VPN stands for “virtual private network” — a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.

It allows you to make your connection to the internet appear as if you are in a different location by masking your IP address and connecting to a remote server in a different location.

One of the biggest benefits would be that it will protect your internet traffic on public Wi-Fi. If anyone were to try and snoop on your web traffic or access your device on unsecured networks, they would need to break through a layer of encryption.

Below I will list additional benefits of using a VPN while living abroad and how to take full advantage of these benefits.

• Save money on flights
• Access streaming content from anywhere
• Avoid getting geo-blocked from websites
• Get remote U.S. work while living abroad

I personally use and recommend NordVPN because it has the highest connection speeds, access to thousands of servers, and is simple to use with many great features.

NordVPN Referral Link (Check it out for yourself)

Save Money on Flights

When you search for flights, the flight prices you see on your screen do not reflect a “standard” price. Dynamic pricing collects information and puts the data into an algorithm to calculate a final price. The goal of dynamic pricing is to maximize revenue while filling seats.

Your location is also included in this calculation. Prices may be higher or lower based on your IP address when accessing the airliner’s website. Incognito mode might hide your browser history, but it does not hide or change your location. A reliable VPN can help you compare prices from various locations. You can save hundreds of dollars each flight!

A safe and reliable VPN service more than pays for itself with the savings you can get in just 1 flight. Here are the 4 simple steps in searching for cheaper flights.

Using these steps, I was able to save $53 on a flight from Chicago to Madrid. This flight alone will pay for over 13 months of VPN service with NordVPN’s current special offer. You can typically find discounted prices saving you $100-$200 for a Transatlantic flight.

Is it legal to use a VPN to get lower fares?

It’s legal to use a VPN to get lower fares. A VPN protects your privacy, and it is a legitimate and essential tool for online safety. It’s perfectly fine if you buy tickets while using it.

Why NordVPN?

Here is an example of me trying to find different flight prices using an unreliable VPN. The servers used in their service are unsecure and overpopulated. This leads to webpages blocking their specific IP addresses and consequently blocking you.

Access Streaming Content

Just like how changing your location can change airline prices. Changing your location also gives you access to different shows on your favorite streaming service.

Many popular shows and movies on streaming services are unavailable abroad. There are geo-restrictions in place that prevent you from accessing the American catalogue while living outside of the States. Fear not, you can access all the shows you want by simply signing into your VPN, selecting a server from the U.S, and accessing your streaming platform. (Sometimes, you have to log in first, turn on VPN, and then refresh the page).

This also gives you the opportunity to discover new and interesting shows from various other countries. All you have to do is change your server location!

Avoid Getting Geo-Blocked

Some websites block visitors outside of a select region. Recover your access by using a VPN to connect to a server from a location that is not restricted.

Get American Work while Living Abroad

Disclaimer: Even with the perfect set-up, a competent IT department investigating your location would be able to find out that you are working and living abroad. The steps I cover below are ways to cover your tracks, but they aren’t 100%. You risk getting fired by working abroad without explicit permission.

If you apply for remote American work or continue to work for an American job while living in Spain, you won’t have much success. Employers can see your location, and they won’t be happy to know that you are working and living abroad (for tax reasons, it’s highly recommended to be or convert to a 1099 position.)

Having a foreign labor force that lives abroad could spell tax and legal problems for the company. It can create corporate tax liabilities in other countries, and it can require that they respect labor laws from that perspective country (Spain’s generous vacation, maternity/paternity leave, and job protections aren’t so appealing for employers).

That’s why its incredibly difficult to get U.S. work (and pay) while living abroad. Expats are often automatically screened out for having a foreign address, IP address, and phone number.

It’s not illegal to work abroad for an American company, though. In fact, many countries are introducing a digital nomad visa for those that have the flexibility to work remotely. This visa allows you to work remotely for a country registered outside of the country you have chosen to currently live in.

Why would I want to work for a U.S. company?

Despite having more benefits and better protections, salaries in Spain are incredibly low compared to the U.S. Many people my age (late 20s) make around 1,000 to 1,500 euros a month. It can also be difficult to find work in Spain due to the high unemployment. This consistently high unemployment rate has allowed companies to use and abuse workers with high-stress work.

Luckily, the cost of living in Spain is also incredibly cheap. Currently, with a nice 2 bedroom apartment and the ability to go out once a week (expenses shared with a partner), I spend about 650-800 euros a month in Sevilla. Having even low paying American contract work will allow you to save money and live like a king.

How does it work?

Luckily, a few things work in your favor:

Although you have to file taxes in the U.S. and Spain, there is a tax agreement between both countries to avoid paying double taxes.

Your tax returns and information is private. In general, the IRS may not disclose your tax information to third parties unless you give them permission (This includes your employer). Example: You request that the IRS discloses information for a mortgage or student loan application.

Using Google Voice, you can keep and use your American phone number while living abroad. All calls and texts are treated as normal calls and texts through this service.

Many remote jobs have their own VPN software to work remotely. Normally, it isn’t possible to connect to your own VPN then to your company’s VPN on the same computer. However, a VPN router would be able to connect your whole network to a separate server before connecting to your company’s VPN on your work computer.

What you need

1. Google Voice
2. A Reliable VPN Service
   
   
3. Self-control – If you have your coworkers or boss added on social media, don’t let them know that you are living and working abroad. Make sure to set your privacy settings and friend network accordingly if you are going to talk about your amazing life in Spain.
   
   
4. A VPN Router with a Kill Switch – The kill switch turns off your internet connection if the VPN connection is interrupted. Make sure to only ever connect your work computer to your VPN router, and avoid personal inquiries on that computer such as, “Weather in Madrid…”
   
   Your router connects to a server in the U.S. using your VPN, you connect to the router, and your connection will automatically have an American IP address. (you can also use a VPN on your phone and create a hotspot for your work computer)
   
   
5. If you are sent a work computer and equipment, you will need a voltage adapter(s). Yes, 99% of the time, it is fine to charge a computer or phone with the wrong voltage, but why take the risk when a voltage adapter is only marginally more expensive than a plug adapter?

Remember that cookies can store location data, so clear your cache if you have connected online outside of an American VPN server.

Overall, there are many benefits to having a VPN while living abroad. Take advantage of it and let me know how it goes!

Thank you to NordVPN for sponsoring my content. I earn commission through an affiliate program for referring NordVPN.

NordVPN Referral Link (Check it out for yourself)

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