How important is it to get a VPN for travels?

In today’s digital age where people are increasingly concerned about online safety and privacy, many turn to using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to keep their information secure or to keep their online activity private. And of course, some might use VPNs to bypass geographical restrictions to access region-locked content and services. Now, while VPNs might be a commonly used tool while you are at home, some people might wonder if it is also necessary to get a VPN while traveling.

Why you might want to get a VPN while traveling

Being able to stay connected while traveling is crucial. Whether you are using the online maps to help you discover places or navigate, using an online translation app, or simply keeping in touch with your friends and families - you will need to be connected to the internet.

Now, the question remains whether or not you should necessarily use a VPN before you connect to the internet while you are overseas. Let’s look at some reasons why you might want to use one.

1. Security on Public Wi-Fi

One of the primary reasons to use a VPN while traveling is to secure your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

While traveling, data costs and usage are often a concern for many people. Unlike when you are back at home, you might be a bit more conscious of how much data you are using when traveling. After all, data roaming isn’t cheap; and with travel SIM cards, the amount of data you have might be limited.

Airports, hotels, cafes, and other public places often offer free Wi-Fi and many people would choose to connect to these networks to reduce the amount of mobile data they are using. Free Wi-Fi, which, although convenient, is not the most secure. Since the networks are public, it is entirely possible for hackers to connect to the same network and intercept the data that is transmitted over these networks.

When you are connecting to public Wi-Fi, you might want to consider using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for cybercriminals to decipher your data. This encryption ensures that your personal and financial information remains safe, even when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

2. Access to Restricted Content and Services

Geographical restrictions can be a significant inconvenience for travelers. Many websites and streaming services restrict content based on your location. For instance, you might find that your favorite shows on Netflix or certain social media platforms are unavailable in the country you’re visiting.

The same way you might use a VPN at home to access content and services in other locations, you might need to use a VPN to access content and services that would otherwise only be available to you back at home.

By using a VPN, you can bypass these geo-restrictions. A VPN allows you to connect to servers back at home, making it appear as though you’re accessing your services at home. This way, you can access the content you want, regardless of where you are in the world.

Of course, a VPN can also help you to access content and services that may be blocked in the country that you are currently in. For example, if you need to access Google services from China and will be primarily using a local SIM card in China or connecting to the public WiFi, you might need to get a VPN to access those services.

3. Safe Online Transactions

When traveling, you might need to perform online transactions such as booking flights, paying for accommodation, or shopping online. These activities involve sharing sensitive information, which can be a goldmine for cybercriminals.

Using a VPN ensures that your financial transactions are secure. The encryption provided by a VPN protects your payment details from being intercepted, giving you peace of mind when conducting online transactions on the go.

What you should be aware of before deciding to get a VPN for your travels

The truth is that while getting a VPN for your travel definitely comes with benefits, it isn’t absolutely necessary - you can definitely still get through your travels without a VPN. Just be mindful not to carry out sensitive transactions while connected to public WiFi — but again, it probably isn’t very often that you will need to carry out sensitive transactions while on a holiday.

Before you proceed with getting a VPN, there are a few things that you should be aware of:

1. Connecting to a VPN would result in higher than usual data consumption and you might use up your data allowance faster than you usually would; or you might incur higher than normal roaming charges.
2. In some places, VPNs may not always work. Before deciding on a VPN, make sure to read up on reviews to make sure that it will work in the destination that you are traveling to.

Stay securely connected with a Nomad travel eSIM

For most travelers, a VPN would be most useful when you are connected to the public WiFi network. However, instead of using a VPN, perhaps you can consider simply getting a travel eSIM for your trip and rely less on public WiFi networks.

With a travel eSIM that helps you stay connected as you travel, you would no longer need to rely on public WiFi to get connected to the internet. You would also not have to worry about having strangers being connected to the same network as you.

And if you will need an option that allows your laptop to connect to the internet, consider getting an eSIM that allows you to hotspot and tether your data.

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

Data tethering is also allowed on Nomad’s eSIMs. And In the event where you run out of data, Nomad also allows you to purchase add-ons for your data pack. With a purchased add-on, you will be able to seamlessly stay connected with the same eSIM.