Using My Virtual Private Network
Written on Jul 11, 2026
Using a virtual private network (VPN) is nothing new. People have been using them for years, for both good and bad reasons. They have far more good uses than bad, and using a public wi-fi connection without a VPN is just asking for trouble.
I started using a VPN a few years ago, starting with NordVPN. When my subscription expired, I switched to Surfshark. I don't remember why I switched.
Geolocation Restrictions
I don't use my VPN like some other Americans living in the Philippines. They use them to circumvent geolocation restrictions for streaming services, especially those connected to sports. That doesn't interest me at all. Most streaming services are already available in the Philippines.
Some American government services block the Philippines. I know it when I can't connect without using my VPN, which I connect to American locations. Recently, an online pharmacy blocked me, but not from accessing the website. The block happened when I tried to login.
The same thing happens when I'm in the United States, but to a lesser degree. Some Philippine websites block anyone outside of the Philippines.
VPN Prices
I don't remember what I paid for NordVPN. I'm sure I got a discount on the final amount. I paid less than $60 USD for Surfshark in June 2025 and it covers 27 months. The renewal will be in September 2027, and it will cost just a few dollars more. Inflation affects everything.
I use Surfshark on all of my computers and on my phone, even when not traveling, but not constantly. Sometimes, a connection to one place simply works better than another.
Image by Dan Nelson from Pixabay