How to Browse Safely with Your Smartphone When Traveling Abroad?

Booking hotels, using GPS, buying train tickets, staying in touch with loved ones… Whether it's for vacation or a business trip, a reliable and secure internet connection is essential when traveling abroad. If you plan to use your smartphone to connect to the internet, you need to take certain measures to ensure your connection is secure. Discover our tips to get internet access abroad and browse safely!

Research the Laws of Your Destination Country

The first thing to do before going abroad is to take time to research the laws in effect in the country, such as the websites and apps allowed. You should also be cautious about your personal data, especially sensitive information like political opinions, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.

If you are traveling for business, be extra careful about the information you share with your company from abroad, or you risk falling victim to industrial espionage. This is particularly true when traveling outside the European Union, where the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) does not apply.

Properly Configure Your Smartphone

In daily life, you can configure several settings on your smartphone to secure your internet connections — even more important when you're abroad!

It’s highly recommended to disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sharing features such as Airdrop (on Apple devices) when you're not using them. These connections are gateways for malicious actors!

You can also prepare your smartphone before your trip by ensuring your apps are up to date so you don’t need to download them abroad — minimizing downloads means minimizing risks. Disable automatic updates as well. If you’ll need specific apps during your trip, install them before departure when possible (some local apps can’t be downloaded from third countries). Also, update your operating system (iOS or Android), as updates often contain essential security patches.

Finally, disable automatic connections to Wi-Fi networks and data sharing so that you can control all network access from your smartphone. This prevents you from connecting to fake Wi-Fi networks set up by malicious parties.

Install a VPN on Your Device

VPNs are a great way to protect your smartphone while browsing the internet — especially in countries where certain online activities are restricted.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a service that scrambles data sent and received over the internet — this is called data encryption.

How Does a VPN Secure a Connection?

A VPN creates “tunnels” within Wi-Fi or cellular networks to isolate data going to and from your device. This data is encrypted, and your smartphone’s IP address is masked, making you invisible to other users on the same network.

A VPN also lets you choose the server location through which your data passes, allowing you to access content from your home country. This is particularly useful in countries like China where major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X) are banned.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks

During your trip, you’ll come across many public and free Wi-Fi networks. While it may be tempting to connect, you should avoid them whenever possible!

What is a Public Wi-Fi Network?

Public Wi-Fi networks are free, open-access networks, often available in places like train stations, airports, or shopping centers. Besides being slow, they are notoriously insecure.

Why Is It Dangerous to Connect to Public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi allows many people to connect to the same network without login credentials. This makes them highly susceptible to cyberattacks, putting your personal data, including banking details, at risk. Avoid sharing sensitive info and always use private browsing mode.

Stay Cautious with Hotel and Restaurant Wi-Fi

While abroad, you’ll have access to semi-private networks offered by hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Although more secure than public hotspots, these networks still require caution.

What’s the Difference Between Public and Semi-Private Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi doesn’t require login credentials. In contrast, hotel, cafe, and restaurant networks require at least a password. Hotels usually give you a unique login and password for access from your room.

What Are the Risks of Semi-Private Wi-Fi?

Although safer than public Wi-Fi, these networks can still be risky. You never know who else is connected at the same time! Avoid sharing sensitive info and use private browsing mode whenever possible.

Use Mobile Hotspot Tethering

Among all internet options while traveling, mobile tethering is the most secure! Here’s why — and how to set it up.

How Does Tethering Work?

Data sharing allows you to use a 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile connection to create a secure internet hotspot for other devices. Your phone acts as a router, sharing private and secure internet via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.

How to Get 4G/5G Abroad?

● Your mobile plan includes data abroad: you can use your phone normally or share data with a tablet or laptop.

● No international data? Rent or buy a Pocket Wi-Fi at your destination. Alternatively, if you have a recent smartphone, you can subscribe to an international eSIM plan!

Get an eSIM for Your Trip Abroad

Available on most recent smartphones, eSIM technology has revolutionized how we connect abroad. It’s the best way to ensure a secure international connection!

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a universal SIM card built into your smartphone. It can be configured for any mobile network and allows for multiple simultaneous connections. Just install a new eSIM profile!

You can use an eSIM daily with your regular plan or for specific data needs. Travel eSIMs let you get a data plan abroad, providing a 4G or 5G connection without roaming charges. At UPeSIM, we offer eSIM plans for over 200 destinations to help you save money!

How Does an eSIM Provide a More Secure Connection While Traveling?

A travel eSIM gives you a direct connection on your smartphone without relying on Wi-Fi or tethering — you get a private and highly secure connection only your phone can access. In contrast, pocket Wi-Fi broadcasts an open signal nearby!

Depending on the country, you can also choose an eSIM with built-in VPN, such as our China eSIM valid for 7, 10, or 30 days. This offers a secure connection while bypassing local social media restrictions.

Besides a more secure connection, an eSIM lets you connect anywhere in the country you're visiting, without depending on hotel or restaurant Wi-Fi. It’s also far more convenient than a pocket Wi-Fi, as it’s built into your smartphone.

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