So, I'm generally super pleased with my VPN. I deeply appreciate the security and privacy it gives me, especially in these frightening times. But I have learned some things that nobody tells you when you get one and start using it.

If the internet now thinks your computer exists in another country:

1. Some sites you shop at will change the currency use on the site to the country your VPN says you're in. If it's a country that also uses their version of "dollars", you might not notice the difference until you've just hit that pay now button. Make sure you aren't paying more due to currency conversion rates when you don't have to.
2. You may see significant streaming service differences. Lots of people know that having a VPN set to a different country lets you see things you might otherwise not get on Netflix, but it applies to a lot of streaming things, even net radio stations and Youtube.
3. Website content may differ as well. If you still need relevant content, you may have to specifically choose certain sites.
4. Some sites may not even load. If I have my VPN set to any country other than the USA, I literally cannot load my local grocery store's website OR sensitive things like my bank or my pharmacy website. At all. I get the pharmacy stuff, but why would a grocery store give a shit if someone in another country can see grapes are on sale this week?

In general, VPNs are great things. But you absolutely have to pay attention to your internet activity and how it's affected once you have the VPN in place.

Stay tuned for a listing of websites that have given me a hassle over changing my email or deleting accounts.