Bypass geo-blocking abroad with the best VPN protocols

It's 11 PM in your Berlin hotel room, and you’re exhausted after a grueling flight. Tomorrow’s client pitch is looming, and you need to relax. Except your X feed shows German trends and your Netflix comfort series “isn't available in your country”. After a day of back-to-back meetings, you just want familiar content.  

Working abroad can mean dealing with geo-blocked sites and error messages—unless you understand VPN protocols. 

Whether you're catching up on today’s news, joining a gaming lobby, or streaming tonight’s game, choosing the right protocols is crucial. Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 are three of the best VPN protocols available.

But they aren't just technical choices—they're also your pathway to working from anywhere.

Understanding geo-blocking

Geo-blocking uses your Internet Protocol (IP) address, a digital local marker, to restrict content access based on location. If you land in Berlin, websites immediately know you're abroad, affecting what content you can access, including language and prices.

While geo-blocking helps platforms enforce licensing regulations, it means restricted access to apps when you travel. Streaming platforms and entertainment companies use this technology to control what you can see, even if you're a paying subscriber.

VPN protocols are your key to bypassing these restrictions.

Common VPN issues and fixes

Before diving into protocols, let's address typical problems you'll encounter remote working abroad:

Notice how each problem has a specific protocol solution? Let's examine them more thoroughly and understand why they work best for different tasks.

What is a VPN protocol?

A VPN (virtual private network) hides your location by rerouting your internet traffic through different servers. For example, if you select a New York server while you're in Berlin, websites will think you're browsing from Manhattan. But how your VPN connects matters—this is where protocols come in.

Different protocols excel at different tasks: speed for streaming, security for sensitive data, or stability when switching networks. While split tunneling lets you route selected apps through the VPN, so you can access local and global content at once.

It’s like choosing the right vehicle for your journey:

• When you need speed for streaming a Lakers game, WireGuard is your sports car—fast and smooth.
• Accessing online banking from Germany? OpenVPN is an armored vehicle that keeps everything secure.
• Moving between coffee shops while trading crypto on Robinhood? IKEv2 is a stable SUV that handles any network connection changes. 

No single protocol does everything perfectly, so knowing which one to use matters.

Introducing WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2

Each protocol has its strengths and weaknesses, and knowing when to switch can make all the difference:

WireGuard: The speed king

Built for raw speed, WireGuard rewrites the rules with just 4,000 lines of code (compared to OpenVPN's 400,000). This streamlined design means faster streaming, smoother gaming, and clearer video calls without sacrificing security.

Whether accessing US content abroad or jumping on a Teams call, WireGuard's efficiency keeps your connection smooth while maintaining strong protection.

Best for:

• Better streaming performance on Netflix US
• Reduced lag on gaming servers
• Smoother Twitch and Kick streams
• More stable video calls with clients

Drawback: It is not supported on older devices or legacy systems, so check your hardware compatibility first.

OpenVPN: The security standard

OpenVPN is the most trusted security protocol. It uses bank-grade encryption to protect sensitive data while working remotely. Its open-source nature means security experts worldwide continuously verify its protection.  

Ideal for:

• Accessing trading platforms securely
• Managing crypto wallets and exchanges
• Secure online banking sessions
• Handling confidential client files

Drawback: The robust security comes with a speed trade-off, especially on older devices.

IKEv2: Built for mobility 

IKEv2 is designed specifically for unstable connections. It automatically reconnects your VPN when switching between networks. Its reliability makes it perfect for remote working, maintaining secure connections as you switch between hotel Wi-Fi and mobile data. 

When you need stable access while traveling, IKEv2 keeps you connected without compromising security.

Designed for:

• Maintaining client calls between networks
• Keeping trading apps connected on the move
• Mobile gaming during commutes
• Stable connection for price alerts and charts

Drawback: While stable and secure with IPsec, it can't match WireGuard's speed for streaming and gaming.

Protocol cheat sheet

Now that you know your protocols, let's see how they overcome specific geo-blocks. Every streaming service, gaming platform, and work tool has its own way of detecting VPN usage, from basic location checks to sophisticated tracking. 

Bypassing these blocks means knowing when to switch protocols and how to optimize your connection.

How to switch VPN protocols 

Here's how to switch protocols and your location in FastVPN for any situation you encounter:

Choose a protocol

1. Open FastVPN and tap ‘Settings’

2. Pick your protocol in ‘General’ tab:

• Streaming/Gaming → WireGuard
• Banking/Work → OpenVPN
• Mobile/Travel → IKEv2

3. Connect VPN

Select your location

1. Open FastVPN and tap ‘Locations’

2. Choose based on need:

• US content → New York (best during EST afternoon)
• Financial → Pick one location and stick to it
• Gaming → Select nearest to game servers

3. Connect VPN

Pro tip: When you find a protocol and location combination that works well - like WireGuard and New York for streaming—save it as a favorite for quicker access.

Now that you've got the tools to optimize your connection, let's examine how this knowledge empowers your personal life and business.

Protocols put you in control

Whether you're working in a Berlin hotel or a Bali coworking space, your choice of VPN protocol can help you bypass geo-blocking and work without restrictions.

By matching the right protocol with the right location, your social feeds remain relevant, games flow without buffering, and entertainment apps stay accessible.

That's the power of understanding protocols - you decide how to connect anywhere. From polishing tomorrow's pitch to unwinding on Twitch, you work and play without limits.