Netflix blocks content by country, so changing your location changes what you can watch
Netflix shows different movies and TV shows depending on which country your account is registered in. If you move to another country or want to watch something available only elsewhere, you need to update your account location. Netflix does not prevent you from doing this, but the process depends on whether you are traveling temporarily or relocating permanently.
The simplest way is to change the country in your account settings directly. This works if you have a valid payment method from the new country or if you are willing to use a payment method from your original country. Netflix will update your catalog within hours, and you will see different titles the next time you log in.
If you are traveling and want to watch your home country's catalog while abroad, you cannot do this through Netflix's official settings. Netflix detects your location using your IP address and will show you the catalog for wherever you physically are, regardless of what your account says. Using a VPN or proxy to hide your location violates Netflix's terms of service, though Netflix does not actively pursue individual users for this.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your country in Netflix settings updates your catalog permanently and requires a valid payment method from that country or a card that works internationally.
- Netflix detects your physical location by IP address, so traveling does not automatically show you your home country's content — you see the local catalog instead.
- If you move permanently, update your country in account settings, billing address, and payment method to avoid service interruptions.
- Netflix's terms prohibit using VPNs to access other countries' catalogs, though enforcement against individual users is rare.
How to change your country in account settings
Log into Netflix on a web browser (not the app) and go to Account settings. Click on your profile name in the top right, then select Account. Scroll down to Membership and Billing and look for the country or region field. Click Change to update it to your new location.
Netflix will ask you to confirm a valid payment method for the new country before the change goes through. If you have a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account registered to an address in that country, use that. If you do not, you can sometimes use an international card, but this depends on your bank and Netflix's payment processor in that region. Some countries require a local payment method, which means you may need to set up a new card or use a local payment service.
After you confirm, Netflix updates your account within a few hours. Your catalog changes, your billing address updates, and your subscription price may change depending on what Netflix charges in that country. You will see the new price on your next billing date.
What happens to your shows and downloads when you change countries
Your watch history, saved shows, and user profiles stay with your account. You do not lose anything. However, shows you have downloaded to watch offline may become unavailable if they are not licensed in your new country. Netflix will remove these from your device automatically, though you can delete them manually first if you want to free up space.
If you were in the middle of watching a series, you can pick up where you left off in your new country — as long as that show is available there. If Netflix does not license a show in your new location, it will disappear from your list, and you cannot continue watching it until you change countries again or until Netflix adds it to that region's catalog.
Changing your country if you do not have a local payment method
Some countries require a payment method registered to a local address. If you have just moved and do not have a local bank account yet, you have a few options. The first is to wait until you can open a local account, which usually takes one to four weeks depending on the country. During this time, you can keep your account in your original country.
The second option is to use a prepaid card or gift card if Netflix accepts them in your new country. Many regions sell Netflix gift cards at retailers, and you can use these to pay for your subscription without needing a local bank account. Check Netflix's payment methods page for your new country to see what is available.
The third option is to ask someone in your original country to keep paying for your account using their payment method. Netflix allows this, though your account will technically still be registered to your original country. You will see that country's catalog, not your new one, until you change the country setting yourself.
Why Netflix shows different content in different countries
Netflix licenses shows and movies from studios and distributors, and those licenses are usually limited to specific countries or regions. A show might be licensed to Netflix in the United States but not in Canada, or available in Europe but not Asia. Netflix has to respect these boundaries or it loses the right to show that content.
This is why the same Netflix subscription shows you completely different catalogs depending on where you are. It is also why some shows disappear from your region without warning — the license expired and Netflix lost the right to show it there. You cannot change this by changing your country setting; you can only change which country's rules explore to your account.
Traveling versus relocating: what Netflix expects
Netflix's terms say you can use your account while traveling, and you will see the local catalog wherever you are. If you are going to another country for a few weeks or months, you do not need to change your account settings. Just log in from there, and Netflix will show you that country's content automatically.
If you are moving permanently, Netflix expects you to update your country setting and billing address. This is partly for legal reasons — Netflix needs to know where you are for tax purposes — and partly to make sure your payment method works. If you move to a new country and never update your account, Netflix may eventually flag your account for unusual activity, especially if your payment method is from a different country than where you are logging in.
Netflix does not actively police this, but keeping your account updated prevents billing problems and service interruptions. If your payment fails because your card is from a country you no longer live in, Netflix may suspend your account until you fix it.
Using a VPN to access other countries' catalogs
A VPN masks your IP address and makes Netflix think you are in a different location. Some people use VPNs to watch shows available in other countries. Netflix's terms of service prohibit this, and Netflix actively works to block VPN traffic.
Netflix detects VPNs by identifying IP addresses known to be VPN servers. If you try to watch Netflix through a VPN, you will usually see an error message saying Netflix cannot be accessed from your location. Some VPNs claim to bypass this, but Netflix updates its blocking regularly, so these workarounds are temporary.
Netflix does not ban accounts for attempting to use a VPN, but repeated attempts may trigger a warning. The company's focus is on blocking the traffic, not punishing users. If you want to watch content from another country, changing your account country is the official way to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Netflix country more than once?
Yes. You can change your country setting as many times as you want. However, Netflix may flag your account if you change countries very frequently — for example, every few days. If you are genuinely relocating, changing your country once should not cause any problems.
Will my subscription price change if I move to a different country?
Yes. Netflix charges different prices in different countries based on local market conditions and currency. When you change your country, your subscription price updates to match that region's rate. You will see the new price on your next billing date.
What if Netflix does not accept my payment method in my new country?
Contact Netflix support through the Help Center on your account. They can tell you which payment methods work in your region and may be able to help you set up an alternative. If you cannot find a working payment method, you may need to pause your subscription until you can open a local bank account.
Do I lose my watch history if I change countries?
No. Your watch history, saved shows, ratings, and profiles all stay with your account. Changing your country only changes which catalog you see and where your billing address is registered.
Can I watch my home country's Netflix while traveling abroad?
Not through official Netflix settings. Netflix uses your IP address to determine your location, so you will see the catalog for wherever you physically are, regardless of what your account settings say. To watch your home country's content while traveling, you would need to use a VPN, which violates Netflix's terms.