How to Get Netflix at a Discount

Ruheni Mathenge  - Streaming Expert
Last updated: February 12, 2024
Read time: 18 minutes
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The global nature of Netflix means that the service is available globally at different local prices. This pricing structure means that you can use a VPN to create a Netflix account that will save you some subscription money relative to your currently available local plan.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Netflix is the world’s leading video streaming platform. It’s a global service, but the pricing scheme is localized to suit every national market according to the local economic development. Thus, you can take advantage of this pricing scheme with a premium VPN service to create a Netflix account that will serve you your usual content at a much lower price.

Netflix is the world’s largest video streaming service and is exceedingly popular worldwide. In addition, it offers a vast catalog of movies and TV shows. Yet, some of us still think it’s a bit pricey since the basic plan will cost you about 107 USD a year. Of course, you can always have a month free of Netflix on a trial basis. But by the end of the month, you’ll probably find you like it enough to keep using it at your own cost. But here’s the thing about Netflix and fees: they differ in every country, and the difference can be significant.

Did you know that already? Are you wondering why Netflix charges different prices in different countries? But more importantly: did you know that you can beat the system by using these differences in price to your favor? Keep reading, and let us tell you all about Netflix, country-specific fees, why it happens, and how it can help you save some money.

A quick guide to getting Netflix discounts

Follow these steps to get a much cheaper Netflix account:

  1. Subscribe to a top-notch VPN service with servers in the required regions. We recommend ExpressVPN as it is reliable and has servers in Argentina.
  2. Open the VPN application and connect to an Argentina Server.
  3. Create a new Netflix account if you do not have one. If you do, cancel your current subscription and wait for your billing period to expire to select a new one.
  4. Choose a subscription plan of your choice.
  5. Proceed to payment and enter the details of your card.
  6. Enter your phone number as required.
  7. Start streaming your new, cheap Netflix subscription.

Netflix as a localized service: A different content library for a different price in any given country

Netflix is a legal video streaming platform. It is so evident that many users rarely stop thinking about its implications. Any digital service streaming content legally had to acquire the rights to do so by negotiation with the copyright owners.

The negotiations include where a given company can show a specific title. That agreement is usually done on a country-specific basis. So Netflix has paid for the rights to show every show or film on its servers in a well-defined set of countries. And that’s why the Netflix catalog is different in every country. But is this a factor in the price difference across borders? Not really.

The reason we don’t think that content variety is very influential in setting Netflix prices is easy to see through an example: the cost for Netflix in the US and the Netherlands is almost the same. But the US catalog is three times larger than the Dutch one.

While we can’t tell you the precise formula Netflix uses to set a domestic price, it seems to be mainly determined by a country’s overall economic well-being. Internet users in more affluent countries are used to paying higher prices for everything. Therefore, they will likely be willing to pay a higher Netflix fee — especially if they don’t know they have an option. And how do we know that? Again, let’s see some examples: the fees for Switzerland and Sweden are 13.02 and 9.99 USD, respectively.

On the other hand, you can find Brazil and Argentina on the other side of the world (and on the economic spectrum). Their citizens can have Netflix access for 3.94 and 2.58 USD. And then, the geopolitics of the world have an effect as well. For example, as the value of the Turkish Lira plummeted recently, the Netflix cost there has decreased to 2.30 USD.

So as you can see, the differences can indeed be vast. For another example, a Swedish user spends more than 10 USD than an Argentinian user.

And what is the point of knowing all this? Saving a bit of money is the point. Of course, these price differences in Netflix can work against you if you live in the world’s most developed economies. But they can also work in your favor if you want. Let us explain to you how.

Getting a Netflix account in a country other than yours

Netflix doesn’t want your address. Have you noticed that? Getting a Netflix account requires an email account, a password, and a means of payment. That’s it! We like that about Netflix, and so should you. This means you can sign up for Netflix in any country; it doesn’t have to be the one you plan to use.

In other words, you can get your Netflix account in Argentina if you’re a Swedish resident (or Dutch, German, whatever). Then you can use it back home and save 120 USD yearly on your Netflix payments. No, we’re not kidding, and the most exciting thing about this is that you, too, can do this if you want! And no, you don’t need to take a plane to Buenos Aires. It’s far more straightforward (and cheaper) than that.

How to change your virtual location using a VPN

A VPN lets you change your virtual location. Moreover, it’s easy and quick. All you need to do is to get your VPN vendor app for your preferred device and install it. Then you log into the VPN network and choose a server within the network.

Naturally, this server will be in a specific country. After this point, the rest of the internet will not see your IP address. Instead, your VPN will make the rest of the world think that your IP address is what your server assigns to you. So, for instance, if you choose a server in the US, you will get a USA IP, and everybody else will think you’re in the United States. And yes, that includes Netflix.

