Does VPN access transfer with new SIM card?

March 7, 2017 2:58 PM

Getting VPN; would like to get it now rather than when I land in Thailand on Friday. If I do that, will my VPN access remain for my stay in Thailand after I swap out my SIM card for a Thai one? Thank you!
posted by sugarbomb to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

Do you mean a corporate/school VPN or the kind of commercial one you can buy online for privacy? The former may somehow be tied to your device for authentication, and you’ll need the advice of your sysadmin. The latter are usually cross-platform and cross-device, and do not care whether there’s a SIM or not. All you need is Internet access.

Be sure to research what kind of like VPN works under Thai regime though. Many repressive regimes actively block what they perceive as “funny” network traffic.

Some Google search doesn't turn out many examples of Thai gov/ISP meddling with VPN itself, but you'll want to do your own research. After you can make sure it is likely going to work, I suggest you do it and familiarize yourself with its workings before you go there.
posted by runcifex at 4:13 PM on March 7, 2017

Assuming that you are using some sort of vpn app and bought the service, it should work on any Internet connection. You'll have to connect to the VPN again.
Tips: configure it before you go and make sure it works AND some providers block VPNs.
posted by k8t at 5:12 PM on March 7, 2017

Response by poster: runcifex, I mean a VPN app that I buy. Thank you!
posted by sugarbomb at 5:37 PM on March 7, 2017

Your VPN has nothing to do with your SIM card; it will still work even without a SIM card if you're on the wifi network, for example.

So yes, getting a VPN before you travel is a good idea.

Seconding runcifex and k8t that researching VPNs is a good idea.
posted by suedehead at 5:55 PM on March 7, 2017

VPN hast nothing to do with you SIM card. This being said:

a) some providers block internet teetering (use your computer to access the internet via your phone). Depending on you skill level and OS you can circumvent this.

b) some countries restrict VPNs (e.g. China). For a country that restricts VPNs you need a specialized high quality VPN to circumvent the government measures (e.g. encrypted VPN over http). I use Astrill.
posted by yoyo_nyc at 3:26 PM on March 8, 2017