Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite shows. Millions of expats wake up every morning wondering how to get their home country’s TV channels, streaming platforms, and local news without a VPN that keeps failing or a subscription that won’t load. The truth? It’s not about hacking systems-it’s about understanding how geo-restrictions work and what tools actually deliver consistent access.
Why Your Favorite Shows Vanish Overseas
When you move from the UK to Australia, or from the US to Germany, your Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu accounts don’t just stop working-they show you a completely different library. That’s because streaming services use your IP address to determine your location. If you’re in Spain but your account was set up in Canada, you’ll see Spanish content, not Canadian. It’s not a glitch. It’s by design.Netflix, for example, has over 15,000 titles in the US but only 3,200 in Italy. BBC iPlayer is only accessible within the UK. Disney+ has different release schedules depending on the country. Even YouTube shows region-specific ads and content. If you’re trying to catch up on the latest episode of Line of Duty or watch the UK version of MasterChef, you’re blocked by geography, not technology.
What Works: Legal and Reliable Methods
There are three proven ways to get your home content abroad-without breaking rules or risking your account.- Use your home country’s official streaming apps with a reliable VPN-Not every VPN works. Free ones often get blocked by Netflix or trigger security alerts. Paid services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark have dedicated servers optimized for streaming. They change your IP to one in your home country, making the service think you’re there. Test them with your favorite platform before committing. Most offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
- Subscribe to international versions of local services-Some countries have global versions of their broadcasters. For example, the BBC offers BBC World News on YouTube and its app abroad. Australia’s ABC iview has limited international access. Canada’s CBC Gem allows viewers outside Canada with a Canadian credit card and a VPN. Check the official site for international availability.
- Use a smart DNS proxy-If you only need to unblock TV channels (not movies or music), a smart DNS is faster and cheaper than a VPN. Services like Unlocator or SmartDNSProxy reroute only the streaming traffic, not your entire internet connection. It’s perfect for watching live TV on platforms like ITVX or Channel 4 in the UK. But it won’t work with Netflix anymore-most platforms now block them.
Don’t waste time on free proxies or browser extensions. They’re slow, unsafe, and often steal your data. Stick to services with clear privacy policies and a track record of working with major platforms.
What You Can Watch Without a VPN
Not everything requires a workaround. Many platforms now offer global access to their original content.- Amazon Prime Video lets you watch Prime Originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or The Boys anywhere in the world.
- Disney+ has a consistent global catalog for Star Wars and Marvel shows-even if local content varies.
- Apple TV+ and HBO Max (now Max) offer nearly identical libraries worldwide for their originals.
- YouTube has official channels for many broadcasters. Search for “BBC News” or “ITV News” and you’ll find live streams and clips available globally.
These are your safest bets. No setup needed. Just log in and stream.
How to Set Up Your Streaming Hub Abroad
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your home entertainment running in 15 minutes.- Choose your home country’s main streaming service-For example, if you’re from Australia, that’s Stan or ABC iview. From the UK? BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4.
- Pick a reliable VPN-Sign up for ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Install the app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming box (like Roku or Fire Stick).
- Connect to a server in your home country-Select a server in London, Sydney, Toronto, or wherever your account was created.
- Log into your streaming account-Open the app and sign in. If it asks for a local payment method, use a gift card bought from your home country or a friend’s account.
- Test it-Search for a show only available in your home country. If it loads, you’re good to go.
Pro tip: Use the same device for streaming and your VPN. Don’t switch between your laptop and smart TV without re-connecting the VPN. It’s the #1 reason people think it’s not working.
Live TV and News: The Real Challenge
Watching the latest news from home is harder than catching up on a drama series. Most local news channels don’t offer global access.Here’s what works:
- RTÉ Player (Ireland): Offers some content abroad, but not live TV. Use a VPN to unlock full access.
- TVNZ+ and ThreeNow (New Zealand): Available worldwide with a VPN.
- Channel 4 (UK): Only available in the UK. Use a VPN to access live and on-demand.
- Al Jazeera, BBC World News, CNN International: These global channels stream live for free on YouTube and their apps.
If you’re from a smaller country, check if your national broadcaster has an official YouTube channel. Many do. For example, South Africa’s SABC streams news clips on YouTube, even if full episodes are geo-blocked.
What Doesn’t Work (And Why)
Avoid these common mistakes:- Using a free VPN-They’re slow, filled with ads, and often sell your data. Many are blacklisted by streaming services.
- Sharing accounts-Netflix and Disney+ now limit how many devices can stream at once. If you’re sharing with family back home, you might get locked out.
- Buying a local subscription-If you sign up for a German Netflix account, you won’t get access to UK shows. You’re locked into that country’s library.
- Using torrents or illegal sites-They’re risky, slow, and often carry malware. Plus, you’re breaking copyright laws.
Stick to legal options. Your peace of mind-and your device’s security-is worth it.
Building a Personal Expat Entertainment Routine
The goal isn’t just to watch your favorite shows. It’s to feel connected.Set a weekly schedule:
- Monday night: Watch the latest episode of your home country’s top drama with friends over Zoom.
- Wednesday: Catch up on local news with BBC or CBC.
- Saturday morning: Stream your childhood favorite cartoons or game shows from home.
Invite friends from back home to join your viewing sessions. Use Discord or WhatsApp to chat while you watch. It turns streaming into a ritual-not just a habit.
Many expat communities organize monthly movie nights using Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party). You can sync playback and talk in real time. It’s not the same as being there-but it’s close.
What’s Changing in 2025
Streaming services are starting to adapt. Netflix now offers a “Global Favorites” section for expats. Disney+ lets you switch your profile’s region manually on mobile apps. Some UK broadcasters are testing global access to their archive content.But the rules still favor local licensing. Until global rights become standard, expats will need to use smart tools to stay connected.
Don’t wait for the system to change. Build your own system now. Pick one reliable method, test it, and stick with it. Your favorite shows-and your sense of home-are worth the effort.
Can I use my home country’s Netflix account abroad?
Yes, but you’ll only see the content available in your current location. To watch your home country’s library, you need a VPN that changes your IP address back to your home country. Netflix actively blocks many VPNs, so use one known to work, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming abroad?
It’s not illegal in most countries, but it breaks the terms of service of streaming platforms. You won’t get arrested, but your account could be suspended if detected. Most expats use VPNs responsibly and rarely face issues. Stick to reputable services and avoid sharing accounts to reduce risk.
Why does my streaming app say ‘Not Available in My Country’ even with a VPN?
Your VPN might be detected and blocked. Try switching to a different server in your home country. Some services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu have advanced detection systems. If one server doesn’t work, try another. Also, clear your browser cache or restart your device after connecting to the VPN.
Can I watch live sports from home while abroad?
Yes, but it’s trickier. Services like Sky Sports, ESPN+, or DAZN have strict geo-blocks. Use a VPN with dedicated sports servers. Some services offer international subscriptions-for example, DAZN is available in over 100 countries. Check if your sport’s official broadcaster offers a global version.
Do I need a local payment method to sign up for streaming services abroad?
Not always. Many services allow you to sign up with a gift card bought from your home country. For example, you can buy a UK Netflix gift card online and redeem it from abroad. Some platforms also accept international credit cards. If you’re stuck, ask a friend or family member in your home country to help you set up the account.
If you’re feeling disconnected, remember: you’re not alone. Over 60 million people live outside their home countries, and most of them use similar methods to stay connected. The right setup turns streaming from a frustration into a daily comfort.