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17 Ways Global Travelers Can Keep WiFi Costs Down, Data Secure
2Start With the Basics
First of all, research your hotels ahead of time and see what kinds of WiFi it offers. Consider creating your own secure personal WiFi network through solutions such as EasyPass or hotspots from companies such as Verizon. Always verify a WiFi network and be aware of WiFi network spoofing whenever you log in.
3Connecting to an Open Network
4Disable Mobile Data Roaming Completely
5Turn Off Unnecessary Features on Your Phone
6Talk to Your Provider
After you get a better idea of the type of service you’re going to need, the next step is to speak with your mobile phone provider about the costs of different data and voice connections overseas. You might discover your provider offers a roaming package. These tend to be charged on a monthly basis, and allow you to use a specified amount of data at a predetermined cost.
7Find Out if Your Hotels Use WiFi Authentication, Encryption
Connectivity isn’t a given when traveling abroad. Performance, reliability and security are even more volatile. Most hotel and resort properties offer some form of authentication to limit who can access their network. Few locations, however, offer the encryption required to fully protect your data from any malicious neighbors. It is important to do the research ahead of confirming your hotel reservation.
8If Possible, Use a VPN
It’s not uncommon for businesses to request employees to use a virtual private network (VPN) when traveling, but VPNs also are handy for personal use. Never enter credit card details or other personal information on a provider’s network unless you are using an SSL or VPN.