Smartphone while Traveling and Crossing Borders: How to Protect Your Privacy

April 17, 2025

Smartphones are indispensable travel companions—serving as navigation aids, travel guides, cameras, and communication tools. Yet being on the move involves unique risks for privacy and data security. At airports, border crossings, or in hotels, strangers or government authorities could potentially access your data. Public Wi-Fi networks or unknown charging stations pose dangers like hacking attacks and data theft. Even seemingly harmless vacation photos or chat messages can cause problems in certain situations, as shown by a case where a professor was denied entry to the United States because her phone contained a photo of a politically sensitive individual.

The good news: with a few simple precautions, you can substantially improve the protection of your personal information—although 100% privacy can never be guaranteed.

Before the Trip: Preparing Your Smartphone

Thorough preparation before you head off is the key to better data security while traveling. Before you leave, make sure your smartphone (and any other devices like tablets or laptops) is optimally secured and cleared of unnecessary or sensitive data. The guiding principle: only take what you really need. Experts recommend keeping the amount of information on the device as small as possible. Below are the most important steps to take before departing:

Install Updates
Ensure your smartphone is running the latest operating system version and that all apps are fully updated. Security updates fix known vulnerabilities. It’s best to activate the automatic update function—but quickly check if any new permissions are being requested by the apps, so you don’t accidentally grant unwanted access.
Enable Device Lock and Encryption
Make sure your phone has a lock screen protected by a strong password or PIN. Avoid “1234” or similarly simple codes (like your birthday). Ideally, use at least six digits—or, even better, an alphanumeric password. Modern smartphones generally encrypt their storage automatically once a secure unlock code is set. This means data on the phone cannot be read in plain text without entering the code. Keep in mind: encryption is only as strong as your chosen password. Choose a truly secure combination (for example, a sequence of random words or at least nine characters that don’t form a simple term). On laptops, you often have to enable hard drive encryption separately (e.g., BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on Mac).
Disable Biometric Unlock
Turn off fingerprint or face recognition, especially if you’ll be crossing international borders. The reason: biometric features can be used against you if you’re forced to unlock your device. A border agent could simply hold the phone up to your face or press your finger on the sensor. A numeric code, on the other hand, cannot be forcibly obtained quite as easily—and passwords often enjoy stronger legal protection than fingerprints in many countries. Deactivate biometric sensors before your trip and only re-enable them when there’s no longer a risk of forced unlocking.
Back Up Important Data
Make a full backup of your smartphone and store it at home or in a secure cloud. That way you won’t lose valuable photos, contacts, or files if your device is damaged, lost, or even confiscated while traveling. It’s best to keep a copy of the backup externally—for instance, on a USB stick or in a secure cloud storage—so you can still access it in an emergency, independent of the device.
Remove Sensitive Data from the Device
Carefully think about which data you truly need on the go, and delete anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. The fewer personal details on your device, the less there is to fall into the wrong hands if something goes wrong. For instance, upload previous years’ vacation photos or confidential documents to a secure cloud storage service (ideally one that offers end-to-end encryption) and then delete them from your phone. The same applies to chat logs or emails containing sensitive content—what you don’t need should be removed. Also remember to clear any stored passwords in apps or browsers, along with browser histories and autofill data that contain sensitive info.
Use the Cloud Instead of Local Storage
If you need certain data during your trip, keep it in the cloud and retrieve it when necessary. This accomplishes two things at once: your device stays “cleaner,” and if someone does search your phone, crucial information isn’t stored locally. Important note: use reputable cloud services with strong encryption. Some providers (like ProtonDrive or Tresorit) offer end-to-end encryption so that even they cannot see your data in plain text. However, remember you’ll need an internet connection to access data in the cloud. Plan where you’ll have access and enable roaming or buy a local SIM if needed.
“Trim Down” Your Device or Use a Spare
In an ideal scenario, you don’t bring your main smartphone with all your data. Cybersecurity expert Patricia Egger recommends a practice also used by some company executives: a temporary “burner” phone just for the trip. It could be a simple or older smartphone onto which you load only the essential information and apps. Your primary data vault remains at home. After the trip, you can transfer back any data you actually needed. If carrying an extra device isn’t an option, aim for a similar effect by “decluttering” your main phone as much as possible: remove personal emails, calendar data, notes, photos, and any apps you won’t need on vacation. That way, your device contains only the essentials, and you can retrieve everything else from the cloud if you need it.
Check Apps and Minimize Permissions
Go through your phone and see what apps are installed. Delete any you won’t need while traveling—especially those with sensitive information (like banking apps, if you won’t be using them, or apps with confidential notes). For apps that remain, review their permissions. Do they really need access to your location, camera, or contacts? Disable any unnecessary permissions in the settings. The fewer data trails you leave, the better. As for social networks, consider uninstalling the apps before your trip and reinstalling them afterward. While Facebook, Instagram, etc. store content on their own servers, as Sophia Cope from the EFF points out, some posts or images can remain cached on the phone and be visible even in Airplane Mode. It’s better to remove social media apps altogether to reduce temptations (and caches). You can always reinstall them later.
SIM Card and Phone Functions
Definitely secure your SIM with a PIN (a four-digit code upon powering on) if it isn’t already, and change any default PINs provided by your carrier. This prevents a thief from placing the SIM in another device to make calls or expensive texts—or intercept verification codes intended for you. Also consider whether you really need all call forwarding and voicemail features active—sensitive info can sometimes be extracted via voicemail if it isn’t PIN-protected.
Don’t Borrow Devices from Others
Whenever possible, only take your own trusted devices with you. If you borrow a phone from someone you don’t know, there’s no telling if spyware is installed on it. Similarly, don’t lend your device to unauthorized individuals before traveling. Any unknown app or manipulation can be a security risk.

