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How To Get A South African IP Address From Anywhere (For Free)

If you're stationed outside of South Africa, you may not have access to many South African online resources. These VPNs can remedy that.

Are you looking to access geo-restricted content from South Africa from abroad? If you want access to sites like StarSat and Media Box or want to access online banking with ease, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help. We’ll tell you how these work and recommend the best VPNs for a South African IP address.

Many sites in South Africa don’t want to give you access if you are outside of the country. Often, legal reasons prevent content from South African sites, such as StarStat, Netflix South Africa, and MediaBox from being available all over the world. Some present an international version to the outside world while others will block you outright. If you want to access geo-restricted sites like these you’ll need a South African IP address and the easiest way to get one is with a VPN.

Every device connected to the internet has a unique identifier, called an IP address. This is associated with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and reveals your location. IP address detection assists sites in geo-blocking. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will mask your real IP address and replace it with one from a country of your choice, helping you evade detection measures. Plus, it will encrypt your traffic so it’s unreadable to snoopers such as government agencies, hackers, and your ISP.

How do I get a South African IP address from abroad?

The process of switching your IP address is very simple. Just follow these steps:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN service (we recommend NordVPN)
  2. Download the installation file for your device’s operating system and run it
  3. Open the app, select a VPN location in South Africa, and connect
  4. Access a restricted website in South Africa
  5. You should now appear to be in South Africa and be able to enjoy access to your desired content

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN offers a feature-complete risk-free 30-day trial period when you sign up at this page. You can use the top-ranked VPN for a South African IP address without any restrictions for 30 days making the provider a great option if you’re going on a short trip abroad and don't want to miss out on your favorite South African shows.

There are no hidden terms, simply contact NordVPN support before 30 days are up if you decide it isn't right one for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How to choose the right VPN for a South African IP address

The VPN services in this guide all have to include the following attributes in order to qualify for the list:

  • Servers in South Africa
  • Good speeds for downloading and video streaming
  • Strong security and privacy features
  • An easy-to-use app
  • A multiple simultaneous connection allowance

Best VPNs for a South African IP address

Here is our list of the best VPNs to get a South African IP address from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN provides the best access to South African IP addresses available today.

The provider has a very large server network with more than 5,400 servers in 59+ countries. More than 50 of those servers are located in South Africa.

This VPN offers one of the best services in the world at a reasonable price. It gets past location detection systems and its speeds are good enough for streaming video and downloading. The company doesn’t keep any connection logs, so your activity on the internet cannot be traced.

The apps include many security features, including a kill switch, an ad blocker, a popup blocker, and a system that blocks infected web pages from loading in your browser. You can also choose a double VPN connection or Tor over VPN.

Connection anonymity is enforced by encryption. The session establishment phase is covered by a 2048-bit RSA cipher and transmissions are secured with 256-bit AES encryption. This service keeps no logs of your activity and comes with DNS leak protection built in.

The software runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV. There are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The service can be installed manually on Raspberry Pi, as well as some routers. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

You get a simultaneous connection allowance of six devices.

Pros:

  • Excellent connection speeds for streaming
  • Strong security features
  • 50+ servers in South Africa
  • A six device simultaneous connection allowance
  • A no-logs policy

Cons:

  • Doesn’t specify which servers are streaming-optimized

BEST VPN FOR SOUTH AFRICAN IP ADDRESSES:NordVPN is the top choice for users seeking to grab a South African IP address. The provider has plenty of servers in South Africa, and its connection speeds are the best I’ve seen lately. Its ability to avoid detection is world-class. It does all of this at a reasonable price. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2.Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark’s fast-growing server network is only one of the reasons it has quickly earned an excellent reputation in the VPN industry. The provider is also an excellent option for users on a budget.

Surfshark’s global server network includes 3,200+ servers stationed in 64+ countries around the globe, including servers located inside of South Africa.

This provider’s connection speeds are easily up to handling any of your favorite online activities. (That’s assuming your usual ISP-provided speeds are up to it.) HD video streaming, fast-moving online games, and sharing large files are all on the list of supported online activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling ever takes place.

The provider makes sure your online antics go undetected thanks to banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Throw in ad blocking, tracker and malware blocking, and phishing protection, and you have optimal online security. A “MultiHop” server option routes your connection through dual VPN servers, providing double encryption and anonymity.

A strict no-server-logs-ever policy, combined with a cryptocurrency payment option, offer comprehensive privacy protection.

Easy-to-use apps are available for the Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and macOS device platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome and Firefox browsers. The provider is also compatible with a large number of router makes and models.

An unlimited concurrent connections policy means you can connect all of your compatible devices to Surfshark VPN servers at once.

