How to watch Rakuten Viki from anywhere

Most streaming services are only available in a handful of countries. Rakuten Viki is an exception since it’s accessible almost everywhere. But despite being one of the best ways to watch Korean TV and dramas online, Viki doesn’t actually work in Korea. Anyone visiting the home page in an unsupported location will see an error reading, “We’re sorry that Viki is not available in your region.” and be blocked from watching.

By connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it’s possible to make Rakuten Viki think you’re somewhere else. This allows you to regain access to your usual content while traveling abroad.

Below, we’ll recommend some of the best VPNs for watching Rakuten Viki, explain how to get started, and answer some of people’s most common questions about streaming with a VPN. If you’re in a rush, here’s a summary of our top recommendations:

Best VPNs for watching Rakuten Viki:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Rakuten Viki. Works great with most streaming platforms and provides a high degree of security while remaining newcomer-friendly. There is even a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing you to try it completely risk-free.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for watching Viki abroad. Puts your security first and can protect every device you own. Perfect for streaming, torrenting, or just browsing safely.
3. IPVanish: This VPN boasts a proven no-logging policy, very high speeds, and unlimited connections. Can reliably access Rakuten, Netflix, and many similar services from abroad.
4. ExpressVPN: A streamlined, privacy-focused service that’s ideal for beginners. Can beat just about any online restriction (including country-wide censorship) and doesn’t keep any logs.
5. CyberGhost: Ultra-fast, no-logs VPN boasting servers specifically designed for streaming.  Great selection of security and privacy features plus one of the largest networks we’ve seen.
6. PrivateVPN: A reliable and easy-to-use VPN that offers steady speeds and impressive streaming capabilities. Works in places like China and has a generous connection limit.
7. PureVPN: Quick and secure service that effortlessly unblocks Rakuten Viki abroad. Affordable plans, zero-logs policy, and lots of servers to choose from. Great for torrenting.
8. ProtonVPN: Privacy-first VPN that is faster than many of its rivals. No issues with popular streaming platforms like Rakuten. Boasts a huge network and 24/7 customer support.

How to unblock Viki from abroad with a VPN

VPNs can be a bit intimidating at first, but don’t worry: we’re here to guide you through the process of choosing a provider, getting connected, and unblocking Rakuten Viki step-by-step.

Here’s how to unblock Viki from abroad:

1. First off, you’ll want to decide on a VPN. We recommend NordVPN since it’s fast, security-conscious, and easy to use.
2. Download and install the VPN app, taking care to get the right version for your device.
3.  Login using the account you created during registration.
4. Choose a VPN server in your home country. This changes your IP address, preventing Rakuten from realizing that you’re actually somewhere else. As such, you can access your regular selection of content from anywhere in the world.
5. Visit Rakuten Viki and try watching something. You should notice that videos play right away without any errors, but we’ve always found that clearing your cookies and refreshing the page fixes most lingering problems.
6. Let your VPN’s customer support team know if you’re still having trouble. We can confirm that all of the providers in this list have first-class customer support teams that can be reached via live chat.

How we chose the best VPNs for Rakuten Viki

Deciding which VPN to use isn’t always easy. After all, nearly every provider says it’s the best option, and unless you have a deep understanding of networking and cybersecurity, it can be difficult to verify many of their privacy claims. That’s where we come in; we’ve whittled down the competition using an extensive list of must-have criteria. To be considered for a spot in this list, VPNs had to offer:

• Servers in at least 60 countries, ideally more
• The ability to access geo-blocked platforms like Rakuten and Hulu abroad
• Consistently high speeds and no bandwidth limit
• Powerful security features, including unbreakable encryption
• A no-logging policy (preferably one that’s been verified by external auditors)
• Support for all major operating systems
• A money-back guarantee of at least 30 days

Best VPNs for streaming Viki abroad

Let’s jump right in and examine our top picks in a little more detail:

1. NordVPN

Jul 2024 Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

NordVPN is our top pick for streaming Rakuten Viki abroad. To begin with, it’s extremely fast and has servers in over 100 countries, making it ideal for accessing region-locked platforms. It’s also among the few providers that work reliably in China, which just happens to be one of the only countries where Viki isn’t normally available. The apps are well-designed and beginner-friendly, but support staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat, just in case you need them.

We’re pleased to say that NordVPN is one of the most security-conscious providers around. It refuses to keep any logs of your activities and has verified this fact with multiple audits. Additionally, your traffic is shielded by a kill switch, leak prevention tools, and unbreakable encryption. This provider even has its own protocol, NordLynx, which addresses some of the potential vulnerabilities in the WireGuard protocol. NordVPN gift cards are available at several major retailers, making it as easy as possible to sign up and start browsing anonymously.

