annoying Advertisements
- Restrictions on Speed and Capacity
- Limited Server Options
- Potential Lack of Trustworthiness
The reliability and transparency of some free VPN providers can be questionable. For instance, a Hong Kong-based free VPN service once leaked personal data and logs of 20 million users. (Reference: VPN Mentor)
While some free VPNs might offer decent communication speeds, their potential security flaws should not be ignored. Given that operating a VPN involves costs, offering services for free often leads to compromises, raising concerns about how they might monetize user data. To ensure a secure and uninterrupted experience, especially when traveling, it’s best to opt for a reliable paid VPN. Many of the paid VPNs we recommend offer trial periods, allowing you to use them during your trip and cancel afterward if you choose.
Prioritize High Internet Connection Speed
A stable and fast internet connection speed is crucial for a seamless VPN experience. A slow connection, despite your efforts to connect through a VPN, can be immensely frustrating. Therefore, always opt for a VPN service known for its excellent internet connection speeds.
Access to Sites and Services from Your Home Country
One of the primary reasons for using a VPN while traveling is to access content from your home country smoothly. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a VPN that ensures uninterrupted access to sites and services from your homeland. Two main criteria should be fulfilled:
- The VPN should not be blocked in your travel destination.
- The VPN should not be blocked by service providers from your home country.
If you’re traveling to countries with strict VPN regulations, like China, the first criterion becomes especially significant. Furthermore, some service providers actively block VPN connections. To navigate around these obstacles, it’s wise to opt for a VPN service with a longstanding successful history or significant market popularity. Their enduring presence and widespread recognition attest to their reliability as VPN providers.
Seek Prompt 24/7 Support
Choosing a VPN with quick and responsive support is crucial. If issues arise, having immediate assistance ensures they don’t disrupt your trip. Given potential time zone differences when traveling, a VPN with 24/7 support becomes even more essential.
Choose a User-Friendly Interface
The usability of a VPN application matters. Some VPNs might be clunky or slow to connect. While ease of use might seem minor, it’s a key factor that can greatly influence your overall experience.
The Best VPN Services for International Travel
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 has some of the fastest internet speeds of the VPNs we have used. ExpressVPN is consistently found by review sites to be one of the fastest VPNs. Furthermore, they have more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, so you have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. We have confirmed that you can even connect to servers in China, where restrictions are strong. And ExpressVPN 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
- Want a stable connection from China
\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. We also have confirmed that you can even connect to servers in China, where restrictions are strong. 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
- Want to use the VPN with the greatest market share
\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. And also, we have confirmed that you can even connect to servers in China, where restrictions are strong. 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
- Who want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
How to Connect and Use a VPN While Traveling Abroad
Below is a guide on how to connect to a VPN when traveling overseas, using ExpressVPN as an example:
- Register with ExpressVPN and then Download and Launch the App
- Connect to a Server in Your Home Country After Establishing an Internet Connection
- Navigate to the Desired Website
STEP1. Register with ExpressVPN and Download and Launch the App
To register with ExpressVPN, click the “Get ExpressVPN Today” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
If you’re planning to use a VPN while traveling abroad, it’s advisable to install the VPN application in advance. In many countries, you can sign up for and install a VPN service on-the-go. However, in nations with strict internet regulations like China, accessing the official website of the VPN service becomes impossible once you’re within their borders. Additionally, if you access the service from a country with high taxes, you might incur additional charges. To prevent potential issues like “connection failures” or “installation errors” when abroad, it’s best to set up and test the VPN in your home country before departure.
STEP2. Connect to a Server in Your Home Country After Establishing an Internet Connection
Assume you reside in the United States and you’re traveling abroad, but wish to access a US-based website. First, establish an internet connection. Next, launch the ExpressVPN application and sign in. To connect to a US server, click “…” within the app and input “United States” into the search box. This will allow you to link up with a server based in the US.
Select a server and click the power icon in the middle. Now, you can connect to a server in the US.
STEP3. Navigate to the Desired Website
Now, access the website via the US server and choose the content you wish to view. By simply connecting to the VPN, you’ll be able to browse content as though you were back in your home country.
You need to access the website while connected to a server in the US, so that the website will treat you as if you are accessing it from the US.
FAQ
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It acts as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. By routing your connection through a VPN server, it masks your actual IP address and makes it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from a different location. This not only enhances your online anonymity, protecting your identity from potential eavesdroppers, but also allows you to access websites and services as if you were in a different country, bypassing geo-restrictions.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to access websites in your country from abroad?
Generally, using a VPN to access websites in your country from abroad 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.
Should I use a VPN when traveling abroad?
Yes, using a VPN when traveling abroad is recommended for both security and access reasons.
Can I sign up for a VPN or install an app while traveling?
While you can sign up and install VPN applications in many countries during your travels, there are nations with strict VPN regulations, like China, where accessing official VPN service sites becomes challenging after entry. If you plan to visit such countries, it’s advisable to install and set up your VPN before you depart.
Do I need an Internet connection when using a VPN?
Yes, you do. A VPN doesn’t provide an Internet connection by itself; it requires an existing Internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, to function.
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.
Conclusion
The benefits of using a VPN while traveling abroad include “Access to Websites and Services from Your Home Country” and “Secure Use of Free Wi-Fi.” In this article, we have provided some tips for choosing the right VPN and also recommended some reliable VPN services.
- Opt for a Paid VPN Over a Free One
- Prioritize High Internet Connection Speed
- Access to Sites and Services from Your Home Country
- Seek Prompt 24/7 Support
- Choose a User-Friendly Interface
- 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