Introduction
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that establishes a virtual private connection over the internet, encrypting internet traffic and protecting privacy (to put it simply). Originally, it was developed and evolved as a technology to secure corporate remote work environments and facilitate the safe exchange of confidential information.
However, today, VPNs are widely used by individual users as well. For example, using a VPN allows you to change your source IP address, making it appear as if you are accessing from a different country, which enables access to region-restricted services.
With the spread of the internet, the term VPN has become widely recognized. I was aware of its existence and had a general understanding of how it works, but I was not knowledgeable enough to explain it in detail.
A while ago, however, I encountered a couple of minor issues while living abroad. In both cases, I was able to resolve them by using a VPN, which led me to realize just how useful and effective this technology can be.
In this article, I will introduce the basic workings of a VPN and its practical applications while sharing my own experiences. Originally, I wrote this as a personal memo, but I believe many people may also find themselves in a situation where they know what a VPN is but struggle to explain how it actually works. If this article helps deepen your understanding, I would be glad. (By gaining a better understanding of the concept, you may find unexpected situations where it becomes useful).
That said, this article reflects my personal perspective and experiences. I do not have specialized knowledge on it, so some descriptions may seem simplistic to experts. But, I have written this with the hope that it will be useful for beginners and those who are just starting to learn about VPNs. I would appreciate your understanding in this regard (If there are any critical inaccuracies, I would be grateful if you could point them out in comment).
Additionally, while VPNs are a convenient tool, they also come with risks depending on how they are used. I will discuss this in more detail later, but please make sure to check the terms of service for any service you use and take full responsibility when using a VPN.
Personal Experience 1: Login Restriction from Abroad
I originally lived in Japan, but I am currently residing overseas from few years ago.
Back in Japan, I frequently used a certain coffee chain and had signed up for their membership card, which also included a subscription to their email newsletter. However, after moving abroad, I no longer needed the promotions or coupons for this, so I decided to unsubscribe the newsletter.
But when I tried to log into the official website to cancel the subscription, I encountered an error message, which prevented me from proceeding with the cancellation.
I contacted the coffee chain’s customer support via chat, and they responded:
“This service is made for residents in Japan, and we cannot guarantee login or account management from overseas”.
Since I had no plans to return to Japan anytime soon, I found it extremely inconvenient that I couldn't even log in just because I was accessing the site from abroad... It seemed, rather illogical to me that I couldn't unsubscribe simply because I was outside of Japan!
After considering my options, I thought, "Would using a VPN solve this issue?"
I decided to activate the VPN feature in the Opera browser, set my connection to Japan, and tried logging in again. It worked perfectly! I was able to log into my account without any issues and successfully unsubscribe from the newsletter.
This experience made me realize how VPNs allow users to access services as if they were located in a specific country, overcoming restrictions imposed by geographical access limitations.
Personal Experience 2: Credit Card Payment Error
Another case where a VPN proved useful was when I encountered an issue with credit card payments.
A while ago, when I was living in a certain country, I had a mobile phone contract there. Later, I moved to a different country but wanted to keep my phone number, as I planned to return and preferred to maintain my existing registrations. To do this, I decided to transfer my number to a VOIP service, which would allow me to retain my phone number at minimal cost.
Everything seemed straightforward—until I attempted to make the payment on the VOIP provider’s website.
An error occurred when I tried to complete the payment using my credit card. The reason?
The credit card I was using was issued in the same country where I originally got my phone number, but I was attempting to make the transaction while staying in a different country. Due to security measures, my payment was automatically blocked.
Without the ability to process the payment, I couldn't complete the transfer, and the whole plan was at risk of falling apart.
Then, I suddenly remembered VPNs.
I connected to a VPN server in the same country where my credit card was issued, retried the payment, and—success! The transaction went through without any issues, and I was able to complete my phone number transfer.
This experience reinforced the fact that VPNs can sometimes help bypass location-based restrictions on financial transactions, allowing users to access services as if they were in the country where their credit card or financial account is registered.
How VPN Works
Now, let’s consider the basic concept of a VPN. Simply put, a VPN is a connection method that establishes a virtual private channel over the internet.
However, despite being called a "private network", it does not involve physically installing dedicated lines. Instead, it utilizes public internet infrastructure while behaving as if it were a dedicated and secure connection.
1. Standard Internet Communication
👤 User → 🌐 ISP (Internet Service Provider) → 🖥️ Server
In this case, the communication is not encrypted, meaning that ISPs or third parties may intercept, modify, or monitor the data.
2. VPN-Protected Communication
👤 User → 🌐 ISP → ⚡️ VPN Server (Virtual Private Channel) → 🖥️ Server
When using a VPN, the data travels through an encrypted tunnel, making it unreadable to ISPs or third parties.
