How to get a Welsh IP address (and some useful workarounds)

Are you traveling overseas and want to keep up with your favorite teams in the Cymru Premier or stream your favorite shows on S4C Clic? If you’re looking at how to get a Welsh IP address to access this kind of content, you might find your options limited.

Tor and proxy servers might be your best shot at getting an IP from Wales since there are no VPNs with Welsh servers. Not to our knowledge, at least. Both options are impractical at best, and proxies may even put your data at risk.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the difficulties of obtaining a Welsh IP and provide viable options for accessing Welsh content abroad. This includes the best VPNs for use in Wales, with plenty of British servers to help you unblock the media you want.

Here are the best VPNs for Wales:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN alternative to a Welsh IP address. With 440+ high-speed UK servers, you’ll have no trouble unblocking S4C and other Welsh content. Has robust security features and maintains a strict no-logs policy.
2. Surfshark: Low-cost VPN for Wales. Stream rugby and football matches on unlimited devices with this VPN. Delivers fast and stable connections worldwide and has excellent streaming support across the board.
3. IPVanish: Solid VPN for privacy buffs and torrenting. Has unlimited simultaneous connections, great location variety in the UK, and can unblock services from Wales.
4. ExpressVPN: Incredibly fast and secure, with a host of British servers to help you view Wales-exclusive content without interruptions.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Decently fast and optimized for streaming. Has a massive worldwide and UK network and is a good choice for torrenting as well.

How to access Welsh content without a Welsh IP address

While there are no VPNs that offer Welsh IP addresses, you can still access Wales-only content with this guide:

1. Subscribe to a VPN with British servers. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your system.
3. Launch the app and connect to a server in the UK. This will give you a UK IP address, which is all you need to access Welsh content.
4. You can immediately watch movies and TV shows or live stream Cymru Premier matches on S4C Clic.

If you’re having difficulty accessing specific Welsh content, try checking if the content provider offers other ways to view its programs from abroad. You can also consider other solutions, such as proxy servers or Tor. This article discusses the drawbacks of these methods further.

How we chose the best VPNs for a Welsh IP address

When selecting the top VPNs for a Welsh IP address, we considered several criteria. Here’s a rundown of what influenced our choices:

• Server accessibility: While there are no VPNs with Welsh servers, all providers on our list have plenty of UK locations nearby, like England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
• Fast speeds: We prioritized providers with speedy connections to avoid frustrating lag when streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
• Streaming capabilities: The ability to access Welsh streaming services like S4C and other British TV platforms abroad like BBC iPlayer or ITVX is crucial.
• Robust security: We looked for strong encryption and privacy measures to ensure your data and activities remain secure.
• Reliable customer support: Good support is essential for troubleshooting or handling refund requests.
• Cost-effectiveness: We assessed the overall value for money and the inclusion of straightforward money-back guarantees.

Best VPNs for Wales

Here’s a closer look at our best VPNs for Wales:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN offers a range of features that make it ideal for users in Wales. It simultaneously supports up to 10 devices on platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and smart TVs. Its network of 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries, including 440+ in the UK, ensures seamless access to your favorite Welsh content on S4C.

You can also stream BBC iPlayer, British Netflix, and much more without buffering. Our tests consistently show smooth performance for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

The VPN’s NordLynx protocol balances speed and security perfectly with its NordLynx protocol. OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, with 256-bit encryption, are also available if you prefer more traditional options. Security features like a kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks ensure your connection remains private.

For privacy enthusiasts, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers to bypass restrictions, double VPN for enhanced encryption, and Onion over VPN for improved anonymity. It also offers P2P-optimized servers.

If you have any questions about the service, NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat support can help. All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST VPN FOR USE IN WALES:NordVPN is our go-to option for fast and secure access to Welsh content. Unblock every UK service from S4C to Channel 4, torrent securely, and stay protected against cyber threats.

See our NordVPN review for a detailed overview of every feature.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is another strong VPN option for Wales. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is perfect for households using multiple devices. With user-friendly apps on platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android TV, Surfshark ensures easy access to Welsh and other UK content across all devices.

With a global network of over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries (including the UK), Surfshark allows you to access S4C, ITVX, Channel 4, and others without irritating lag. Its Nexus technology enhances connection stability, ensuring smooth streaming of your favorite Welsh shows, sports, and more.

Surfshark uses secure protocols like OpenVPN IKEv2/IPSec (on mobile), both with 256-bit encryption plus the speedy WireGuard option. It also includes complete leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, so your data stays private. In addition, Camouflage Mode hides your VPN usage, which is handy for networks that try to block VPN traffic.

As with any top VPN provider, Surfshark offers expert support through 24/7 live chat and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

BEST VALUE WELSH VPN:Excellent streaming VPN that won’t break the bank. Enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections to secure all your gadgets, and enjoy stable sports streams thanks to its Nexus technology.

Read our full Surfshark review for more details.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a low-cost VPN provider that’s a good alternative if you can’t get a Welsh IP address. It has a decent number of servers across the UK, allowing you to unblock live sports streams of Cymru Premier matches and other Welsh sporting events. You can use it with unlimited devices simultaneously on platforms like Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and so on.

It’s also a solid VPN for streaming TV shows and movies, letting you watch UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other services from anywhere. It has 2,400+ lightning-fast servers in 90+ regions, so you get various locations in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Our tests reveal that IPVanish is great for torrenting, with amazing speeds, full leak protection, a SOCKS5 proxy feature, and the ability to switch ports when using OpenVPN. Besides that, IPVanish includes the lightweight WireGuard option and IKEv2/IPSec, which is useful for switching between networks without dropping the VPN connection.

