VPN For Expats: Stop Censorship & Protect Your Data
Keep using local sites, all of your favorite apps, games and streaming services
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Looking for the best VPN for expats? You’re in the right place.
As an expat, using the internet abroad can be challenging. You may not be able to access content back home or be in a country with stricter censorship and surveillance.
Access content across the globe at the highest speed rate.
70% of our readers choose Private Internet Access
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
Browse the web from multiple devices with industry-standard security protocols.
Faster dedicated servers for specific actions (currently at summer discounts)
In this article, we’ve hand-tested VPN solutions tailored for the expatriate lifestyle. We’re focusing on those that offer seamless access, robust security, and the freedom to explore the internet without borders.
We’ll discuss the benefits these VPNs can bring to your expat life and the main criteria to look for when picking one.
In a hurry? Here are the best VPNs for expats
| VPN Service | Server Count | Countries | Simultaneous Connections | Special Features for Expats | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 5400+ | 60 | 6 | Double encryption, Obfuscated servers | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ | 100+ | 5 | Speed-optimized servers, TrustedServer technology | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| PIA | 3200+ | 80+ | Unlimited | MACE ad-blocking, Customizable encryption | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| CyberGhost | 7000+ | 90+ | 7 | Streaming-optimized servers, NoSpy servers | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Surfshark | 3200+ | 100+ | Unlimited | Camouflage Mode, NoBorders mode | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
That’s the quick info you need if you want to use a VPN right away. For more details, keep reading.
Why do expats need VPN?
For expats, a VPN is essential for maintaining digital privacy and accessing home content abroad.
Stay in touch with local media
Your local news sites, TV channels, and streaming services are likely geo-locked outside your region. Services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer offer different libraries in different countries. With a VPN, you can change your location to your home country and regain access as if you never left.
Bypass censorship
In countries like China, the UAE, or Iran, many Western services and websites are blocked. This includes news sites, streaming services, but also arguably indispensable services like Google (in China).
Social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook are also blocked in some countries, so to keep using them, you need a VPN.
Secure Public WiFi Use
Public WiFi in airports, cafes, or hotels is notoriously unsafe. It’s easy for hackers to create fake WiFi hotspots and steal all your data.
A VPN can mitigate this risk because it hides your real IP address and more importantly, hiding your activity. So no snooper can learn your login, email address, or card details.
Protection Against Monitoring
Expats might be subjected to government surveillance or ISP monitoring, especially in countries with strict internet regulations.
A VPN encrypts your online activity. This protects your privacy from those who might want to monitor your internet activity, no matter the reasons.
Working Abroad
If you’re an expat but work for a foreign company, a VPN can facilitate easy access to your work files.
While at it, it can also protect sensitive business information.
It can also help you access collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, or Zulip, no matter where you are.
Secure Banking and Online Shopping
For security reasons, some online banking apps may restrict access from abroad. With VPN you will be able to keep an eye on your accounts as if you never left your home country.
Furthermore, it protects your financial information, making transactions safer. It helps prevent potential fraud and identity theft.
Voice and Video Calls Back Home
Many countries restrict VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp. A VPN allows expats to use these services freely, keeping them connected with friends and family.
Avoid Price Discrimination
Websites often change prices based on your location, from flights to services like Paramount Plus, HBO Max, and even Steam. By masking your location, a VPN allows you to keep paying your country’s rate or even connect to another region where the services you use are cheaper.
What are the best VPNs for expats?
Choosing the right VPN for expat life is critical to ensuring a seamless, secure, and unrestricted online experience. Here’s what to consider, along with the reasons why each factor is crucial:
- Strong encryption
- High number of global servers for international access
- Good speed for hitch-free browsing, streaming, and gaming
- Tested no-logs privacy policy to prevent monitoring of any kind
Based on that, here are the best VPNs to use if you’re an expat:
1. NordVPN – best for highly censored regions
NordVPN is an excellent choice for any expats looking to secure their online activities and bypass geo-restrictions.
You will be able to access all your accounts from any location, as NordVPN offers a large selection of about 5000+ servers in 59 countries.
It even has a special collection of obfuscated servers which makes it difficult for a third-party website to know even the fact that you’re using a VPN.
Another key feature of NordVPN is its focus on security. It encrypts your data traffic with the latest AES-256 encryption so that all your online activities remain private and secure.
