How to Use Tinder While Traveling: 10 Tips

Posted on Aug 8, 2024 by Ginny Dorn

If you’ve spent much time on Tinder, you’ll know the profiles in your area can get stale. So, when you book a trip to another state or country, it’s only natural to want to connect to some new people while you’re there. You might be dreaming up a whirlwind cross-border romance or, at least, a fun flirt with someone with a different accent. 

Tinder can also double as a useful travel app! You can talk to local experts and discover hidden gems, all while meeting new friends and potential partners. PIA VPN pairs perfectly with the app to help you swipe early and securely. Plus, it’s more affordable than Tinder Passport. Read on to learn how to use Tinder while traveling.

Your travel time is precious, so make sure you swipe before you arrive! With PIA VPN, you can adjust your browser location in seconds without paying for Tinder Plus. PIA has VPN servers in 91 countries, so you can get an IP address in just about any location you might visit.


How to Use Tinder Passport

Tinder Passport, also known as travel mode, is a premium feature that lets you find matches outside your current location. With it, you can change your location as much as you want and like, match, and chat with people around the world. 

Here’s how to use travel mode on Tinder:

  1. Get a paid subscription. Navigate to the profile tab and select Subscriptions. Sign up for Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, or Tinder Platinum to gain access to Tinder Passport. Tinder is also testing out a standalone Tinder Passport subscription, though it’s limited to certain users.
  2. Update your location. Open your profile tab and select Settings. Scroll down to Location and select it, then add your new location.
  3. Browse new profiles. Return to the app’s home tab and check out potential matches in your new region.

10 Tips for Using Tinder While Traveling

1. Change Your Location and Swipe Early

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll want to spend your time visiting must-see attractions, not looking at your phone. Before you leave, change your virtual location to unblock Tinder profiles at your destination. This will allow you to swipe early so you can arrange dates before you arrive.

You can use Tinder Passport (available through any of Tinder’s paid subscriptions or as a standalone subscription to some users) to swipe outside your current location, but it can be costly. A cheaper option is to use PIA VPN to change your location. Just download the PIA app and select a server in the city or country you’re headed to. Tinder will automatically detect your new IP address and change your geolocation on your computer’s browser so you can check out users in your new location.

If you’re using Tinder’s mobile app on your phone or tablet, you’ll also need to download a GPS-spoofing app. These types of apps are available in your device’s app store and allow you to change the GPS location of your device. Look for one with positive reviews to ensure you get the best experience.

 

2. Update Your Profile

Some Tinder users love the idea of dating a traveler visiting their location, while others might not. In either case, it’s best to be upfront about the fact that you’re just visiting, so you can quickly connect with the right people. In fact, this topic can shape the questions for your Tinder bio. 

Update your profile and mention the dates you’ll be in town, as well as what you’re looking to do. For example, you might say that you want to meet a local to show you around, or that you’re open to meeting like-minded travelers who want to visit attractions and split transportation costs.

3. Do Your Research

While most Tinder users are honest people looking for companionship, some people create profiles with nefarious intentions. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to do some digging on your matches.

Consider doing the following:

  • Complete a reverse image search to ensure they’re not using someone else’s photos.
  • Check if their linked social media profiles seem legitimate.
  • Do a Google search of their name, company, and job title if they’ve given you that information.
  • Use Tinder’s Face-to-Face video chat before you meet to make sure they’re really who they say they are.

4. Protect Yourself Digitally

If you’re using Tinder while traveling, you’ll probably connect to public Wi-Fi. While convenient, these networks are often unsecured, making you an easy target for cybercriminals looking to steal personal data. This can be especially concerning if you’re booking tickets, checking confirmation emails, and the like online.

A VPN can secure your connection while you travel. VPNs use complex encryption algorithms to make your data unreadable without a key. This helps prevent cybersnoops from reading (or stealing) your login credentials, bank information, or any other personal details you access online.

5. Be Transparent

Try being open about what you want when you chat with people on Tinder. Whether you’re looking for a platonic hangout, a hookup, or a long-term connection, being vocal about what you’re looking for can help set you up for success. 

By being transparent, both parties can enter the meetup with aligned expectations. You can set boundaries earlier, avoid wasting time, and limit awkward situations. That ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone.

6. Meet in Public

Even after confirming identities and agreeing on expectations, you may still meet some weirdos while you travel. It’s important to protect yourself when meeting new people, especially if you’re a female using Tinder while traveling alone. Get to know your date in public before going anywhere alone with them.

Likewise, tell friends and family who you’re meeting with, as well as where you’re going and for how long. Consider making a plan to text a trusted friend while you’re on the date and afterward to confirm your safety. 

7. Look for a Tinder Tour Guide

Dating the locals also means meeting the experts in your new location. To get the best recommendations, you can seek out people with certain occupations and hobbies while you swipe. To shorten search time, use Tinder’s Explore tab that sorts people by interests, including categories like Sporty, Creatives, and Foodies.

If you want to find the best places to eat, look for chefs and restaurant staff. See the latest attractions, including bars and clubs, by connecting with in-the-know marketing and PR employees. You’ll find the best hiking trails by meeting with outdoorsy or active folks, and you’ll get the best tips for museums from art enthusiasts.

