Netflix’s subscription prices vary depending on your location. In some countries, like Pakistan and Turkey, you’ll pay significantly less for Netflix than in the US or Switzerland.
Did you know you can save on Netflix by using a VPN? With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and pay a cheaper Netflix fee.
Here’s how to save on Netflix with a VPN:
- Sign up for a top-rated VPN service that’s compatible with Netflix, like NordVPN.
- Connect to a VPN server in any country with cheap Netflix subscription plans.
- Create a Netflix account. You might need a credit/debit card issued in the same country or region or a regional Netflix gift card. You may also need a virtual phone number to sign up.
Continue reading to learn more about how to save on Netflix.
Netflix is arguably the most popular streaming service in the world. Despite the appeal of its extensive cinematic library, Netflix’s fees are a bit pricey for many people. Even its Basic subscription plan is considered expensive.
While we can’t show you how to watch Netflix for free, there are ways to skimp a few bucks. The company is actively working to block such exploits. So, the process is a little more complicated than it was a few years ago — but it is not impossible.
The price of a Netflix subscription differs depending on your location. It is more affordable in some countries than in others. We did some research and found the countries with the most affordable prices.
However, you can’t get Netflix cheaper with just a VPN; you also need a local phone number and a credit card from a local bank or a regional Netflix gift card. We provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process below.
Note: Netflix has announced it will roll out stricter controls for password sharing in early 2023 to stop users from sharing their accounts with people outside their households. The tips and instructions in this article are currently working but could be affected by these changes. We will continue to review and test Netflix to ensure we provide the most current information.
How to Save on Netflix
Netflix has to get a broadcasting license to show any TV series or movie it doesn’t have rights to. These licenses are usually sold on a per-country basis. This means that Netflix could secure the license to show a film in the US but may be unable to purchase the rights to show it in Britain.
That is the reason the Netflix library looks different in every county. However, it doesn’t explain the difference in the cost of Netflix’s subscription plans. It appears Netflix bases its prices on the economic power of each country.
Comparing Netflix US and Netflix Philippines, there’s a sharp contrast in pricing. The Standard plan for both countries costs $15.49 and PHP 459 ($8.28), respectively. A Netflix plan in the Philippines costs almost half that of the US, although both countries have a similar library size.
Get a Netflix Account in Another Country
Netflix is available in over 190 countries, each with a different subscription price. You don’t need a physical address in a particular country to sign up for Netflix from that location. To create an account, you only need a username, password, a local payment method, and sometimes a local phone number.
You’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) to change your Netflix region and score a discount. Using a VPN, you can register for an account in a country with cheaper subscription packages, like the Philippines.
Currently, the countries with the cheapest Netflix subscription plans are Pakistan, India, and Turkey. If you sign up for a Netflix account in any of these countries, you’re not limited to the content in their local libraries. You can easily switch VPN servers and get access to your favorite movies and TV shows from any country!
Changing your virtual location with a VPN
A VPN encrypts your data, routes your internet traffic through a server, and assigns a new IP address to you. Therefore, connecting to a VPN server in a particular country can spoof your location, allowing you to get Netflix cheaper.
While a VPN may sound like a complex tool, it is relatively easy to use. You can install it on any device you use to watch Netflix, including your PC, smartphone, or tablet.
Tip: When choosing a VPN, it is essential to ensure the provider has servers in countries with cheaper Netflix plans. Check out our article on the five best VPNs for our top-rated providers with thousands of servers across the globe.
Step-By-Step: How to Get Netflix Cheaper With a VPN
While it can be tempting to use a free VPN for Netflix, we recommend using a premium one. Free VPNs have many restrictions, such as a monthly data cap and fewer server locations. They are also significantly slower, which makes them unsuitable for streaming.
Netflix continues to step up its measures to prevent people from accessing its platform using a VPN, and free VPNs run a higher risk of being blocked.
We recommend using a premium VPN like Surfshark or NordVPN to save on Netflix. These providers are known for their vast server network, superfast speeds, and advanced security features.
Below is a step-by-step guide showing you how to change your Netflix region, buy a cheaper subscription package, and save money.
Step 1: Get a VPN subscription
Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN. This is an affordable VPN that’s Netflix-compatible and easy to use.
You also get a 100% money-back guarantee with NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try out the VPN at no cost before you commit.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
To learn more about how to use a VPN to access this streaming platform, check out our Netflix VPN guide.
Step 2: Connect to a VPN server in your country of choice
Connect to a NordVPN server in any country of your choice. We’ve highlighted the countries with the most affordable Netflix subscription plans below.
Step 3: Go to Netflix
Head over to Netflix.com or open the Netflix app. You’ll see that you’re now on the Netflix website of the country you chose in the step above.
Follow these steps:
- Create a Netflix account. You’ll need a username and password to create a new account. Select your preferred subscription plan.
- Fill in your payment details. Netflix requires users to pay with a credit/debit card issued in the same country or region. Your foreign credit/debit card won’t work. Unless you have a local payment method, buying a regional Netflix gift card is the best way to get past this hurdle. To buy a Netflix gift card, go to netflix.com/gift-cards and visit one of the recommended online stores. You can search for discounted Netflix gift cards to save some money. Purchase a gift card, head to netflix.com/redeem to redeem it, and finish creating your Netflix account.
- Enter a phone number. In the past, Netflix allowed users to enter any phone number — local or foreign. However, the company may now require you to enter a phone number registered in the same country. Thankfully, it’s easy to get a virtual phone number for any country.
- Once your payment is verified, you can log in to your account. You may be required to enter your phone number again. We skipped this step.
- You can now start watching Netflix!
After creating your Netflix account, you’ll be charged the same subscription rate monthly. You can connect your credit/debit card to the account. While you need a local payment method to sign up, you do not need one to pay for your monthly subscription.