Pros:

  • Budget-priced multi-year subscription
  • Provides reliable access to South Africa
  • Unlimited concurrent connections
  • Speedy connections
  • Fast-growing global server network

Cons:

  • Missing some advanced options in their apps

BUDGET-PRICED SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTIONS:Surfshark offers comprehensive  and simultaneous online protection for users looking to grab an IP address in South Africa and much of the rest of the world. The provider offers top-notch online security and privacy via fast connections. The provider’s multi-year subscription option is perfect for users on a budget. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN operates 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries, including South Africa. This VPN is the world leader because it has great speeds for downloading and video streaming, is very easy to use, and has strong security measures. ExpressVPN allows each customer to connect to the service three times at once.

If you encounter any problems with using the system, you can get immediate advice from the ExpressVPN support team through a live chat feature. This is manned around the clock every day of the year.

You get very strong security features with ExpressVPN. The connection establishment procedures are protected by 4096-bit RSA encryption and communication with the VPN server is cloaked by a 256-bit AES cipher. ExpressVPN is one of the best services in the world for getting through location detection systems from out of the country.

It can be installed on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire devices. Browser extensions are available for Edge, Firefox, and Chrome extensions. There is also an app for routers to protect all of your other connected devices.

The provider allows up to 5 simultaneous connections on a single account.

Pros:

  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming
  • Comprehensive security and privacy features
  • Gets past location detection systems
  • Live chat to contact the support staff

Cons:

  • More expensive than some of its rivals
  • Limited 5 simultaneous connections allowance

FAST AND RELIABLE VPN PROVIDER:ExpressVPN provides comprehensive VPN protection. It offers high-speed connections that are protected by strong security. The provider offers an above-average way of getting around location restrictions on South African websites. ExpressVPN may be a bit expensive when compared to other providers, but it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free purchase.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers high speeds for downloading and video streaming. It has an intuitive app that gives you access to 7,000+ servers in 89+ countries, including 10 in South Africa, which are all in Cape Town. It can unblock multiple streaming sites from across the globe.

Connections are covered by 256-bit AES encryption and session establishment is secured by 4096-bit RSA encryption. The service is further secured by a kill switch in the app and DNS leak protection.

Your privacy is protected by a no-logs policy and account anonymity. Payments options include Bitcoin. The support team is contacted through a web form and replies arrive by email, so you do have to provide an email address, but you could use a disposable address.

The provider’s apps are perfect for first-time VPN users. Its easy-to-use apps include options for the Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, Amazon Fire platforms. You can install the system manually on various makes and models of routers. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

Pros:

  • Very strong encryption
  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming
  • A simultaneous connection allowance of seven devices
  • Easy-to-use apps

Cons:

  • Less customization than some competitors

BEST VPN APPS FOR BEGINNERS:Cyberghost has a simple set up making it suitable for beginners. CyberGhost makes you invisible online by cloaking your connections and hiding your true location. It provides fast connections, perfect for streaming and file sharing. You get a 45-day money-back guarantee on all subscription periods except for the one-month plan, which has a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is one of the faster available VPNs. This is one of the reasons this service is very popular with file torrenters and Kodi users.

This VPN has the ability to dodge detection from geo-restricted websites and keeps no logs, so no one can track your activities.

You get access to six VPN servers in Johannesburg and a total of 1,600 servers in 55+ countries. The app includes a kill switch to protect your identity and further privacy is afforded by DNS leak protection and a no-logs policy. Connections are obscured by 256-bit AES encryption and session establishment and key exchange is secured by a 2048-bit RSA cipher.

Apps are available on the Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire platforms. No browser extensions are available. You can get the VPN running on some routers if you set it up yourself.

IPVanish comes with a whopping unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.

Pros:

  • Seven servers in South Africa
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Firm no-logs policy
  • An unlimited simultaneous connection allowance

Cons:

  • Customer support isn’t the best
  • No browser extensions

UNLIMITED CONNECTION ALLOWANCE:IPVanish gives you an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance and provides fast connections. The provider also owns and operates its entire server network, providing an extra layer of privacy. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is all about internet privacy. The company was founded by internet freedom activists. It is very good at dodging detection and can even unblock the South African Netflix library, which is a rarity.

The provider’s fast connection speeds make it a great choice for downloading and video streaming.

The server network of PrivateVPN is relatively small but that doesn’t impede the performance of the service. In total, the company runs more than 150+ servers in 60+ countries. There is one PrivateVPN server farm in South Africa, which is located in Johannesburg.

Connections are protected by 256-bit AES encryption and session establishment uses 2048-bit RSA encryption. Apps include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. The privacy procedures of PrivateVPN are very similar to those of CyberGhost. The company uses the same company to collect payments and it does not keep activity logs. The wizard-installed app includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

Apps run on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. You can also set up a connection manually on Linux computers and some routers. PrivateVPN gives you a six device simultaneous connection allowance.