8. Go for Dual-Purpose Dates

Even with all your vetting, not every date will be a winner – and there’s nothing worse than leaving a date feeling like you wasted your precious vacation time. To avoid this, plan dates with multiple purposes: to meet someone from Tinder and check off an item on your travel bucket list.

With this tactic, you maximize your time and enjoy the restaurants, attractions, and scenic views you’ve been dreaming of. Even if your date isn’t all you’d hoped for, the sights and experiences make up for it. Plus, you can use your surroundings as a conversation starter.

9. Do a Language Exchange

If you’re visiting a country where people speak a different language, try a language exchange date. On these dates, each person is interested in learning the other’s language, and you agree ahead of time to practice together. 

Language exchanges make for great dates. You get to immerse yourself in another culture, even learning the region’s unique dialect. It also gives your date a sense of purpose as you work together to learn each other’s language. Just come prepared with a list of topics and Google Translate – just in case! 

10. Be Open-Minded

Just like dating back home, dating abroad can be messy. You might have chemistry on Tinder, then find it fleeting in real life. If you’re looking for a long-term partner, most dates won’t be the perfect fit until you find “the one.” 

That’s why it’s so important to enter each date with an open mind. You may find that what you’d hoped would be a romantic connection is a platonic situation. That isn’t time wasted. Instead, these people can become local guides, pen pals, and even lifelong friends.

How to Change Your Tinder Location with a VPN

 It takes just a few simple steps to access Tinder travel mode with a VPN.

1. Download a VPN

PIA VPN has dedicated apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux, so you can swipe on whichever device you prefer. 

2. Update Your IP Address and GPS Location

Choose a server in the country or city you’ll be visiting. If you’re using a browser on your computer, Tinder will detect your new IP address and update your profile location so you can browse profiles in another city. If you’re ready to get started, use PIA VPN to update your Tinder location now.

If you’re using a phone or tablet, you’ll also need a GPS spoofer to update your device’s GPS location. Just head to the app store and choose an app that has positive reviews. Some GPS apps require you to connect your computer and phone to change your GPS location. Once connected, change your location to match the location of your VPN server.

3. Find Your Matches

Open the main tab on the Tinder app or the home screen in your browser and see profiles in your new location. Start checking out the locals!

Why PIA Is the Best VPN for Tinder

PIA VPN has servers in 91 countries, so you can search for matches wherever you travel. Your PIA subscription gives you unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it easy to cover all your tech and switch between devices. 

There’s nothing worse than sluggish VPN speeds slowing down your Face to Face video chats. PIA’s 10-Gbps server network provides ultra-fast VPN speeds and a stable connection, so you don’t have to worry about lags and pixelation ruining your conversation.

If you’re traveling, chances are you’re using public Wi-Fi to access Tinder. Unsecured networks are easy prey for lurking cybercriminals, but they can’t get past PIA’s tough encryption. It hides your personal data by using complex algorithms to make your online traffic unreadable. You can even customize your settings to connect to PIA automatically when you join your hotel or apartment network.

If you need discretion and privacy while you date, we have you covered. PIA has a strict no-logs policy, meaning we never keep records of your browsing history, bandwidth consumption, VPN session timestamps, connection logs, or IP address. How or who you date is your business alone. Try PIA VPN risk-free today with our 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQ

What’s the best VPN for Tinder?

PIA is the best VPN for Tinder. It has servers in 91 countries, so you can find dates around the globe. You can also send chats or use Tinder Face to Face without frustrating lagging thanks to PIA’s ultra-fast 10-Gbps server network. Setup is easy, but if you have questions, our 24/7 support team is here to help. Try PIA VPN with our 30-day money-back guarantee.  

How can I use Tinder while traveling?

To use Tinder while traveling, just open the app. It updates your location automatically, so you can view nearby Tinder users. If you want to swipe before you leave, you can pay for Tinder travel mode, also known as Tinder Passport, or download a VPN. You can also use a VPN to update your digital location to your home city and set up dates for when you return.

How do I use Tinder internationally?

You can use Tinder Passport, which allows you to change your location and view users in different cities or countries. This feature comes with all of Tinder’s subscription plans, but if you want a more affordable option, you can use PIA VPN to change your location. If you’re traveling internationally, Tinder will automatically update your location, so you see local matches.

Does Tinder have a travel mode?

Yes. Tinder travel mode, officially known as Tinder Passport, is included with Tinder’s paid subscription plans. It allows you to change your location so you can find people in any city before and during travel. If you don’t want to get a Tinder subscription plan, you can connect to a VPN server in your desired city or country to view local profiles.

Can you use Tinder in a different location?

Tinder’s free service limits you to only nearby profiles. You’ll need a subscription plan to use Tinder Passport to view people in a different location. Alternatively, you can use a VPN and GPS spoofing app to help change your location on the Tinder app.

How do I change my location on Tinder when traveling?

Tinder automatically updates your location based on your phone’s location settings when you travel. When you arrive at your destination, just open or refresh the app to view nearby profiles. If you want to browse profiles in a different location, you can use PIA VPN to connect to servers around the world.

Does Tinder change your location automatically?

Yes, Tinder automatically updates your location. The app requires the use of location services, which is how it knows where you are. If you turn location services off, you’ll get an error message and won’t be able to view any profiles. You can choose your own location by getting Tinder Passport or by using a VPN service and GPS-spoofing app.