How to get an IP address for South Africa from Anywhere

Are you tired of the constant ‘Content Not Available in Your Region’ messages on your screen? Do you dream of unrestricted access to popular South African TV channels like SABC 1, SABC 2, and e.tv from anywhere in the world? This is a struggle faced by expatriates, globetrotters, and digital nomads everywhere. Luckily, a proven solution to this irritating problem is a robust Virtual Private Network (VPN). This can provide you with a South African IP address at the click of a button.

We’ve conducted exhaustive research and rigorous testing to handpick the best VPN services tailored for South Africa. Why? Because not all VPNs are created equal. The right VPN will not only cloak your actual IP address but also encrypt your data end-to-end, shielding you from prying eyes and intrusive tracking. This allows you to surf the web anonymously, unlocking geo-restricted content as if you’re physically present in South Africa – even when you’re miles away.

In a rush? Scroll down for a summary of the top VPN services for a South African IP:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice for a South African IP. Incredible speeds, strong security, and no logs. Lots of servers in South Africa. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for South Africa.
2. Surfshark: Best budget option for an IP address in South Africa. Works with streaming sites and secures connections on an unlimited number of devices.
3. IPVanish: Great for Kodi users who want to access SA content. Use it on up to 10 devices at once and enjoy market-leading security features.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast servers are great for unblocking most South African sites. Internet privacy and security is very good.
5. CyberGhost: Reliable service and robust security. Large network of servers, including plenty of South African options for a local IP.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast VPN for streaming Netflix and other South African platforms. Easy-to-use apps for beginners and advanced users.
7. PureVPN: Simple, reliable service with a strong focus on ease of use. Delivers impressive speeds and works with a huge range of streaming platforms.
8. ProtonVPN: Quick and secure provider operating nearly two dozen servers in South Africa. A great choice for streaming, using public wifi safely, or torrenting.

How to get an IP address for South Africa

Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy to get an IP address for South Africa. Simply follow these proven simple steps.

Based on our real-world testing, here’s how to get a South African IP address:

1. Choose a VPN service provider. We strongly recommend NordVPN as it has plenty of servers South Africa for a local IP address.
2. Download and install the VPN software for your device.
3. Clear your browser’s cookies and device cache.
4. Open the VPN app and select a server in South Africa.
5. You now have an IP address for South Africa! If you’re having any issues unblocking content, be sure to try another server. For persistent problems, you will need to contact customer support.

The best VPN to get a South African IP address – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for getting a South African IP.

How we choose the best VPNs for a South African IP address

The hardest part of getting an IP address for South Africa is deciding which VPN service provider to use. We’ve attempted to make this easier for you by researching the many South Africa Virtual Private Networks. Some of the key criteria we use includes:

• A selection of South African servers
• Reliable speeds for streaming and downloading
• Strong security and privacy features
• Compatibility with most devices and platforms
• Good value for money with a risk-free guarantee
• Reliable customer support available via live chat

We have discussed our ranking methodology in more detail after the following reviews.

The best VPN to get a South Africa IP address

Based on our testing. Here’s our list of the best VPN service providers for getting a South African IP address:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for a South African IP address. It has 30 high-speed servers in South Africa and more than 5,700 in total across 62 countries. Needless to say, unblocking geo-restricted content with NordVPN is very easy indeed. This is the fastest VPN we’ve tested and this makes streaming TV shows and movies in HD an enjoyable experience without all of the annoying buffering and lag. NordVPN has consistently found a way around anti-VPN measures and still successfully unblocks the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

NordVPN is one of the best value Virtual Private Networks on the market. You can use a single subscription on up to six devices, making it a great choice for families. What’s more, it offers excellent live customer support, 24/7. If you’re still not convinced, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out with no risk.

Of course, security is also important and NordVPN doesn’t disappoint. 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak protection and a strict no logs policy all serve to enhance your online security. Specialty servers include Onion Over VPN and Double VPN.

You can download NordVPN for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux while browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. There’s also an app for Android TV.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR SOUTH AFRICA:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation. It has 21 servers in South Africa and is fast and reliable. It unblocks Netflix and offers an extremely high level of security. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great budget alternative. It’s fast, reliable VPN with around 1700 servers across 60+ countries (including South Africa). With unlimited bandwidth and the ability to unblock platforms like Netflix US, SuperSport, and BBC iPlayer, Surfshark is a strong choice for anyone looking to stream. Further, unlike many of its rivals which have strict connection limits, this service allows you to connect as many devices as you like.

This service uses 256-bit encryption, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning features, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks to keep you safe at all times. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and allows you to sign up almost completely anonymously using a disposable email address and paying in cryptocurrency.

Surfshark provides MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux apps. It can be manually configured to work with wireless routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark offers a solid service and doesn’t restrict the number of devices you can connect. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish has long been a reliable VPN service that offers several advantages. In particular, IPVanish has proven popular with Kodi users due to its ease of use. When it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content in South Africa and around the world, IPVanish performs admirably. It currently has seven servers in Johannesburg, South Africa, and more than 1,00 servers in over 75 worldwide locations. Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth allow for high-definition streaming and the service works well with Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

One of the biggest selling points of IPVanish is that it allows you to have 10 simultaneous connections on multiple devices – far more than most VPNs permit. Combined with 24/7 customer support and a 7-day money-back guarantee, it’s a great value VPN to consider. IPVanish offers a high level of security thanks to its use of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection and a kill switch. It has a zero logs policy so you can surf the net with your privacy intact.

