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VPN for dummies

Posted by (US) on

Ok, so I've read about VPNs & password managers from this previous posting:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/free-wifi-can-come-at-a-cost-anyone-use-a-personal-vpn

I'm about to signup for a password manager as I have soooooo many to keep track of but I can't quite wrap my little old brain around the vpn concept. :(

I use DuckDuckGo on my phones & tablet. I travel with 2 phones as one is still locked, the 2nd older phone has a GiffGaff SIM. We typically stay in AirB&B cottages with free WiFi access. We do not use open WiFi at the airports or cafes. We do not access banks when traveling other than an occasional ATM visit. DH pays for Verizon's international plan as he takes business calls while we're out & about. The tablet is only used to send daily trip reports & photos to family & friends as phone text is too tiny for lengthy trip reports.

Really would appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts for VPN necessity. Hate paying for annual subscription when we only travel for a month each year.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with this technically challenged older person.

Posted by
628 posts

NordVPN is recommended here from many people.

https://nordvpn.com/

From their website:

"...with our 30-day money-back guarantee and affordable monthly, annual, and biennial plans, it’s easy to try it out"

I'd say your biggest danger would be the Internet/Wifi at the BNBs but that's not much of a danger. Most people don't worry about such but a "monthly" plan might make you feel better. Then the other main use of a VPN is to make it appear you come from a country you are not in. But a lot of places are getting better at spotting that.

Posted by
2721 posts

From what you describe, I don't think you need a VPN.

A VPN increases privacy but doesn't necessarily increase security. Stick to what you're doing, and you will be OK.

Highly recommend Last Pass as a password manager

Posted by
344 posts

You are already careful!
I have Tunnel Bear, it's free for a limited amount of usage and in 5 or 6 years of traveling I still have plenty left. I turn it on if I want to use bill pay (but only from a password protected connection, as you already do), then disconnect right away.

https://www.tunnelbear.com/
Hmmm- it's showing as a subscription. I had the option of limited use after download- I hope they still offer that. Apologies if not!
Safe travels!

Posted by
1697 posts

You have a password manager in DuckDuckGo - is it not enough?

You could upgrade to DDGo Privacy Pro for $10/mo to give you VPN while traveling, the cancel once you return home.

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