Hey friend! Have you ever traveled abroad and gotten frustrated when your favorite streaming platforms like YouTube TV don‘t work? As you may already know, YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service available in the United States that offers access to over 85 channels and local networks. Unfortunately, it is geo-restricted to the US only.
Luckily, there are ways to bypass the location restrictions and watch YouTube TV from anywhere, including Turkey. In this guide, I‘ll explain how it works and the best methods to access YouTube TV internationally.
Why YouTube TV is Blocked in Turkey
YouTube TV relies on deals with content providers like ESPN, ABC, Fox, and CBS to provide its programming. These broadcasters have licensing agreements that restrict their content to being aired only within the US.
That‘s why if you try to open YouTube TV abroad, even while on vacation, you‘ll get an error saying:
"YouTube TV is only available in the United States. You can enjoy YouTube TV while traveling in the United States, but some content may be limited due to contractual restrictions."
How a VPN Helps You Bypass Restrictions
So how do you get around these geographical restrictions and watch YouTube TV from anywhere?
The best solution is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to change your IP address and location to appear as if you are accessing the internet from another country.
According to GlobalWebIndex, nearly 25% of internet users worldwide use a VPN regularly. When connected to a VPN server in the US, YouTube TV will think you are located there and allow full access.
The steps are simple:
- Connect to a VPN server based in the US
- Launch YouTube TV through the VPN connection
- Enjoy YouTube TV abroad!
Benefits of Using a VPN for Streaming
There are a few major benefits of using a VPN for accessing geo-restricted services like YouTube TV:
- Lets you bypass geographic blocks on any streaming platform, not just YouTube TV
- Provides security and privacy when using public WiFi hotspots
- Doesn‘t require specialized technical knowledge to setup and use
- Works on all your devices – mobile, laptop, media devices, etc.
- Allows access to US sites and apps no matter where you travel
A VPN is a great universal tool for streaming abroad or protecting your online activities.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Streaming YouTube TV
Not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to streaming. With over 28 million daily users, YouTube TV utilizes advanced geo-restriction technologies. To enjoy HD streaming without buffering, you need a premium VPN.
Here are the key features to look for:
- Speed – The faster the VPN, the better the video quality. Look for gigabit network infrastructure, unlimited bandwidth, and highly optimized servers.
- Number of servers – More servers, especially US-based ones, means less crowding and congestion which improves speed.
- Top-tier encryption – Strong encryption like AES-256 protects your data and prevents VPN blocking.
- Strict no-logging policy – Your privacy should be protected with a VPN that doesn‘t log your online activity.
- Router support – Be able to connect streaming devices like Apple TV directly to the VPN for the fastest speeds.
Based on extensive testing and research, I recommend these top 4 VPNs for accessing YouTube TV abroad:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is my top choice for YouTube TV thanks to its combination of blistering speeds and watertight security.
Some key features:
- 160 server locations globally including 94 cities in the US
- Max speeds of up to 8-10 Mbps for HD streaming
- 256-bit AES encryption
- No activity or connection logs
- Router app for streaming devices like Apple TV or PS4
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other geo-restricted sites
You get a 30-day money back guarantee to test it out risk-free. Apps available for all platforms.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another excellent option with over 5,200 servers worldwide and specialty streaming servers.
Key features:
- 5,000+ servers in 60 countries
- Double VPN option for extra encryption
- Onion over VPN for anonymous browsing
- Six simultaneous connections
- SmartPlay feature to access streaming content
Get a 30 day money back guarantee when you try it.
3. Surfshark
For a budget-friendly VPN, Surfshark has excellent speeds starting under $3/month.
Highlights:
- 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries
- CleanWeb feature to block ads and trackers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- Apps for Firestick, Apple TV, gaming consoles
You can test Surfshark risk-free for 30 days.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is known for its fast streaming speeds and user-friendly apps.
Key perks:
- Over 7,400 servers worldwide with dedicated streaming servers
- 45-day money back guarantee
- No-logging policy
- Ad blocker built into desktop apps
- Up to 7 connections supported
I suggest giving CyberGhost a try to see if you like it.
Other Methods to Watch YouTube TV Abroad
If you prefer not to use a VPN, a couple other options for accessing YouTube TV internationally include:
Smart DNS Proxy
A Smart DNS proxy service like Getflix works by rerouting just your DNS information to make it appear you are in a different country.
Unlike a VPN, it doesn‘t encrypt your full internet connection. The advantage is faster speeds due to less overhead. But a VPN provides more security and ability to access other US sites.
Remote Desktop Access
Software like TeamViewer allows you to remotely control a computer in the US to piggyback off its location and IP address. This approach is more time consuming to setup but can work in a pinch.
For most people, a VPN will be the simplest option to get up and running quickly on all your devices.
Is a VPN Legal for Streaming?
Using a VPN to access streaming content is perfectly legal in most regions, including the US and Turkey. You are only changing your virtual location – not stealing someone‘s account or pretending to be someone else.
As long as you always adhere to YouTube‘s Terms of Service, using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions is not prohibited. Many expats and travelers take advantage of VPNs responsibly every day!
How to Pay for YouTube TV if Outside the US
YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month in the US. To subscribe, you will need:
- US-based Google account
- US credit card or gift card
- US billing address (can be hotel, Airbnb, or random address)
I suggest signing up while connected to your VPN through a US-based server so YouTube TV thinks you are located in the US.
Some privacy-focused VPNs like ExpressVPN accept international payment methods like PayPal which makes the process much easier.
Enjoy YouTube TV on Any Device
A great benefit of YouTube TV is that you can enjoy it on nearly any device:
- Mobile – iOS, Android, Chromecast, Airplay
- Streaming boxes – Apple TV, Firestick, Roku
- Game consoles – PS4, Xbox One
- Smart TVs – Built-in app for many brands like Samsung
- Web browser – tv.youtube.com
As long as you connect your VPN, you can enjoy your favorite shows on the go or on the big screen.
Summary
I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of how to watch YouTube TV abroad in Turkey or anywhere using a VPN. The process is really straightforward – just connect to a VPN server in the US and you can unblock YouTube TV worldwide.
A premium VPN will provide the fastest streaming speeds as well as privacy and security whenever you connect from public WiFi. Give one a test drive with the money back guarantee to find the best fit!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
