How to Watch Showmax on DStv Outside South Africa (Best Method in 2024)

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Walter

If you're here then you want to know How to Watch Showmax on DStv Outside South Africa? Netflix is the streaming king of the hill. But in certain countries, like South Africa and Brazil, there's fierce competition. Showmax, which offers content from Hollywood and Britain as well as Africa, is a popular platform.

Showmax is only available in select locations. The best Showmax catalog is for South African residents. To get the best experience, an RSA IP address is required. According to our tests, Surfshark VPN gives you a reliable IP address so you can watch your favorite tv shows.

Showmax Abroad and Geo-blocking

Showmax can be accessed from more than 65 countries in Africa, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region. The content of Showmax may vary depending on where you are located. Showmax is unable to offer the same programs in all countries due to licensing agreements. These rights could be owned by another service. The South African catalog has the largest selection of original and reality TV series, movies, and series.

What about viewers who are not in Showmax's broadcasting area? They will see a location error message when they try to access the streaming service's website. “Showmax not yet available in the United States” is what she said. If you are located abroad, you won't have access to any content.

Showmax can determine your exact location by using your IP address. It will actually display your real IP address just below the geo-error message.

Web services use IP addresses to determine your digital identity. While they won't be in a position to locate your street or building, they can narrow it down to the city and country. That's enough to prevent you from accessing their content and limit what you can see.

Internet service providers assign IP addresses to each country. While most ISPs offer one IP address to connect to the Internet for customers, some others offer multiple IP addresses each time you log in to your account. These numerical labels allow Showmax to locate you and block you.

Use a VPN to unblock Showmax

Showmax can only be accessed from outside the country if it is tricked into believing that you are in its broadcasting area. You will need a virtual private network, also known as VPN, to do this.

This tool redirects your Internet connection via its own server network. You can choose the location you want to send your traffic to, and then it will route your traffic through that server. It also changes your IP address when you connect to the VPN server. This makes it appear that you are somewhere else.

Your new IP address will correspond to the VPN server's location. This means that if you connect from South Africa to a VPN server, you will get an IP address from South Africa. Showmax will assume that you are in the country and grant you access to its content.

Geo-blocks can be bypassed using VPN. VPNs are capable of hiding your location and even changing it. These tools can also be used to hide and protect your identity. VPNs redirect your traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This means that no third party can see what you are doing. They don't also keep track of your online activities.

Important VPN Features that will allow you to watch Showmax on DStv Outside South Africa

There are many VPN services available on the market today. However, they are not all the same. Premium brands only offer premium features and VPNs are expensive. It's still a small price to pay for online privacy and data protection.

Before you sign up for the first VPN service that you find, ensure it offers the following features:

• Zero-logs policy: Reputable VPNs do not collect, store or share sensitive data. They remove information such as IP addresses, browsing history, and web destinations.
• AES256 encryption: Although there are many encryption algorithms available, the most secure is AES256 with 256-bit keys. It stops hackers, ISPs, and government agencies from monitoring your online activities.
• Kill switch: The best VPN services are always prepared for the worst. If the VPN fails, they offer a kill button that will terminate your Internet connection. Your traffic will not leak to your ISP's servers.
• Unblocking capabilities: A broad server network is not enough to bypass geo-blocks. Some streaming services, such as Netflix, ban VPN IP addresses. This prevents you from accessing their content. Premium VPNs can deblock Showmax, Netflix, or BBC iPlayer.
• Fast speeds: A VPN that has fast servers is essential if you want to stream your favorite shows on Showmax and other similar platforms. You'll experience buffering problems otherwise.

How to Watch Showmax on DStv Outside South Africa using VPN

VPN apps work with most operating systems. This means that you can install VPN apps on virtually any device. Each VPN brand has its own compatibility. However, one thing is certain: no VPN offers a specific app for Smart TVs or gaming consoles.

Smart DNS proxy solutions are offered by most elite VPNs. This tool only redirects URLs that reveal your location. It does not alter the rest of the connection. This tool won't alter your IP address or encrypt your traffic. Smart DNS can be set up on any device: smartphones, tablets, routers, and smart TVs.

Here's how to set up VPNs:

• Subscribe to a premium VPN website. Below are our top recommendations.
• Next, download the VPN app from Google Play or App Store. It can be installed on iOS, Android, and Mac devices, as well as Windows. Some VPNs offer apps for Linux and Kindle Fire.
• Sign in to the app and connect to a South African server.
• Other servers that have Showmax are also available and can be connected, but South Africa has the largest library.
• No matter where you may be, binge-watch your favorite shows.

Showmax VPN: Best VPN

It can be difficult to choose the right VPN service if you are a beginner. If you stick to the essential features I mentioned earlier, you will be able to narrow down your options by a lot. This requires some research on your part which can take a while.

We have compiled a list of the top VPN services to unblock Showmax. All while protecting your privacy and security.

