Top 5 Countries Where You Should Always Use a VPN

Introduction

When traveling abroad, staying connected to the internet is a necessity — whether you’re working remotely, accessing social media, or catching up on your favorite shows. However, not every country offers the same level of internet freedom. In fact, some nations impose strict censorship laws, monitor online activity, or restrict access to popular websites and apps. That’s why using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential. A VPN protects your privacy, bypasses online restrictions, and ensures secure browsing no matter where you are.

If you’re planning an international trip, it’s a smart move to invest in a trusted VPN service like ExpressVPN. And to make things even better, you can save money by using the express vpn discount code for exclusive deals. A VPN isn’t just a tool for privacy — it’s your ticket to open, unrestricted, and safe access to the global internet.

Why You Should Always Use a VPN Abroad

The internet might feel like a global network without borders, but the truth is far from it. Different countries impose different rules, often controlling what citizens and visitors can access online. From social media blocks to surveillance systems, travelers can easily find themselves cut off from familiar platforms and services.

Here’s why using a VPN like ExpressVPN is crucial when you travel:

• Protects your personal data on public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, and airports.
• Bypasses censorship and lets you access your favorite websites and streaming platforms.
• Prevents tracking by local ISPs or government authorities.
• Maintains online privacy by encrypting your data traffic.
• Allows access to home content, like banking websites or region-specific streaming libraries.

A VPN gives you digital freedom while ensuring that your private information stays secure wherever you go.

How a VPN Works

Before we dive into the countries where a VPN is essential, it helps to understand how a VPN actually protects you.

When you connect to a VPN server, it encrypts your internet connection and hides your real IP address. This means your data travels through a secure tunnel, shielding your online activities from hackers, government surveillance, and even your internet provider.

With ExpressVPN, you get:

• Top-tier AES-256 encryption, the same level used by banks and governments.
• TrustedServer technology, which ensures no logs are ever stored.
• Lightway protocol, designed for faster and more stable connections.
• Global server coverage in over 100 countries for maximum flexibility.

Using ExpressVPN guarantees that your browsing remains private and unrestricted — no matter which country you’re visiting.

1. China – The Great Firewall

China is one of the most censored countries in the world. Its “Great Firewall” blocks access to many popular Western websites and apps, including Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Even major news sites and email services may be inaccessible without a VPN.

Why a VPN is essential in China:

• Most international websites and social media platforms are blocked.
• Public Wi-Fi networks in hotels or cafés are heavily monitored.
• VPNs help bypass restrictions and allow access to global content.

Tips for travelers:

• Install and activate your VPN before entering China, as many VPN websites are also restricted.
• Connect to servers in nearby countries like Japan or Singapore for better speeds.

ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers and Lightway protocol make it one of the few VPNs that can reliably work in China, ensuring seamless and secure browsing.

2. Russia – Heavy Online Surveillance

Russia enforces strict internet surveillance laws that require ISPs to log user data and block certain online content. The government’s efforts to control the flow of information have intensified over the years, making VPNs an essential tool for both residents and visitors.

Why a VPN is necessary in Russia:

• Social media platforms and independent news outlets are often restricted.
• The government monitors online activities and stores user data.
• Many VPNs are banned, so you need one that can bypass restrictions safely.

Key advantages with ExpressVPN:

• Its no-logs policy ensures your online activity remains private.
• TrustedServer technology means data is never written to disk.
• Global servers allow you to connect securely to open internet regions.

Whether you’re a journalist, a remote worker, or simply someone who values privacy, ExpressVPN keeps your connection secure in Russia’s highly monitored environment.

3. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Restrictions on VoIP and Content

The UAE has some of the strictest internet regulations in the Middle East. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime are blocked, while some websites and media content are restricted for cultural or political reasons.

Why you need a VPN in the UAE:

• Communication apps are often blocked.
• Streaming services like Netflix may have limited libraries.
• Certain websites are restricted based on local regulations.

How ExpressVPN helps:

• Lets you access VoIP apps and call your family securely.
• Bypasses geo-restrictions for streaming platforms.
• Protects your connection when using public Wi-Fi in hotels or malls.

With ExpressVPN, you can stay connected and enjoy your online freedom without compromising security or privacy.

4. Turkey – Political Censorship and Social Media Bans

In recent years, Turkey has experienced increased internet censorship, with temporary bans on Twitter, YouTube, and Wikipedia. The government closely monitors online communication and can block access to certain news outlets or critical content.

Why using a VPN in Turkey is important:

• Prevents government surveillance of your online activity.
• Enables access to news and social media platforms.
• Protects personal and business data from interception.

ExpressVPN advantages in Turkey:

• High-speed servers nearby ensure minimal lag.
• Obfuscated servers disguise VPN traffic for added safety.
• Lightway protocol maintains strong connections under censorship.

Whether you’re accessing global news or managing your online business, ExpressVPN allows you to stay informed and connected.

5. Iran – Extreme Content Filtering

Iran has some of the most aggressive internet censorship laws, blocking thousands of websites, including social media, messaging platforms, and foreign news sources. Authorities also monitor citizens’ online behavior, making privacy nearly impossible without a VPN.

Why you must use a VPN in Iran:

• Nearly all Western websites and apps are blocked.
• Online communication is heavily monitored.
• A VPN provides essential anonymity and unrestricted access.

What makes ExpressVPN ideal:

• Its encryption prevents authorities from tracking your activity.
• TrustedServer technology ensures no data logs are kept.
• It offers stable connections even on restrictive networks.

For travelers or remote workers in Iran, ExpressVPN is an indispensable tool for staying safe and accessing global information freely.

How to Choose the Right VPN When Traveling

Not all VPNs are equally effective, especially in countries with advanced censorship systems. Here’s what you should look for when choosing one:

• High-level encryption to secure your data.
• A strict no-logs policy to maintain privacy.
• Fast and reliable servers for streaming and work.
• Stealth or obfuscation features to bypass censorship.
• Compatibility with multiple devices for convenience.

ExpressVPN meets all these criteria and more, making it a trusted choice for travelers who value privacy and unrestricted access.

Best Practices for Safe Internet Use Abroad

Even with a VPN, it’s important to follow good online security habits to stay safe while traveling.

Here are some essential tips:

1. Always connect to your VPN before joining public Wi-Fi.
2. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on unknown networks.
3. Keep your VPN and device software updated.
4. Use two-factor authentication for important accounts.
5. Choose servers close to your location for faster speeds.

These habits, combined with ExpressVPN’s protection, ensure that your online activity stays private and secure at all times.

Conclusion

Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, your digital freedom and privacy should always come first. Many countries impose online restrictions, monitor communications, or limit access to certain websites. In these environments, a VPN like ExpressVPN is your best defense. It not only helps you bypass censorship but also protects your data from prying eyes.

From China to Iran, the world’s most restrictive countries make online freedom a challenge — but ExpressVPN provides a reliable solution. With top-tier encryption, blazing-fast speeds, and a strict no-logs policy, it ensures your browsing stays safe, private, and unrestricted.

If you’re planning your next trip, don’t forget to use the express vpn discount code to save on your subscription and enjoy secure internet access wherever you go.