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Get the best VPN for travel

  • Save up on plane tickets, bookings & rentals
  • Stream local content safely
  • Keep your data safe on public Wi-Fi
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Why do you need a VPN for travel?

Why do you need a VPN for travel?

You may wonder, “Why do I even need a VPN?” but think about how much of your life is on the smart device in your pocket. While it’s convenient to have banking, boarding passes, and smart IDs in one place, it’s also risky. Using a VPN while traveling is the same as taking care of travel insurance.

Get better holiday deals

Get better holiday deals

Airlines use different pricing policies for consumers in different countries to increase sales. You can make a website “think” you’re from another country by using a VPN and get cheaper flights, or holiday deals.

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi can save you when you’re traveling and can't access mobile data. However, unprotected Wi-Fi networks are hunting grounds for hackers. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, making it safe to connect to hotspots.

Access websites safely

Access websites safely

A VPN allows you to securely access websites, be it social media sites, news sites, or apps. Feel free to post on Instagram or Facebook wherever you're traveling. Access WhatsApp in Azerbaijan or Yemen. Finally, get to post on Reddit while in Indonesia.

Stream buffer-free on the road

Stream buffer-free on the road

Using a VPN is always a good idea when chilling with Netflix during your travels. It keeps you safe while using the hotel's Wi-Fi, and our servers will ensure your streaming experience is smooth and buffer-free.

Access online banking apps

Access online banking apps

Some banking apps only work with your native IP, and if you're traveling abroad, that might result in you not being able to access your bank account. Use a VPN to get an IP your banking app works with.

Keep your accounts unblocked

Keep your accounts unblocked

Some companies can get spooked if you log in from an unusual location with a different IP, preventing access to your accounts. Solution? Connect to servers in your home country using a VPN. For an additional price, Surfshark offers Dedicated IP, a static IP address that you can use from wherever.

Disclaimer: We prohibit using Surfshark services for any unlawful purposes as it is against our Terms of Service. Please be sure to act in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of streaming service providers.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN routes all your device data through the VPN server to the internet. In the process, it masks your real Internet Protocol (IP) address and gives you the one of the server.

While your data is passing the VPN servers, it gets encrypted.

The encryption ensures the data can’t be read unless someone unlocks it with an encryption key. The encryption key is only known by the user’s computer and the VPN server.

How does a VPN work?

How to set up a VPN for international travel

In some countries, you can’t access a VPN through an app store, so be sure to download and set up a VPN app before you board the plane.

Create an account

Create an account

Sign up for a Surfshark account by choosing the best subscription for you.

Download the app

Download the app

Download Surfshark on your device or add the extension to your browser.

Sign in and connect

Sign in and connect

Sign in to your account, open the app, and connect to any server.

How to choose the best VPN for travel

When traveling, look for travel-related benefits. Surfshark lets you take your cyber comfort and convenience with you.

Save mobile data by blocking ads

Save mobile data by blocking ads

Did you know that ads use up a decent amount of mobile data? The CleanWeb feature on Surfshark blocks ads and pop-ups before they load up and discards suspicious links, preventing phishing attempts.

Access home-servers from abroad

Access home-servers from abroad

A VPN with an extensive server list means you can connect to your country's server and access local streaming shows, news, or banking apps without restrictions.

Exclude data-heavy apps

Exclude data-heavy apps

Since VPNs increase data usage, with split tunneling, you can make sure that only the necessary apps go through the VPN tunnel, saving you some data when traveling.

Stay free in restrictive regions

Stay free in restrictive regions

The NoBorders feature will detect that you're in a restrictive region and automatically remove the hassle of overcoming internet access restrictions.

Share security with fellow travelers

Share security with fellow travelers

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which means if you’re traveling with your friends, you can share one account to protect multiple devices.

Try Surfshark VPN risk-free

Try Surfshark VPN risk-free

We want you to feel confident trying Surfshark, so we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee — cancel anytime in the first month and get a refund. Plus, you can get a 7-day free trial by downloading our app from Google Play or App Store. Give it a go!