These steps ensure your smartphone is up-to-date, protected, and cleared of excess data by the time your journey begins. If you use a company phone, consult your IT department before making extensive changes (such as wiping data or installing specific security apps)—many organizations have their own guidelines for business travel. In general, the fewer personal data on the device, the lower the risk in the event of loss or inspection.

Security During the Trip

Once you’re on the road, keep certain best practices in mind to protect your data day-to-day. Your environment constantly changes—one moment you’re at a café with public Wi-Fi, the next in a hotel room, or in a foreign country with unfamiliar regulations. Below are practical tips for various travel situations to help you stay safe on vacation or business trips.

Using Public Wi-Fi and Mobile Networks

Free Wi-Fi is tempting—whether at the airport, hotel, or a sidewalk café. But beware: public Wi-Fi networks are typically not secure enough, and criminals may be able to intercept or manipulate your data. Keep these points in mind when you go online:

Avoid Sensitive Transactions on Open Wi-Fi
Don’t perform confidential tasks (online banking, credit card purchases, access to sensitive work emails, etc.) over a public Wi-Fi network. Reserve these activities for a secure network—like your mobile data or home Wi-Fi. Ideally, also avoid entering passwords or personal data on open networks.
Use a VPN
It’s highly recommended to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in hotels, cafés, or other public places. A VPN routes all your data traffic through an encrypted “tunnel” to a trusted server, making it harder for others on the same Wi-Fi to intercept your information. Many internet providers or specialized services offer VPN solutions. It’s best to set up a reputable VPN service on your phone before the trip so you can protect yourself with a single tap whenever you use a public network. (Tip: choose a well-known VPN provider with a good reputation—free VPNs sometimes harvest user data themselves. You can learn more in our detailed blog post at Protectstar Blog: The Safest VPN Apps.)
Use Mobile Data as an Alternative
If you only need to quickly do something important (like using a banking app) and doubt the security of the Wi-Fi network, switch briefly to mobile data. Your cellular connection is generally more difficult to intercept than open Wi-Fi connections. Be mindful of roaming costs abroad, though. Sometimes buying a local prepaid data SIM is a good investment so you’re not forced to rely on insecure hotspots. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends using local prepaid cards outside the EU to reduce both costs and risks.
Only Visit Encrypted Websites
Check that the address starts with “https://” and that a lock icon appears in your browser. HTTPS websites encrypt the data traffic between your device and the site. This is particularly crucial on public networks, where attackers could otherwise alter or read your traffic. Most modern browsers and websites now default to HTTPS, but be cautious with unfamiliar or older sites.
Don’t Trust Unknown Networks
Not every Wi-Fi network is what it claims to be. A hacker might name a hotspot “Hotel_Wifi_Free,” even though it’s not the official hotel network (known as an Evil Twin attack). If in doubt, ask the staff which network is legitimate. Avoid connecting to networks with odd names or that are unprotected when you’d expect them to require a password. WPA2 or WPA3 encryption (i.e., a password-protected network, such as what you get from a hotel front desk) is better than a completely open hotspot—but even in password-protected guest Wi-Fi, other guests can potentially sniff your traffic. Stay cautious and enable VPN on top of that.
Disable Automatic Connections
