Protect your online privacy while vacationing in Bali! These top 3 VPNs keep your data safe from prying eyes!
Who says you can’t work from paradise? I’ve been there, done that. Sipping freshly cracked coconuts on a sun-kissed beach while closing deals – it’s the dream, right? But to make this digital nomad lifestyle a reality, you need the right tools.
One of those essential tools is a reliable VPN. A good VPN secures your connection and helps you bypass geo-restrictions.
So, if you’re planning a Bali getaway and want to keep your work life running smoothly, read on. I’ll share my top VPN picks to help you stay connected, safe, and productive.
How much do VPN services cost in Bali?
The cost of VPN services in Bali is around IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,200,000 per year for a premium VPN, which translates to approximately IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 monthly if you opt for annual billing.
Some budget-friendly options may offer plans as low as IDR 300,000 annually, especially during promotional periods.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has been a game-changer for me, honestly. One of the coolest things about it is its TrustedServer technology. They use RAM-only servers, meaning every time the server reboots, all user data disappears.
And then there’s the Advanced Protection stuff. They’ve got this built-in Threat Manager that blocks annoying ads, pesky trackers, and even shady websites. It feels great to know I’m protected from phishing attempts and malware while I’m at it.
Oh, and customer support? They’re available 24/7 through live chat. Plus, I can connect up to eight devices simultaneously with a single subscription! That means all my gadgets are covered without needing to manage multiple accounts.
Let’s talk about speed and reliability because I can’t stand lag. ExpressVPN seriously delivers on that front. They’ve got this neat Lightway protocol about speed and security.
I could stream shows and browse the net without annoying buffering. I even used it during peak hours, and the connection held up beautifully. It was crucial for my streaming binges and video calls—I needed that steady connection!
Their extensive global server network impressed me even more—over 3,000 servers in 105 countries! I could easily check out local Indonesian services and even log into Netflix and Hulu.
But hey, nothing’s perfect, right? I noticed occasional connectivity hiccups with certain servers, especially when traffic was high. A few users mentioned slowing speeds or trouble connecting.
My little trick is to switch between servers or use the “Smart Location” feature, which automatically connects me to the best server based on my location and current conditions.
2. NordVPN
Let me tell you about my experience with NordVPN in Bali. NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, so I could easily bypass local restrictions and access content worldwide.
One of the things that stands out is their obfuscated servers. This helps disguise my VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, which is a relief when I’m in places like schools or workplaces where VPN connections can get blocked.
They use AES-256 encryption, which honestly feels like an impenetrable fortress. I love knowing that even government agencies and big banks trust this level of security.
They also have RAM-only servers that wipe all data when rebooted, so nothing stays around. With their strict no-logs policy (which has been checked by third parties), I’ve got peace of mind that all my online activities are kept private.
They have over 5,500 servers worldwide, including five in Indonesia, so I hardly ever experience lag. The connection speeds are solid, perfect for streaming my favorite shows or downloading stuff without a hitch.
The app is easy to use. The design is super intuitive. I can connect to a server with just a click! Features like split tunneling and customizable settings aren’t overwhelming, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
User reviews have mentioned the occasional connectivity hiccup, such as dropped connections or problems reconnecting after a session. To handle this, I found it handy to turn on the app-specific kill switch feature.
This way, I can decide which apps will disconnect if the VPN drops, keeping my essential tasks safe. Plus, keeping the NordVPN app updated is a must; it helps iron out any bugs or compatibility quirks that might pop up.
3. Surfshark
The first feature that grabbed my attention is Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop. It’s like having double encryption, perfect for folks who care about their online privacy, like journalists.
Imagine being in Bali, lounging at a café while trying to connect to public Wi-Fi. You know how sketchy that can be, right? That’s where CleanWeb comes in. It’s such a lifesaver! It blocks all those annoying ads and trackers and keeps malware at bay.
Then there’s the NoBorders Mode, like the cherry on top. It pretty much lets you bypass all those pesky censorship barriers. You can stream your favorite shows without interruptions, which is exactly what you want when traveling.
And the icing on the cake? Surfshark allows unlimited device connections. Most VPNs cap you on how many devices you can connect, but not with Surfshark. You can hook up as many as your heart desires under one account.
I’ve been impressed with the service’s speed and reliability. I hardly experience any lag when streaming or browsing the web, which is a huge relief. My average speeds hover around 155 Mbps, which is enough for what I need.
Now, I’ll admit, it’s not the absolute fastest VPN out there, but it does the job for video calls and downloading. I noticed a bit of a slowdown when connecting to servers that were pretty far away, but it’s been super reliable for the most part.
They have over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries! Whenever I want to catch up on local shows in Indonesia or bypass geo-restrictions for my favorite international platforms, I can hop on a different server without fuss.
Now, I’ve heard from some other users that they’ve had issues with customer support, like long wait times or not-so-great responses. However, I found it helpful to sift through Surfshark’s extensive online resources, such as FAQs and troubleshooting guides.