Netflix

You can access it but the program options are different. Netflix has different licenses in different countries so will have different programs. Some is the same, but some isn’t.

You can setup a VPN in the US and connect to the VPN from your device while in Italy. Then Netflix will think you are in the US, and you'll be able to watch whatever you can watch at home.

There are VPN services that charge a monthly fee. If you have a tech-savvy friend, you can have your friend setup a VPN at home for you, so you can connect to your home network while in Italy via your home VPN, and Netflix will think you are at home. And no monthly fee.

I've rarely had Wi-Fi in a hotel that seemed robust enough to stream video, though I've only tried watching short YouTube clips. I've never had a European SIM in my phone that provided data, so I can't be sure, but I'd think it would be extremely costly to stream video over a cellular connection. I'm a missing an obvious solution here?

I don't watch many Netflix series, but I'll download a dozen hours worth of shows or movies onto my tablet before I leave. I tend to watch them while on train rides, or occasionally for an hour before bed. I just finished watching an hour of The Crown while waiting out a rainstorm on my balcony in Mexico.

We also used Amazon Prime, which didn't give us the access problems Netflix can in some places

I guess I've had better luck with WiFi in Europe the last few years - mostly good connections, even though I haven't tried Netflix over there. Slower WiFi means waiting a bit longer for "buffering," and it will help a lot if you disable HD streaming if it's on. For a small device, you don't need HD streaming anyway.

We have successfully used Netflix throughout Europe. When we lived in Rome, I found that Unblock-US worked well and was inexpensive. Traveling it has also worked for us, although if the series or movie is also available in the county you are in you cannot watch it behind a VPN (go figure). So experiment. It is good to have a VPN on your laptop while traveling so you can be more secure when using unsecured networks.

Amazon videos are more elusive. I have had mixed luck streaming them in Europe. But even in the tiniest towns, I have been able to stream Netflix with the available bandwidth. Downloading some things before you leave home is a very good plan, too.

Netflix have cracked down on vpn usage and will block any attempt to use it. Using Netflix in another country will only allow you to view content available in that country, you will not be able to access US content.

I don't subscribe to any streaming service. I too have tons of videos on my phone and tablet for offline viewing, anywhere. But I do use my VPN religiously anyway when on WiFi, whenever VPN isn't blocked.

JC:

Netflix have cracked down on vpn usage and will block any attempt to use it. Using Netflix in another country will only allow you to view content available in that country, you will not be able to access US content.

I assume that means they block the paid VPN services one can subscribe to. But I don't see how they can block your own private VPN if you have it set up at home like I do. When I connect to my VPN, all my traffic goes through my home network and makes it appear I am using my device at home.

Netflix would not work for me in Europe using NordVPN. From what I have read, it will work with some VPN services, you'll have to surf to find out which.

As someone else stated, download movies or shows you may want to watch to your tablet or phone. Most WiFi connections at hotels in Europe are not like the broadband connections we enjoy in the states and streaming an entire movie isn’t easy. Connections get slower in the evening as more people return to the hotel and start checking email and posting things.

I assume that means they block the paid VPN services one can subscribe to. But I don't see how they can block your own private VPN if you have it set up at home like I do. When I connect to my VPN, all my traffic goes through my home network and makes it appear I am using my device at home.

Yes, I'm referring to paid (or free) vpn services. I was not aware of a vpn setup as you described so I'm going to do some research as it sounds intriguing, thanks!

JC, the post above yours appears to be a spammer (no mention of VPN on page he linked to, 1st post, etc.) I reported him.

But, if you want a VPN at home, consider using a router (even a second one) not a PC. My VPN is setup through my router. I use OpenVPN, with certificates. You might find an older-style VPN which uses only a password not certificates - less complicated to set up but much less secure, unless you pick a really long, strong password...or don't care much about someone possibly hacking into your home network.

I just returned from a month long trip to Italy. I purchased a VPN service and used Chromecast to watch all Netflix programs. I was able to access the USA program list. I subscribed to Express VPN. It did a great job.

You're in Italy. Turn off the TV or the iPad and step outside. The show you'll see will be better than anything on Netflix.

Couldn't agree more Doug!

You're in Italy. Turn off the TV or the iPad and step outside. The show you'll see will be better than anything on Netflix.

After a long day of sightseeing, there is nothing wrong with a little TV downtime. We travel for weeks at a time. In actuality, it is like living temporarily in each place we stay. At least half of the evenings we cook and stay in after an active day. We read, prepare for the next day, but I see nothing wrong with cranking up something on Netflix in English, especially when the only choices on TV are in a language I do not speak.

Couldn't agree more Laurel.

You're in Italy. Turn off the TV or the iPad and step outside. The show you'll see will be better than anything on Netflix.

What will I see exactly?

With two young children tucked up in bed what do you recommend? Go out and join the throngs of tourists wandering around trying to find a bar after their dinner? I acknowledge your romanticism about Italy but I've been there enough times to know the reality.

You're in Italy. Turn off the TV or the iPad and step outside. The show you'll see will be better than anything on Netflix.

What will I see exactly?

With two young children tucked up in bed what do you recommend? Go out and join the throngs of tourists wandering around trying to find a bar after their dinner? I acknowledge your romanticism about Italy but I've been there enough times to know the reality.

With two young children tucked up in bed what do you recommend?

If you are there with another adult, have a nice conversation, remembering the highlights of the day. You could also curl up with a book and a nice glass of wine.

We seem to have different experiences in Italy. First of all, we don't go to bars and we avoid staying where there are "throngs of tourists". We still find plenty to do. We are unencumbered by children, therefore we usually go longer and have a later dinner and don't return to our room until shortly before bedtime. Our use of electronic devices while traveling is mainly utilitarian and not for entertainment. Most places where we choose to stay don't have TVs and that's fine with us. If they do have a TV, it is rare that we even turn it on, even in English speaking countries.

You may find this article interesting. There are more and more studies showing the use of electronic devices just before bed can make getting a good night's sleep more difficult. This applies to both children and adults. At home we try to turn off the TV and put up the iPads at least an hour before bed. We have never had a TV in the bedroom.

We are unencumbered by children, therefore we usually go longer and have a later dinner and don't return to our room until shortly before bedtime.

Therefore your circumstances are different. When I travel to Italy with friends and therefore without children then we're out late, eating later and rolling in to go straight to bed. When I'm with my family it's different. Does watching Netflix mean you can't have a conversation with your wife!!! Let's get over this pretentiousness that watching TV is a sin whilst on holiday. Do you not think Europeans watch TV during the evening? Read a book curled up with a glass of wine? What's the difference to watching a film curled up with a glass of wine? The whole idea that some activities are frowned upon whilst on holiday is ridiculous. It's your time, do what you want not what others think you should be doing. If I want to lie on a beach all day then I will. If I want to spend an entire day exploring Roman ruins then I will. If I want to spend the day getting steadily drunk then I will. If I want to spend an evening watching a film on Netflix whilst my children are fast asleep then I will. If you want your time abroad to be dictated by some arbitrary sense of what's acceptable and what's not then fill your boots, personally I don't subscribe to such irrelevant banality.