VPNs improve online security and prevent snoopers from getting hold of your personal and private data. They can also be useful for unlocking geo-restricted content on streaming sites, and they can even improve access to multiplayer game lobbies.
Another use of VPNs is to help save money. Because a VPN can make it appear as though you’re shopping or buying from a different location, this lets users take advantage of dynamic pricing, which is not only beneficial when you’re on holiday but can also save you money when buying goods, booking tickets, and using services in your local area. Below, we look at 6 ways a VPN can help you save money.
What Is A VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that has remote servers, typically based in different locations around the world. When a user logs on to the VPN and chooses one of these local servers, all their Internet traffic passes through the server before being routed to the Internet. It prevents snooping, protects against data theft, and can even help prevent connection strangling by Internet Service Providers.
There are a lot of VPNs available, including those that are installed on home routers, and used specifically on PCs and Macs, as well as VPNs for Android devices. Tech writer Jacob O’Shea advises that using a service with servers in a lot of different countries affords greater options when it comes to accessing restricted websites and benefiting from potential savings.
How A VPN Can Save You Money
Whenever we visit online stores, booking services, and other websites, the site uses cookies to determine our geographic location. It can be beneficial for location tracking and enabled services, but it is also used by businesses to help them determine what prices to offer visitors. When you visit an online store, location is used to help determine shipping costs. But some companies use this information to charge some people more than others. U
sing a VPN means you can visit websites and use an IP address that gives you the appearance of being in a completely different location. This is the main way a VPN can save you money, and it can be used in the following ways.
1. Search For Flights
Flight prices are based on a lot of factors: departure and arrival destinations, on or off-peak travel time, and the class of the flight are some of the most important factors. But, many flyers don’t know they might be charged a different amount according to where they’re booking from. This can be especially true of internal flights, so if you’re flying from Manchester to Gatwick in the UK, you might be presented with more expensive flights if you’re in the US compared to the prices you get in the UK, even if you’re booking using British pounds.
With a VPN, you can choose a UK-based server and potentially save yourself money on those flights.
2. Book Hotels
Similarly, people traveling from overseas can be charged more money than locals when booking hotels or accommodation. In the hotel’s eyes, there might be less chance of you canceling a reservation or causing damage if you live locally. With a VPN, you can change server locations and try servers in different countries until you get the best price.
It is worth noting that other factors can influence hotel prices. Even the time of day you book might impact the price you are quoted, so don’t jump in and book the first deal you see. It’s also worth noting that some hotels might charge more for local residents, so do compare prices using servers in different countries.
3. Pay Less For Car Rental
Renting a car can open up a whole new world of exploration when you’re traveling. It can also be essential if your car breaks down and you need a car for everyday life. Like hotels and flights, car rental companies do rely on tourism, and they might offer improved rates to people booking from certain countries. This isn’t always the case, but the bigger companies are known for their dynamic pricing practices.
Using a VPN might enable you to book a slightly bigger or more luxurious car for the same price.
4. Get Local Prices For Events
Festivals, concerts, and exhibitions are great ways to broaden your horizons and experience things you love. Some events cover the whole spectrum of entertainment and hobbies, with some truly unique experiences taking place everywhere around us. Because of the upheaval that some of these events cause to locals, special prices might be offered to visitors that come from the local area, and while some events might ask for proof of address, others use dynamic pricing that relies on IP address identification.
Before you book to visit a UK festival, for example, try using a VPN server based in London, as well as one in the US and servers in other countries to make sure you’re paying a fair price for your tickets.
5. Save On Streaming And TV Services
A VPN is a great way to unlock additional content on TV, movie, and even game streaming services because it can be used to unlock geographic restrictions. You’ll also find that streaming services have different prices and different bonuses according to the country you’re in.
A lot of global companies set their prices in the US first, and then offer equivalent prices in other countries. At the time the prices are set, these overseas prices might be on par with the US prices, but exchange rates differ, and some companies seemingly add a premium to users outside the US.
Try registering for an account using servers in different countries, and especially check US prices. You might need to exchange money, but many bank accounts offer this service, and some services will take cryptocurrency which costs very little to exchange.
6. Access Better Offers
A lot of manufacturers and retailers charge more for products when they are shipped overseas, and the extra cost doesn’t just come in the shape of shipping fees. You will find websites offer bonuses on certain international versions of their sites but not on others.
For example, a lot of US retailers offer bonuses on July 4th, but only on their US-centric websites. Other customers don’t enjoy the same bonuses. Similarly, some gaming websites and some of the best online casinos offer bonuses to players from certain regions. By using a VPN to make it appear as though you’re in that country, you can enjoy access to these bonuses, too.
Conclusion
VPNs are affordable, protect your privacy, and they can unlock a whole new world of TV, movie, and gaming content. They can also help you save money, not only by protecting your online banking and other personal details, but allowing you to take advantage of dynamic pricing and global pricing practices. These practices are used by businesses of all types and in all locations, so whether you’re booking a hotel or trying to get the best deal on the latest must-have products, you can save a little cash.