In other words, a VPN functions by placing a VPN server between the user and the target internet server, encrypting the communication and changing the user’s IP address.
In standard internet communication, ISPs and Wi-Fi network administrators can potentially see your internet traffic and IP address. This can be a security risk, especially when using public Wi-Fi, where third parties may attempt to intercept sensitive data.
Using a VPN encrypts your communication, significantly reducing these risks.
💡 VPN as a "Letter" Analogy
Standard Internet Communication → "📃 Postcard"
→ Anyone can read the contents (The communication is visible).
VPN-Protected Communication → "✉️ Sealed Envelope"
→ The contents are hidden from third parties (The communication is encrypted and secure).
This mechanism allows for:
✅ Secure online banking and confidential data transmission
✅ Remote access to corporate networks
✅ Changing your IP address to appear as if accessing from a different country
This makes it possible to bypass regional restrictions on online services.
For example, in the previously mentioned coffee chain case, the website required login access from within Japan, preventing me from logging in from abroad. However, by using a VPN to simulate a Japanese IP address, I was able to successfully log in and unsubscribe from the newsletter.
Similarly, in the credit card payment issue, the transaction was blocked because I was in a different country from where the card was issued. Using a VPN allowed me to appear as if I were in the correct country, enabling the payment to go through smoothly.
Thus, VPNs serve not only as a security-enhancing tool but also as a practical solution for accessing region-restricted services and handling location-based restrictions.
For frequent travelers or expatriates, VPNs can be particularly useful when encountering login restrictions for home-country services. In such cases, a VPN can often provide a straightforward solution.
Risks
So far, we have discussed the advantages of VPNs. However, there are also risks associated with using a VPN. Here, we will introduce some of the key risks to be aware of.
1. Risk of Violating Service Terms and Conditions
Some streaming services and specific online platforms (such as SNS, cloud storage, gaming platforms, etc) prohibit the use of VPNs to bypass regional restrictions. While not all services impose such restrictions, those that do may take actions such as:
- Blocking VPN access (displaying an error message when a VPN is detected).
- Temporarily suspending or permanently banning accounts suspected of policy violations.
- Flagging VPN logins as suspicious activity, leading to login restrictions or, in some cases, account termination.
VPNs are not a universal solution, and some services actively detect and block VPN connections. To avoid potential issues, it is crucial to check the terms of service and policies of the platforms you use before enabling a VPN.
2. Security Restrictions in Online Payments and Banking
Many credit card companies and financial institutions have strict security measures in place. Using a VPN can sometimes trigger these security systems, leading to transaction blocks. Examples include:
- Credit card transactions being declined due to mismatched IP locations (e.g., using a card issued in one country while connected via a VPN in another).
- Online banking accounts being locked if a VPN is detected, as it may be flagged as an unauthorized login attempt.
These restrictions exist to protect users from fraudulent activity, such as unauthorized access or identity theft. Before using a VPN for financial transactions, it is advisable to review the security policies of your bank or credit card provider. If unsure, contacting their support team in advance can help prevent unnecessary account restrictions.
3. Risks Associated with VPN Services Themselves
Although VPNs are designed to enhance security, the reliability of the VPN service itself is crucial. Some VPN providers, especially free services, have been caught logging user data and selling it to third parties.
In general, free VPN services often pose higher security risks, as their revenue model may rely on data collection rather than subscription fees. However, even paid VPNs are not always risk-free. It is essential to research and choose a reputable VPN provider that follows strict privacy policies and does not log user activity.
To ensure security and privacy, opt for VPN providers with a strong reputation, clear policies, and independent security audits.
Conclusion
A VPN is not only a tool for enhancing internet security but also a practical solution for bypassing regional restrictions depending on its use case. As seen in my experiences, using a VPN appropriately can provide significant convenience in various situations.
In particular, in the case of my credit card payment issue, without a VPN, I might have had to go through a long and complicated process of finding alternative solutions. This could have included exploring different payment methods or, in the worst case, giving up on using the VOIP service altogether. However, by utilizing a VPN, I was able to avoid unnecessary hassle and resolve the issue smoothly.
Nowadays, many browsers, such as Opera, come with built-in VPN functionality, and there are a variety of free and paid VPN services available. It is advisable to compare different VPN options based on user reviews before deciding which one to use (Personally, I recommend choosing a reliable paid VPN service for security and privacy reasons).
For expatriates or frequent travelers, VPNs can be particularly valuable for accessing services in their home country without restrictions. If you find yourself in situations where geographic limitations affect your online access, consider whether a VPN could help solve the problem.
Thank you for reading!
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