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is a trusted VPN service that you can rely on to stream Showmax. It is actually one of few providers that can overcome its geo-blocks as well as those of TVNZ, Kayo Sports, and DStv. The British Virgin Islands is the company's base. This allows it to operate outside of any privacy-invading jurisdiction. Just like Nord VPN, Surfshark VPN uses the AES256 encryption algorithm. They also follow a strict zero-logs policy.

Surfshark VPN has a new feature that comes with the kill switch. The kill switch can only be activated in conjunction with Surfshark.  Surfshark VPN will block your device from connecting to the Internet unless it is connected to a Surfshark VPN server.

Also, with Surfshark VPN you'll enjoy high-speed internet which is ideal for streaming Showmax shows.

Additional features include six simultaneous device connections, a smart DNS proxy, round-the-clock customer service, and a 30-day guarantee of your satisfaction.

Surfshark VPN review – More information about this VPN

• AES256 encryption
• No-logs policy.
• Rapid speeds
• Unblock streaming platforms
• Allows torrenting, P2P.
• Smart DNS for free
• 30-day return policy
• Six simultaneous device connections.
• 24/7 customer support.

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Use VPNs for Free

Many readers will wonder if they can unblock Showmax and other services using free VPNs. There are many VPNs available that don't cost anything. They do come at a high price.

Free providers can also collect sensitive data from you and sell it to third parties, which is ironic. This includes your browsing history, IP address, and websites visited. This data is shared with advertisers to deliver targeted ads. Your security is also at risk with free VPNs, as they can contain malware in their software or via ads.

They won't help you bypass geo-blocks. These brands are unable to bypass the VPN blacklisting so Showmax and most streaming services will be restricted. VPNs that are free have a small server network, which is often slow and full of users.

We recommend that you do not use free VPN services. They can cause more harm than good.

Showmax: The lowdown

MultiChoice Group is Africa's largest pay-TV provider, Showmax being a product. It's a standalone VOD service, which allows cord-cutters access to movies and shows without the need for a cable subscription.

MultiChoice introduced Showmax in South Africa MultiChoice in 2015. It expanded later that year to Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2016, it expanded to 35 additional African countries, bringing its total number of 65+ countries. These include:

South Africa, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Portugal, Norway, Indonesia, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Malta, Italy, Spain, Finland, Luxembourg, Sweden, France, Monaco,

Switzerland, Iceland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and more.

Showmax has different catalogs available for subscribers depending on their location. South African users will have access to the largest and most comprehensive library. It includes content from Hollywood and Kenya as well as local programming.

The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa's (BRCSA), data showed that South Africans watched Showmax more often than Netflix, but only by a small margin. Digital TV Research found that the US streaming giant had more subscribers in South Africa than it did in the US.

Pricing and Subscription

Showmax, as I said, is a MultiChoice product. MultiChoice also owns DStv satellite pay-TV service. Showmax is free for subscribers to DStv Premium, which runs about $54 per month. Showmax is available for free to DStv Compact (R399 – $26.60) or Compact Plus (R519 – $34.59) subscribers.

You just need to create a Showmax Account and then add it to your DStv Account:

• Sign up or log in to Showmax's website.
• Next, click Manage Account.
• Choose the standard plan and then select “DStv Add to Account” as your payment method.
• Enter your South African ID number.
• Next, confirm your mobile number. You will then receive an OTP (one-time pin) via SMS.
• You can start Showmax on up five devices by entering the OTP

Showmax is available to anyone who doesn't subscribe to DStv. This is a standalone streaming service you can access from your phone, tablet, or other devices. The only subscription option for cord-cutters is a Rs99/month ($5.26).

You'll get two simultaneous streams, a 14-day trial, and top international and local shows in return.

Showmax: What to watch

Showmax has more than 10,000 hours worth of quality content, including blockbuster movies and local originals. The libraries available in South Africa vary depending on where you live, but there is a wide selection. English, Afrikaans, and Sesotho are all available.

• Succession
• His Dark Materials
• Game of Thrones
• Big Little Lies
• Westworld
• The Handmaid's Tale
• Younger
• Tali's Wedding Diary
• The Girl from St Agnes
• Trackers
• Cloak & Dagger
• The Real Housewives of Johannesburg
• Die Spreeus
• Harlots
• Burden of Truth

Compatible Devices

Showmax, in addition to its low pricing and extensive library, is compatible with nearly every operating system. It can be ordered online through the app or website on these devices:

• iOS
• Android
• PC
• Mac
• Chromecast
• Apple TV
• DStv Explora
• Xbox One
• PlayStation
• Smart TVs

Unblock Showmax outside South Africa – Final Thoughts

Showmax offers content straight from the top drawer. This South African streaming platform offers everything, from international award-winning movies and shows to original programming. The South African catalog has the largest collection, and it is available in over 65 countries.

If you are not in South Africa or Showmax's broadcasting area, you will need a Surfshark VPN to change the IP address. To avoid privacy leaks, speed issues, and unblocking problems, make sure to use a premium provider.

 Watch Showmax on DStv Outside South Africa