VPN for Travellers.
Stay connected everywhere.

Some countries block the apps and websites you rely on every day. A VPN keeps you connected, private, and protected — wherever you travel.

Bypass censorship Secure public Wi-Fi Use WhatsApp calls anywhere Access streaming services

All VPN guides

Everything you need to know about using a VPN as a traveller — from basics to country-specific advice.

VPN Setup Guide

Step-by-step guide — do it before you fly.

Why it matters 1

Why travellers need a VPN

It's not just about censorship. There are four big reasons every traveller should have a VPN installed before they fly.

Bypass internet censorship
China blocks Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The UAE blocks VoIP calls. A VPN routes your traffic through a server in another country so these blocks don't apply to you.
Secure public Wi-Fi
Airport lounges, hotel lobbies, and café hotspots are hunting grounds for hackers. A VPN encrypts all your traffic so no one can intercept your passwords or banking details.
Make WhatsApp & VoIP calls
Countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Oman block WhatsApp voice calls and FaceTime. A VPN lets you call home freely using any app.
Keep your browsing private
Without a VPN, your ISP (and in some countries, the government) can see every website you visit. A VPN encrypts your connection end-to-end.
Why travellers need a VPN
Free vs paid 2

Free VPNs vs paid VPNs

Free VPNs are tempting — but they almost always have a catch. Here's how they compare.

Feature
Paid VPN
Free VPN
Works in China / UAE
No data limits
Fast speeds
No logs policy
Doesn't sell your data
Customer support
Cost
~$4/mo
Free

Bottom line: Free VPNs often make money by selling your browsing data — the exact opposite of privacy. For travel, a paid VPN is essential.

Free vs Paid VPN comparison
Best combo 3

eSIM + VPN — the complete travel setup

Your uPhone eSIM gives you fast local data in 150+ countries. Add a VPN and you'll bypass censorship, protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, and use every app freely — from the moment you land.

eSIM = fast, affordable local data in 150+ countries.
VPN = encrypted, uncensored internet.
Together = the smartest way to travel connected.

  • No roaming charges with a local eSIM
  • Bypass censorship in China, UAE & more
  • WhatsApp, FaceTime & VoIP calls work freely
  • Safe on airport & hotel Wi-Fi
  • Access Netflix, YouTube & streaming services
eSIM + VPN — the complete travel setup

Get protected in 3 steps

Takes about 10 minutes at home — then you're ready for any destination.

Pick a VPN provider
1
Pick a VPN provider

Choose from our recommended list — ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. Sign up and pay on the provider's website before your trip.

See top VPNs →
Install on your phone
2
Install on your phone

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in, allow VPN configuration, and enable obfuscation for restricted countries.

Test before you fly
3
Test before you fly

Connect to a server in your home country and verify that Google, WhatsApp, and YouTube all work. You're done — use the same steps abroad.

eSIM + VPN combo →

Countries with internet restrictions

From total blackouts to minor content filters — 26 countries have known internet restrictions.

⛔ Extreme — 3 ⚠️ High — 6 🟡 Medium — 9 ℹ️ Low — 8
⛔ Extreme 3 countries
🇰🇵
North Korea
🇹🇲
Turkmenistan
🇨🇺
Cuba
⚠️ High 6 countries
🇨🇳
China
🇮🇷
Iran
🇷🇺
Russian Federation
🇦🇪
United Arab Emirates
🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia
🇶🇦
Qatar
🟡 Medium 9 countries
🇧🇾
Belarus
🇵🇰
Pakistan
🇹🇷
Türkiye
🇪🇬
Egypt
🇧🇩
Bangladesh
🇯🇴
Jordan
🇰🇼
Kuwait
🇧🇭
Bahrain
🇴🇲
Oman
ℹ️ Low 8 countries
🇮🇳
India
🇮🇩
Indonesia
🇹🇭
Thailand
🇻🇳
Viet Nam
🇲🇾
Malaysia
🇦🇿
Azerbaijan
🇰🇿
Kazakhstan
🇸🇬
Singapore

VPN FAQs for travellers

Everything you've been wondering about VPNs — answered.

In most countries, yes — VPNs are perfectly legal. However, in China, Russia, Iran, and Belarus VPN usage is legally restricted. Even there, travellers commonly use VPNs without issue. Always check local laws for your destination.

Slightly — your traffic takes a small detour through a VPN server. With a premium provider the slowdown is typically 5–15% and most users never notice it. Cheap or free VPNs can be significantly slower.

Obfuscation (also called "stealth mode") disguises your VPN traffic so it looks like regular HTTPS traffic. You need it in countries that actively detect and block VPNs — especially China, Iran, Russia, and the UAE. Enable it in your VPN app settings before you travel.

Before — especially for China, Iran, and Russia. Those countries block the websites you'd use to download or set up a VPN once you're inside. Download, install, and test your VPN at home before your flight.

Connect to a server in your home country (or a nearby country with open internet) to get the most natural access to your usual apps and services. Most VPN apps let you pick the server with one tap.
Travel connected with eSIM and VPN

Ready to travel protected?

Get your uPhone eSIM for local data in 150+ countries, add a VPN from our recommended list, and you're set for any destination.