Digital Nomad VPN Wiki 2.0
Introduction to VPNs
What is a VPN?
Why VPNs are important for digital nomads
Core benefits (privacy, security, and accessing restricted content)
Types of VPN Protocols
Overview of common VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec)
Differences in speed and security
Best protocols for digital nomads
Key Features to Look for in a VPN
No-log policies
Kill switches and ad blockers
Server location diversity
High-speed connections for remote work and streaming
Device compatibility and simultaneous connections
Best VPN Providers for Digital Nomads
Comparison of top VPN providers (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc.)
Key features, pricing, and server locations
VPNs that work in restrictive countries
How to Test my VPN Connection
Check Your Assigned IP Address Before Connecting
Check the Location After Connecting
Check for DNS & IPv6 Leaks
Test VPN Speed
Legal Considerations of Using VPNs
Legality of VPNs in different countries
Countries with VPN restrictions (e.g., China, UAE, Russia)
Tips for staying compliant with local laws while using a VPN
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about VPN usage, protocols, and setups
Quick troubleshooting tips
Links to external resources for further learning
Introduction to VPNs
What is a VPN?
Virtual private network (VPN) is a network architecture for virtually extending a private network (i.e. any computer network which is not the public Internet) across one or multiple other networks.
A VPN can extend access to a private network to users who do not have direct access to it, such as an office network allowing secure access from off-site over the Internet. This is achieved by creating a link between computing devices and computer networks by the use of network tunneling protocols.
It is possible to make a VPN secure to use on top of an insecure communication medium (such as the public internet) by choosing a tunneling protocol that implements encryption. This kind of VPN implementation has the benefit of reduced costs and greater flexibility, with respect to dedicated communication lines, for remote workers.
ELI5: A VPN is like wearing a magic cloak while you’re on the internet. When you put it on, no one can see what you're doing online, like the websites you visit. It also lets you pretend you're in a different place, like playing pretend and saying you're in a different country. This keeps you safe from people who might want to see your stuff and helps you reach things you normally can’t.
Why VPNs are important for digital nomads
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are important for digital nomads for several key reasons:
1. Security on Public Wi-Fi
Digital nomads often work from cafes, airports, or co-working spaces, where they rely on public Wi-Fi networks. These networks can be insecure, making it easy for hackers to intercept personal data, such as passwords and bank details. A VPN encrypts the internet connection, making it much harder for anyone to snoop on your online activity.
2. Access to Home Services
Many websites or services, like online banking or certain streaming platforms, are restricted to specific countries or regions. A VPN allows digital nomads to connect to a server in their home country, making it appear as if they are browsing from there, so they can access these services seamlessly.
3. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Certain websites or services may be blocked in some countries. For example, digital nomads traveling to countries with internet censorship (like China or UAE) may not be able to access familiar websites, social media, or streaming platforms. A VPN helps bypass these restrictions by routing your connection through a server in a different country.
4. Protecting Personal Information
Digital nomads often handle sensitive information, such as client data or personal details. Using a VPN ensures that this data is encrypted and protected, making it much safer when shared online.
5. Avoiding Bandwidth Throttling
In some cases, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) slow down connections (throttling) based on the type of content being accessed, like streaming videos or large downloads. A VPN hides your online activities from the ISP, which can help avoid throttling and maintain faster internet speeds.
6. Remote Access to Home Networks
For digital nomads who need access to files, printers, or other devices on their home network, a VPN can create a secure connection to their home network, allowing them to use it as if they were physically there.
Sometimes employers also flag remote workers if they connect from different locations, and having one constant IP prevents users from getting questioned and investigated. Besides, some employers with advanced IT security department might investigate any IP that is non-residential as a potential threat. It's very important to choose a residential IP address (i.e. your home IP address assigned by your ISP). wherever you go.
7. Privacy
A VPN masks your real IP address, protecting your privacy by making it harder for websites, advertisers, or third parties to track your location and online activity.
Types of VPN Protocols
Overview of common VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec)
We will mainly talk about WireGuard and OpenVPN as they are the most used VPN protocols when it comes to digital nomads. Here’s an overview of common VPN protocols, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each:
1. WireGuard
Overview: WireGuard is one of the newest and fastest VPN protocols available. It was designed to be simple, lightweight, and highly efficient.
