use Venmo abroad safely

Traveling abroad can mean you are unable to access some of the services you enjoy when you’re at home. This includes geo-restricted services, such as streaming platforms or banking apps.

Unfortunately, if you use the American mobile payment service, Venmo, you’re unable to access it overseas. That’s because Venmo is only available in the US, which can be frustrating if you’re abroad and want to make a transfer.

Luckily, if you connect to a US VPN server while abroad, you will be able to use Venmo just like if you’re back home. Plus, a VPN protects your internet traffic, encrypting all the data going to and from your device.

Here’s how you can use Venmo outside the US.

How to use Venmo outside the US with a VPN

Need access to your bank accounts urgently? Here are some simple steps on how to use Venmo with a VPN abroad:

  1. Sign up for a top-tier VPN service. I recommend using NordVPN since it has thousands of servers in the US, strong security measures, and works reliably with Venmo.
  2. Download the VPN app onto the device(s) you will be using Venmo.
  3. Start up your VPN app and connect to a US VPN server. This will assign you a US IP address, allowing you to securely access Venmo from anywhere.
  4. Go to Venmo via the app or website, log in, and you should be able to use Venmo normally.

If you are still unable to use Venmo, try clearing your cache and cookies. If this doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer service team for assistance.

Now you know how to access Venmo outside the US, it’s time to look at the top VPNs for the job. I have reviewed the best VPNs for Venmo in detail below, but if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Venmo:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for using Venmo. Has over 7,900 servers globally and 2,756+ in the US. This makes it more than appropriate for Venmo and other US services. Offers fast speeds and strong security measures. Provides a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: A great budget option with 3,200+ servers globally and 600+ in the US. For the price, it is a top option for unblocking banking services like Venmo and streaming platforms. Unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
  3. IPVanish: Offers thousands of servers globally, including the US. It is a great option for streaming and unblocking geo-restricted services like Venmo.
  4. ExpressVPN: A good option for those looking to unblock US services. Connect to servers in 24+ locations across America.
  5. CyberGhost VPN: Has over 11,500 servers globally. This includes US locations and servers optimized for purposes such as gaming and streaming.
  6. PrivateVPN: This is a privacy-focused VPN with 200+ servers across the globe. This includes locations in the US.

While looking for the best VPNs for Venmo, I considered a number of different factors. Here are the criteria I considered:

  • US servers in locations across the country
  • Reliably unblocks Venmo and other geo-restricted services
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Strong security and privacy measures
  • Easy to use and sign up
  • Good value for money

For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for using Venmo abroad

With that being said, here are the best options for using Venmo outside the US:

1. NordVPN

nordvpn homepage

NordVPN is an excellent option for accessing Venmo from abroad. It has more than 7,900 servers in 126+ countries. This includes 2,756+ servers in the US. In addition to Venmo, NordVPN can also unblock many different services, including streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+.

NordVPN has strong security measures in place. These include an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This service also doesn’t store any logs and gives users the option of paying with cryptocurrency, which is a more anonymous method of payment.

Users can download NordVPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is also possible to install this service on supported routers. In addition, users can connect 10 devices simultaneously with a subscription. If you need help, you can reach the customer service team 24/7.

Pros:

  • Has a large server network globally and in the US
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Strong security measures
  • No logs stored
  • Apps are available for many different platforms

Cons:

  • The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR USING VENMO:NordVPN is a great option for accessing Venmo abroad. It offers fast speeds, US servers, and strong security features. Strict no-logs policy and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

surfshark homepage

Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to an affordable VPN. This provider has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, with 600+ in the US. Connection speeds are fast, and it reliably unblocks geo-restricted services, such as Venmo.

In addition, this service has several security features in place. These features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. There is also an option for traffic scrambling, which hides the fact that a user is using a VPN.

Surfshark apps are available for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have Surfshark installed on them. Users are also allowed to have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, and the customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

  • Can unblock many different services
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Strong security measures
  • Supports an unlimited number of connections
  • Crypto payments are accepted

Cons:

  • Some servers are a little slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR VENMO:Surfshark is very competitive in terms of its pricing. It has a large US server network, excellent security features, and allows you to connect as many devices as you like at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

ipvanish homepage

IPVanish is a secure platform with over 2,400 servers across the globe, including 1,000+ in the US. It is a great pick for streaming, thanks to its fast speeds, and can unblock other geo-blocked services such as Venmo with ease. It’s also a good choice for torrenting and gaming and is popular with the Kodi community.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option available, and no logs are stored by this provider.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be manually set up on some routers and Linux. Subscribers also have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Live chat is available 24/7.

