VPN for Streaming Abroad

Travelling doesn't mean losing access to your shows. Here's how to watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+ from anywhere in the world. For the best buffer-free experience, pair your VPN with a fast travel eSIM data plan.

Netflix • BBC iPlayer • Hulu • Disney+ Works from any country

Why your streaming apps stop working abroad

Streaming platforms license their content by country. When you travel, the platform sees your foreign IP address and either blocks you entirely or switches you to the local content library — often with a fraction of the titles you're used to. See VPN fact #14 for the exact data on how content libraries differ.

Netflix

Shows a different library in every country. US Netflix has ~5,800 titles; many other countries have under 2,000.

BBC iPlayer

Completely blocked outside the UK. Requires a UK IP address to watch anything.

Hulu

USA and Japan only. All other countries see a "not available in your region" message.

Disney+

Available in most countries but with different regional content libraries and release dates.

Peacock

US only. Blocked everywhere else, including US territories and territories.

How a VPN fixes it

A VPN routes your traffic through a server in your home country. The streaming platform sees a home country IP and serves you your normal content library — exactly as if you never left. For fastest streaming speeds, make sure you understand which VPN protocol to choose — WireGuard and Lightway add the least overhead.

Step by step

Install your VPN before you travel and test it at home.

At your destination, open the VPN app and connect to a server in your home country.

Open Netflix, iPlayer, or Hulu — your normal library loads exactly as usual.

Watch at full speed — premium VPNs add less than 10% overhead on streaming.

Best VPNs for streaming

🥇 ExpressVPN

Fastest speeds, reliably unblocks all major platforms. Best for 4K streaming.

🥈 NordVPN

SmartPlay technology optimised for streaming. Large server network.

🥉 Surfshark

Unlimited devices, works with Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+. Best budget pick.

4️⃣ ProtonVPN

Good streaming support, strong privacy credentials.

Full provider comparison →

Netflix's VPN detection

Netflix actively blocks known VPN IP addresses. Premium VPNs (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark) regularly rotate server IPs to stay ahead. Free VPNs almost always fail Netflix's detection.