IPVanish apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Amazon Fire TV. Linux and routers can be manually set up with IPVanish.

IPVanish speed test data

USE ON 10 DEVICES:IPVanish can be used on up to 10 devices simultaneously. It’s great for Kodi and has a no logs policy though is based in the USA. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers spanning 94 countries, letting you browse from almost anywhere. This means you can unblock content such as that from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video from anywhere.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is outside the intelligence alliance of Five Eyes (as well as 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes). It states that it doesn’t keep any online activity or connection logs. Information such as your IP address and browsing history are not collected, protecting your privacy. Other security features of ExpressVPN include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch and split tunneling, making it one of the more secure VPNs on the market.

ExpressVPN’s apps are available for Windows, Mac and Linux as well as on mobile for Android and iOS. An app is also available for routers. Consoles and smart TVs can connect to ExpressVPN via the service’s MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy. ExpressVPN browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox and Safari.

ExpressVPN speed test data

RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable with user-friendly apps. It unblocks Netflix and has a high level of security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers more than 5,700 servers online (10 of which are in South Africa server network) and a 45-day money-back guarantee, making it one of the best value VPNs available today. This provides you with plenty of time to try it out for yourself, risk-free. Our testing of CyberGhost was very positive as we found it to be a fast VPN for both browsing and streaming movies and TV shows. Connections are also consistent with steady speeds and no downtime. If you do encounter any issues, CyberGhost offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email.

You can have connections on up to seven devices simultaneously with CyberGhost. The apps are quick and easy to use, allowing you to sort by country and specific server. Various toggle buttons allow you to customize your experience by blocking ads, enforcing HTTPS, and compressing data. CyberGhost is based in Romania where there are no mandatory data retention laws. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, has DNS and IP leak protection, an automatic kill switch and a strict no logs policy, making it a safe VPN to use.

CyberGhost offers apps for desktop (Windows, Mac and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) as well as Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick. While there are no apps for routers, these can be configured manually.

CyberGhost speed test data

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is a strong all-rounder since it’s fast, consistent and very secure. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a great choice for streaming thanks to the fast and reliable speeds offered. Able to unblock everything from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video to BBC iPlayer, there’s unlimited bandwidth and no buffering or lag in sight. Although PrivateVPN has a smaller network of approximately 100 servers, the fact that they’re spread across 59 countries is a plus. This makes it easy to unblock restricted content in South Africa, US, UK, Japan and more.

This Sweden-based VPN service allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously on one account. Having tested out PrivateVPN’s apps, we can say that they are extremely easy to use. The presence of simple and advanced menus means all levels of users are catered to. We’re impressed by the security offered by PrivateVPN, which includes military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a built-in kill switch and DNS and lPv6 leak protection. PrivateVPN states it has a zero data logging policy and doesn’t know what you’re doing online.

You can use PrivateVPN on Windows, Android, Mac and iOS while Linux and routers require manual setup.

PrivateVPN speed test data

IMPRESSIVE SPEED:PrivateVPN is fast and great for streaming Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It has user-friendly apps but fewer servers overall. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN has more than 6,000 servers in 65 countries, including South Africa. With average speeds exceeding 390 Mbps, it’s one of the fastest providers we’ve tested. This means that you’re unlikely to notice any performance issues when streaming South African TV, torrenting, or performing other data-intensive tasks. If you do run into problems, customer support is available 24 hours per day via live chat (though sometimes staff take a minute or two to respond). With low prices and a high connection limit, this service delivers exceptional value.

It’s no slouch on the security front, either. PureVPN follows a true no-logs policy and has proven it by undergoing four independent audits. Its apps keep you safe using 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption (depending on whether you’re using OpenVPN or WireGuard), leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also automatic tracker-blocking, but this is only for Plus and Max subscribers, unfortunately. Finally, this service works perfectly in countries with extreme censorship, so you’ll be able to stay safe even in places like China.

PureVPN has its own apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Further, it provides manual configuration instructions in case you’d like to install it on a router instead.

PureVPN speed test data

SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE:PureVPN is a fantastic choice for novices. Its apps are beginner-friendly yet secure, and its speeds are among the highest we’ve seen. Still not sure it’s right for you? That’s fine: all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Read our complete review of PureVPN.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has more than 20 servers in Johannesburg and roughly 3,800 more in a further 80+ countries. It works with all manner of stubborn streaming platforms so you’ll be able to watch SuperSport, Netflix, and Disney+ from just about anywhere. This service also blocks ads and delivers extremely fast speeds (around 300 Mbps, per our latest testing). Better still, users can connect 10 devices at the same time and speak directly with support staff if they need help.

