Many globetrotters and backpackers regularly undertake a journey to the fertile and culturally rich countries belonging to the region classified as ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations). Known for its beautiful beaches, mesmerizing historical sites, and a touch of adventurousness, this comparatively inexpensive travel destination draws thousands and thousands of people every year with landmarks like Angkor Wat, Cambodia; the city of Bangkok, Thailand; the islands of Malaysia; and the scenic views of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
*Note: Here’s the list of ASEAN countries for your added convenience:
Co-Founding Countries:
1. Indonesia
2. Malaysia
3. Philippines
4. Singapore
5. Thailand
Later Joined by:
1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Laos
4. Myanmar
5. Vietnam
5 Reasons Why You Should Use a VPN While Traveling
According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) report, around 81 million tourists visited ASEAN countries in 2013. As much as we highly recommend visiting ASEAN countries, a prudent traveler is always required to complete his/her homework before packing their bags. We have compiled a list of things, specifically internet related, to help you enjoy your holidays or travel better. Check out the list below.
Things to Know Before Travelling To ASEAN Countries
Internet is an essential part of our lives and we simply cannot live without it. Internet becomes more essential when we are travelling because it is the easiest, fastest and the cheapest way to connect to your home country and loved ones. But, you should know whether the rules and internet policies in the ASEAN countries are same as your country or are they restricted or limited? This is where we come to your rescue and help you with everything you need to know. So, let’s start:
Learn About PureVPN’s Specialized Service for Travelers.
Internet Speed is Slow – How to Speed it Up?
According to the results of an analysis by ASEAN DNA, only two states, Singapore and Thailand, offer internet speeds above the global average of 17.7 Mbps. The rest of the ASEAN countries have an average internet speed of only 12.4 Mbps. This is a huge setback for internet users traveling to these countries.
If you are in the main cities of any ASEAN country, you may get average internet speed, good enough to carry out your tasks. But in remote areas, suburbs and islands, internet is as slow as an aged turtle. It’s not only slow, but expensive compared to metropolitan cities. In Bangkok or Singapore, you might get an hour at 50 cents, but in suburban areas, it may cost you around $3 dollar for one hour.
We recommend you to subscribe to a broadband service the very next moment you arrive in the country. CyberLink broadband, a product of Cyberlink Systems Corp, is one of the most recommended. You can subscribe for the service at any booth available at the international airports in ASEAN countries. We will also recommend to avoid Wi-Fi internet at hotels and resorts, as they are not only a rip-off, but also very unreliable when it comes to protecting your online security.
Freedom of Speech – What Freedom of Speech?
Most ASEAN countries are among the worst countries when it comes to online freedom of speech. Cambodia is on the top of the list, followed by Vietnam and Brunei. However, internet laws are not so bad in Singapore and Malaysia. Till the last year, Thailand practiced partially restricting the internet, but the subsequent 2014 Thai coup d’état has led to further restrictions on accessing content via the Internet in the country through National Council for Peace and Order. Over the last year, the Thai government banned over 22,599 URLs. So, if you are hoping for unrestricted internet while tanning at a beach in Thailand, you better think again.
Although, it is unnecessary to talk about politics while you are on a vacation, but it is very important for you to know that it is prohibited to talk about the Royal family and politics in Thailand and Brunei. The best way to get over to this problem is a VPN. A VPN is a savior when it comes to restrictions and giving you back your right of freedom of speech.
Government Surveillance – How to be Invisible?
ASEAN countries do not have Data Retention laws as a part of their constitution. But, some of them have forbid freedom of expression online. To monitor internet users’ activities, these countries have what could be described as a cyber army, tracking your digital footprints in no time if you decide to speak against the government. This is why we recommend VPN, because it helps you be anonymous and invisible.
After the 2014 coup, things have changed drastically in Thailand and there is no doubt in saying that the Government is watching your every digital move.
Unsecure Wi-Fi Hotspots – How to Use them Safely?
Wi-Fi hotspots are the most unsafe and unsecure networks in any part of the world, and the same go for ASEAN countries. While travelling, it would be very hard for you to decide which Wi-Fi is secure and which is not. May be the one you connected to at the Platinum mall in Bangkok was actually a devil in disguise, designed by a hacker to track your financial details. Or the one you use in your hotel is an open network and the guy living in the next room can easily read your emails by hacking the network with basic hacking tools. There’s no safety until or unless you protect yourself.
We recommend you to update all your security tools before travelling to a new country. Update your anti-virus and get a VPN subscription.
Conclusion
Enjoy the internet with complete security, privacy and anonymity while freely expressing your thoughts and connecting with your home country without any restrictions even while on a vacation. If you are planning to go the white sandy beaches of Thailand; Hawaiian beauty of Bali; amazingly splendid wonderland of Singapore; and highly historical Angkor Watt in Cambodia, then don’t forget to get a subscription to PureVPN.
