Everyone enjoys some Netflix and chill, and there’s nothing like rolling into a hotel, tired after a long journey, and putting on a couple of shows while you get some rest.
Whether you’ve had a lazy day at the beach, or a dream day between waterfalls and temples in Bali, having access to home comforts while traveling is quite the luxury. However, due to the geo-restrictions imposed on Netflix, your viewing experience is going to vary wildly from one country to the next.
In many nations, you could login to find that your favorite shows are just gone. And, if you think finding a movie is hard back home; imagine suddenly having a catalog that is up to 90% smaller. It happens.
Thankfully, there is a solution!
No matter how small the local catalog is, you can “spoof” your location to another country to increase the number of options. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an online service that permits you to switch your IP address to any country you like.
As soon as you use a VPN to pretend to be in a different country, you can watch the larger Netflix catalog! So, which locations have the smallest catalogs? And where is it a good idea to pretend to be instead?
How To Get More Out Of Netflix When Traveling
Netflix in Australia
If you decide to travel down under you’re only going to be able to see around 35% of the complete US Netflix catalog. In Australia, viewers only get to watch 443 TV shows and 1585 movies.
This is much more than many other places, which makes Australia a good place to pretend to be in using a VPN. However, Australia generally also has lightning fast internet speeds, so you might want to have a go at unblocking the US catalog!
Netflix in Japan
Only a few years ago, Japan had a tiny Netflix library that was around 13% of the size of the USA. However, things have changed quickly, and these days Japan has a really sizeable 30% catalog.
If you visit Japan, you can expect to see around 400 TV shows and 1190 movies. This makes Japan a pretty good option if you’re traveling somewhere nearby in the Pacific that does not get much Netflix.
However, due to the fact that Japan has fast internet speeds, if you are actually in Tokyo – or elsewhere in Japan – it is worth connecting to the US library using a VPN.
Netflix in Indonesia
Since 2016, Netflix has become available throughout the archipelagos of Indonesia. However, while Netflix availability is great for locals, it may leave you feeling a bit homesick.
The Indonesian Netflix library only has 170 television shows and 431 movies. That is just 15% of the US TV show library and 9.4% of the US movie library. That is around 87% less viewing options!
So, where should you connect to instead? Due to internet connectivity being a bit touch and go while traveling you may want to try somewhere that is a bit closer than the US (which has the biggest catalog).
Australia and Japan are both going to provide better connection speeds and they both have much bigger Netflix libraries than Indonesia.
Netflix in Italy
If you’re on a lifetime visit to Rome to visit the Vatican, the Trevi fountain, and the Spanish steps, you might feel a little frustrated when you decide to relax with a gourmet Pizza and watch some Netflix.
Italy only gets to see 196 TV shows and 1000 movies, that is around 20% of the US catalog. However, you can connect to the UK to double the number of TV shows you get to stream and still maintain good speeds
Netflix in France
Paris is still one of the most visited locations in the world, and if you don’t want to end up with a case of Paris syndrome then you want to ensure that your relaxation time is well spent.
Sadly, however, the French Netflix catalog only provides access to 387 TV shows and 1490 movies. That is around 33% of the full US catalog.
If you are in France, your best option is to pretend to be in the US because the UK catalog is only a tiny bit bigger.
Netflix in The UK
Everyone likes to visit the United Kingdom, but the reality is that the Queen and her corgis don’t get to watch as much Netflix as President Trump.
The UK only gets access to 442 TV shows and 1590 movies. To be fair, that does make the UK a good place to pretend to be if you happen to be traveling in places like Spain, Greece, Turkey, or Egypt.
However, if you are in Britain and you prefer to enjoy 100% of US Netflix titles it is extremely easy to do so with a VPN.
Netflix in Mexico
Mexico, and in particular Cancun, is one of the US’ favorite holiday destinations, and who could blame them. The food is good and the beaches sensational.
However, when you head back to your hotel you’re in for a sad surprise because Mexico only gets around 50% of the US catalog. The good news is that you are only a stone’s throw away from the biggest catalog in the world.
Netflix in Canada
Canada is an awesome place to go snowboarding, and hundreds of thousands of visitors from the US and the rest of the world head there each year to enjoy the slopes.
No matter why you are visiting Canada, you are going to want a VPN because Canadians only get to watch 623 TV shows and 2562 movies.
If that seems like a lot, then consider that the US has a whopping 4593 movies!
Netflix in Dominican Republic
Going on holiday to the Caribbean is many people’s dream, with white sand and cocktails galore. However, when you decide to relax in your room after sunset you’ll be sad to find out there are only 646 TV shows and 2900 movies to choose from.
While this isn’t a disaster, it is still only 50% of the US catalog.
Netflix in the USA
No matter where you are in the world, it’s always worth trying to access the US catalog. This truly is the king of Netflix libraries containing approximately 1160 TV shows and 4600 movies.
We recommend trying a US VPN server first, no matter where you are in the world, and if connection speeds are a bit laggy (because you are far away from the US) then try one of the options above.
Happy hunting!
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
2 Comments
Great post!
Thanks for sharing..
You’re welcome Devesh, happy watching!