Turn off any setting that automatically connects your phone to known Wi-Fi networks, at least while you’re traveling. Otherwise, your device might automatically attempt to connect to network names it recognizes from the past (like “Telekom” or “eduroam”), a vulnerability attackers can exploit. Only enable Wi-Fi when you need it, and then turn it off again. The same goes for Bluetooth and other wireless connections (more on that shortly).
Use Personal Hotspots as a Backup
If you have multiple devices (e.g., a phone and a laptop) and can’t find a secure Wi-Fi, you can share your phone’s mobile data via a personal hotspot (tethering)—as long as you have enough data. In many cases, a cellular connection is safer than public Wi-Fi. Just make sure you have a strong hotspot password so nobody nearby can latch onto your connection.

In short: be cautious with public Wi-Fi. If possible, stick to mobile data or at least enable a VPN before doing anything sensitive in unfamiliar networks. This reduces the risk of someone stealing your login credentials or other personal information. Indeed, the FBI explicitly warns against handling sensitive transactions over public networks.

Transporting and Storing Devices Securely

While digital threats are important, don’t overlook the physical hazards. Thieves, pickpockets, or plain carelessness can also lead to your phone ending up in the wrong hands. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of theft or loss—and to be prepared if it happens anyway:

Keep Your Phone Within Sight
Never leave your smartphone unattended—whether at the beach, in a café, or at the airport. Many devices are lost simply because someone left them behind. Carry your phone on you, perhaps in a front pocket or a zipped inner pocket of your jacket. In a bag or backpack, don’t keep it on top where pickpockets can easily grab it. A small lock on the zipper can deter casual thieves.

Always Use a Screen Lock
Ensure your phone locks automatically after a relatively short period of inactivity (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute). If someone quickly grabs your phone, it’ll be locked—and they won’t have instant access to your data thanks to earlier-enabled encryption. Note: if you suspect an upcoming search (police check abroad or another forced scenario), try to lock or power off your device immediately so your data is protected.

Anti-Theft Apps and Device Location
Activate the “Find My Phone” feature on your device. Android (Device Manager) and iOS (Find My iPhone) both allow you to locate a lost device, make it ring, lock it remotely, or even wipe it if necessary. Test it before you travel. Some security apps also offer special alarm functions and camera snapshots of the thief. Keep in mind these features require the phone to be online—and thieves often remove the SIM or power the device off immediately. Still, it’s wise to have such features enabled; you might at least recover a misplaced phone. Also, write down your phone’s serial number or IMEI (somewhere safe, not on the device). If it’s stolen, you can give that to the police or your carrier to block or identify the device.

Protect and Safeguard the Device
Shield your phone from environmental damage. When traveling, your phone might be exposed to heat, sand, or water. A sturdy, water-resistant case (maybe even a rugged outdoor case) helps prevent damage and also makes your phone less conspicuous. A plain, well-protected phone is less tempting to thieves than a shiny new iPhone with no cover.

Don’t Make Yourself an Easy Target
In high pickpocket areas (e.g., tourist hotspots), be wary of distractions. If someone approaches you, or if there’s a commotion (crowds, jostling, etc.), keep a hand on your valuables by reflex. Consider whether you actually need to hold your phone openly in your hand in an unsafe environment—or if you should wait until you’re in a safer spot.