Fortunately, the VPNs suitable for Netflix have servers in many countries worldwide. So once you’re a customer, you can pick a country to “be in” whenever you want.

So let’s say you join one of the VPNs that give you the best Netflix experience, such as Surfshark, NordVPN, or ExpressVPN, if you enter the VPN network by choosing an Argentinian server. Then, you point your browser to Netflix. Next, you’ll see that Netflix will offer you to join at Argentinian prices.

Please notice that we mentioned a handful of specific VPN vendors. Unblocking Netflix with a VPN is not a trivial feat. Very few VPNs can manage it successfully — the very best ones. So while using a VPN to pretend to Netflix you’re elsewhere in the world and save a lot of cash on your subscription is perfectly possible, you must use the correct tools. The primary tool, in this case, is a VPN — a top-notch VPN.

Suppose you don’t plan to keep using a VPN with your Netflix account and want to secure a cheaper fee. In that case, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee many VPNs offer. That would enable you to use the VPN to sign up for Netflix in the cheapest country possible. On the other hand, suppose you’ll be happy with what the Netflix catalog has for your country of residence. In that case, you can cancel your VPN account and live happily ever after.

Best VPNs to get cheaper Netflix subscriptions

The following VPNs are our top recommendations to stream on Netflix for the lowest price:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpreessVPN new 600x300

ExpressVPN is our top choice VPN to change your location. It has a massive infrastructure of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, enabling you to access Netflix libraries worldwide.

The VPN offers sufficient speed to stream HD-quality content on Netflix. It is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Smart TV, etc. Moreover, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously using one account.

Besides unblocking content, ExpressVPN employs state-of-the-art security features to keep you safe when streaming. For instance, it has AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and more.

Pros
  • 24/7 live-chat support system
  • Massive server network distributed worldwide
  • Very high speeds for streaming HD content
Cons
  • It is more costly

2. NordVPN

NordVPN new 600x300

NordVPN is another reliable option in terms of speed, with thousands of servers in 60+ regions worldwide, including Argentina, which has a cheap Netflix subscription.  It is compatible with many devices, including Windows, iOS, Mac, TV, router, and Android, and allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.

The servers are pretty fast, enabling you to stream your favorite content without lags or buffering. Also, NordVPN allows unlimited server switching, which means you can connect to another server if your current server is slow or blocked.

Pros
  • Decent speeds for streaming
  • Reliable customer support
  • Trustworthy money-back guarantee
Cons
  • The desktop interface appears crowded

3. Surfshark

Surfshark new 600x300

Surfshark is a good VPN to unblock your Netflix account and stream more content if you are on a budget. Its plans are more affordable than ExpressVPN and NordVPN above, especially if you opt for long-term packages.

The VPN allows you to connect unlimited devices to a single account, which is value for money in a household with many devices. It works well with almost all platforms, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, etc.

Pros
  • Affordable subscription packages
  • Supports an unlimited number of simultaneous devices
  • It offers a 30-day refund guarantee
Cons
  • The server speeds are slower

How to pay considerably less money for Netflix – The step-by-step guide

If we persuaded you to use a VPN for a much lower Netflix subscription fee, here’s what you need to do, step by step.

Step 1: Get a VPN service

Everything starts with a VPN subscription. So no, free VPNs won’t do — and, for that matter, most paid VPNs won’t do either. You have to pick one of the best VPN services available online for this to work correctly.

We suggest that you use ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. These are among the best options out there, and they’ve made a reputation for themselves precisely by securing access to Netflix for worldwide users.

So pick a VPN from the ones we’ve mentioned. Then, go to the website, and subscribe.

Step 2: Let your VPN take you to Argentina virtually

Now launch your VPN app or client on the device of your preference. Log in. Choose a server based in Argentina from your provider’s network.

Why Argentina? It’s the country with the lowest Netflix monthly fee, so the option will save you the most.

Step 3: Go to Netflix

Now open your browser and point it towards Netflix.com. It’s ok if the website looks a bit weird to you –it’s the Argentine Netflix website. Now do the following things:

  • Create a new account. The prices will be in Argentine Pesos (ARS).
  • Select the package you want. The Premium package, for example, is 499 ARS, which is about 5.83 USD.
  • Provide your payment details. You can pay with any credit card or a local payment option –in this case, local payment options are those based in Argentina.
  • Provide the platform with your phone number. It doesn’t have to be Argentinian. Your usual number will do.
  • Once the payment goes through, you can log into your brand-new Argentine Netflix account.
  • Enjoy your new (cheaper) Netflix!

Now that your subscription to Netflix is ready, keeping your VPN account is optional. However, we suggest that you keep it. Suppose you followed our advice and signed up for a premium Netflix VPN. In that case, you have a service that will keep you safe, private, and anonymous through the internet.