Also, the VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that it doesn’t track or record your online activities.
So, whether you’re abroad traveling or an expat, with this VPN you will feel at home.
NordVPN
Get unrestricted access and complete data privacy wherever you are by connecting to NordVPN!2. ExpressVPN – unmatched speed and security in 100+ countries
ExpressVPN is a highly recommended VPN for Expats thanks to its comprehensive set of features that ensure privacy, security, and fast internet connections.
The AES 256-bit encryption for all your traffic ensures that all your data transmitted through the VPN is untraceable.
Moreover, with this VPN, you will get access to over 3,000 servers in more than 105 countries including the US and Canada.
That means you can say goodbye to geo-restriction on any media content wherever you are in the world.
It also supports tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, and Lightway that further secure your data.
You can add to the benefits of ExpressVPN a kill switch that automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops.
Lastly, this VPN also gives users a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription plans, so you can try it out and see for yourself how it does on PrizePicks.
ExpressVPN
Bypass all geo-restrictions and protect your data using ExpessVPN!3. Private Internet Access (PIA) – best for US expats
PIA, also known as Private Internet Access VPN, has gained popularity for its vast network of servers but also for its robust security features.
It has about 35,000 servers spread across 84 countries, making it easy for Expats to access content that is not available in their region.
Furthermore, the service uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard algorithm.
With this, you are safe from DDoS attacks, ISPs, and government bans or tracks because it scrambles your traffic, making it untraceable.
PIA offers a free trial, which means you can test the service before committing to any subscription.
It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means canceling your subscription within 30 days is perfectly feasible if you’re not satisfied with the service.
Private Internet Access
Use PIA to secure your connection wherever you have settled down in the world!4. CyberGhost – easiest to use apps for quick access
CyberGhost provides the ability to browse the internet securely and anonymously. It is ideal for expats thanks to its various layers of protection.
Among them, we can mention military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
As with any high-grade VPN we listed above, CyberGhost VPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that the service does not collect any user data.
Another great feature of CyberGhost is its server coverage which extends to 91 countries. Also, switching from one region to another is a click away.
The intuitive and user-friendly interface of CyberGhost VPN makes it easy even for novices to set up and use the service.
This VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee with a complete refund just in case the VPN does not meet your needs.
CyberGhost
Connect to CyberGhost to benefit from top-level privacy wherever you decided to live!5. Surfshark – best for expats who want VPN on all devices
Surfshark is a VPN service that users know for its affordable pricing, a large set of features, and a user-friendly interface that is comprehensive for everyone.
With this VPN, you can be sure you will be able to bypass geographical restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
When it comes to security, Surfshark uses strong AES-256-bit encryption protocols to protect your online traffic.
It also has a strict no-logging policy, so it doesn’t get any data from you. That means it can’t report anything to anybody else.
In terms of coverage, Surfshark’s network extends to 100 countries, including the US and Canada.
It is perfect if you’re an expat because it gives you the possibility to choose from a wide range of servers and switch between them until you find the right one for you.
Additionally, the automatic kill switch feature will stop the internet connection if the VPN connection is lost, so your online activities will remain private and secure.
Surfshark
As an Expat, you can really on this VPN to keep your connection safe and anonymous!Bottom line
A VPN is a valuable tool if you’re an expat. Not only does it secure your online activities, but it also bridges the gap to your home country.
You can keep accessing your favorite local sites, prevent monitoring, and more in just a few clicks.
The best option depends on your particular needs and the country you’re in, but the VPN list above includes providers suitable for pretty much anyone.
Don’t hesitate to use the comments section below and express your opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a VPN when working abroad?
Yes, you should use a VPN if you work abroad. It secures your connection and lets you access potentially geo-blocked work files and collaboration tools.
What is the best VPN for outside the US?
The best VPN for use outside the US should have a wide server network, strong encryption, and reliable performance. PIA boasts the largest network of servers in the United States, ideal for accessing home content. On the flip side, NordVPN prioritizes privacy, being registered offshore in a country that protects data.
What should I look for in a VPN for international travel?
For international travel, look for a VPN with a vast server network for global access, strong encryption for security, a no-logs policy for privacy, and user-friendly apps for devices. Speed and reliability are also key for streaming and browsing without interruptions.
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