Never Hand Over Your Phone
Be cautious if strangers ask to “quickly use your phone” to make a call—this can be a tactic to run off with your device or to install malware. If in doubt, politely decline or offer to make the call yourself without letting go of your device.

Secure the Device in Your Hotel
If you’re leaving your phone in the hotel (e.g., you don’t want to carry it on a city tour), use the room safe if available. If there’s no safe, hide it well in your luggage or leave it at the reception desk for safekeeping. In high-risk countries, you might want to remove the SIM card and carry it with you so no one can intercept your communications. And of course, power off your phone and lock it before you leave it behind—so if someone does break in, they still can’t access your data.

Plan for Emergencies (Loss/Theft)
Think in advance about what you’ll do if you lose your phone. Who do you need to contact? (e.g., your carrier to block the SIM, your company’s IT department if it’s a work phone, or you might need to change passwords.) Write down important phone numbers (to block your credit card, contact your mobile carrier, etc.) on paper and keep it in a safe place, in case you can’t access your phone’s address book. If you suspect a theft, file a report at the local police station immediately—that’s often required for insurance claims and also helps them track crime hotspots.

Safe Charging and Device Connectivity

When you’re on the go, you often rely on unfamiliar power sources—be it an airport charging station, a USB port on a train, or a colleague’s computer to quickly transfer files. Here, “juice jacking” comes into play: an attack in which compromised USB outlets install malware on your phone under the pretense of charging.

Avoid Public Charging Stations
The FBI explicitly warns: “Avoid free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers.” Criminals have discovered ways to use these public USB ports to load malware or spyware onto connected devices. In the worst-case scenario, your phone could be infected just by charging in the wrong port.
Use Your Own Charger
Always bring your own charger and cable, and preferably plug it into a standard AC outlet. By doing so, only electricity passes between the outlet and your device—no data. This is the safest method.
Block USB Data Connections
If you really must use a public USB charging port (like on a plane), use a “USB data blocker” (often called a “USB condom”). This small adapter is placed between your cable and the port and disables the data lines while allowing power to flow. This way no data transfer can occur while your device charges. Alternatively, use a dedicated charging cable that doesn’t include data wires.
Don’t Use Unknown Cables
Wherever possible, only plug in cables you brought yourself. A malicious trick used by cybercriminals is to leave compromised cables or USB sticks lying around, hoping someone will pick them up and use them. A tampered cable can transfer malware just as easily as a manipulated port. So even if you lose your cable, it’s better to buy a new one locally than to use a “found” or borrowed cable from an unknown source.

In summary, charge your device as “isolated” as possible—with your own gear or via safe power sources. Doing so cuts off data thieves from an easy entry point, while still letting you keep your phone powered up.

Privacy on Social Networks While Traveling

It’s fun to share vacation photos and updates with friends, but keep in mind that public posts can be read by unintended audiences—even burglars who may realize you’re not at home. Here are some tips for maintaining social media privacy on the go:

Check Your Privacy Settings
Before you travel, review the privacy settings on your social profiles. Are your vacation photos and posts visible only to friends, or are they public? Adjust them so only people you trust can see your content. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends configuring privacy settings so that unauthorized persons cannot track your activities. Also consider removing “friends” or followers you don’t actually know before you start sharing personal trip details.
Don’t Overshare Your Location
Think carefully about whether you want to post in real time exactly where you are. Location tags and hashtags like #vacation or #travel can signal that you’re not at home—letting potential burglars know your house is empty. If you don’t want to give that up, consider vague mentions or post photos with a delay (later in the day or after you’re back home).
Caution with Public Computers
If you log into social media on foreign or public devices (hotel lobby computers, etc.), always log out and delete the browsing history/cache afterward. Wherever possible, use two-factor authentication (2FA), so even if your password is compromised, strangers can’t access your account. Ideally use an authenticator app, not SMS (SMS can be intercepted, especially if someone has your SIM).
Reduce Your Digital Footprint
Keep in mind that many apps track location data in the background. You can disable location access for apps that don’t really need it while you’re traveling. Also remember that photos sometimes contain GPS coordinates in their metadata. If you’d prefer to avoid that, switch off geotagging in your camera app.