A VPN will give you many additional features that will enhance your digital experience in many other ways. And Netflix remains your main priority; the VPN will help you see any Netflix catalog you want, such as the US, UK, or Canadian Netflix libraries, which are among the most wanted worldwide. Still, you’ll be able to see any version you wish.

Your foreign Netflix subscription will do the trick for you!

Netflix discount

Once your Argentinian Netflix account is online, you can use it in your country as if you had bought it from home. So if you live in the US, your Argentine account will let you fully see your usual domestic Netflix catalog. Moreover, you don’t have to keep connecting to a VPN server in Argentina to use it.

And again, you can do away with your VPN account now. However, consider that you’ll be saving enough money from Netflix that your VPN account will pay for itself.

There are three Netflix plans: basic, standard, and premium. The price you will be paying from your Argentine account will save you 6.41, 8.85, and 10.16 USD in each plan. In each case, it’s enough to pay for your Sufrshark subscription (about 3.00 USD monthly) and still come out ahead.

And besides the apparent security and privacy things the VPN does for you, it will keep any Netflix library available for you, depending on the server you choose — just as it did for your payment.

Netflix prices around the globe

Netflix is a global service. As such, it only makes sense that it tries to accommodate each national market by adopting a pricing policy that suits the local reality. And that’s why the price can vary significantly from country to country. So, for example, Swiss customers are the users paying the highest fee, while Turkish users are the ones who pay the lesser price.

And why did we go with the Argentine Netflix instead of the Turkish one, we hear you ask? Because the Argentine prices are consistently much lower than the rest. The current Turkish price results from the sudden devaluation that the country’s legal tender has experienced lately.

So if you read this article a few weeks after its publication date, the Turkish Lira could be recovered, thus driving the prices up. The Argentine prices, however, will stay low in the most likely scenario for many months because of the country’s general economic situation.

If you want to know the complete price menu for Netflix worldwide, here it is:

COUNTRYPREMIUM (USD)STANDARD (USD)BASIC (USD)
Argentina5.834.142.58
Australia14.3211.457.87
Belgium16.8614.149.42
Brazil8.245.913.94
Colombia10.187.044.42
Costa Rica16.0411.258.2
Egypt12.7410.517.64
Georgia14.1411.789.42
Germany18.8614.149.42
Greece16.512.969.42
Hong Kong12.0410.18.15
India10.928.876.82
Japan16.0413.039.02
Mexico16.0413.039.02
Netherlands16.512.969.42
New Zealand13.2310.587.28
Poland13.7111.348.96
Singapore14.7611.88.85
Sweden17.8512.239.99
Switzerland23.9718.513.02
Thailand13.4711.228.96
Turkey5.363.832.3
UK15.5311.657.76
Ukraine14.1411.789.42
US15.9912.998.99

Can you get Netflix for free?

In most cases, accessing Netflix streaming service for free is nearly impossible unless you opt for a cheaper plan via VPN.

Kenya is the only country in the world with a free Netflix plan available only on Android devices. However, this free Netflix offer is limited, as you cannot download or broadcast content to the TV. The plan only has a small percentage of Netflix’s entire library until you upgrade to a premium option. Therefore, the only way to get a free account is by creating a new Google Account on your Android device based in Kenya.

Other ways to get Netflix discounts

There are other ways to pay less for your Netflix account. Netflix offers no discounts, as you surely know already, but there are other resources you can try if you wish.

Share an account with friends or family

You can share a Netflix account with a few relatives or friends by creating it with a shared email address and password. Your chosen subscription package will determine the number of devices you can stream with simultaneously. It is therefore advisable to know the Netflix limit of devices as shown below:

Netflix account typeNumbers of simultaneous viewers
Basic1
Standard2
Premium4

Although costly, a premium subscription is the best option for account sharing. Conversely, sharing a basic account with multiple people will limit you because only one person can stream at a go.


Choose a cheaper subscription plan

All Netflix subscription packages provide the same library of content. The only difference is the number of devices that can stream simultaneously, the number of devices that can download content to watch offline, and the streaming resolution.

A premium plan is the most expensive at $19.99 monthly, but you can save $4.50 by switching your subscription to Standard. The Standard plan streams in 1080p and lets you stream and download content on two devices simultaneously. If you are satisfied with only one device and don’t mind a slightly lower resolution, then you can select the Basic plan, which now streams in HD 720p and costs only $9.99 monthly.

Furthermore, you can save money by choosing a subscription with Ads at only $6.99 per month, although it’s only available in some countries.


Use an account-sharing service

Some websites like Gamsgo permit you to share streaming service accounts with random people in exchange for a lower subscription fee. Signing up for a premium Netflix account through Gamsgo will cost you $3.60 monthly, 82% less than the standard package. These websites are legal, but they require you to entrust your account and money to a third party and share your account with strangers. However, the services provided by websites like Gamsgo violate Netflix’s terms of service, and your account will be suspended. If this happens, contact Gamsgo support for a refund or a replacement.