Advantages:
Extremely fast performance due to its streamlined codebase.
High security with modern cryptography.
Easy to audit and less prone to vulnerabilities due to its minimal code.
Disadvantages:
Some advanced configuration features are less developed than in older protocols.
Best For: Users looking for top speed and cutting-edge security.
2. OpenVPN
Overview: OpenVPN is one of the most widely used and highly trusted VPN protocols. It is open-source and extremely versatile, working across most platforms.
Advantages:
Strong security using 256-bit encryption.
Highly customizable for various use cases and supported on almost all platforms.
Regularly updated and vetted by the open-source community.
Disadvantages:
Can be slower than WireGuard due to its heavier encryption.
Requires more setup and configuration compared to plug-and-play protocols.
Best For: Security-conscious users who need flexibility and reliability on multiple devices.
tip: As a digital nomad with need for speed and security, you really want to look for a provider that offers wireguard protocol for ease of setup and the speed you gain on it.
Key Features to Look for in a VPN
There are multiple features you need to look for when choosing your VPN as a digital nomad. Here is a list of the main features and the reasoning behind each:
1. No-Log Policies
A no-log policy ensures that the VPN provider does not collect or store any of your online activity, such as websites visited, data transferred, or connection timestamps. This is critical for maintaining user privacy. A VPN with a strict no-log policy guarantees that even if the company is asked to provide information, it has nothing to share, ensuring complete anonymity.
2. Kill Switch
A kill switch is one of the most important security features in a VPN. It automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data is never exposed, even for a brief moment. Without a kill switch, if your VPN loses connection unexpectedly, your real IP address and unencrypted data could be visible to hackers or other third parties.
The kill switch feature is especially critical for digital nomads who frequently rely on unstable public Wi-Fi networks. If the VPN drops, the kill switch will ensure that you're not left unprotected, giving you peace of mind when handling sensitive tasks like online banking or client work.
3. Server Location Diversity
A VPN with a wide variety of server locations around the world allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different countries. This is particularly useful for digital nomads who need access to region-specific content or services (e.g., accessing home country streaming platforms or bypassing censorship).
More servers also mean better speed and less crowding, as users can connect to servers closer to their location.
4. Dedicated VPN vs. Public (Shared IP) VPN
A public VPN refers to a VPN service where multiple users are assigned IP addresses from a shared pool. These IPs can quickly become flagged or blacklisted by websites and services (like your employer, bank, streaming platforms or secure systems) because they detect that multiple users are accessing from the same IP, identifying it as a VPN. On the other hand, a dedicated VPN provides you with a unique IP address that only you use, making it far less likely to be flagged or blacklisted.
With a dedicated VPN, you enjoy better access to geo-restricted content, higher anonymity, and reduced chances of IP blacklisting. For digital nomads, who may need reliable access to sensitive systems (like company intranets or online banking), a dedicated IP ensures smoother, uninterrupted access and greater privacy. Later in this wiki we will see how to set up a dedicated wireguard server or use a commercial one on the go. Please check the wiki in the future for a link to the setup guide.
5. High-Speed Connections for Remote Work and Streaming
Speed is essential for digital nomads, especially when it comes to remote work, video conferencing, or streaming content. A VPN should offer fast, stable connections without significantly slowing down your internet. Some VPNs offer specialized servers for streaming or P2P sharing, which ensures you get the fastest performance possible.
6. Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections
Ensure that the VPN is compatible with all your devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, etc.) and supports multiple simultaneous connections. Many digital nomads use several devices (laptops, phones, tablets) throughout the day, so having a VPN that supports 5-10 devices at once is crucial. If your provider does not allow multiple connections consider using a vpn router. More on this later.
Also a note: if you do not have admin privileges on your computer you won't be able to install any VPN software, so the hardware vpn (so called vpn-on-vpn) is the only way forward.
Best VPN Providers for Digital Nomads
Having learned the important features you need for your travel I will let you choose the best provider. Referencing the original VPN Wiki there were 3 options to choose from:
Option 1: is to purchase a subscription to a commercial VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc.)
