Watching Games Internationally via VPN

There have been posts ad-naseum about "where to watch in ____ foreign city/country" in regards to finding the games on TV. I have scoured these threads before and not seen the real issue brought up of how to access certain apps/websites overseas via a VPN. For the layman (like myself), a VPN is a way to add security and privacy to your network connections and also limit restrictions that an app or cable provider may place on you for trying to access content outside the United States.

For example, I will be in Germany in two weeks for Oktoberfest (slight chance of finding a bar to play the game) and Thailand in November (no chance of finding a bar to play the game), so I am actively searching now for recommendations.

1) Are there any reliable, free VPN services that are recommended?

2) Do apps like WatchESPN work reliably with these?

3) Are there any watch-outs associated with accessing apps or games via a VPN?

4) Any advice on if you've used these before?

 

Thanks so much! Go Blue and down with Crab People!