Pros:

  • Fast connection speeds
  • An unlimited number of connections is supported
  • No logs are stored
  • Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

  • Some servers don’t work with Netflix
  • Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers fast speeds and supports an unlimited number of connections. It is a great option for Venmo, thanks to its US servers, and is also excellent for streaming. 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN

expressvpn homepage

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for accessing Venmo. It offers around 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries, including plenty of server options in the US. It is also an easy-to-use provider, making it suitable for beginners. One of the best on the market for unblocking US streaming platforms, such as HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and ESPN.

Strong security features include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and leak protection. There is also a .onion site in place, which can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network, allowing users to sign up for ExpressVPN without exposing their identities.

ExpressVPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. In addition, some routers can have this service installed. The customer service team is available 24/7, and eight simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

  • Fast connection speeds
  • Can unblock services like Venmo with ease
  • .onion site and accepts cryptocurrency payments
  • Strict no-logs policy

Cons:

  • More expensive than some other options
  • Cap on simultaneous connections

GREAT VPN FOR BEGINNERS:ExpressVPN has servers in the US for accessing US-based content overseas. Easy-to-use option for VPN beginners and boasts strong security measures to keep you safe online. 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a huge number of servers. In total, this VPN has 11,500+ servers in over 100 countries, including the US. In addition, there are servers optimized for various purposes, such as streaming and torrenting. It can also unblock a wide variety of geo-restricted services.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. This service also accepts cryptocurrency payments. This is a more anonymous payment method than traditional credit cards, as they don’t associate users’ names with transactions.

CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7, and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

  • Apps are easy to use
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Huge server network
  • Strong security and privacy measures

Cons:

  • Blocked in the UAE and China
  • Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

VERY LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a huge server network, with 11,500+ in 100+ countries, including the US, for using Venmo abroad. It also has specialized servers and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

6. PrivateVPN

privatevpn homepage

PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in around 63 countries. Despite the small server network, it can unblock many different services, and the quality of the provider is high. It offers fast streaming speeds and allows you to access Venmo without any issues.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption and protection against leaks (DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6). This service also stores no logs and accepts cryptocurrency, allowing for greater anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers and Linux can be manually configured to work with this service. Customer service agents are only available during regular Swedish business hours (PrivateVPN is a Swedish business). The quality of customer service is excellent, however.

Pros:

  • Can unblock many services
  • Works in China
  • No logs are stored

Cons:

  • Small server network
  • Customer support is not available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN offers excellent privacy and security features. Thanks to its servers in the US, it can unblock Venmo and other geo-restricted services with ease. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs to use Venmo outside the US

While looking for the best VPNs for using Venmo abroad, I assessed many different factors. Here’s what I considered:

  • US servers: All of the servers reviewed above have large server networks in the US and globally. This makes it easy for them to unblock Venmo and other services by assigning a US IP address.
  • Fast connection speeds: Without fast connection speeds, users suffer from buffering and lag, which can be frustrating when using Venmo or other apps. This is especially the case for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. All of these Venmo VPNs are speedy.
  • Strong security measures: In addition to unblocking apps like Venmo, VPNs should protect users online. This is helped by features like encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and traffic scrambling. Plus, all reliable VPNs will have a strict no-logs policy.
  • Great unblocking capability: Not all VPNs can unblock geo-restricted services successfully. This is because some services block VPNs. However, top-tier VPNs, like the ones reviewed above, can work around such blocks and provide seamless access worldwide. This includes popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and TNT Sports.
  • Easy to use: VPNs should be suitable for both VPN beginners and experts. Apps must be easy to navigate and features shouldn’t be overcomplicated to use. Good customer support is essential, should something ever go wrong.
  • Value for money: All of the VPNs I have listed here offer plenty of bang for your buck. They also provide money-back guarantees, so you can try before you buy. Some even offer free trials.

For more information about the criteria I used, take a look at my full VPN testing process guide.

How to use Venmo abroad FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to access Venmo from abroad safely?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN to access Venmo from abroad. Free VPNs typically don’t have the same server infrastructure in place. This results in slow speeds and frustration.

In addition, free VPNs often don't have the same security measures in place. This can mean no encryption and an exposure of users’ private information. For these reasons, I don’t recommend using a free VPN.

Is using a VPN safe?

Yes, in fact, using the internet with a VPN is safer than using it without one. This is thanks to the security features that VPNs have, such as encryption and traffic scrambling.

Is using a VPN to access Venmo legal?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN in most countries, but some services ban VPN use. However, the worst that could happen is that your account gets banned or you get a warning. With that being said, illegal activities are still illegal even with a VPN.

NB: Don’t take anything in this article as legal advice.