Promo codes

Netflix has many commercial partners. They often have promotional offers from the video platform. As a result, some corporations will send you Netflix promotional codes now and then. If you can get your hands on one of those, you’ll be able to save a bit of money too.


Get a bundled plan from your mobile provider

Many cellular service providers will include a Netflix account with their plans. However, these are usually limited plans (single-screen availability, for instance). If you are in the US, the only option is T-mobile — the Magenta plan comes with two active Netflix Basic plans. But in India, both Jio and Vodafone come with Netflix subscriptions.

So dig around your local cell phone carriers and see who can give you a Netflix account included in a new plan.


Pause your Netflix subscription occasionally

If you’re not using your Netflix account, don’t pay for it. So if you know that you won’t be watching Netflix for a period, cancel your account for that period. Netflix makes rejoicing once the period ends exceedingly easy, so you won’t miss anything.


Why aren’t Netflix gift cards worth it?

Netflix accepts gift cards as payment in some countries like Turkey. However, you can only purchase these gift cards with a local payment method, which has increased the number of gift card reseller sites. Websites like Eneba, G2A, and Turgame are among those that sell Turkish gift cards at prices higher than the value of the local currency but still cheap compared to the price of a Netflix package in most regions.

We tested gift cards by connecting to a Turkish ExpressVPN server and signing up for Netflix with a gift card, which worked perfectly until the balance was depleted. When your gift card expires, Netflix requires another valid Turkish payment method. This means that you should continue to use a gift card, and failure to do so will result in the suspension of your Netflix subscription. Finally, these gift card-selling websites do not take responsibility for failed purchases. Choosing a VPN region that accepts payment methods from your home country is preferable because it’s more dependable and secure.

Netflix lowers subscription prices in several countries worldwide

According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix has unexpectedly lowered subscription prices in several countries globally. It has even gone to the extent of slashing the prices by half in some regions. 

However, like any other company, its history has twists and turns. This is because of implementing some changes that users did not find accommodating, such as limiting password sharing to encourage viewers to get their subscription plans and raising their subscription fees across the US and Canada in 2022. 

Conversely, in 2023, Netflix began cutting its subscription prices in regions like Asia, The Middle East, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. 

Why are Netflix subscriptions getting cheaper?

Due to stiff competition, streaming services like Paramount+, HBO Max, and Disney+ are giving Netflix a run for its money. Netflix, in turn, is lowering its subscription prices in over 30 countries to stay ahead of its competitors. 

This strategy aims to attract more users in countries where subscribers are declining or discourage account holders from canceling their subscription plans. In addition, it could be an attempt to stabilize the number of subscribers or keep them on an upward trend. Therefore, Netflix’s price reduction in over 30 countries makes it more competitive, enabling it to remain a top-tier streaming site globally.


Conclusion

Netflix is the largest legal video streaming service in the world. Its legal status means that broadcasting rights determine what titles can be shown in every country. Thus, the Netflix library available for each country differs from the rest.

However, the pricing in each Netflix version has nothing to do with content availability. Instead, that has to do with local marketing and economic considerations.

The situation is such that you can arbitrate Netflix prices. If you have the correct tools for the job, you can save a lot of cash on your Netflix service.

So, a good VPN (a premium VPN, never a free one) will allow you to create a Netflix account in a country with lower prices and then enjoy your local content for a lower fee.

Depending on your country of residence, your VPN could save you enough money on Netflix that it will pay itself so you can keep using it once you’ve created your new (probably Argentinian) Netflix account. Keeping your VPN account is a good idea for many reasons, from enjoying a wider variety of Netflix libraries to fulfilling the most crucial goal that any internet user should have: staying safe.

FAQs

Yes, you can. The Netflix fees vary with the country, so a VPN allows you to have a cheaper Netflix account if you create one from another country.

It’s hard to know the answer to this question for sure. Still, Netflix probably has decided on local prices based on market studies for each national population and considerations of a country’s economic strength.

You need a top-notch VPN for this. Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost are good options for this.

No. Discounts are not a thing for Netflix, so you won’t find any offers on the official website.

No. While other platforms, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime, offer a student plan at a lower price, Netflix has no such option.

Not at present. The past offers it had in that regard are currently unavailable.

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About the Author

Ruheni Mathenge

Ruheni Mathenge

Streaming Expert
201 Posts

Tech researcher and writer with a passion for cybersecurity. Ruheni Mathenge specializes in writing long-form content dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate and understand the constantly evolving online security and web freedom worlds. He specializes in VPNs, online anonymity, and encryption. His articles have appeared in many respected technology publications. Ruheni explains complicated technical concepts clearly and simply. He advocates digital freedom and online privacy at every level.

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