Using a VPN In Germany: All You Need to Know
In today’s world, there is a huge number of individuals living abroad who struggle to stay connected to their home country. If you’re like us and interested in using a VPN in Germany, we’ve compiled all you need to now and also the best services to use., Whether it’s trying to stream news and tv shows from your home country, accessing government websites or securing your internet presence, a quality VPN can be a very powerful and necessary tool.
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What is a VPN
VPN stands for ‘virtual private network’. In short, a VPN will turn a public network into a personal private network. This private network provides full anonymity (on some VPN providers) and hides your online activity. Furthermore, when you have this VPN active, it prevents thieves from stealing your personal and private data.
This secure connection from your device to the internet also changes the IP address in the process. This new IP address can also allow you to surf the internet without restriction and access streaming sites which would normally be geo-blocked. So for example, if you’re using a VPN in Germany, you can set your IP address to indicate you’re in virtually any country you desire.
Why Use a VPN in Germany?
If you’re living in Germany, travel frequently and find yourself on many public wifi networks, your security and personal information is at risk and visible to hackers. This applies to any public wifi network; hotels, airports, coffee shops, airplanes, restaurants, etc. Connecting your devices to a VPN when traveling abroad is important to protect your personal information.
Some countries restrict freedom of expression and actively monitor messages, even when using a phone’s data plan. Anyone traveling to or living abroad as an expat/immigrant in countries without strong privacy policies should use a VPN to protect their messages and online activity.
However, this kind of restriction is not solely limited to authoritarian nations. Nearly all countries today will geo-block some websites, non-native streaming sites, apps, and content. Unblocking content and allowing access to websites is one of the most common applications for VPNs for expats or VPNs for traveling.
For example, if you’re using a VPN in Germany, you can have access to Hulu and Netflix from the United States. If you’re traveling in China with a VPN, you’ll have access to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google.
But, it is important you choose a quality VPN provider! See more below.
When to Use a VPN in Germany
Here are the most important times you should be using as VPN in Germany, traveling abroad, or while being a digital nomad.
Use VPN to Access Geo-blocked Global Content
Is your favorite Netflix show from home not streaming on Netflix in Germany or another foreign country? Use a VPN. With a high quality VPN service, you are able to switch your IP address to whichever region you are wanting to connect to.
Connect to Public Wifi Safely and Securely
If you’re accessing a public wifi network (coffee shop, restaurant, etc.), your private information is vulnerable. Hackers have learned numerous ways to access devices connected to these public networks. A VPN will encrypt your information through a private network invisible to others.
Avoid Censorship & Restrictions
Using a VPN in China or other restricted countries allows you to use Facebook, Google, Twitter and other applications that are banned from use. If you’re living or traveling in China, using a VPN is essential for communicating with family back home or accessing information the way you are used to.
We highly recommend setting up your VPN and testing it before traveling to restrictive nations. Apps in these countries are often not available for download and therefore setting them up can be quite difficult while in the country.
Accessing Financial Accounts
Similar to using a credit card overseas, your bank may flag your account with an IP address in Germany or any other foreign country. Using a VPN in Germany or other country you’re in to access your financial accounts can save a lot of headaches. We have run into this issue several times before living and traveling abroad and the VPN connection saved the day.
As with all sensitive information, a VPN will also keep your account information safe on public networks. If you find yourself transferring money between your bank accounts with a service like Wise, you should always be using a VPN with a public wifi network.
Accessing (Some) Government Websites
As a security precaution, many government websites will block access to foreign IP addresses. This can become quite a headache for expats living abroad who need to get in contact with government agencies in their home country like the DMV or the IRS.
Thanks to the use of a VPN, you can easily renew your driver’s license with the DMV or contact the IRS for tax questions; making it essential for maintaining a life in a foreign country. Using a VPN in Germany or any other foreign country is essential to handle tasks back home.
Browsing Privacy and Anonymity
Ever had the feeling that Big Brother is paying attention to your search history? Using a VPN while browsing the internet and using apps can prevent your internet provider from selling your browsing history.
