The digital world is increasingly shaped by regional restrictions and dynamic pricing, driving millions to seek clever ways to access better deals. Enter “VPN tourism”—the practice of using virtual private networks (VPNs) to spoof your location and unlock cheaper subscriptions, flights, and online services. As streaming platforms, software providers, and even airlines tailor prices by country, VPN tourism is changing how consumers shop and save online. This trend is also evident in the online gambling sector, where platforms like https://fortunica3.com/en-au have seen users attempt to access region-specific promotions or games by masking their true location. However, it’s important to note that while this can offer savings and expanded access, using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions on gambling sites may violate terms of service and result in account suspension or loss of winnings.
What Is VPN Tourism and How Does It Work?
VPN tourism refers to the use of VPNs to mask your real location and appear as if you’re browsing from another country. This is achieved by connecting to a VPN server in a different region, thereby changing your IP address and, consequently, the prices and content you see online. While VPNs are often used for privacy and security, their ability to bypass geo-restrictions and price discrimination has made them a popular tool for bargain hunters.
How does VPN tourism actually work?
- Choose a VPN provider: Popular choices include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, all offering extensive global server networks.
- Install and connect: Download the app, select a server in the country with the best prices, and connect.
- Browse and buy: Visit the service or shop as usual. Prices will reflect your virtual location rather than your actual one.
For example, switching your VPN to India can reduce the cost of a Netflix subscription from $15.49 in the US to just $6.01 per month—a 61% discount. Similar savings can be found on platforms like Disney+, YouTube Premium, and Spotify.
Why Are People Turning to VPN Tourism?
The driving force behind VPN tourism is price discrimination, a practice where companies adjust prices based on a user’s location, purchasing power, or browsing history. This means consumers in wealthier countries often pay more for the same digital service than those in lower-income regions.
What are the common targets for VPN tourism? Below is the answer:
- Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others offer different subscription rates depending on your location.
Software and digital goods: Products like Office 365, video games, and cloud storage are often priced variably by country. - Flights and hotels: Travel sites frequently show different prices for the same booking based on where you appear to be searching from.
- Online shopping: Retailers may offer discounts or special deals to customers from specific regions.
With a VPN, users can sidestep these pricing strategies, compare costs globally, and secure the best possible deal.
The Mechanics and Methods of Location Spoofing
VPNs are the most accessible tool for location spoofing, but they are not the only method. Some users employ GPS spoofing apps or proxy servers to further disguise their true whereabouts. While proxies operate at the application level, VPNs encrypt all internet traffic at the operating system level, making them more effective for most consumers.
Steps for faking your location with a VPN:
- Sign up with a reputable VPN provider.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a server in your desired country.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to avoid detection.
- Access the service and check for price differences.
Some advanced services, such as RatePunk, even automate the process of finding the best regional deals for hotel bookings and other purchases.
The Real-World Impact: Savings and Limitations
The appeal of VPN tourism is clear—significant savings on everyday digital services. However, the effectiveness of this strategy is evolving as companies adapt.
| Subscription | US Price | India Price (Using VPN) | Savings |
| Netflix (Standard) | $15.49/month | $6.01/month | 61% |
| Disney+ | $7.99/month | $3.60/month | 55% |
| YouTube Premium | $13.99/month | $1.55/month | 89% |
| Apple Music | $10.99/month | $1.19/month | 89% |
| Spotify | $10.99/month | $1.43/month | 87% |
| Office 365 | $69.99/year | $59.93/year | 14% |
Prices and savings may vary with exchange rates and provider policies.
The Shrinking Advantage
Recent years have seen a decrease in the price gap accessible via VPN tourism. For instance, the average price difference for flights booked with a virtual private network dropped from 15% in 2020 to just 8% in 2024, as airlines and other providers adopt location-agnostic pricing or even penalise users with higher prices. Some companies are also deploying advanced detection methods, including blockchain-based booking records and VPN blacklists, to counteract location spoofing.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While VPNs are legal in most countries, using them to circumvent regional restrictions or pricing may violate the terms of service of certain platforms. In some regions, such as the UAE, using a VPN to access blocked content is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Most providers, however, focus on enforcing their own rules, such as suspending accounts or blocking access, rather than pursuing legal action.
Is VPN Tourism Ethical?
The ethics are debated. On one hand, it empowers consumers to fight back against opaque and often unfair pricing practices. On the other hand, it can undermine the business models of content creators and service providers, and may be seen as a form of digital dishonesty. As global standards for pricing transparency evolve, the boundaries of what is considered acceptable may shift.
The Future of VPN Tourism: Will It Last?
As more people discover the savings of VPN tourism, companies are responding with stricter detection and more uniform pricing. Airlines, for example, are moving towards global fare transparency, and streaming services are increasingly vigilant about VPN use. The window for easy savings may narrow, but for now, it remains a popular—and often effective—strategy for thrifty digital consumers.