NordVPN has its own Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. If you need to protect more than 10 devices at once, just follow manual setup instructions to install it on your router.

BEST VPN FOR RAKUTEN VIKI:NordVPN is the best provider for Rakuten Viki. You’ll be able to use it almost anywhere in the world, and it’s fast enough to handle whatever you throw at it. Better still, this service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Interested? Check out the full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

Surfshark is our top low-cost option for watching Rakuten Viki. It doesn’t have a connection limit and recently outpaced every other service we tested, delivering average speeds of over 650 Mbps. In other words, it’s perfect for families who all use the internet at the same time. Whether you’re looking to access Viki abroad, torrent, or stay in touch with people back home, Surfshark is up to the task. Support staff are ready to help, day or night, over live chat.

There’s no need to worry about anyone monitoring your activities, either. That’s because this provider has an independently-audited no-logs policy, unbreakable encryption, and a stealth mode capable of beating country-wide censorship. There are a variety of other safeguards, too, such as a kill switch, leak protection, and a tracker-blocker. Surfshark can even prevent other devices on the network from connecting to yours, or change your IP address periodically while keeping your location the same.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Users can also manually configure it to work with most home routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN. Works flawlessly with Rakuten Viki and many other streaming apps, while providing first-class performance and an impressive security toolkit. New subscribers can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our complete Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

IPVanish owns and operates servers in over 60 countries. It has put huge amounts of time and effort into improving its streaming ability in recent years and now works with Rakuten Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, to name but a few platforms. This service allows you to secure every device shown simultaneously and as fast enough that you shouldn’t notice any drop in performance, even when the whole family is connected. Live chat-based support is available 24 hours per day though hopefully, you’ll never need it.

This service provides itself with being easy to use. Uncrackable encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch are all enabled by default. If you’d like to obfuscate your traffic, it’s as simple as toggling a single setting (though for now, this only works on OpenVPN connections). IPVanish doesn’t log any personally-identifiable information and we know this for a fact because it’s been confirmed by professional auditors. Best of all, it recently added a threat protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites at the touch of a button.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It’s also a great mobile VPN with apps for Android and iOS. Further, its website provides setup instructions so that you can manually install this VPN on most home routers.

NO LOGS:IPVanish doesn't keep records of your activities, which means you can stream, torrent, and chat with total peace of mind. It’s very fast and has drastically improved its streaming abilities lately, plus it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Check out our comprehensive review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, so you’ll be able to get a high-speed connection no matter where you are. It’s one of the most consistent options for streaming, easily unblocking Viki, NHK, Hulu, and many similar services. What’s more, this service recently added a tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites automatically. Users can protect up to eight devices at a time and speak directly to staff over live chat if they ever need help.

One of the best things about this VPN is its simplicity. By default, ExpressVPN uses uncrackable encryption and prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks. It’ll automatically start scrambling your traffic if it realizes you’re in a country with oppressive censorship, and the proprietary Lightway protocol ensures your activities remain hidden even while changing networks. This service follows a true no-logs policy and has been audited to prove it. Still worried about staying anonymous? You can always pay with Bitcoin or a prepaid card.

ExpressVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux systems. It has its own router firmware, too, so you won’t have to spend time struggling with manual setup instructions.

STREAM SAFELY ABROAD:ExpressVPN has a large network and works effortlessly with Rakuten Viki. Takes your privacy seriously and can be relied upon even in places with strict digital censorship. All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more with our detailed ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

CyberGhost has a particularly large network, with servers in over 100 countries including the US, Japan, and Germany. Some of these are specially optimized for streaming, torrenting, or playing online games. On that note, this VPN can reliably access Rakuten, Netflix, NHK, and more, so you’ll never be short of something to watch. In our latest testing, it delivered average speeds of almost 300 Mbps so you shouldn’t notice any performance issues. Just in case, though, staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat.

The multiple connection protocols to choose from all use uncrackable encryption to keep your online activities private. Additionally, CyberGhost offers automatic ad and tracker-blocking, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. We’re big fans of its smart rules feature which lets you quickly connect to specific servers under specific circumstances. This provider has been audited on multiple occasions to prove that it doesn’t keep logs but if you’re looking for an extra layer of anonymity, you can always pay in Bitcoin.

CyberGhost has its own apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. There is a seven device limit but you can follow manual setup instructions to get this VPN running on your router.

QUICK AND SECURE:CyberGhost delivers impressive speeds, a wide array of security features, and a proven no-logs policy. Not only that, it has servers specifically designed for streaming and works  well with Rakuten. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of its competitors but don’t let that put you off. It owns all of its servers outright and is more than fast enough for any day-to-day task. What’s more, it’s an extremely reliable way to regain access to your favorite streaming platforms while traveling abroad. In our latest tests, it worked with lots of stubborn platforms, including Rakuten Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. Also, you can protect 10 devices with a single account and chat directly with support staff using the live chat feature.