For additional information, we highly recommend checking out another article from Beenverified: What Does a VPN Hide.
Purchasing Plane Tickets
Did you know that airline ticket purchase prices can actually vary from country to country? It’s true! Purchasing a flight out of Frankfurt with a US IP address may be more expensive than buying the same flight with an IP address from Germany. Use a VPN when buying flights and check the prices before confirming.
How to Use a VPN in Germany
Not all VPN apps are created equal. Some providers make the connection process quite difficult, while some make it unbelievably intuitive. We’ve been using different VPN providers since 2012 and have had mixed (and sometimes very frustrating) experiences. While you are welcome to test and review different providers, we have our recommendations below.
In our extensive experience of international travel and living abroad as immigrants, NordVPN is the clear winner.
When on the road, the use of apps and data on our phones, computers and tablets are reliable, secure, and quick. In fact, with NordVPN on your phone or other mobile device, the set-up is as simple as downloading the app, logging in, and clicking ‘quick connect’ to whatever country you searched for.
When at home, our wifi is reliable, fast and issue free with accessing geo-blocked content. However, if you would like to use your home wifi router with a VPN, the process is more complicated with set-up taking a few additional steps.
At Home Router VPN Set-up
To set up a VPN at home, you will first need a router which can create an OpenVPN connection and with firmware designed to make this an easy process.
Back in 2012 when I first moved abroad, this wasn’t an easy process to pull off. I can spare the details, but essentially I needed to flash the firmware on my personal router to use an OpenVPN protocol. It was not reliable and I eventually gave up on it.
Thankfully today, most manufacturers have heard the demand and provided a product which makes this extremely easy. Our research led us to Asus, who designed a router and firmware with this in mind. Asus created a simple user interface when logging into the settings through a browser window.
If you’re looking for a router with a VPN, we highly recommend the ASUS AC2900 WiFi Dual-band Gigabit Wireless Router. This extremely powerful and fast router will handle whatever your home network needs to do.
As a matter of fact, NordVPN provides their own instructions on how to use their service on an Asus router. How simple is that? You can find NordVPN OpenVPN installation on an Asus router instructions here. It takes just a few minutes.
Using a VPN at Home in Germany
Running your router with a VPN in Germany means that all connected devices are protected. You will have a secure VPN connection on your Xbox, PS5, phones, computers, tablets, and other devices.
Our home network here in Germany is actually using two wifi routers. The first router is our ASUS with a NordVPN OpenVPN through a different country. Our second router is from our internet provider, this is routing through our country of residence. From here, we have two Chromecasts connected to both of the networks. This lets us easily switch between streaming locations without trying to reconnect on the Chromecast app.
What is the Best VPN Provider in Germany
Are there free VPN providers in Germany? Yes there are, but you get what you pay for. The extra cheap or free services provide slow speeds, questionably security, and flagged IP addresses for streaming geo-blocked content. With a free VPN service, expect a lot of popups, slow service, and no guarantee to your privacy.
Additionally, free VPNs can also store and share your data to 3rd parties. If you want a VPN to have more privacy or have the speed to stream, buyer beware. Finally, free VPN providers also cap bandwidth. Bandwidth costs money and these providers will provide a quick short term solution.
Some well reviewed and more premium services are stellar for a relatively low investment: 3-10 EURO per month for a premium VPN provider.
There are many reviews available online for the numerous VPN services you can choose from. We have done the research and watched trends since 2012 and as we mention above, NordVPN is the clear winner for us and is the best VPN for expats.
NordVPN Benefits
Here are a few points to consider and why we think NordVPN is the best VPN for expats, digital nomads, and international travel.
Reliable connections to Netflix, HBOGo, Amazon Prime, Pandora, Disney, Hulu, Youtube and BBC iPlayer. Keep in mind many VPN services are blocked on these apps and websites.
No Log VPN. NordVPN is located in Panama, which has no data retention laws. They do not log your exact IP address, your activity, or even precisely how much data you’re transmitting across their servers. This ensures you remain completely anonymous when you use their service.
