Are you about to take a trip but worried about your online security? Or maybe you just want to keep watching your local TV shows abroad.
If you’re going on a trip but aren’t sure whether you need a VPN or not, you need to read this. We’ll walk you through all the possible situations where using a VPN internationally will benefit you.
These are some of the advantages of using a VPN internationally.
- Keeping your information private.
- Using websites from your country.
- Streaming TV shows and sports.
- Unlocking travel discounts.
- Getting past firewalls.
1. Maintaining Privacy
When you’re abroad, you usually have to rely on public Wi-Fi to check up on your social media or see a map. Not to mention making online purchases for tickets or checking your bank account.
Doing this is always a major risk, as you’re sending information over a non-protected network. If you don’t protect your data, anyone observing can intercept it, and you’re putting yourself at risk of identity theft and fraud.
A VPN encrypts your data before sending it, so your credit card purchases and social media login information are safe. It also doesn’t reveal your location, identifiers or IP address to others. You can remain carefree when browsing, and enjoy your vacation.
2. Using Websites in Your Country
Some content from your country might be blocked from access if you’re abroad. Other services, such as banks, are available for access, but risky to use. If your bank notices you’re logging in from another country, they may take it as an intent of fraud and block your account.
You’ll usually be able to solve this with a phone call after it’s happened. But it can ruin your day to find yourself in a foreign country without money or access to your cards.
3. Streaming Content
When you’re travelling, you might not be able to watch your favourite TV shows and sports events. While they might be available online when you’re in New Zealand, the broadcasting rights aren’t global.
A VPN with servers in New Zealand will let you overcome this hurdle. By using an intermediary server, it tricks these services into thinking you’re still in the country. This way, you’ll be able to watch local sporting events even when you’re abroad.
And when you’re at home, you’ll be able to unblock Netflix and Amazon Primer Video content from other countries. The streaming libraries in other countries tend to vary, so you’ll get more bang for your buck on each subscription by picking a different server.
4. Finding Travel Discounts
You might get some travel discounts when you log in from different locations. Plane tickets and hotels often have different prices when you view them from a different country. Be sure to try out a couple of different options when searching for the best deals.
5. Getting Over Firewalls
Some countries, like China and Thailand, have strong firewalls that prevent you from seeing the news outlets and social media you follow at home. Some VPNs, but not all, allow you to go over these firewalls to view content from home and post your vacation pictures.
Note that it may be illegal in these countries to use a VPN, even if foreign tourists rarely get tickets. Using a VPN can carry legal consequences for you, so it’s good to weigh your options before travelling.
Find the Right VPN for You
From protecting your security to unblocking streaming content, a VPN is a crucial travel buddy. It helps keep your data private. But it also allows you to keep watching your favourite shows and sporting events no matter where you are in the world.
Finding the right VPN for your needs can get tricky because not all of them are ideal for New Zealanders. We found the best for New Zealand users in this VPNNZ review so you can make sure your VPN unblocks the content you need.
And most importantly, remember that the only way to keep your information private is actually using the VPN. When you’re travelling, connect to the VPN whenever you’re browsing, especially when you’re sending personal information over the internet.