When you live or travel abroad, online security shouldn’t be something you think about only after something goes wrong.
I’m still learning, but at its best, it simply becomes part of your routine.
Back in Belize, an ATM decided to keep my card. There wasn’t any fraud or user error; it was just a machine that didn’t like foreign cards. I couldn’t get the card back, and I couldn’t replace it until I got back to the U.S. three months later.
I had backups, but it reminded me how quickly something simple can turn into a full-blown problem when you’re not near your home bank.
In your home country, you just call the bank, cancel the card, and a new one shows up in your mailbox a few days later. When you’re traveling, everything takes longer. That’s why I’ve built a few security habits that keep me secure no matter where I travel.
1. Always use a VPN.
It’s a convenience to use free WiFi while waiting in an airport or restaurant, but these open networks can leave us vulnerable to hackers. By using a VPN, I can ensure that my internet connection is secure and encrypted.
Even when we are on the boat using Starlink, I still run a VPN. Using a VPN allows me to connect as if I’m in the U.S., which helps when I’m accessing certain accounts or working on client systems that may reject a foreign IP address.
I try to avoid public WiFi entirely, using my phone’s hotspot and a VPN instead. The connection may be a bit slower, but it’s worth it for the added security.
Now, here’s something strange…some banks hate VPNs.
Mine occasionally refuses to let me log in with the VPN running. When that happens, I wait until I can log in from my private network.
2. Use email aliases.
Have you ever signed up for a free ebook or registered for a webinar, only to spend the next week deleting trash emails? This can happen if a vendor shares email with partner companies.
Proton Mail (affiliate link with discount) lets me create alias addresses, which are disposable email addresses that forward to my main account. I use them to sign up for free stuff.
If one of those aliases starts getting flooded with junk mail, I just turn it off. I don’t have to waste time on an unsubscribe marathon.
3. Browse privately.
I’ve tried every single browser out there, but Brave has been my favorite for many years. It blocks most tracking automatically and has its own search engine.
A lot of security-conscious people I know swear by DuckDuckGo, and it’s improved a lot since I last used it. However, I’ve found Brave Search gives me what I need in a more private manner than Google.
Recently, I’ve been testing all the new AI browsers, but so far I’ve continued to revert back to Brave. There is a new one out this week that I’m excited to try. You can check out the details on Norton’s new Neo browser in the AI Toolbox section below.
The main point here is to choose a browser that you trust to protect your data quietly in the background so you don’t have to think about it every time you go online.
4. Choose travel-friendly bank cards.
Banking access is something we tend to take for granted until something goes wrong.
After the ATM took my card in Belize, I got two new cards that have made my travel life much easier: Wise and Revolut. Both are designed for international travel and come with features traditional banks don’t always offer.
I have a physical card for each, but I also use a virtual card with a different number. These are great for online purchases, and I can instantly freeze or replace them if something looks off. Revolut even lets me generate cards for one-time use for extra safety.
Both cards work beautifully abroad with no transaction fees or ATM fees up to a certain amount each month.
Final thoughts: Security means freedom.
If you want to take your security a little further, I highly recommend Michael Bazzell’s book, Extreme Privacy: What It Takes to Disappear. His methods go deep and may be overkill for most of you.
You can also check out his IntelTechniques website, where you can find a free 10-Day Security Guide that goes step-by-step through protecting your personal information and online accounts.
When it comes to security, it’s okay to get a little obsessed.
It’s one more kind of freedom to know that your money and your identity are protected no matter where you are in the world.
Until next time,
Tanya
