VPN for Travel: Security and Local Internet Laws

Choosing a VPN for travel starts with your destination's rules and the devices you actually need to take. Smartraveller's cyber security guidance, checked on 4 November 2026, suggests considering a VPN on devices that will access the internet. It also covers precautions for accounts, physical security, shared networks and suspected compromise.

This guide follows that guidance, with China and the United Arab Emirates as worked examples of local internet laws. It does not recommend a VPN product or explain how to bypass restrictions.

SecureCheck.com.au is an independent guide. This page is general information, not legal or technical advice for your situation. We don't sell VPNs or security software. Some links on this site are affiliate links (currently NordPass and NordVPN). If you buy through one we may be paid, at no extra cost to you. It doesn't change our assessments. Paid links are labelled. Our affiliate disclosure explains how this works. Facts were checked on official and company websites on 4 November 2026. Read our general information notice.

Before packing a VPN for travelling overseas

Smartraveller's cyber security page, updated on 18 August 2026 and checked on 4 November 2026, describes crime targeting devices and digital identity theft as growing risks for travellers. Its starting point is to leave devices and data at home where possible.

That makes the first packing question practical: which devices and sensitive information are necessary for this trip? The guidance suggests considering a cheap burner phone, especially with a local SIM. It says never to store sensitive information on it or use it at home afterwards.

For background, see what is a VPN.

A pre-trip device checklist

The following checklist comes from Smartraveller's cyber security guidance as checked on 4 November 2026:

• Back up before leaving. Leave the backup at home.
• Protect access. Set a passcode for device start-up, use strong passphrases and enable multi-factor authentication. Never store passphrases on the device.
• Protect sensitive information. Encrypt sensitive data you need to carry.
• Update software. Patch the operating system and update browsers. Include anti-malware protection and a firewall in your preparation.
• Stop automatic connections. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth auto-connect, along with AirDrop or Nearby Share.
• Consider a VPN. Smartraveller includes this for devices that may access the internet.
• Check destination rules. Read the current Smartraveller page for each destination, including its local laws and internet access sections.

The China and UAE examples below show why the final item belongs beside the technical settings. Australian VPN information is covered separately in are VPNs legal in Australia; overseas travel requires checking the destination's rules.

Hotel and airport Wi-Fi: where a VPN fits

As checked on 4 November 2026, Smartraveller says electronic communications can be intercepted unless the network is secure. It describes Wi-Fi as particularly vulnerable and says travellers should have no expectation of privacy on public Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi or internet cafe connections.

Its guidance suggests considering a VPN, but does not present that step as a guarantee of privacy. The same page still calls for account protection, software updates, careful device handling and a response if compromise is suspected. Treat its VPN recommendation as part of that complete checklist.

A VPN connection does not replace those separate precautions. For example, Smartraveller warns that shared computers may contain keylogging malware and says not to use internet cafe or hotel business centre computers for banking or shopping. Its guidance also says to assume a device has been compromised if it has been taken out of sight during screening or a room search. Turning to a VPN is not the response it specifies for either situation.

Smartraveller says mobile networks are often more secure than public Wi-Fi. It also warns that phone networks may be monitored in some destinations, and suggests an encrypted internet calling service on your own device for sensitive calls.

While using a connection, its routine is to turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on only when needed, avoid “remember me”, log out and clear browsing history and cookies. Our public Wi-Fi security guide covers shared connections separately.

Physical security and charging on the trip

Smartraveller's cyber security guidance, checked on 4 November 2026, says to keep devices with you rather than in checked baggage, and to turn them off at airport security. It warns that hotel rooms and safes may not be safe, with rooms often searched in some destinations.

Its charging precautions are specific: use your own plug and cable or a battery pack, avoid shared USB charging stations and consider a USB data blocker. Never use gifted or freebie USB drives or cables.

China: internet access and local-law warnings

As Smartraveller's China advice stated on 4 November 2026, China prohibits access to many foreign internet services. Its advice, updated on 28 September 2026, says restrictions can affect banking, social media, popular apps and internet-based calls or messaging.

For an Australian preparing to travel, that means considering the services and accounts relied on for communication and banking before departure. It is not a reason to assume a VPN provides a lawful workaround.

Smartraveller states that using services to bypass local internet restrictions may be illegal and can attract penalties, including imprisonment. It also says mobile and internet providers can be requested to give data to Chinese authorities.

The same advice warns that national security laws are strict, interpreted broadly and updated from time to time. They may apply to online activity and public comments, and Australians may face arbitrary detention. Its cyber security warning also notes arrests over online posts.

A search for the best VPN for China should not displace those warnings. This guide makes no product recommendation or claim about access. Read the current restrictions before departure.

UAE: VPN use and online conduct

As Smartraveller's UAE advice stated on 4 November 2026, using a fake IP address, such as a VPN, to commit or cover up a crime is among the online behaviours that may be criminal. The advice was updated on 8 October 2026 and lists fines, jail and deportation as punishments.

That wording describes particular conduct. It should not be turned into a blanket assurance that any other VPN use is lawful. A VPN does not make prohibited online conduct acceptable.

Smartraveller also identifies spreading rumours, defamation, swearing and insults, and posting photos of local incidents as conduct that may be a crime. Publishing, sharing or reposting rumours or unverified information is illegal, as is posting photos of people or their belongings without consent.

The advice says UAE law applies even during airport transit without leaving the airport. Someone checking “VPN UAE” while planning a stopover therefore needs to read the local-law section too. Smartraveller also warns that cybercrime and online financial scams are common, with devices targeted through public or shared Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

If a device may be compromised

Smartraveller's cyber security guidance, checked on 4 November 2026, lists repeated crashes, new pop-ups or advertisements, suspicious account activity and unexplained data or battery use as possible signs of compromise.

Its response steps include:

1. Put a phone in airplane mode, or turn off Wi-Fi on a laptop.
2. Run anti-malware software.
3. Change passphrases and log out of account sessions.
4. Refer work devices to the ICT team.
5. Use a trusted brand service centre, or factory reset and restore from backup.

The same guidance says to assume compromise and copying of the drive if a device was taken out of sight for screening or a room search. This physical event matters even without the warning signs above. Our online scams guide covers related account and scam concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

As Smartraveller's China advice stated on 4 November 2026, using services to bypass local internet restrictions may be illegal and can attract penalties, including imprisonment. That warning does not establish that a particular VPN use is lawful.

What does Smartraveller say about taking a VPN overseas?

Its cyber security guidance, checked on 4 November 2026, suggests considering a VPN on devices that may access the internet. It also lists device updates, strong passphrases, multi-factor authentication and physical security precautions.

Does hotel Wi-Fi become private if I use a VPN?

Smartraveller's guidance checked on 4 November 2026 says there should be no expectation of privacy on hotel or public Wi-Fi. Its suggestion to consider a VPN is not a privacy guarantee.

What does the UAE warning say about VPNs?

As checked on 4 November 2026, Smartraveller identifies using a fake IP address, such as a VPN, to commit or cover up a crime as conduct that may be criminal. UAE law also applies during airport transit.

Can I use a hotel computer for banking instead?

Smartraveller's cyber security guidance checked on 4 November 2026 says not to bank or shop on hotel business centre or internet cafe computers. It warns that public shared computers may have keylogging malware.