Traveling abroad brings exciting opportunities — but it also comes with new online challenges. From accessing your favorite streaming services to securing your data on public Wi-Fi, a VPN like Surfshark can make your trip smoother and safer.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to set up Surfshark before you travel, essential settings to enable, and tips for getting the best performance in foreign networks.

Why You Need Surfshark While Traveling

When you’re abroad, you may face:

• Geo-blocks – Certain streaming platforms, banking sites, or news portals might restrict access outside your home country.

• Unsecured networks – Hotels, airports, and cafés often have open Wi-Fi, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data.

• Government restrictions – Some countries block popular websites or messaging apps entirely.
  
  

Surfshark helps by:

• Encrypting your internet traffic with AES-256 security.

• Giving you IP addresses from over 100 countries.

• Offering modes like Camouflage and NoBorders to bypass censorship.
  
  

Step 1: Install and Set Up Surfshark Before You Leave

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until you’re already abroad to install Surfshark. In countries with strict censorship, VPN websites may be blocked — making downloads difficult.

Before traveling:

1. Download Surfshark on all devices (phones, laptops, tablets).

2. Sign in and test connections to your home country’s servers.

3. Update to the latest app version.
   
   

By preparing in advance, you avoid last-minute connection issues.

Step 2: Enable Auto-Connect and Kill Switch

If you regularly switch between hotel Wi-Fi, mobile data, and public hotspots, Surfshark’s Auto-Connect feature ensures the VPN turns on automatically.

How to enable:

• Mobile: Go to Settings → VPN Settings → Auto-connect and choose your default server.

• Desktop: Same path under app settings.
  
  

The Kill Switch ensures that if Surfshark disconnects, your device will not leak unencrypted data. This is especially useful when dealing with unstable foreign networks.

Step 3: Use the Right VPN Protocol for Stability

When traveling, the best protocol often depends on your destination’s network environment:

• WireGuard – Fast and reliable for most countries.

• IKEv2 – Great for mobile devices switching between Wi-Fi and data.

• OpenVPN (TCP) – More stable in countries with heavy censorship.
  
  

Change protocol via Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol. If you encounter connection issues, switching protocols can help bypass restrictions.

Step 4: Activate NoBorders or Camouflage Mode

Some countries (like China, UAE, or Iran) use Deep Packet Inspection to detect and block VPN traffic. Surfshark has built-in tools for this:

• NoBorders Mode – Automatically activates in restrictive regions, showing you optimized servers that are more likely to work.

• Camouflage Mode – Makes VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic, preventing detection.
  
  

These settings can be found in the Advanced Settings section of the app.

Step 5: Choose the Right Server Location

When abroad, you may need different server strategies:

• To access home content – Connect to a server in your home country.

• To get faster speeds – Use a server geographically closer to your current location.

• For censorship bypass – Use nearby countries with open internet policies.
  
  

Surfshark allows you to favorite servers for quick access while on the go.

Step 6: Use MultiHop for Sensitive Browsing

If you’re traveling in a high-surveillance country and need an extra layer of security, Surfshark’s MultiHop feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers.

Example: Japan → United States

• First server hides your real IP from local monitoring.

• Second server adds extra encryption before reaching the internet.
  
  

While this can reduce speed slightly, it significantly boosts privacy.

Step 7: Plan for Device Limits and Data Sharing

Surfshark allows unlimited devices on a single account — perfect for trips where you carry multiple gadgets or share with family members.

For group travel, you can connect:

• Smartphones

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Streaming devices like Fire TV Stick
  
  

Everyone stays protected without extra subscriptions.

Step 8: Download Offline Maps and Tools Before Departure

VPN use can slightly slow down certain online services. To avoid frustration:

• Download offline Google Maps of your destinations.

• Save e-tickets and travel documents to your device.

• Preload translations in Google Translate.
  
  

That way, even if the VPN momentarily reconnects, you can keep moving without delays.

Step 9: Troubleshooting Tips While Abroad

If Surfshark isn’t connecting:

• Switch to a different protocol (TCP often works where UDP fails).

• Try another nearby server.

• Disable and re-enable Airplane Mode to refresh network connections.

• Contact Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat for region-specific advice.