A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of those tools that feels optional until you actually live abroad — then it becomes essential. This guide covers why expats and digital nomads use VPNs, what to look for, and which one most people in the community end up using.
| What a VPN does | Encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another country |
| Top use case for expats | Accessing home country streaming (Netflix US, Hulu, Canadian TV) from abroad |
| Security use case | Protecting your connection on public Wi-Fi in cafes, coworking spaces, airports |
| Best VPN for expats | NordVPN — fastest speeds, largest server network, reliable kill switch |
| Price | From $3.49/mo on a 2-year plan |
| Works on | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers — up to 10 devices simultaneously |
Why Expats and Digital Nomads Use VPNs
Most people think about VPNs for privacy. That is part of it. But for people living abroad, the practical day-to-day reasons are more mundane:
Streaming from Home
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and most streaming services serve different content libraries depending on your location. If you move to Colombia, your Netflix switches to the Colombian library — you lose access to the US or Canadian content you were watching. A VPN lets you connect through a US or Canadian server and restore access to your home library. This is by far the most common reason expats use VPNs.
The same applies to sports: NFL Sunday Ticket, NHL streaming, NBA League Pass — all geo-restricted. A VPN unblocks them from anywhere.
Securing Public Wi-Fi
If you work from cafes, coworking spaces, hotel lobbies, or airports — and most digital nomads do — you are regularly on shared, potentially unsecured networks. A VPN encrypts your traffic so that nobody on the same network can intercept your data, read your communications, or steal credentials. This matters particularly when accessing banking, work systems, or client data.
Accessing Home Country Services
Beyond streaming, some banking apps, government portals, and business software detect your IP address and restrict access to specific countries. A VPN with servers in your home country solves this cleanly.
What to Look for in a VPN
- Speed — a slow VPN is unusable for video calls or streaming. This eliminates most budget options.
- Server coverage — you want servers in the US, Canada, UK, and wherever you are living. More servers = less congestion.
- Kill switch — cuts your internet if the VPN drops, preventing your real IP from being exposed. Non-negotiable for privacy.
- No-logs policy — independently audited confirmation that the VPN does not store records of your activity.
- Multi-device support — you need it on your laptop, phone, and potentially a router for your home network.
- Reliability in restrictive countries — if you visit or live in a country with internet restrictions, some VPNs work better than others.
NordVPN: What Most Expats End Up Using
NordVPN has become the default recommendation in most expat communities, and for good reason. It consistently scores highest on independent speed tests, has servers in 111 countries (including all the major Latin American destinations), and has passed multiple independent no-logs audits.
For expats specifically: NordVPN’s streaming unblocking is reliable and maintained — they actively update servers when streaming platforms crack down, which cheaper VPNs do not bother doing. The kill switch works. The iOS and Android apps are solid for mobile use.
The 2-year plan at $3.49/month is the best value. At that price it costs less than one cup of coffee per month.
Get NordVPN
NordVPN — from $3.49/mo — 2-year plan with 30-day money-back guarantee. Works on up to 10 devices. Servers in 111 countries.
Alternatives Worth Knowing
ExpressVPN — fast and reliable, slightly more expensive ($8–10/mo), good streaming support. Worth it if NordVPN is ever having issues in a specific country.
Mullvad — strongest privacy focus, accepts cash and crypto, flat €5/month. No streaming optimization. Good for pure privacy use cases.
Surfshark — budget option with unlimited devices. Slower than NordVPN but fine for casual use. Good for families.
For most expats living in Latin America and working remotely: NordVPN hits the right balance of speed, reliability, streaming support, and price.
Setting It Up
- Download the NordVPN app on your device (Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android)
- Sign in and select a server in your home country for streaming, or “Quick Connect” for fastest available for security
- Enable the kill switch in settings
- Done — it runs in the background and reconnects automatically
If you want to protect your entire home network (including smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.), NordVPN also supports router-level installation so every device is covered without installing an app on each one.
Related Guides
- Best Countries for Digital Nomads in Latin America
- Banking for Digital Nomads
- Best eSIM for Latin America
- Remote Sales Jobs
- All Recommended Resources
Why Expats Use VPNs in LatAm (2026)
US streaming libraries, bank portals geo-blocked abroad, and public Wi-Fi in cafés/co-working spaces. A VPN is infrastructure — not a substitute for residency compliance.
Common Picks
NordVPN / ExpressVPN / Mullvad — widely used; verify WireGuard support for mobile hotspots. Pair with fastest internet countries when choosing a base.
Remote work stack: DN visas · co-working · Airalo eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VPN as an expat?
Recommended for banking and streaming — especially on shared Wi-Fi.
Related: DN Visas · Co-Working
Related: DN Visas · Co-Working