This VPN goes above and beyond on security. It keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, but that’s just the beginning. Advanced users will appreciate its split tunneling and port forwarding functionality, its tracker-blocker, and the multi-hop Secure Core servers. ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy in place and has been audited to prove its privacy claims are true. It accepts cash and Bitcoin, too, giving you a way to sign up without providing any personally identifiable information.

ProtonVPN offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it supports the most popular router firmware, allowing you to secure an entire network.

ProtonVPN speed test data

STREAM SAFELY:ProtonVPN is a security-first provider that nevertheless provides first-class speed and streaming ability. Plenty of servers in South Africa and 24/7 customer support. Paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not read our in-depth ProtonVPN review?

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Our VPN testing methodology: How we found the best South Africa IP address VPNs

You may be wondering how we came up with our list of the best VPNs for getting a South African IP address. After all, there are so many VPN providers to choose from! Our methodology takes a number of factors into account as outlined below:

• Servers in South Africa: As a starting point, all of the VPNs selected for this post had to have servers in South Africa. By connecting to one of these servers, you can get a South Africa IP address. Their server networks stretch far beyond this however. Indeed, thousands of servers are available across dozens of countries worldwide.
• Speed: There’s little more frustrating than slow server speeds preventing you from your online activities, be they streaming or downloading. Our speed tests have revealed the fastest VPNs, all of which include unlimited bandwidth. If you’re suffering from ISP throttling, you may even experience faster speeds than before.
• Unblocking: A lot of online content may be unavailable in your location. This may be due to copyright restrictions or even government censorship. Some VPNs simply aren’t very good at bypassing these blocks. However, those listed in this post consistently find ways around them (and have thousands of IP addresses to do so!).
• Security: At the very least, a VPN should use 256-bit AES encryption and offer a kill switch and DNS leak protection. This secures you from cybercriminals. We look for all of this in a VPN as well as extras such as ad blockers, Double VPN servers, and password managers. As such, these VPNs offer more comprehensive protection.
• Privacy: There are some concerns in South Africa regarding government surveillance powers. Furthermore, ISPs are required to keep logs. This is why it’s so important to use a VPN that properly encrypts your data and which operates a no-logs policy. To find those that protect you, we’ve analyzed some 140 VPN logging policies.
• Ease of use: A VPN needn’t be complicated to use, particularly if it offers user-friendly apps that are quick and easy to navigate. These apps should be available for desktop and mobile at a minimum. You should also be able to find 24/7 live chat and email support as well as a variety of setup and troubleshooting guides.
• Value for money: Just because a VPN offers the above, doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. Indeed, our VPN discount coupons can help you save on the price of a subscription. Better still, the very best VPNs for getting an IP address for South Africa even come with a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them out risk-free.

If you like, you can find out more about how we test and analyze VPNs using our VPN testing methodology. Our hands-on testing of each VPN ensures that it’s given a fair and honest appraisal.

Can I use a free VPN to get an IP address for South Africa?

Many people use free VPNs to obtain a South Africa IP address. While a free service may be tempting, we advise against it for a few reasons. In particular, a free VPN has to make money one way or another. If they’re not charging you for a subscription, they’re likely selling your data (everything from your personal information to your online activity) to third parties. Some free Virtual Private Networks even carry malware or pester you with inappropriate spam adverts.

VPN security is obviously very important but so is performance. Free VPNs are usually slow, which makes streaming movies and TV shows a difficult task. Aside from all the buffering and lag, few free VPNs are actually able to unblock Netflix due to its anti-VPN measures. On top of this, free VPNs throttle your speed and bandwidth due to the high number of users. If you want an IP address for South Africa, you’re best off with a quality paid VPN.

Why do I need an IP address from South Africa?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address from South Africa allows you to browse the internet as if you were in South Africa. This means you’ll be able to access South African websites and services, no matter where you’re actually located. You’ll also be able to watch South African TV channels and access popular South African subscription services.

Indeed, a quality VPN with servers in countries all over the world will let you browse from almost anywhere such as the US or Japan. This means you’ll be able to unblock popular streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and ESPN. Because a VPN hides your true IP address and location, it can also provide you with greater online security.

How can I watch South African TV abroad with a VPN?

Whether you’re traveling outside South Africa, you can unblock South African TV with a VPN. All you have to do is connect to a server in South Africa via your VPN and the geo-restricted content should be unblocked. If not, try clearing your browser’s cookies to ensure any changes you’ve made are allowed to take effect.

Using a South African IP address, you’ll be able to watch content on South African TV, no matter your location. This includes terrestrial channels such as SABC 1, SABC 2 and e.tv. It also allows you to access subscription services such as Showmax, DStv and SuperSport – all of which are region-restricted and otherwise inaccessible.

Are VPNs legal in South Africa?

VPNs are legal in South Africa. Fortunately, there’s little to no internet censorship in South Africa. Freedom House has classed South Africa’s internet freedom as “free”. However, the likes of the Cybercrimes and Cyber Security Bill and Films and Publications Amendment Bill have been criticized for their potential to threaten people’s privacy and freedom of expression.

South Africa IP Address FAQs

See also

• Best VPNs for South Africa
• How to get Netflix USA in South Africa
• How to watch Disney Plus in South Africa