It’s not about not sharing anything at all—it’s about sharing in a deliberate and controlled way.

At Border Crossings and Security Checks

Crossing international borders can pose a particular challenge for your data security. In some countries—like the US—border officers have broad authority to examine electronic devices. You should be prepared, especially if you’re carrying sensitive information or belong to a higher-risk group. Below is what you need to consider and how to handle these situations.

Power Off Devices Before Inspection

One of the most important tips: turn your smartphone (and laptop) completely off before approaching a border check. As soon as the plane lands or you’re nearing the checkpoint, power down. Why? Because on a fully switched-off, locked device, full disk encryption is in effect—the keys are not stored in the device’s memory. As long as the device stays off, nobody can read its contents without the passcode. If an officer wants to inspect it, they’d have to ask you to unlock it. If the device were only in standby (locked but powered on), forensic tools (like Cellebrite) might be able to extract the encryption keys from the memory and access your data. Will Greenberg, a technologist at the EFF, explains: if a device is locked but still on, powerful hacking tools can sometimes grab the encryption key from memory; but if it’s off, they’re stuck until it’s unlocked again.

Another reason: US border officers are only allowed to inspect data “contained on the device” itself, not data in the cloud. They’re supposed to put the device in airplane mode or keep it offline before conducting a search.

What Border Agents Can (and Can’t) Do

Familiarize yourself with the law of your destination or transit country. In the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices from travelers without concrete suspicion (“Basic Search”). They can simply take your phone and scroll through photos, emails, chats, etc., whether randomly or for no stated reason. In 2022 alone, US officers conducted over 47,000 device searches on incoming travelers—ten times more than a decade ago. So while the overall probability is still relatively low (given millions of travelers), it’s no longer negligible.

There is also a more in-depth “Advanced Search,” in which agents can forensically copy and analyze your device’s data. In the US, that requires “reasonable suspicion” of a legal violation or a national security concern, and must be approved by a higher-ranking officer. Still, at the border they do not need a court-issued search warrant (unlike within the country). This means your privacy rights are weaker at the border than in regular domestic scenarios, even if you’re a US citizen. Similar regulations apply in other countries: in the UK, for instance, travelers can be required under terrorism legislation to unlock devices and provide passwords; refusing to do so can lead to charges. Many Asian or Middle Eastern countries also have vague or wide-ranging rules—if you refuse, border agents have the upper hand (e.g., denying you entry).

Who Gets Checked?

It’s hard to predict who will be selected for inspection. According to Sophia Cope at the EFF, it could be a random spot check, or an agent might choose people at whim. Travel routes can also trigger interest—if you’re coming from a region flagged for higher security concerns (terrorism, drug trafficking, etc.). Ethnicity or profiling may also play a role, unfortunately. You could also be flagged if you have connections to someone of interest (journalists, business ties, or certain relatives). Bottom line: there’s always a chance—whether you’re a traveling businessperson with confidential company data or a tourist with vacation photos—that your device could be examined.

How to Act During an Inspection

If a border official asks you to unlock your device or hand it over, you face a difficult decision. Here are a few guidelines:

Know Your Rights
If you’re a citizen of the country you’re entering (e.g., a US citizen returning to the US), they ultimately can’t deny you entry for refusing a search. However, you may face other inconveniences—lengthy interrogations or confiscation of your device (which might be mailed back to you weeks later). If you’re not a citizen (e.g., a tourist with a visa), refusal can indeed result in denial of entry. Decide carefully based on your principles and the consequences you can handle. The EFF recommends weighing your personal risk—how important is your data privacy versus how much border trouble you’re willing to endure? There’s no universal “right” or “wrong” here; it depends on each person’s circumstances.
Cooperating vs. Refusing
If you choose to cooperate and unlock your device, do it yourself without disclosing all your passwords if possible. Enter your PIN personally rather than writing it down or stating it aloud, if permitted. That way, your password won’t remain with a third party—an agent sees only the unlocked home screen. If you are forced to reveal passwords (which may be legally demanded in some countries), change them immediately afterward, as soon as you safely can. After the inspection, find a secure network and change your device PIN and other key account credentials to ensure no long-term access remains.
Partial Privacy?
In some instances, you might try offering to show only certain data without giving full device access—e.g., if you have trade secrets. However, whether this is accepted depends on local laws and the particular officer. Some frequent travelers keep separate “clean” devices or user profiles: e.g., a second phone with minimal data or a second user account on a laptop. This must be carefully prepared, though, and might raise suspicion if noticed.
Stay Polite and Calm
However you decide, remain courteous but firm. Don’t panic or become hostile; border agents have a lot of discretion to make your life harder if provoked. At the same time, you have the right to ask questions about what’s happening with your device and to note the officers’ names if it’s confiscated. Consider statements like, “I understand you’re doing your job, but I’m concerned about my sensitive corporate/personal data.” You may find a compromise (e.g., involving a higher-ranking officer) or at least maintain a respectful atmosphere.
No Deception
Don’t lie or hide data if asked directly. In many places, lying to an officer is a criminal act. And if forensic experts do find something suspicious (like a hidden partition or an encrypted container you didn’t mention), you’ll look even more suspicious. It might be better to simply state that you’re unwilling to share personal data on principle—though that’s also risky. Each approach carries potential downsides.
Important Preparations Before the Border
While waiting in line, switch your phone off or at least enable airplane mode if you can’t power it down. That way, no new messages or cloud data come in for the official to see. Keep in mind, offline data (cached emails, photos, chat logs) is still visible if stored on the device. Delete anything unwanted in advance, as discussed above.
After the Check
If your device is confiscated and returned later, assume that its data might have been copied. Immediately change all important passwords (email, social media, cloud services, etc.) that were stored on the device. Consider doing a full factory reset, as you can’t be certain the device wasn’t tampered with—though short, on-the-spot inspections typically don’t involve hardware or software tampering. A longer confiscation raises that possibility more seriously.

Border Controls in Other Countries

Many travelers focus on the US as a prime example of strict border checks, but other nations have extensive powers and can conduct thorough searches. Below is a quick overview of regions that sometimes go beyond US practices (or differ substantially), and why:

China
When entering certain regions (e.g., Xinjiang), there have been reports of border officials installing apps on smartphones to scan their contents. More generally, assume China has a high level of interest in foreigners’ devices—especially journalists or NGO workers. It’s best to bring a “clean” device and take additional precautions (e.g., installing VPN software beforehand, because many Western services are blocked).
Russia
Currently, traveling to or from Russia can involve searches, especially concerning political sensitivities. Abide by official requirements (e.g., registering electronic devices if necessary) and avoid bringing obviously sensitive materials.
Middle East
In some countries with strict moral or political laws (e.g., certain Gulf States), content considered benign in the West (nudity, LGBTQ+ topics, criticism of the government) may be illegal or strongly frowned upon. Remove such material before traveling if you want to avoid potential issues.
Europe
Within the EU’s Schengen Area, border checks are minimal. But at the EU’s external borders—or when entering the UK since Brexit—rules apply. In the UK, as mentioned, refusing to provide a PIN can be a criminal offense. Be aware of this if you’re passing through London Heathrow or similar airports.

In short, always check the entry requirements of your destination. Official websites or travel advisories can be helpful. When in doubt, prepare your device as if it might be searched so you’ll have fewer worries if it actually happens.

Why These Countries Have Strict Border Controls

Security and Counterterrorism
Many states cite the fight against terrorism or extremism to justify far-reaching powers at their borders. Broad authority aims to prevent “dangerous individuals” or illegal material from entering undetected.
Political Control and Censorship
In authoritarian or semi-authoritarian systems, border inspections may be used to intimidate dissidents or to monitor journalists. Unapproved information or opinions can be discovered and suppressed.
Cultural and Moral Norms
Some conservative countries (whether religious or ideological) prioritize protecting their values. Content that may seem harmless to Westerners (e.g., certain images, LGBTQ+ themes) might be seen as criminal or immoral and result in problems at border checks.
Economic Interests
Countries reliant on sensitive technologies (patents, research) may use strict controls to prevent industrial espionage—or sometimes to carry it out themselves. Business travelers may be particular targets in some places.