Option 2: to use a VPN Router will a kill switch feature and have it connect to a commercial VPN provider server (from option 1)
Option 3: Do it yourself. Deploy your own server and flash your own router
While these options are still valid, there are more ways you can have the best combination nowadays. For example there are companies that have plug and play solutions with VPN routers preflashed with dedicated servers and a home tunnel. We will go over each of them next.
* means see the notes section
Option 1: Commercial VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark)
If you choose option 1 there are plenty of resources out there to find the best one for your needs. r/VPN has a comparison table that is comprehensive and complete. As a bonus there is a whole column of promotional codes.
Option 2: VPN Router + Commercial VPN.
If choose option 2: you have 3 main paths:
Path 1: Do it yourself: You will need an openwrt router or a glinet router to do this. Here is a video guide on how to setup a wireguard server yourself.
Path 2: Have a company do it for you:
Remember you will still need a VPN subscription from one of the providers above. For the routers you can have them from here:
flashrouters.com for pre flashed router or flash your own router (US focused)
LibertyShield vpn routers (warning: they use openVPN, UK focused)
Remember these two services are going to use your public VPN IP unless you have the dedicated option.
Path 3: Buy a plug and play router with a dedicated servers preflashed on it already
This is the easiest, most secure solution where everything is done and tested by experts in the field.
flashedRouter.com has a strong and tested kill switch, uses wireguard, and preloaded with multiple dedicated servers for your selection (free shipping worldwide)
Option 3: DIY VPN Server + Flashed Router.
If you choose Option 3: You want to deploy your own wireguard server and flash your own router. With this option there are mainly 2 paths:
Path 1: Read this guide to deploy a docker wireguard server container on a cloud server. Once you have the config file use it to connect your router (openwrt guide here, glinet guide here).
Path 2: use a preconfigured setup from flashedrouter.com. The router contains multiple pre-installed dedicated servers, plus you can request your server to be located anywhere you want.
Option X: Residential / Home IP and access to home network remotely.
Alright now we have to cover one more topic: residential IPs and home network access remotely. This is so important now since a lot of digital nomads and remote workers are working remotely "undercover".
Having a residential IP address is essential in this case. It also has to be coupled with a strong kill switch, as you have zero chance of exposing your real IP during your travel otherwise you will be flagged, denied access and probably fired afterwards too.
There are 2 paths here:
Path 1: Do it yourself; basically buy a raspberry pi or use a computer to host your own wireguard server. You will need a public IP and the ability to forward an internal UDP port externally. Check your internet modem first. In the future we will release a VM image to run on any computer you have at home which automatically deploy a wireguard server for you. This is still a work in progress. Please check the Wiki again for updates.
Path 2: if you do not have a public IP or want a ready solution check out these providers:
KeepMyHomeIP.com - a plug and play solution wireguard home server + vpn client. It also comes with backup dedicated servers in case your home server dies.
Tailscale: basically like KeepMyhomeIP but a software solution. You will need to install a node on each device in order to create a mesh network. Does not offer any kind of backup plans in case your home server is down.
RustDesk: a remote desktop software you can use RustDesk to connect to a home computer and work from there
How to Test my VPN Connection
To ensure your VPN is working correctly and providing the security and privacy you need, it's important to run a few simple tests. These checks will confirm that your VPN is masking your IP address, properly routing your traffic, and avoiding leaks.
Check Your Assigned IP Address Before Connecting
Before you connect to your VPN, you should check your current IP address to confirm your location. This will help you verify that the VPN has successfully changed your IP once you're connected.
How: go to ifconfig.me or ipinfo.io in your browser after connecting to the VPN and check the assigned IP is the desired IP address.
Check the Location After Connecting
Afterwards, you need to verify that your IP address has changed and matches the VPN server location you chose.
How: go to IPapi.is or iplocation.net
Check for DNS & IPv6 Leaks
DNS leaks occur when your DNS queries (which websites you visit) bypass the VPN and are visible to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy.
How: Visit dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net. For IPv6 leaks visit: test-ipv6.com
Test VPN Speed
VPNs can slow down your connection due to encryption. Testing your connection speed can help you find the best server for both security and speed.
How: Go to fast.com before and after connecting to the VPN to see the difference in connection. Usually above 15 mbps is enough for remote work. 25 mbps for unnoticeable streaming buffering.
