It sounds arcane, and technical, but we recommend that every expat and traveller consider obtaining a VPN service while overseas. VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" and below we try and describe what it does, and why we believe you "should not leave home without it."

What is a VPN
 

For our purposes, a virtual private network (VPN) is a network that uses the Internet to provide individual expatriates with secure access to a private network. By encrypting all data you effectively establish a "tunnel" through the Internet to your designated server - with data within the tunnel unable to be accessed. These designated servers will often be outside your country of residence, and you will have the flexibility to choose the most appropriate server.

Why bother - what are the advantages of a VPN?
 

1. Privacy

In a normal situation, your ISP has access to details regarding all your Internet browsing. Strict privacy laws in many developed countries protect this data, but in many developing countries true privacy effectively does not exist. VPN encrypts all your data traffic and provides additional privacy, with your local ISP unable to see anything except that you are connecting to an overseas server. Note however that your browsing history may be retained on your designated VPN server and you should consider the privacy laws of the country in which it is located when determining what server to use.

2. Accessibility

Many countries, for a variety of reasons - including censorship and security - will block certain websites and activities. Some examples include access to Skype in parts of Middle East and some website restrictions currently in place in China. The use of a VPN will often avoid these restrictions, although you should have regard to local laws and regulations.

3. Wireless security

Expatriates and travelers will often use wireless broadband available in public places, such as hotels. Using VPN increases your security in such a situation.

4. Watching TV/Geographically Blocked services

It is quite common for a variety of services to only be available in certain geographical areas - for example, you may not be able to access certain UK or US television programs unless the server, looking at your incoming server address (IP number), believes you are resident in the UK or US. Effectively, by choosing one of a number of a servers located around the world, you can appear to be in these countries for the purposes of these services.

Choosing a VPN Provider
 

We do not claim to be an expert in VPN technology, but the factors we think are important in selecting a VPN provider are:

1. Supporting your platform - ensure that the provider supports your operating system, for example Windows/Mac/Linux

2. Durability - ensure the provider as a solid history, remembering that VPN's are a relatively new offering

3. Geographical scope - that the provider offers a range of available servers in different countries

4. Service - provides prompt and knowledgeable response to chat or e-mail inquiries, and

5. Cost
 

In our situation, we have opted for PureVPN, but it may not suit everyone - for example there is currently no server located in Australia, although one is planned, and this could limit access to some Australian TV that requires an Australian IP address. They do however provide access to servers in 14 other countries including the US, UK,Canada, the Netherlands and France. Like all technologies there is a learning curve, but we found the process relatively simple and at times absolutely invaluable.