If you plan to travel to one of these countries, thoroughly research their entry regulations, especially regarding electronic devices. The US is famous for strict border checks, but some other places can be even more intense on certain points. If you’re involved in sensitive work (journalism, NGO activities, political or religious matters), it’s all the more important to keep your device as clean as possible and maintain robust data security. Be mindful of the content you carry and consider using a special “travel phone” or separate laptop.

Useful Tools and Apps for Greater Security

There’s a variety of tools and apps available to protect your privacy. Below are some categories of products that can help, and factors to consider:

VPN Apps
As mentioned, a VPN is practically essential for safe browsing on public networks. Many VPN apps exist—choose one from a reputable provider with transparent policies and servers in the countries you need. Here is an overview. Well-regarded VPNs include Mullvad, IVPN, and ProtonVPN. Install and test yours at home, and if available, enable auto-connect to secure you automatically when using public Wi-Fi. Note: some countries prohibit or limit VPNs (China, for instance, only allows government-registered VPNs). Check in advance whether you’re allowed to use a VPN at your destination and, if so, which ones. Download any needed VPN software before arrival in case the sites are blocked locally.
End-to-End Encrypted Messengers
Use secure messaging apps on the road. Signal or Session, for example, offer robust end-to-end encryption and are open source. Avoid unencrypted SMS or standard calls for sensitive conversations. If you must communicate about highly confidential matters (e.g., as a journalist with a source), consider advanced features like disappearing messages in Signal or Session. Make sure your contacts are also on board, so everyone knows which secure platform to use.
Password Managers
Use a password manager—on the road as well as at home—rather than storing passwords in plain text. Tools like 1Password, Bitwarden, or KeePass keep credentials encrypted, so one master password is all you need to remember. This lowers the chance that losing a single device compromises all your accounts. Many password managers have a smartphone app with encrypted syncing across your devices. Pro tip: you can also store emergency information (like credit card details or passport copies) in your password manager, so they’re safely on hand if needed.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA on important accounts (email, cloud, social media, banking), ideally through an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, Duo) or a hardware key (like a YubiKey). This ensures that even if a password is compromised, an attacker still lacks the second factor. Consider taking a backup hardware token in case you lose one. Keep backup codes in a secure but separate place (like written on paper in your wallet or in your password manager). Be cautious with SMS-based 2FA abroad—SMS might not arrive if you’re using a foreign SIM. Switching to an app-based 2FA in advance can help.
Secure Email and Cloud
If you must send emails while traveling, remember that standard email is about as secure as a postcard. For sensitive info, consider an email provider with encryption, or use PGP encryption with your existing provider (though that can be technically complex). The same goes for cloud storage: choose a service offering end-to-end encryption, or encrypt files yourself (e.g., password-protected ZIPs or VeraCrypt containers) before uploading so no one can read your data in the cloud.
Mobile Security Apps
On Android devices, you might benefit from a security app (anti-spy, antivirus, firewall), especially if you install apps outside the Google Play Store or frequently use Wi-Fi hotspots. These apps can detect malware and block phishing websites; some also provide theft protection (remote lock, wipe, location). They’re no cure-all, but they add a layer of defense. For iPhones, traditional antivirus software is less relevant due to iOS’s sandboxing—just don’t jailbreak your device. On Android, for instance, you can check out Protectstar Anti Spy and Antivirus AI.
Specialized Operating Systems for Power Users
Security enthusiasts sometimes install specialized OSs to reduce tracking and potential attack surfaces (e.g., GrapheneOS). In extreme cases, they may opt to carry only a basic phone or a minimal device like a Raspberry Pi running Tails (for truly high-risk travel). Such approaches require extensive know-how and may be overkill for most travelers—but worth mentioning for journalists or activists needing an ultra-secure environment, possibly with no personal accounts on the device.
Lockdown Mode, etc.
Apple provides a “Lockdown Mode” on newer iPhones (in Settings > Privacy & Security) that drastically reduces potential exploits by disabling certain features (like attachment previews in iMessage, JIT in Safari). More on that in our blog: iPhone Zero-Click Exploits. This feature targets high-risk users (e.g., threatened by spyware like Pegasus) and can be useful when traveling in high-risk countries. It does limit usability somewhat. Similarly, some Android devices (e.g., Samsung with Knox Secure Folder) can create a highly protected area for sensitive apps. You could store crucial apps there behind a second password.
Browser and Search Engine
Consider using a privacy-focused browser (Firefox Focus, Brave, DuckDuckGo) that blocks trackers and erases browsing data upon exit. As for search engines, DuckDuckGo or Startpage can help avoid search profiling. While that’s beneficial at home too, it can be especially reassuring abroad if you don’t want your queries about certain destinations added to your Google profile.
Local Data Security
If you must carry local files on your phone (e.g., copies of travel documents), store them in a locked area or a secured app. Some file manager apps let you password-protect archives, or you can keep them in a protected notes app or Keepass-based vault. That way, even if someone briefly handles your unlocked phone, they won’t automatically see everything.