Pros:

  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming
  • Known for privacy
  • Great at unblocking

Cons:

  • Only one server farm in South Africa
  • Live chat isn’t 24/7

PRIVACY AND SECURITY:PrivateVPN's tight account anonymity and a no-logs policy gives you strong privacy protection on the internet. The service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for a South African IP Address

Getting an IP address in South Africa is simple – when you use the right VPN service provider. Not all VPNs out there are up to the task. That’s why you have to consider multiple factors when deciding upon a VPN for getting a South African IP address.

These are the most important factors that I assessed when deciding upon which VPNs to recommend for getting a South African IP address:

  • Speed: No matter what you plan to do with your South African IP address, fast speeds are essential. I made sure only to recommend VPNs that offered above-average connection speeds during my latest speed tests.
  • Server Network: You need servers in South Africa in order to get a South African IP address. But a large server network can allow you to connect to other countries, too, when you’re done with your South African online escapades. In addition, a high server count equals faster speeds, as no single server will be overloaded with users.
  • Value: A VPN is an excellent investment – if you choose a VPN that will offer the features and functionality you need for a reasonable price. Each VPN on my list asks for an amount of money that makes sense for what it offers, and no more.
  • Ease of Use: All of the VPNs on my list offer easy-to-use apps, which will make it simple to connect to South Africa’s internet. Another important thing to look for, and which each VPN on my list offers, is comprehensive multi-platform support, allowing you to use your preferred device for your online activities.
  • Security and Privacy: Your digital security and privacy are important, and you need a VPN that will respect and protect yours. A VPN should offer, at least, banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection, if not more. Look for a strict no-logs policy as well, as this will mean there will be no records of your online activities available for anyone to peruse.
  • Streaming: VPN users are often fans of video streaming, so I made sure that each VPN I recommend is capable of unblocking many different streaming providers. Each VPN on my list offers reliable access to streaming services in South Africa, as well as international services such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Can I get a South African IP address for free?

There are free VPNs available, but you might find that you won’t be able to use them for accessing restricted websites in South Africa from abroad. Free and cheap VPN services tend to have very small server networks and probably won’t have any South Africa server options. Operating all over the world costs a lot of money and opting for a low-cost model rules out offering servers in smaller markets, such as South Africa. Another problem with free VPNs is that the large number of users on a small server network makes them slow and not very reliable.

One of the main reasons that you will use a VPN is to protect your privacy on the internet. However, many free services track your activity and sell that information to marketers. Some free VPNs lack important security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection and some don’t even encrypt your traffic at all. Some VPN apps have been found to carry malware so be very cautious about what you’re downloading to your device.

Overall, a small monthly fee for a reputable provider is definitely worthwhile.

Are there other reasons to use a VPN?

One of the main reasons for using a South African IP address is to access geo-restricted streaming sites from abroad, such as StarSat and Showmax. However, it can also be helpful in other situations, such as accessing online bank accounts from abroad.

For example, if you want to log in to your Capitec, First National Bank, or Standard Bank account, a VPN can help prevent your account from being flagged. Many banks hold accounts on the basis of fraud alerts when someone logs in from a new location, but with a VPN, you can make it appear you’re logging in from South Africa.

Another excellent use case for a VPN, especially while traveling, is to protect your information when you connect to a public wifi hotspot. Hackers often use unsecured wifi connections to steal people’s personal data. With a VPN, all of your information is encrypted, so even if a hacker intercepts it, it will be unreadable.

Is a VPN easy to use?

Although the technology behind VPNs is very complicated, the services on our list make ease of use a priority and you don’t need to be a techie in order to use them. You might find the process strange at first, but after using your new VPN a few times, you will get used to it.

There are some dodgy VPNs on the market that advertise a money-back guarantee but then don’t honor it. This is not the case with the services on our list. They will all give you your money back without any hassle just as long as you remember to notify them within the stated refund period. So, relax, and introduce yourself to the liberating world of VPNs and get access to content in South Africa when you are abroad.

South African IP Address FAQ

Can I Use a Free VPN to Get a South African IP Address?

While this is theoretically possible, the free VPN provider would need to have servers located inside South Africa. Most free VPNs have limited server locations available. Plus, free VPNs sell info about their users and they throttle users' speeds and place data caps on their usage.

Is Streaming Illegal in South Africa?

Streaming is totally legal in South Africa. Numerous streaming services are available inside the country, including Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, and many others.

Are VPNs Legal in South Africa?

Luckily, the South African government doesn't horribly restrict their citizen's online usage, and VPNs are totally legal in the country. Just don't use a VPN in the commission of an illegal activity.


Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

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