Protect your work on hotel and airport Wi-Fi, access UK services and keep video calls stable while working overseas.
Prioritising security, UK server access, speed and easy setup
Always follow your employer’s remote-working policy. A VPN protects the connection between your device and the VPN server, but it does not make an unmanaged device safe or guarantee that a company service permits overseas access. Use multi-factor authentication, approved devices and your organisation’s own VPN where required.
These providers combine strong encryption with dependable performance for email, cloud apps, video meetings and UK services.
NordVPN is our best all-round VPN for working abroad from the UK. Its UK server network is useful when you need to access familiar services while travelling, while fast modern protocols keep ordinary work tasks, cloud storage and video calls responsive.
Surfshark is particularly appealing to people travelling with several devices or sharing a subscription with their household. Unlimited simultaneous connections mean your laptop, mobile, tablet and personal streaming devices can all use one account.
ExpressVPN remains a strong option if you want a polished app and minimal configuration. Its Lightway protocol is designed to reconnect quickly when you move between hotel Wi-Fi, mobile data and other networks.
| Feature | Why it matters | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK server access | Access services that expect a UK connection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Kill switch | Stops traffic if the VPN disconnects | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fast protocol | Helps with calls, uploads and remote desktops | ✅ NordLynx | ✅ WireGuard | ✅ Lightway |
| Multiple devices | Protects work and personal equipment | 6 | Unlimited | 8 |
| Router support | Covers devices that cannot run VPN apps | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | Lets you test compatibility before committing | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Important: A consumer VPN is not necessarily the same as your employer’s corporate VPN. If your company supplies VPN software, use that for access to internal systems unless your IT team explicitly says otherwise.
Install and test your VPN before leaving the UK. This avoids troubleshooting account, payment or app issues on an unfamiliar network.
NordVPN and Surfshark are good starting points. Check the provider’s device limits and compatibility with your work laptop and phone.
Download the app from the provider’s official website or your device’s legitimate app store. Avoid unofficial APK files and browser extensions from unknown sources.
Find the kill switch in the connection settings. It can prevent your device from sending ordinary internet traffic if the encrypted tunnel drops.
Connect to a UK server and check the services you normally use. Then test a nearby server for comparison, as a local connection may provide better performance for general work.
Update your operating system, browser, password manager and employer-provided security software before departure.
For video calls and remote desktop sessions, distance matters. Start with a server geographically close to where you are working. Use a UK server only when you specifically need a UK IP address or your employer requires it.
Public Wi-Fi is convenient but should not automatically be considered trustworthy. Other users may be on the same network, and fake hotspots can imitate legitimate hotel or airport names.
Open your VPN app before accessing work email, cloud storage or internal tools. If the network requires a captive portal, complete that sign-in first, then connect to the VPN immediately afterwards.
Ask reception or check official airport information for the correct Wi-Fi name. Do not assume that a similarly named hotspot is genuine.
A personal mobile hotspot can be a better choice than an unknown public network, particularly for payroll, financial administration or confidential client work.
Set public networks to the appropriate security profile and disable unnecessary sharing features. A VPN encrypts the tunnel, but it does not fix insecure local sharing settings.
VPN use is legal in the UK, but rules can differ in other countries and some workplaces restrict VPNs. Check travel advice, your employer’s policy and any local requirements before connecting.
Connecting to a UK VPN server gives websites and apps a UK-based IP address. This can help with services that use location as one part of their access checks, such as some UK websites, streaming platforms and account portals.
It is not a guarantee. Some services also check your payment method, GPS location, device region, account history or whether the connection comes from a known VPN address. Banking apps may also trigger additional verification when you travel.
Use your bank’s official app or website, enable multi-factor authentication and avoid disabling security alerts. If a bank blocks a VPN connection, disconnect and follow its normal travel verification process rather than repeatedly changing servers.
Streaming platforms actively detect VPN connections and content availability varies by licence. A VPN may not provide access to every UK programme abroad, even when connected to a UK server.
Some company services allow overseas access; others block it for regulatory, licensing or security reasons. Ask your IT department before travelling, especially if you need a UK IP address for work.
NordVPN is our best overall pick for UK remote workers abroad, while Surfshark offers excellent value for households with lots of devices.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. Prices and features checked in March 2026.