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You've probably heard that you "must" use a VPN abroad. The truth is more useful: a VPN solves a few specific travel problems very well, and does nothing for others. Here's when it's worth it, when it isn't, and how to set one up before you leave.
What a VPN actually does
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts the connection between your device and a VPN server, and makes your traffic appear to come from that server's location. That has two practical effects for travellers:
- Privacy on shared networks: people on the same hotel, café or airport Wi-Fi can't easily see or tamper with what you send.
- A "home" location: you can connect through a server in your own country, which helps when an app or website behaves differently abroad.
What it doesn't do: it won't make you anonymous, protect you from phishing emails, or stop you from installing a bad app. Good habits still matter.
When a VPN is genuinely useful on a trip
- You rely on public Wi-Fi. Hotels, airports and cafés often run open networks. A VPN adds a layer of protection when you check email, book things or log in to accounts.
- Your banking app blocks foreign logins. Some banks and services flag or limit logins from abroad. Connecting through a server at home can avoid security lockouts (keep your bank's own travel notice settings up to date too).
- You want your usual services to work normally. Some websites show different prices, content or language depending on where you are. Note that streaming services set their own rules on location, so check their terms.
- You work remotely. If you handle work files or client data, many employers expect or require a VPN on public networks.
When you probably don't need one
- You use mobile data from a travel eSIM and avoid public Wi-Fi. Mobile networks are harder to snoop on than an open café network.
- You're only browsing well-known sites over HTTPS and never log in on shared Wi-Fi.
- It's a short trip and you don't need any home-only apps.
Even then, many travellers keep a VPN installed "just in case", because it costs little and the hotel Wi-Fi is often the only option.
A note on local laws
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but a few restrict or ban VPN use, and rules can change. Always check the current rules for your destination before you rely on one.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: which one for travel?
Both are well-known, easy to use on phones and laptops, and have servers in a large number of countries. At the time of writing, both also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try one on your trip. Prices change often, so compare the current plans.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most established VPN brands. It's a solid all-rounder: fast servers, simple apps, and extra protection features such as blocking malicious websites and ads. A good choice if you want a reliable "set and forget" option.
Surfshark
Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices on one subscription, which makes it great value for couples and families travelling with several phones, tablets and laptops.
Quick pick
- Travelling solo, want the most established brand: NordVPN.
- Travelling as a family or with lots of devices: Surfshark.
Don't forget your passwords
A VPN protects the connection, not your accounts. The single best security habit before a trip is using unique passwords, so one leaked login can't unlock everything else. A password manager such as NordPass stores them for you, fills them in on any device and lets you share logins safely with a travel partner.
Set it up before you leave: 5 steps
- Choose a provider and install the app on every device you're taking.
- Log in at home and test it once, so you're not troubleshooting on airport Wi-Fi.
- Turn on the setting that connects automatically on untrusted Wi-Fi networks.
- Save a favourite server in your home country for banking and home apps.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for email and banking, and check you can still receive the codes abroad.
Common mistakes
- Installing the VPN after you arrive, when the app store or website may be harder to reach.
- Leaving it off on hotel Wi-Fi because "it's just the hotel".
- Thinking a VPN replaces good passwords. It doesn't.
Planning the rest of the trip? Our trip planning checklist covers what to book and when, and the eSIM guide explains how to have data the moment you land.
VPN features, prices and local rules change. Check the provider's website and your destination's current regulations before you travel.