VPN 101: International Online Shopping Made Safer and Easier
Have you ever desperately needed or wanted something, but the product just wasn’t available anywhere in your country? It's frustrating, isn't it?
Online shopping has become incredibly popular over the years. Not only does it save you time, but you also don't have to worry about the traffic, long lines, and in some cases, fighting over the last remaining item in stock. Unfortunately, however, most international online shoppers don’t have access to a wide variety of shops outside of their country. In turn, shoppers become limited in terms of what they can buy and where they can buy from due to their location.
Thankfully, all hope is not lost. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) work as a way for you to access shops, services, and items regardless of where you are in the world. With a VPN, everything becomes one-click away. Should you need to buy a luxury item only available in the USA or access a streaming service not yet available in your country, you can simply use a VPN to change your IP address and access any of these.
Not only that, but because VPNs hide your IP address completely, you can rest assured knowing that you can browse the internet safely. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) won't see your visited websites and data.
When shopping online, the best way to make sure you get the items you want safely and securely is to pair your Shipito account with a VPN, read on to find out how VPNs work and how to use them effectively.
How VPN Works
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How exactly does a VPN work?
Think of a VPN as a mask that hides your location online. It encrypts your data in real-time by connecting your device to another computer called a server. You use that computer's internet connection to browse online, making your online footprint undetectable. If the server is located in a different country, it will appear that you’re coming from that country yourself. You can access regional content that you wouldn't usually be able to in your actual location.
Since it also redirects your IP address to a private remote server run by a VPN host, the server becomes the source of your data. This makes it difficult for third parties to track you down and steal your information. It acts as a filter, distorting the data you send and receive during your session and making it impossible to track the websites you've visited. Hackers and cybercriminals won't be able to view your encrypted data.
Usually, you can only access certain websites from specific locations. You typically use local servers that determine where you’re coming from. This means that if you’re somewhere in Asia, you probably won't be able to access web content only available in the US, and vice versa. However, you can bypass that with a VPN.
With a VPN, you can connect to a server in another country, effectively changing your location. This is what is called "VPN location spoofing."
Benefits of Using VPN for International Online Shopping
Access More Shops
One of the biggest frustrations that comes with online shopping is being unable to purchase a product just because the shop isn't available in your area. While it’s understandable that it’s logistically impossible for online shops to be everywhere, it can still be disheartening.
You also run the risk of paying more or ending up with fake products when buying from resellers. Imagine if you splurged on a complete line of pricey skincare products only to find out that they have expired or are fake upon delivery.
VPNs allows you to gain access to unavailable shops in your country. You no longer have to settle for resellers that double the price or risk getting defective products. This is especially advantageous for people traveling or living abroad. You can buy directly from your favorite brands only available in the US no matter where you are right now and have them shipped anywhere in the world through your Shipito account.
You can even take part in big sales in the US, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. With a VPN, you are no longer limited by geography.
Use Any Payment System
There are also instances when you may be able to access shops, but you won't be able to use specific payment systems. For example, Paypal is a well-loved and well-used payment system by most online shops. However, Paypal isn't available in every country such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and many more.
VPNs allow you to choose a country where Paypal is available and use that to pay for your items. It doesn't matter if you’re in Pakistan or Myanmar. You can purchase anything using your preferred payment system with just one click.
Enjoy More Content
Another perk of VPNs is that streaming websites have more shows and movies available in the US and the UK. Even if you've subscribed to these streaming services, the content you can stream is limited to what’s licensed in your country. Each location has certain shows and movies not available in other countries. You’d be shocked at how much more web content there is in other countries.
Changing your location enables you to watch excellent content only available in other countries. Your VPN is your wingman when it comes to streaming anything, anywhere. Because it hides your IP address, Netflix, Amazon, or Disney+ won't be able to track down where you’re watching from. You can spend hours binge-watching new and exciting movies or shows.
VPN Providers
There are plenty of VPN providers you can choose from. Some websites have blocked certain VPN services, but there are always others that work. Invest time into finding one that works with websites you want to access and that fits well within your budget. Here are a few examples:
ExpressVPN
With 3,000 servers in over 160 locations spanning 94 countries, you'll be sure to shop to your heart's content using this VPN. You can even have five simultaneous connections, making it easier for you and your family to do your respective shopping sprees.
ExpressVPN has made its apps and tools easy to navigate, no matter what device you’re currently using. Its no-fuss, intuitive interface is especially friendly for inexperienced users. It’s available on many operating systems like Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and iOS.
NordVPN
NordVPN takes it up a notch by offering 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries. It also allows six simultaneous connections.
This VPN service shines when it comes to speed and security. The custom NordLynx protocol speeds up connections, even from distant servers. It also has a Double VPN system where all your data traffic gets encrypted twice, making your internet anonymity even more secure.
HMA VPN
If you’re looking for the highest amount of server locations a VPN can offer, nothing beats HMA VPN. With servers in over 200 locations across more than 200 countries, this VPN can hide your IP address anywhere around the world. Easy to use, HMA has custom apps for Windows, Mac, and other operating systems.
The Bottom Line
VPNs make international online shopping a lot safer and easier. Borders need not limit your shopping sprees. You can purchase any US-based item or service online with the power of VPNs. Most importantly, you can browse the Internet without any fear of getting your online data stolen.
Once you get setup with your VPN, you can start using your Shipito address at checkout. With our package consolidation service, you can buy items from multiple stores and have them shipped in one package, which saves you up to 80% on shipping. Sound good? Sign up for a Shipito account today.