This provider uses top-tier encryption but also allows you to reduce this for better performance. IPv6 and DNS leak protection are included, as well as a customizable kill switch. If you’re visiting a country with extreme digital censorship (or just want to make sure you’re as anonymous as possible), PrivateVPN’s Stealth mode can obfuscate your traffic and hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. This is a no-logs provider, though it hasn’t been audited yet.

PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. To get it running on your router, just follow the manual setup instructions in the website’s help section.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:PrivateVPN boasts a simple, well-organized interface and offers all of the security tools you’ll need to watch Viki safely abroad. Also works with a ton of other platforms including Netflix. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

For more details, read the full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

PureVPN has servers in roughly 65 countries around the world. In our experience, it’s one of the most reliable options in terms of speed and unblocking ability. In fact, as well as Rakuten Viki, it can help you access Disney+, NHK, and Amazon Prime Video among many other platforms. Torrenting is allowed too! Better still, up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously and support staff are on-hand 24 hours per day.

This VPN does a great job at keeping you safe. User traffic is shielded from prying eyes with first-class encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. What’s more, PureVPN automatically obfuscates your traffic as needed and has been repeatedly audited to prove it doesn’t keep logs. Split tunneling and tracker-blocking features are available, but only if you pay a little extra. Not everyone will need these, so it’s not the end of the world, but bear in mind that many competing providers offer them as standard.

PureVPN has its own Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux apps. Most routers are supported too but you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions.

WATCH VIKI ANYWHERE:PureVPN has what it takes to unblock Rakuten while traveling. Delivers fast speeds and a high degree of security without ever being overwhelming. New subscribers can take advantage of a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our complete PureVPN review.

8. ProtonVPN

Works with Rakuten VikiTested Jul 2024

ProtonVPN operates servers in 90+ countries and is more than fast enough for HD live streaming. However, to access most geo-blocked platforms (and choose your server location), you’ll have to upgrade to the paid plan. On the plus side, this lets you secure 10 devices at once and chat directly with support staff over live chat too. This provider even has a built-in ad and tracker-blocker, allowing users to get rid of some of the biggest nuisances associated with streaming.

When it comes to security, this service has plenty to offer. It combines unbeatable encryption, a proven no-logs policy, and a kill switch to ensure your activities are as anonymous as possible. That’s just the beginning: ProtonVPN also includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an accelerator function, and Secure Core servers that are kept far from the reach of interfering governments. Users can choose to let certain sites bypass the VPN entirely, too, giving you full control over your connection.

ProtonVPN offers apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it up and running on most routers.

SPEEDY AND VERSATILE:ProtonVPN is well worth trying if you like to watch TV while visiting other countries. Beats most forms of online blocking, puts your privacy first, and outpaces most of the competition. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not read our in-depth ProtonVPN review?

Methodology: Deciding which VPNs are best for Rakuten Viki

One of the first things you’ll notice when looking for a VPN is that there’s no shortage of options. However, not every service is fast enough to stream or access Viki in the first place. To make sure our team only recommends the very best VPNs for Rakuten Viki, we carefully evaluated everything candidates had to offer in the following areas:

• Server choice: The more locations available, the more Viki catalogs you can feasibly access. Additionally, a large network increases the chance of there being a server nearby. That’s important since the distance to your chosen server impacts performance and latency.
• Speed and reliability: We personally test VPNs to make sure that they’re actually capable of providing the speeds needed for 4K streaming. Our speed tests take consistency into account too since a VPN that’s only fast sometimes isn’t very useful.
• Privacy: Unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy are non-negotiable. We strongly prefer services that have been independently-audited and that offer advanced security features such as stealth modes or tracker blocking.
• Versatility: Your goal might be to stream but at some point you’ll likely want to do other things too. Our experts check to see if providers allow torrenting, beat digital censorship, and work well in real-life scenarios such as video-calling or playing online games.
• Ease of use: We prioritize beginner-friendly services that take as much of the stress out of online security as possible. They may offer detailed descriptions of what each setting does, servers optimized for specific tasks, or an expansive help section. Must also offer some form of live chat support.
• Value for money: Unfortunately, some VPNs charge more than they’re really worth.  Needless to say, there’s no space for these in our list. We compare what each service offers compared to its rivals and hunt down information about deals, discounts, money-back guarantees, and free trials to keep the price as low as possible.

This is far from the only testing we perform. If you’re interested in learning more, we have an entire post dedicated to breaking down our complete VPN testing methodology.

Watching Viki abroad: Frequently Asked Questions