In short, there are numerous digital tools—pick the ones that fit your technical comfort level. What matters most is practicing with them before traveling so you know how they work in a pinch.

Hardware Tips and Open-Source Tools on the Road

Faraday Bags
These special pouches block all wireless signals (RFID, NFC, GPS, Wi-Fi), preventing unauthorized tracking or data extraction from your devices. RFID-blocking sleeves can also protect your passports or other documents.
Portable Open-Source Tools
For additional security, you can carry portable open-source software on an encrypted USB stick:
Live Linux Distributions like Tails or Kali Linux for secure browsing in internet cafés.
GPG portable for encrypted communication.
KeePass portable for secure password management.

Extra Protective Measures for High-Risk Individuals (Journalists, Activists, Attorneys)

Risk Analysis
Think ahead about worst-case scenarios if your digital data is compromised. Protect the identities of sensitive contacts by avoiding explicit references and regularly deleting or using self-destructing messages.
Minimize Technology
Consider traveling with as few devices as possible—use “burner” phones without personal data, store sensitive info in secure cloud storage instead of locally.
Preparing for Inspections
Set up your device so no sensitive information is stored locally. Use VPNs and secure messengers with auto-delete features and log out of apps regularly.
Emergency Features
Make use of “panic” features such as a panic PIN in Signal or phone settings that erase data after ten incorrect passcode attempts (on iPhone). Be aware, though, these can cause data loss for you as well.
Use a Faraday Bag
For preventing tracking or location tracing, store your device in a Faraday pouch. Or simply shut it off entirely and wrap it in aluminum foil if necessary.
Home-Base Communication
Let trusted individuals (family, attorney, coworkers) know your travel and communication plan.
Check or Replace Devices Afterward
If you suspect your device was compromised, back up your data immediately, then consider using a new device. Apple now warns users if it suspects state-sponsored spyware—take such warnings seriously.

Depending on your threat model, combine all these steps: minimal data, strong encryption, physical shielding, and constant vigilance to protect yourself and your contacts.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a business trip or a vacation, bringing a smartphone means devoting some attention to privacy and data security. Most of the tips here are straightforward and rely on common sense: secure your device, reduce stored data, protect your connections, and be prepared. If you also use caution with public networks and keep an eye on your phone, you’ve already mitigated 90% of the most common risks.

Remember that border crossings or travel in unfamiliar regions can involve different rules—stay informed about local laws and authorities’ powers, and decide in advance how you’ll handle possible inspections. Absolute security is impossible, but you can significantly reduce your risk and preserve your privacy while still enjoying the advantages of your smartphone.

Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy your journey without nasty surprises like data theft or other digital pitfalls. So alongside your passport and toothbrush, pack your digital security measures as well. Safe travels!