Netflix gift cards aren’t available for purchase in every country. If you’re struggling to find gift cards for a particular country, that may be why.
Extra tip: Use a VPN to bypass Netflix geo-restrictions
When you log in to your Netflix account, you’re shown a content library corresponding to your location based on your IP address. Even if you signed up for Netflix Pakistan using a VPN, you’d see the Netflix UK library when you sign in from the UK.
So, if you want to enjoy content from the Netflix libraries of other countries, connect to a VPN server in your preferred country, and log in to your Netflix account. You should see the Netflix library of that country. You can read more about how to change your Netflix region in our article about the best VPNs for Netflix.
Which Countries Pay the Least for a Basic Plan on Netflix?
To save money on Netflix, you must know the countries with the cheapest subscription plans. Below, we compare the Basic Netflix subscription prices in various countries to get you started.
Note: Keep in mind that these prices can change relative to the value of each currency at any given time.
| Country | Price (Local) | Price (USD) | # of TV Shows | # of Movies | Total Library Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | PKR 450 | 1.98 | 2181 | 3642 | 5823 |
| India | INR 199 | 2.42 | 2482 | 3574 | 6056 |
| Turkey | TRY 45.99 | 2.45 | 2243 | 3730 | 5973 |
| Colombia | COP 16,900 | 3.46 | 2238 | 3718 | 5956 |
| Argentina | ARS 764.10 (taxes included) | 4.27 | 2246 | 3921 | 6167 |
| Brazil | BRL 25.90 | 4.96 | 2244 | 4063 | 6307 |
| Ukraine | EUR 4.99 | 5.32 | 2288 | 3347 | 5635 |
| South Africa | ZAR 99 | 5.79 | 2388 | 3488 | 5876 |
| Philippines | PHP 369 | 6.65 | 2606 | 3691 | 6297 |
Other Ways to Save Money on Netflix
Besides getting cheaper subscription rates with a VPN, there are other ways you can save on Netflix.
1. Share your Netflix account
You can split your Netflix cost with friends or relatives. This allows you and your friends and relatives to watch the best Netflix shows and movies at a lower price. Sharing an account is an excellent way to save on Netflix compared to paying for individual accounts.
Do keep in mind that Netflix will implement measures against password sharing in 2023. For more information about this, check out the next section of this article.
2. Reduce cellular data usage
You can lower your internet bill by changing your streaming settings on Netflix. To do this, go to App Settings, click Video Playback, and select Cellular Data Usage. Then disable Automatic and choose Save Data.
3. Use cheaper streaming services
You can also save money by opting for cheaper streaming services like Hulu (ad-supported plan $6.99/month), Disney+ ($7.99/month), or Peacock (free plan or $4.99/month plan). There are also free streaming services like Roku Channel and Pluto TV, but they usually show many ads and have relatively smaller libraries.
Is It Possible to Watch Netflix for Free?
It’s impossible to watch Netflix for free. Netflix doesn’t offer free trials and no longer offers free content.
Many people still watch Netflix without paying, however, by using another person’s account. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance this won’t be possible anymore in the near future.
Netflix is currently rolling out strict rules against password sharing. The company will likely implement a fee for every person outside of a “household” using the same account. It is still unclear how this will work exactly, but we will update this article as soon as we know more about Netflix’s new rules.
Conclusion: Save Money With a VPN
Using a VPN to change your location allows you to enjoy exciting bargain offers reserved for people in a particular part of the world.
Apart from Netflix, you can use a VPN to save money on flights, subscriptions, and snag some amazing discount deals. Check out the articles below for more information:
- How to Get a YouTube Premium Discount and Save Money
- How to Save Money on Subscriptions With a VPN
- Use a VPN to Find and Book Cheap Flights
- Save Money with a VPN: Unlock Massive Discounts!
Do you have questions about how to save on Netflix? Click on any question below, and the answer will appear!
The cost of Netflix’s subscription plans differs depending on your country. You can save on Netflix by using a VPN to spoof your location and subscribe at a cheaper rate.
It’s unclear how Netflix comes up with the amount it charges users in each country. We believe the company sets its prices based on the economic capacity of each country. As a result, people in relatively prosperous countries, such as the US and Switzerland, pay more for a subscription than residents of other countries.
We recommend NordVPN because of its industry-standard features and affordable pricing. There are other equally good VPNs like Surfshark. Check out our article on the best Netflix VPNs for more options.
If you’re looking to save on Netflix, Pakistan, India, and Turkey are the countries with the cheapest plans. For more information, check out our article on how to get Netflix cheaper with a VPN.
There is no way to get Netflix for free. The company stopped offering a free trial in 2019. However, you can use a VPN to subscribe at a cheaper rate.
I tried this with a US credit card, but the payment failed each time. Any idea how to get around that?
Strange… We didn’t face any issues with our credit card, or even when using a “foreign” phone number. We’ll research this and update the article as soon as possible! Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Does this only work on new subscribers? What if you have an existing account you’d like to continue to use?
When you already have an account with Netflix, your subscription is ongoing and will use the same rates as you signed up for at the start of your subscription. It is possible to switch an existing account to the prices in a different country, but to do so, you’ll have to cancel your account, wait until the end of your billing period, and then restart your account from an IP in that different country. Because of the added wait, it’s easier to set up a new account instead.
Is there a way to change the billing country on an existing account?
Yes, there is. This procedure works the same as when you’re moving countries. Netflix says you’ll have to cancel your subscription, wait until the end of your billing period, then reactivate your account from the new billing country, so you can use that country’s rates.
Is it not illegal to do this or is it a “grey area”?
It’s not illegal, since you’re paying for the product the same way any customer would – it’s just the amount that’s different. 🙂