Are you an expat looking for the best VPN? Finding the right VPN is essential if you’re looking for entertainment or need a VPN for your work. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Not to worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll go over the best VPNs for expats. We’ll provide information on how VPNs work and how to install them. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is A VPN And How Do They Work
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps to keep your online activity private. VPNs work by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a server in another location. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity or hack into your devices.
VPNs are especially useful for expats, as they can help you to access content that may be blocked in your current location. VPNs can also help to keep your data safe if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.
For example, it can be interesting to access movies and TV shows online that are not accessible in your current location.
There are many VPNs available, and they vary in terms of features, price, and security. So, how do you know which one to choose?
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best VPNs for expats. We are going to help you find the VPN that suits your needs too.
5 Best VPNs For Expats Living Abroad
Now, let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs for expats.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN with a good reputation. It’s known for its fast speeds and security features.
One of the things that make NordVPN stand out is that they offer other things than just VPN. You’ll find NordPass which helps secure your passwords, and so on.
The cheapest deal available for NordVPN starts at $3.99 per month with a 2-year plan.
You’ll get access to servers in 58 different locations.
I personally use NordVPN since 2019 and I’ve been loving it. No complaints here! As an expat, I must have a VPN since I move around a lot.
I use it for online streaming and work. So, it’s definitely helpful. In fact, I use NordVPN every single day.
Pros And Cons Of NordVPN
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Excellent security features
- Can unblock most streaming platforms
- User-friendly apps
- 27/7 customer support
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than some other VPNs
- It doesn’t work with Netflix (but apparently, there are ways to make it work, but I haven’t been able to figure it out yet)
Surfshark
Surfshark is a newer VPN service, but they’re already making a name for themselves.
They offer fast speeds, good security features, and they’re very affordable. In fact, their 2-year plan is available for just $2.49 per month!
You’ll get access to servers in 95 different locations with Surfshark.
Surfshark can be a good option for expats who are looking for a VPN that’s both affordable and has good features.
Pros And Cons Of Surfshark
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Fast speeds
- Good security features
- User-friendly apps
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Newer VPN service, so not as established as some others
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular VPN service that’s known for its ease of use. It’s a good choice for beginners since it’s very simple to set up and use.
Their 3-year plan is available for EUR 2.11 per month, which is a great price. You’ll get access to servers in 91 different countries.
Two things make CyberGhost different:
- They say their VPN work for Netflix
- They have a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than most VPN providers (usually, it’s 30 days)
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for expats because it’s easy to use and can unblock Netflix. Finding a VPN that unblock Netflix is rare, so this is definitely a pro.
Pros And Cons Of CyberGhost
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Good prices
- Servers in 91 countries
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Works with Netflix
Cons:
- Some users have complained about slow speeds
IPVanish
IPVanish is a good VPN service with fast speeds and security features. In fact, IPVanish claims to be the fastest VPN out there.
Their 1-year plan is available for just $3.99 per month. You’ll get access to servers in over 75 countries with IPVanish.
IPVanish is a great choice for expats who are looking for a VPN with fast speeds.
Pros And Cons Of IPVanish
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Good security features
- Servers in over 75 countries
- User-friendly apps
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than some other VPNs
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs out there, and for good reason. It’s a bit more expensive than some other VPNs, but it’s very fast and has excellent security features.
They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is like most other VPN providers.
Their 1-year plan is available for $8.32 per month. You’ll get access to servers in 94 countries with ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is a good option for expats because it’s fast and has good security features. The only downside is that it’s a bit more expensive than some other VPNs.
I used ExpressVPN during my travels in China, and it works perfectly. But, I made the switch to NordVPN later on.
Pros And Cons Of ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Excellent security features
- Servers in 94 countries
- User-friendly apps
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than some other VPNs
- It doesn’t work with Netflix
How To Choose The Right VPN For You
There are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing a VPN as an expat:
- The country you’re living in: If you’re living in a country like China or Iran, where the government is cracking down on VPN use, you’ll need a VPN that’s very secure. ExpressVPN is a good option in this case.
- Your budget: VPNs can range in price from $2.99 per month to $12.99 per month. If you’re on a tight budget, Surfshark or CyberGhost can be good choices.
- Your needs: If you’re just looking for a VPN to unblock websites, any of the VPNs on this list will work. But, if you’re looking to stream Netflix, you’ll need a VPN that can unblock it, like CyberGhost.
No matter which VPN you choose, make sure to get a VPN that suits your budget, and that has the features you’re looking for.
Benefits Of Using A VPN For Expats
There are many benefits of using a VPN as an expat. Here are just a few:
- A VPN can unblock websites and access content that’s blocked in your country.
- A VPN can help you stay safe and secure online.
- A VPN helps you avoid government censorship.
- A VPN can help you save money on flights, hotels, and more.
These are just a few of the benefits of using a VPN as an expat. If you’re looking for a VPN to use while living abroad, any VPNs on this list will work great.
How To Set Up A VPN On Your Devices
Setting up a VPN on your devices is relatively simple. Most VPN providers will have step-by-step instructions on their websites.
In general, once you have paid for your membership, you’ll need to download the VPN app onto your device. Then, open the app and sign in with your username and password. Once you’re signed in, you can select a server and connect to it.
Some VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, will also have browser extensions that you can use. These are usually very easy to set up and use.
If you’re having trouble setting up your VPN or have any questions, make sure to contact customer support. They should be able to help you get up and running in no time.
How To Use A VPN On Your Phone
Using a VPN on your phone is similar to using one on your computer. First, you’ll need to sign up for a VPN service and download the app onto your phone.
Once you have the app, open it and sign in with your username and password. Then, select a server and connect to it. Once you’re connected, you can start browsing the internet securely and anonymously.
Final Thoughts On VPNs For Expats
If you’re an expat, using a VPN is a great way to stay safe and secure online. VPNs can also help you unblock websites and access content that’s blocked in your country.
There are many different VPN providers to choose from, so make sure to select one that suits your budget and needs. Once you have a VPN, setting it up on your devices is relatively simple.
Looking for more tips for expats and digital nomads? Read one of the following guides: