How can I unblock websites and apps while traveling?

The best and easiest way to bypass geographic restrictions is by using a virtual private network (VPN). However, in most cases, VPNs are also blocked in places where the internet is censored. Therefore, ensure that you download and install the VPN app ahead of your trip. Then, all you need to do once you arrive at your destination is connected to a server.

Are VPNs legal in every country?

Most countries worldwide do not restrict or ban VPN usage, so you won't face any issues while traveling. However, you can get into trouble using a VPN in certain regions such as China, Turkey, and North Korea.

Will a VPN help to avoid roaming charges?

Unfortunately, no. You will incur the exact cost regardless of whether you are using a VPN or not. So, don't expect to evade roaming charges with a VPN.

Does a VPN work everywhere?

Yes, most VPNs on this list have an international presence so you can use them almost anywhere. In addition, some services such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN have servers in countries that other VPN providers often neglect, like Turkey and Venezuela.

Can I trust VPN providers?

The work of a VPN is to maintain your online privacy by preventing other third parties from accessing your information. However, the provider can still retain your data. So, it's imperative to choose a VPN that strictly observes a no-logs policy. As a bonus, the VPN should be headquartered in a privacy-friendly country where it won’t be forced by authorities to submit users’ data.

How can I use a public Wi-Fi hotspot securely while traveling?

Hackers and malicious actors can easily spoof or compromise free public Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your online connections with a VPN. This is especially helpful if you intend to enter passwords on your accounts or access financial information.

Does Google Maps work with a VPN?

Yes, you can use Google Maps on your phone and PC. However, keep in mind that Google Maps on mobile devices uses GPS signals and cell towers to determine your location. This location information is separate from what a VPN hides – your IP address.

Is a travel router necessary to make a VPN work?

No, a VPN does not need a travel router to work. In fact, not all VPNs are compatible with travel routers and vice versa. All you need to use a VPN is a device to install it on and an internet connection through mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection. Once you install it, connect to a server in your preferred location and unblock the content you want.

Can a VPN help me access my home streaming services?

A VPN is one of the easiest ways to access your home streaming service when traveling. This is because it will enable you to change your IP address and conceal your location. However, not all VPNs are suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions or VPN blocks.

Will a VPN slow down my connections while traveling?

Definitely yes. This is because the working mechanism of a VPN reroutes your traffic through an intermediary server and applies encryption. Thankfully, premium providers like ExpressVPN are optimizing processes and using new connection protocols to improve speed. For example, it is using WireGuard protocol which is hailed for its improved speed and security.

Can I use a VPN to access my online banking while traveling?

Yes, a VPN can help you access your online bank, but not always. This is because some banks don't support bypassing geographic restrictions and may block your connection if they detect VPN usage. Thankfully, some VPNs have a split tunneling feature that allows you to control the traffic passing through the VPN.

Should I download my VPN before I travel?

It's not necessary to download and install a VPN before traveling. However, some countries like Russia and China ban VPNs entirely, making it impossible to download your travel VPN. So, you should download the VPN software before you leave your country if you intend to visit such countries.

How can I check the VPN rules for the countries I'm visiting?

There are several ways you find out the legality of VPNs in the countries you visit. For example, you can contact your VPN provider and ask if it works there. Also, you can visit the US State Department if you are an American citizen. It lists travel advisories, and the foreign service officials will give you general guidance.

Is a VPN complete protection while traveling?

No, it is one piece of the cog. A VPN will only encrypt your traffic and conceal your IP address when using the internet. However, the government can seize your devices and access whatever data they want. Also, the online service you visit while traveling may not have sufficient security measures like in your country. That is why you need other security tools like antivirus, password manager, firewall, etc.

5 Best VPNs for Traveling in 2023

Sneak peek at using VPNs while traveling

In today’s internet-driven world, you only need a laptop or a smartphone to stay connected with your family and friends while traveling. Thanks to the public WiFi hotspots readily available at numerous places. Unfortunately, these public WiFis are the biggest target of hackers and third parties. Thus, connecting with an open internet source increases the risk of losing important information and online activity history. Besides, you may also find obstacles while trying to access your own country’s local websites and other content due to geo-restrictions. Nonetheless, some reliable and high-quality VPNs are available today that let you stay secure even when connected with publicly available WiFi. The best travel VPNs also allow you to access the local sites easily by spoofing the physical location.

Traveling with a computer, be it a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, enables you to stay connected always. However, although this technology makes your life easier, it exposes you to a lot of risks online, too.

Free WiFi is accessible almost everywhere, from airport lounges, and coffee shops to hotels. The problem is that these hotspots are infested with hackers, and you can easily lose your credit card numbers and other sensitive data.

That’s why it’s recommended to get a reliable virtual private network (VPN) when traveling. It will encrypt your connections and mask IP addresses to maintain your anonymity and security. Moreover, a VPN will help you to bypass geo-restrictions and access whatever you want from anywhere.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best VPNs for traveling, how to use a VPN, and much more.

Quick summary of the best VPNs for traveling

ExpressVPN – Offers an extensive network with blazing-fast servers in 94 countries. It will secure your connections and help you unblock almost everything.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Massive server network that will help you unblock content and apps whenever you go.
NordVPN – Our top recommendation for international and domestic travel today. It is a well-established VPN provider offering high-quality services for more than a decade.
Surfshark – Best budget VPN for traveling. It has strong security and does not limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.
PureVPN – Lightweight software and user-friendly interface with a commitment to outstanding security and privacy.

What is a travel VPN, and why is it important?

A travel VPN keeps your internet connection secure when traveling. It gives you freedom and peace of mind even when using public Wi-Fi hotspots like those in hotels or when making an online payment. VPNs achieve this by encrypting all your online traffic and hiding your IP address, protecting you from hackers, government surveillance, and ISP throttling. A quality travel VPN can also help you access blocked websites to follow your favorite show back home if it is geographically restricted. Overall, a travel VPN will tremendously improve your online safety, prevent monitoring and evade geo-restrictions.

Why do you need a VPN when traveling?

Here are some of the reasons why you need to use a VPN when traveling abroad:

Block snooping eyes

Usually, the sites you visit online are constantly trying to retain your information. This may be for diagnostic, business, or sometimes sinister purposes. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and change your IP address to make you completely anonymous when using the internet.

It may seem helpful for people who handle sensitive information, like journalists and whistleblowers. However, everyone’s privacy is at risk. In fact, anyone can target a wireless network, be it your library’s WiFi, coffee shop free hotspot, or any public WiFi connection. A VPN will prevent third parties from seeing what you are doing online.

That’s why we advise you always to get a VPN when traveling. You never know who may be creeping around to compromise your privacy.

Stay safe online

Probably, you have dealt with different types of malware at one point or another. Some of the common ones include viruses, ransomware, spyware, keyloggers, Trojans, etc. A reliable VPN should safeguard you from all these. It is a must to have for security while traveling.

There was a time I logged in to a hotel’s WiFi without knowing that someone had tampered with the router. After opening the browser window, I was immediately redirected to a malicious website that started to download malware on my laptop.

Popups continued to appear, and my browsing attempts routed to other strange websites even after leaving the hotel. That’s when I noticed something was wrong, and my personal information like bank account details and passwords may be at risk. I was forced to factory reset the laptop to start afresh, and in the process, I lost some of my programs and files.

This can also happen to you when you access the internet without a VPN. Some providers will even notify you when a malicious actor tries to install malware on your device.