Using a VPN in Netherlands
An expat can use a VPN in the Netherlands to maintain a connection to their home country and culture. It allows for easy streaming of entertainment and sports events in their native language…
What is a VPN and how does it work?
For the less tech-savvy expat, a VPN provides a virtual ‘tunnel’ through the internet which is private and adds an extra layer of security for those using the world wide web. VPN services are available and used by both private individuals as well as businesses to help protect client data.
Expats in Netherlands often use a VPN service to access entertainment, news and sports broadcasts from their home country that aren’t available here OR may only be available in Dutch.
Broadcasters and streaming services typically operate at a national level (i.e. they only own the right to broadcast or stream media to users in a specific country). To ensure this is the case, they only allow users access to their site if the user’s IP address is assigned to the specific country. A user with a Dutch IP address would therefore be unable to access entertainment or sports broadcast in another country.
If the same expat was to use a VPN service that has a server in the specific country, their IP address would indicate to the broadcaster/streamer that they are located in the correct country. They would not be blocked from accessing the show or sports they wanted to stream.
VPN’s can be used in conjunction with a traditional wired internet connection or mobile internet, which in the case of iPhone users, makes it easier for non-Dutch-speaking expats to avoid having to use the iTunes Netherlands store (only available in Dutch).
Providers of VPN in The Netherlands
There are many companies offering VPN in the Netherlands that expats can register for service They each offer different packages and levels of privacy protection. One of the most important points to check on when selecting a VPN service provider is that the company has a server in the subscriber’s home country.
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