Legal Considerations of Using VPNs
In most countries, using a VPN is completely legal and often encouraged for protecting privacy online. However, certain governments may view VPNs as a way to bypass their control over the internet, which leads to different regulations:
Countries Where VPNs are Legal: In countries like the United States, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, and Japan, VPNs are fully legal and widely used by businesses and individuals.
Countries with Restrictions or Bans: Some countries heavily regulate or outright ban VPN use. These governments typically restrict VPNs to maintain control over what their citizens can access online.
Here are a few countries where VPNs face restrictions or outright bans:
China: China strictly controls its internet via the “Great Firewall,” blocking access to many foreign websites and services. Although VPNs are widely used to bypass these restrictions, China has cracked down on unauthorized VPNs. Only government-approved VPNs are allowed, but these are heavily monitored.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE has strict regulations on VPN use, particularly in cases where VPNs are used to access content that is considered illegal, such as VoIP services (e.g., Skype or WhatsApp). Unauthorized use of VPNs can result in heavy fines.
However: r/UAE and r/Dubai there are plenty of posts about using VPN, so it's unclear whether these laws are enforced or not.
Russia: Russia has passed laws banning the use of VPNs and other anonymizing services unless they are approved by the government. These approved VPNs are required to block access to specific websites that the government has banned.
Turkey: Turkey frequently restricts social media and news websites, and VPNs are often used to bypass these blocks. However, the government actively tries to block access to VPN services.
Iran: VPN use in Iran is restricted, with only government-approved VPNs allowed. Unauthorized VPN use to access blocked content can lead to legal consequences.
North Korea: In North Korea, internet access is strictly limited, and the use of VPNs is illegal. Only a small fraction of the population has internet access, and that access is heavily controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about VPNs
1. Common Questions About VPN Usage, Protocols, and Setups
What is a VPN, and how does it work?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It hides your IP address and makes it look like you're browsing from a different location, ensuring privacy and security online.Will using a VPN slow down my internet speed?
Yes, a VPN can slow down your connection slightly because your data is being routed through an additional server. However, premium VPNs with high-speed servers minimize this impact. Use wireguard for the fastest more secure option.What’s the difference between VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec)?
VPN protocols are the methods by which your data is securely transmitted over the internet. WireGuard is fast and lightweight, OpenVPN is very secure and versatile, PPTP is outdated and less secure but fast.Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, most VPN providers allow multiple simultaneous connections. This means you can use the same VPN subscription on your phone, laptop, tablet, and other devices at the same time. If this option is not available use a VPN router.Is it legal to use a VPN?
In most countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal. However, in some countries (like China, Russia, and the UAE), VPN use is restricted or heavily regulated. Always check local laws before using a VPN.How do I set up a VPN?
Setting up a VPN is generally straightforward. Download the VPN app from your provider, install it, and log in with your credentials. Choose a server location, and click "Connect." Some routers can also be configured to use VPNs, but that setup is more complex. However lately there are some plug and play options that are also super easy to use. See this router for example.
2. Quick Troubleshooting Tips
My VPN keeps disconnecting. What can I do?
Check for a stable internet connection first. If the issue persists, switch to a different server location or protocol (e.g., from OpenVPN to WireGuard). Enable the VPN’s kill switch to prevent data leakage if disconnections occur.I can't access streaming services even with a VPN. Why?
Streaming platforms like Netflix may block VPN servers. Try connecting to a different server or use a VPN provider known for working with streaming services. Look for servers specifically labeled for streaming. Even better: use dedicated VPN Servers.My VPN is slow. How can I fix it?
Switch to a server closer to your physical location to reduce latency. You can also try changing the protocol (WireGuard is typically faster than OpenVPN). Make sure your internet connection is stable without the VPN as well.My VPN isn’t connecting at all. What should I do?
Restart the app and your device. If that doesn’t help, try connecting to a different server or check for firewall settings that might be blocking your VPN. Updating the VPN software may also resolve connectivity issues.My VPN is leaking my IP address. How can I fix it?
Ensure that the VPN's kill switch and DNS leak protection features are enabled in the settings. You can test for leaks using online tools, and if issues persist, switch to a more secure server or protocol.
