Netflix is accessible practically everywhere on the planet. However, the content offered varies according to your location. Indeed, there is sometimes a significant discrepancy across area libraries. Netflix USA, for example, offers over 2,000 more titles than Netflix South Africa. Fortunately for Americans visiting South Africa, there is a method to access the same stuff as they would at home—just use a VPN.
When you connect to a US VPN server, you are assigned a temporary US IP address, which might help you regain access to the American Netflix collection. Another significant advantage of VPNs is that they significantly improve your online privacy. Once connected, all network communication is encrypted, which means that it cannot be read by snoopers such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), company, or government. Additionally, since your data is routed via servers located around the globe, VPNs allow you to easily circumvent government-imposed restrictions.
How to use a VPN to view Netflix US in South Africa
Are you unfamiliar with VPNs and unsure how to get started? Not to worry; VPNs enable you to safely access your regular Netflix collection while traveling. Simply follow the instructions outlined below.
- Begin by registering for the VPN mentioned below (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the program by downloading it. Our suggested service has distinct mobile and desktop applications, so be sure to download a version that is compatible with your device.
- Connect to an American server for your VPN.
- Log into Netflix and start watching videos. It should begin immediately, but if you continue to get a proxy error (“You seem to be using a proxy or unblocker. Please disable any of these services and retry”), delete your cache and cookies, and then reload the website. Still unable to see anything? For more help, contact your VPN support staff.
Choosing a VPN does not have to be a painstaking process. While there are dozens of VPNs available (and new ones are added regularly), we’ve whittled the list down to just one. The top VPN for American Netflix viewing in South Africa matches all of the requirements below, indicating that it is a very adaptable service capable of handling almost anything you throw at them.
Selection criteria for the best VPN
- Has servers capable of safely accessing Netflix US from outside the United States.
- Consistently fast speeds.
- It does not keep track of any personally identifying information.
- Provides applications for all major operating systems.
- Utilizes almost uncrackable encryption and incorporates a variety of other security elements.
The best VPN for South Africans to view on US Netflix
NordVPN
Our number one suggestion for accessing US Netflix in South Africa is NordVPN. It’s the quickest VPN we’ve tested and boasts a massive network of over 5,000 servers spread across several countries (and more than 1,900 in the US alone). This VPN is ideal for safely viewing Netflix from the United States, and with stable connections, you’ll be able to watch without experiencing any apparent buffering or latency. Even better, NordVPN supports up to six concurrent connections.
This service allows you to customize your security configuration. There is 256-bit encryption, including security against IPv6 leaks, WebRTC, DNS, and port forwarding leaks, an application-specific kill switch, a malware scanner, and an ad blocker. Additionally, this VPN includes servers dedicated to nations with tight internet control. NordVPN adheres to a strong no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy. If you need assistance, support is accessible through live chat 24 hours a day.
NordVPN offers client software for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also works with network routers but requires manual configuration.
Is it possible to stream American Netflix from overseas using a free VPN?
While free VPNs may seem like a simple way to access US Netflix from overseas, they have some significant downsides. For example, these services often have a large user base and relatively small networks. This results in very sluggish streaming rates and lengthy buffering times. Additionally, the majority of large streaming services begin by blacklisting free VPNs. As a result, even if you’re fortunate enough to discover a fast, free VPN, you may still be unable to access Netflix US.
Additionally, there is no assurance that you are utilizing a reliable free VPN. According to a recent survey, over 40% of over 280 free VPN applications were contaminated with malware. Additionally, virus-free services were not always secure, with over 80% leaking data across IPv6 and 18% employing no encryption at all. Unfortunately, even well-known services may compromise your security, as shown when Hola was detected selling idle user bandwidth to assist in the operation of a botnet.
The most effective approach to keep it secure online is to utilize a reliable VPN provider with a transparent privacy policy and a track record of protecting its customers’ privacy.
Why else should I use a VPN in South Africa?
While South Africa does not officially restrict the internet, there is rising worry over the Films and Publications Amendment Bill, sometimes referred to as the Internet Censorship Bill. Despite its noble intentions, this law essentially classifies internet users as broadcasters and forces them to adhere to the Films and Publications Board’s guidelines. Privacy activists fear the government may censor individuals simply by declaring unpleasant information to be hate speech and ordering it removed (or restricting access, if the website is based outside of South Africa). If this bill is passed, only VPN users would be able to avoid being monitored throughout the web. Additionally, they would be able to circumvent the government’s web censorship and access the internet freely.
If you’re traveling to a foreign nation for vacation, you’re virtually guaranteed to utilize public wifi. However, since these networks are often insecure, they are a great target for hackers. Additionally, the owner of the hotspot nearly always maintains logs of user activities. However, when you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted. This ensures that no one can see your personal information, such as the websites you visit, your login credentials, or your online banking information.
What is available on Netflix in the United States?
The Netflix US collection is a huge step up from the South African collection, with more content than any other regional library. We’ve included a list of some of the titles you may anticipate seeing on American Netflix below:
- Black Mirror
- Terrace House
- When They See Us
- Always Be My Maybe
- The Chef Show
- Aggretsuko
- Russian Doll
- Dead to Me
- The Good Place
- The Society