How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi While Traveling

Free Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and cafés is convenient — and a favorite hunting ground for data thieves. A few habits keep you safe without giving up connectivity.

Why public Wi-Fi is risky

Open networks often lack encryption, so others on the same network can potentially intercept what you send. Fake "lookalike" hotspots are a common trick to capture logins and payment details.

Protect yourself

• Use a VPN to encrypt your traffic, so even an open network can't read it.
• Avoid sensitive tasks — banking, shopping — on public Wi-Fi unless you're on a VPN.
• Confirm the real network name with staff before connecting; don't trust lookalikes.
• Turn off auto-connect so your phone doesn't silently join unknown networks.
• Keep your apps and OS updated for the latest security patches.

The safer alternative: your own data

The most reliable protection is not needing public Wi-Fi at all. A travel eSIM gives you your own secure mobile data from the moment you land, so you can skip sketchy networks for anything sensitive. It also keeps you reachable — Travan pairs that data with calling on your real number, so you're secure and connected. New to eSIMs? See How Does an eSIM Work?.

The bottom line

Use a VPN when you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid sensitive tasks on open networks, and lean on your own eSIM data whenever possible. Small habits, big protection.

Get your own secure data abroad →