Want to explore different VPNs? Well, IPVanish provides a hassle-free 30-day money-back policy. Of course, we recommend contacting support via 24/7 live chat to solve any issues first.

SOLID FOR TORRENTING:IPVanish is a great option for users in Wales, offering fast torrenting speeds and unmetered connections. Its variety of server locations makes it easy to stream content lag-free, especially in the UK.

We explore everything about the VPN in our IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries have built-in obfuscation technology to get around VPN blocks. You’ll also be able to stream content on various British platforms without a Welsh IP address.

Besides its beginner-friendly apps on all popular systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile/smart TVs), ExpressVPN also has a great router app. By installing ExpressVPN on a compatible router and bypassing device limits, you can secure all your household devices.

ExpressVPN secures your activities with its in-house Lightway protocol, plus IKEv2 (iOS/Mac only) and OpenVPN. The provider’s no-logs policy has been extensively audited, and its TrustedServer architecture further boosts your online privacy—couple that with its excellent speeds, and you can expect fast and secure torrenting with ExpressVPN.

The provider’s support teams are available 24/7, and they typically respond with useful info. A generous 30-day money-back guarantee is included with any plan you choose.

HIGH DEGREE OF PRIVACY:ExpressVPN is perfect for users in Wales who prioritize privacy, offering strong encryption, built-in obfuscation, and a zero-logging policy. With fast, reliable servers, it ensures secure browsing and streaming.

Our ExpressVPN review has everything you need to know about the VPN.

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5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN offers a streamlined experience, with thousands of servers in 100+ countries optimized for gaming, torrenting, or streaming content from 95+ providers. This includes the usual suspects, such as S4C, Channel 4, ITVX, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and plenty of others.

CyberGhost VPN doesn’t skimp out on privacy or security either. You get to choose between three major protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2), secure your data with impenetrable 256-bit encryption, and avoid exposing your data thanks to the VPN’s built-in leak protection and always-on kill switch.

The VPN has user-friendly apps for every major system, whether you’re on Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, or others. It only allows seven simultaneous connections, which is lower than others on our list. Still, it’s enough to cover the average household.

As always, CyberGhost VPN delivers excellent customer support through 24/7 live chat. Long-term subscribers benefit from a whopping 45-day money-back policy.

STREAMING-OPTIMIZED:Works on 95+ sites, including BBC iPlayer, S4C, Channel 4, and more. Its massive server network and amazing speeds make it a decent choice for daily use, whether you’re browsing, torrenting, or streaming.

Check out our CyberGhost VPN review for full coverage.

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VPN testing methodology: Picking the best VPNs for a Welsh IP

Many VPNs fall short in areas like security, performance, or the ability to unblock streaming services. That’s why each VPN we recommend goes through thorough testing. Here’s what we expect from the top VPNs for Wales:

• Global and Welsh servers: While there are no VPNs with servers in Wales, we did ensure our picks had plenty of fast UK and international servers. This ensures uninterrupted access to British content and platforms from abroad.
• Reliable speeds: Our speed tests ensure that the VPNs on our list deliver smooth, fast connections, perfect for streaming high-quality content, torrenting, and more.
• Strong streaming capabilities: Even without a Welsh IP address, our recommendations will let you stream Wrexham games on S4C, or bypass geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, UK Netflix, and others.
• Privacy and security: All VPNs listed above maintain a no-nonsense no-logs policy, feature comprehensive leak protection, have a dependable kill switch, and secure your data with AES-256-bit encryption or equivalent.
• Responsive customer support: We only recommend providers that offer excellent customer service, ensuring any issues or refund requests are handled smoothly.
• Affordable pricing: We focus on services that provide fast speeds and useful features at a reasonable cost, backed by a solid money-back guarantee.

Learn more about our selection process in our full VPN testing methodology.

Why do I need a Welsh IP address?

You need an IP from Wales or other UK regions to stream content from S4C, ITVX, UK Netflix, Channel 4, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere while traveling. Otherwise, you may encounter a geo-block error, such as the one below from S4C:

Error: S4CP04. We’re sorry, but this video isn’t available in your country due to rights.

In rare cases, home banking platforms, restaurants, and other Welsh businesses may block access to IP addresses outside the UK—whether it’s for security reasons or to avoid compliance with GDPR or other data regulations. A VPN will help you bypass such restrictions and let you access any service, whether you have a Welsh IP or not.

What are some different ways to get a Welsh IP address?

Tor Browser

Tor is a privacy tool that anonymizes your traffic by routing it through various international relays (or nodes) run by volunteers. People use it to bypass online censorship, access the dark web, or just to avoid mass surveillance and data logging.

Now, the nodes you connect to are always randomized to maximize privacy. However, there’s a way to use Tor country codes and potentially get a Welsh IP address if there’s a relay located in Wales. Unfortunately, this approach has significant drawbacks:

• The network is notoriously slow, making it impractical if your goal is to stream geo-restricted content.
• Putting unnecessary strain on the Tor network isn’t advised, seeing as it’s typically used by activists, whistleblowers, journalists, and other users with a high-threat model.

You’d also have to be pretty lucky to get a Welsh IP this way. The country code you’d need to use is “uk”, which covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Couple that with the fact that there might not be many nodes in Wales, and you’re better off using a VPN vs Tor.

Proxy servers

Free proxies could land you a Welsh IP address, though they’re pretty rare (likely due to low demand). Moreover, they come with some notable risks, such as:

• Poor performance and unencrypted connections
• Logging and selling your data to cover operational costs
• Infecting your device with malware if the proxy has been hijacked by cyber attackers

Dangers aside, free proxies are quickly filtered by streaming providers like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and others, making them a poor choice for unblocking content.

Welsh IP address FAQs