- Use cases
- VPN for travel
- Save up on flights, bookings, and rentals
- Keep your data safe on public Wi-Fi
- Block ads to save roaming data
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Do I need a VPN for international travel?
Yes! When traveling internationally, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps protect your data on public Wi-Fi, secure your online transactions, avoid surveillance, and maintain access to essential services and subscriptions. Ultimately, it provides privacy, security, and uninterrupted access to the internet.
To learn more, take a look at what a VPN can do for you.
Secure connection on the go
Travel smart with a trusted VPN
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Why use a VPN abroad?
A VPN service makes your travel experience easier. When everything around you is new, there’s nothing like having a piece of home in your pocket.
Get cheaper flights and hotels
Airlines and hotels are known for having separate pricing policies for different regions. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location to find better deals and save money on bookings.
Stay safe on public Wi-Fi
When roaming is involved, Wi-Fi hotspots can be a godsend. However, public networks are notorious for being easy targets for hackers. In comes VPN, providing connection encryption and protection against security breaches.
Access blocked websites safely
One day, you may find yourself in a country that restricts access to your news and social media platforms. With a VPN, you can easily bypass these limits and keep in touch with your home base freely and without threat to your data.
Stream buffer-free on the road
Hotel and airport networks often have data caps that limit your speed and cause buffering issues while streaming. A VPN can help by masking your data usage, allowing for smoother, uninterrupted performance without bandwidth throttling.
Access your bank freely
Some banking apps only work with your native IP (Internet Protocol) address. So, if you’re traveling abroad, you could find yourself locked out of your banking service. With a travel VPN, this becomes a non-issue — you can use your bank as if you never left home.
Keep your accounts unbanned
Logging onto social media abroad? Some websites can flag or block users’ accounts when accessed from unusual locations. With a travel VPN, you can stay connected to your home country. Or, take advantage of Surfshark’s Dedicated IP feature, which will also provide you with a static IP address exclusive to you.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN securely routes your device’s data through its server network before it reaches the internet. This process hides your real IP address and replaces it with the server’s, keeping your identity private from websites and online services.
But that’s not all! As your data travels through a VPN server, it gets encrypted. This means even if someone intercepts it, they can’t read or understand it without the encryption key, which only your computer and the VPN server have.
A VPN protects your privacy from hackers, government agencies, and your ISP (Internet Service Provider), ensuring a safer online experience.
How to set up a travel VPN
Remember that in some countries, you won’t be able to access a VPN through an app store. Be sure to download and set up your VPN app before you board the plane!
1. Create your account
Sign up for a Surfshark account and choose your subscription plan. Remember, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee!
2. Download the app
Download Surfshark to your device or add our extension to your browser.
3. Sign in and connect
Sign in to your account, open the app, and connect to one of our 3200+ servers in 100 countries!
Benefits of using a VPN for international travel
Using a VPN while traveling internationally increases both your security and your convenience. Surfshark lets you take your online experience on the road with you.
Save mobile data by blocking ads
Did you know that ads consume a significant portion of your data plan? Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks malicious ads and pop-ups, helping you save bandwidth and avoid annoying interruptions while browsing.
Access home servers abroad
A VPN allows you to connect to your country’s server securely from anywhere in the world. This way, you can access files, stream privately, and use services only available in your home country.
Exclude data-heavy apps
You can choose which applications run over a VPN, even in the background. By excluding data-intensive services, you can conserve your mobile data and keep essential apps running smoothly.
Stay free in restrictive regions
Surfshark’s NoBorders feature detects when you’ve entered a region with network restrictions and tries to work around them, saving you plenty of time and effort. The app then provides a list of servers that work best under your current conditions and automatically connects you to the closest viable location.
Keep your private data private
Encrypting your communications when you travel helps keep your data away from prying eyes. A VPN ensures that your messages, browsing history, and personal information remain private, even on potentially unprotected networks abroad.
Share security with fellow travelers
With a Surfshark account, you get unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can stay logged in on multiple devices at the same time! Now, when you travel with friends and family, the information you share with each other remains protected.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
Try Surfshark VPN risk-free
Because we care about security across the board, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Take your time with Surfshark and all its features. If you still don’t think it’s the right fit, cancel any time during your first month and get a full refund.
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Surfshark VPN vs. free VPNs
To put it bluntly, you should stay away from free VPNs.
The best-case scenario when using a free VPN for traveling abroad is slow internet speed and getting bombarded with an overwhelming amount of ads.
The worst-case scenario is having your data sold to third parties and your device infected with malware or malvertising.
You will always be better off with a paid VPN provider like Surfshark, both in terms of the quality of service and your online privacy.
Save money on accommodation with a VPN
For most trips, accommodation takes up a significant portion of the budget. Thankfully, by combining Surfshark with RatePunk’s free browser extension, you can find and secure the best accommodation deals online.
Here’s how in three easy steps:
Get RatePunk
Install the free RatePunk extension on your browser and look for the best accommodation deals.
Connect to the Surfshark server network
Connect to a Surfshark server in the country that offers the cheapest accommodation option.
Book your stay
Book your stay for less from the comfort of your home.
Try these additional ways to stay safe while traveling
Create strong passwords
Ensure that each of your online accounts has a strong, unique password, and avoid reusing them across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store complex passwords securely.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication. Adding a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Keep software and apps updated
Regularly update your devices, software, and apps to protect against the latest security vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest security patches.
Secure your devices physically
Keep your devices with you at all times, and use physical locks if necessary. Consider using a laptop lock for extra security when working in public places like cafes or libraries.
Get Surfshark for all devices
Surfshark not only works everywhere — it works on everything:
Plus, you can download Surfshark VPN for your smart TV, get it on your Xbox or PlayStation, or even set it up directly on your router and protect your entire home network.
Keep your data safe no matter where you go
Get a VPN for travel
30-day money-back guarantee
Frequently asked questions
No, a VPN doesn’t use additional roaming data, and VPN connections don’t use roaming between servers. Roaming charges depend on your physical location, so a VPN connection won’t impact them at all.
Surfshark can actually help you save roaming data by blocking ads and banners with its CleanWeb feature.
Even with a travel VPN, you still use your ISP’s network to connect, which leaves roaming charges unaffected. Still, Surfshark VPN’s CleanWeb feature can help limit roaming charges by blocking malicious ads and banners.
Very few countries block VPN connections, but they do exist. Don’t take any chances — remember to always check the legal status of VPNs in your area before using one.
VPN services are legal in most countries, so as long as you have an internet connection, using a VPN will enhance your travel experience.
You can use free VPNs while traveling, but we advise against it. Most free VPN providers limit your data usage, have a small and limited server pool, and are likely to sell your data to third parties.
Using a VPN for flights can help you find cheaper tickets. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and potentially access better fares. VPNs also provide added security when entering personal and payment information, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
Surfshark is the best VPN for travel to Europe. It offers a wide range of servers across most European countries, ensuring fast and stable connections. All in all, Surfshark provides robust security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, and easy-to-use apps.