6 devices can be connected at all times
No bandwidth or data limits
Biggest VPN server network on the planet, 5,000+ in 60+ countries
Works in restrictive countries such as China or the Middle East
Double encryption servers for extra privacy and security
In addition to these points, the prices are extremely reasonable. We signed up for a 2 year agreement for less than $4 a month. Considering your personal information is at risk when on public wifi networks, this is a very small price to pay for the extra insurance. Streaming geo-locked content is a bonus.
The other common and popular VPN for expats and VPN for travel are:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VPN PROVIDER
Endpoints (IP addresses) are where you need them. If you want to connect to the United States, you should make sure the VPN provider allows you to do so. In addition to this, make sure there are plenty to choose from in case speed slows or one IP address becomes noted as a proxy server.
Auto-connect. When traveling, it can be easy to forget to connect to the VPN when you’re trying to upload a picture or answer an email. Make sure the app allows auto-connect. If the public wifi you’re connected to is spotty, it will disconnect/reconnect often and this might bump you off of the VPN.
Apps available and easy to use. When using a VPN for travel, a digital nomad, or while traveling internationally, an ease-of-use app is essential. The more premium VPN providers have streamlined the process, like NordVPN.
Functional in countries you need. VPNs in China and Russia for example are blocked. But they don’t manage to block all of them. Make sure the VPN provider has reliable access to the countries you intend to travel to.
Fast connections and no bandwidth throttling. If the VPN provider has too few servers, they can become overloaded and the speed will drop for everyone connected. Set up a free trial with your desired VPN provider and run a speed test. It is important to note, however, that this can vary between servers, so try a few different locations out.
Security. The best premium VPNs invest in state of the art security. Look at what you are signing up for and read the fine text.
Multiple Devices: Most likely, you will have more than a couple of devices connected at any time. Make sure your provider can handle the number of devices you use.
FINAL THOUGHTS & TIPS
Unlike NordVPN, not all VPN providers provide full anonymity, but it depends where they are based. US based providers log sites and activity and are required to hand to law enforcement if required. Don’t do anything stupid or illegal either way.
If you are using a VPN for travel but not looking for a specific country’s IP address, pick the closest server. This will typically provide the highest speeds.
If your internet connection is unreliable, ensure your VPN is reconnecting after your wifi signal dropped. It will take a few seconds for your VPN to reconnect after your wifi reconnects.
If you’re using a VPN for travel in an area with a very poor internet connection, don’t expect to use the VPN. It will either not connect or your connection will become so slow that it’s impossible to use. Don’t send through any private information you wouldn’t want someone else to see.
FAQ
What is a VPN and why do I need one?
A VPN is a virtual private network that will make your online activity secure and invisible. This secure connection prevents personal information theft on public wifi and also allows geo-restricted content being made available.
Do I need a VPN for travel?
It is highly recommended to use a VPN for traveling. Traveling requires the use of public wifi nearly the entire time. Hackers are able to pull your unencrypted information out of this public connection. Plus, you will have access to streaming content or apps that may be geo-restricted.
How do I use a VPN on my phone?
VPN providers have an app you can install on your phone and log in. Make sure auto-connect is turned on.
What is the best VPN for international travel?
There are many VPN providers available, but our favorite by far has been NordVPN. High speeds, great easy to use app, and extremely reliable.
Can you connect to a VPN from anywhere?
Yes, sometimes. Premium VPN providers like NordVPN have access everywhere. China and Russia block VPNs, so be sure your desired provider can still provide you a reliable connection.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Germany?
Yes, a VPN in Germany is a legal privacy tool. It is also legal in many more countries. Be sure to follow the rules for any country you plan to visit. Please also note that illegal activity on a VPN is still considered illegal activity.
Can I use a VPN for free in Germany?
Yes. This comes at a cost of security and speed. Your information can be tracked and sold to 3rd parties to help pay the VPN provider bills. Most free VPNs have a bandwidth cap which will end your session. We highly recommend paying for a more premium option.
How to watch US TV, Netflix, and Hulu in Germany?
A premium VPN provider will provide a US based IP address to allow access to the geo-restricted content while in Germany. NordVPN is great at reliably doing this.
