Using public WiFi in hotels, airports, and cafes while traveling exposes your personal data to hackers. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all your internet traffic, keeping your passwords, bank details, and personal information secure. Here are the best VPNs for international travelers in 2026.
Why You Need a VPN When Traveling
- 🔒 Security on public WiFi – Encrypts your data on hotel/airport networks
- 🌍 Access home streaming – Watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer from anywhere
- 🚫 Bypass censorship – Access blocked sites in China, UAE, and other countries
- 💰 Save money on flights – VPNs can reveal cheaper prices by changing your location
Best VPNs for International Travel 2026
🥇 1. NordVPN – Best Overall Travel VPN
NordVPN is our top pick for travelers due to its exceptional combination of speed, security, and server coverage. With 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, you’ll always find a nearby server for fast connections.
- ✅ 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- ✅ Works in China (obfuscated servers)
- ✅ Military-grade AES-256 encryption
- ✅ From $3.99/month (2-year plan)
- ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
🥈 2. ExpressVPN – Best for Streaming Abroad
ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming services from any country in the world. If you need to access Netflix US, UK, or Japan while traveling, ExpressVPN is the most reliable option.
- ✅ Works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- ✅ 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- ✅ Lightway protocol for minimal speed loss
- ✅ From $6.67/month (annual plan)
🥉 3. Surfshark – Best Budget Travel VPN
Surfshark is ideal for budget travelers who want solid VPN protection without breaking the bank. The unlimited device policy means you can protect your phone, laptop, and tablet with a single subscription.
- ✅ Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✅ NoBorders mode for censored countries
- ✅ From $2.49/month (2-year plan)
VPN Setup Tips for Travelers
Set it up before you leave home. In some countries (like China), it can be difficult to download VPN apps after arrival. Download and configure your VPN before your trip.
Choose nearby servers. Connect to VPN servers close to your actual location for the best speeds. If you’re in Tokyo, connect to a Tokyo or Osaka server.
Enable auto-connect on public WiFi. Most VPN apps have an option to automatically connect when joining unfamiliar networks — enable this for peace of mind.
VPN vs No VPN: Travel Scenarios
| Scenario | Without VPN | With VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel WiFi banking | ⚠️ Risk of data theft | ✅ Encrypted & safe |
| Netflix in another country | ❌ Content restricted | ✅ Full library access |
| Internet in China | ❌ Most sites blocked | ✅ Full internet access |
| Airport WiFi | ⚠️ Easy to intercept | ✅ Fully protected |
Our Recommendation
For most international travelers, NordVPN offers the best combination of security, speed, and value. Try it with their 30-day money-back guarantee — if it doesn’t meet your needs, you get a full refund, no questions asked.
Also Essential: Travel eSIM for Mobile Data
While a VPN protects your security, a travel eSIM keeps you connected. Saily eSIM works in 150+ countries with data starting from just $0.99/GB — no roaming fees, no SIM card swapping required.
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