Phones, computers & home
Is public Wi-Fi safe? Staying secure when you travel
Public Wi-Fi is less dangerous than it used to be, because most websites and apps now encrypt their traffic. The bigger travel risks are fake networks, lost devices, shoulder surfing and getting locked out of your accounts overseas. A little preparation before you leave covers most of them.
The short version
Before you go
- Update your phone and laptop.
- Check you can sign in to key accounts without your usual SIM.
- Turn on Find My device and back everything up.
- Use mobile data or a hotspot for banking and work.
The real risks of public Wi-Fi
| Risk | How likely today | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Someone reading your web traffic | Low on sites and apps that use HTTPS, which is most | Check for the padlock and don’t ignore browser security warnings |
| A fake network with a convincing name, like “Airport_Free_WiFi” | Real risk | Confirm the network name with staff, and be wary of sign-in pages asking for personal or card details |
| Fake captive portal pages asking you to log in with your email or social account | Real risk | Don’t enter work or email passwords on Wi-Fi sign-in pages |
| Other devices on the network probing yours | Low with an updated device and firewall on | Keep devices updated, and set the network as public |
When to use what
- Your phone’s mobile data or hotspot is generally the safest choice for banking and work.
- A VPN adds a layer of protection on networks you don’t trust, and may be required by your workplace. Use your organisation’s VPN for work, or a reputable paid provider. Avoid free VPN apps that may collect and sell your data.
- Public Wi-Fi is fine for browsing, maps and streaming on an updated device.
Before you travel
Update everything
Install updates on your phone and laptop before you leave.
Back up
Make sure photos and important files back up automatically. See backups that actually work.
Turn on Find My device
On iPhone and Android, so you can locate, lock or erase a lost device.
Check your two-step verification
If your codes come by text, they may not arrive overseas or on a travel SIM. Set up an authenticator app or passkeys before you go, and pack your backup codes in your password manager.
Take only what you need
For work trips, ask whether you need to take your full laptop, or whether a phone or a travel device would do. Less data travelling means less to lose.
Tell your bank
Some banks like to know you’re travelling. Check their app for travel settings.
While you’re away
- Lock your screen whenever you step away, and use a privacy screen on a laptop if you work in public.
- Keep devices with you or in the hotel safe, never in checked luggage.
- Turn off automatic Wi-Fi joining and Bluetooth when you don’t need them.
- Don’t use public charging cables or USB ports you don’t trust. Use your own charger and a power point, or a power bank.
- Avoid using shared hotel or business-centre computers for anything that needs a password.
Border device searches
Border officials in some countries can ask to inspect devices. If you travel with sensitive client data, check your organisation’s policy and consider carrying less data. Smartraveller has country-specific advice.
If something goes wrong
- Lost or stolen device: follow our lost or stolen phone guide, and tell your workplace straight away if it held work data.
- Suspicious account activity: change passwords from a trusted device and contact your bank.
- Need help overseas: your organisation’s IT support, your bank’s international number, or the Australian Government’s Smartraveller for wider travel help.
Common questions
Is hotel Wi-Fi safer than café Wi-Fi?
Not necessarily. Treat all shared networks the same way, and use mobile data or a VPN for sensitive work.
Do I need a VPN for online banking on public Wi-Fi?
Banking apps encrypt their traffic, so the risk is low, but using mobile data is a simple extra precaution.
Can I trust free airport charging stations?
The risk is debated and probably small, but using your own charger and a power point costs nothing.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you think you’ve lost money or personal information, contact your bank and the services named above straight away.
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Want a hand with this at work?
These guides are free to use. If your business wants help putting the checks, accounts and devices in place, our team can do it with you.