Premium vs. free VPNs

You should stay away from free VPNs.

The best case scenario when using a free VPN for traveling abroad is getting slow connection speeds and an overwhelming amount of intrusive ads when browsing.

In the worst-case scenario, your data may be sold to third parties, and your device may be infected through malware or malvertising.

You will always be better off with a premium VPN provider like Surfshark, both in terms of the quality of service and your online privacy.

Premium vs. free VPNs

Save money on accommodation with a VPN

Accommodation costs take up a significant part of the budget for most travelers. But by combining Surfshark with RatePunk, a free browser extension that finds the best accommodation deals for you. Here’s how you can start saving in three simple steps:

Get RatePunk

Get RatePunk

Install the free RatePunk extension on your browser and look for the best deals on accommodation.

Connect to a Surfshark server

Connect to a Surfshark server

Connect to a Surfshark server in the country that offers the cheapest accommodation option.

Book your stay

Book your stay

Book the stay for your trip cheaper without actually having to travel halfway across the world to get a better deal.

Try these additional ways to stay safe while traveling

Create strong passwords

Create strong passwords

Don’t use repeating patterns or re-use old passwords, and use a password manager. It’s a great way to store all passwords in one place without memorizing them. What’s better than having complete peace of mind while traveling?

Update your device’s software

A day before your flight, make sure your device’s operating system and software are up-to-date. Hackers use outdated operating systems and known security issues to hack into people’s devices. Software updates help improve your device’s performance and security.

Update your device’s software
Backup your files and use cloud

Backup your files and use cloud

Avoid taking external hard drives or flash drives when traveling to lessen the chance of theft, and instead, consider uploading your files to the cloud. Keeping a hard copy of your documents and other important files is a great idea in case of a hard drive crash, theft, or a virus attack, especially when you’re getting ready for a trip. 

Get Surfshark for all devices

Surfshark works not only anywhere but on anything as well

You can also download a VPN for your smart TV, get it on Xbox or PlayStation, or even set it up on your router to protect your home network.

Keep your data safe, no matter where you go
Get a VPN for travel
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FAQ

Do I need a VPN when traveling?

Yes, you should get a VPN for travel to protect your data from hackers, government agencies, advertisers, and your internet service provider.

Using a VPN service also helps you get better holiday deals, saves you money on mobile data, protects you on public Wi-Fi, bypasses censorship, gives you access to geo-blocked websites, etc.

Does a VPN use roaming?

No, a VPN doesn’t use any more roaming data than the device it’s installed on. You won’t be charged for roaming when you connect to a VPN server in a different location. Roaming charges depend on your physical location, so a VPN connection doesn’t have an impact on it.

However, some VPNs (e.g., Surfshark) can actually help to save roaming data by blocking ads and banners with the CleanWeb feature.

Can I use a VPN to avoid roaming charges?

You cannot avoid roaming charges using a VPN because you still use your internet provider’s network to connect. However, a VPN like Surfshark can help improve internet speed and save mobile data when roaming by blocking ads and banners with its CleanWeb feature.

Does a VPN work abroad?

A VPN should work wonderfully no matter where you go since very few countries seriously block VPNs. If you have an internet connection, you can use a VPN. 

Can I use a VPN while traveling?

If you have an internet connection where you travel, you can use a VPN. Be aware that some countries have banned or blocked VPN use, though there aren’t that many of those. So if you’re going to a super-popular tourist destination, it’s more likely to be VPN-friendly than pet-friendly.

Can I use a free VPN for traveling?

You can use free VPNs when traveling, but it isn’t advised since most free VPN providers limit your data, have a small and limited server pool, and may sell your data to third parties.

Will a VPN make my connection slow while traveling?

Yes, VPNs can slow down your internet, especially when connecting to a server far from you. The internet slows down because the data has to journey to the VPN servers and back to you. The drop in speed is less noticeable with premium VPN providers.

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