The prices of YouTube Premium vary from country to country. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location to another country (e.g. Turkey or Peru) and subscribe to YouTube Premium at a lower price.
In this article, I will explain how this works and in which countries YouTube Premium is the cheapest. Additionally, I will discuss the legal aspects involved. Personal experiences and questions can be shared in the comments section ↓ below this article.
In which countries is purchasing YouTube Premium via VPN the cheapest?
Unfortunately, purchasing YouTube Premium via VPN does not work in all countries. Until a few weeks ago, it was possible to easily get very affordable YouTube subscriptions in countries like Ghana, Ukraine, or Pakistan, costing between $1.61 and $3. However, not all payment methods are accepted in these countries anymore. Some credit cards work, while others don’t. It’s definitely worth a try, though!
Anyone who wants to avoid the hassle (VPN, etc.) can buy a pre-configured YouTube account including a subscription (single licenses only). Starting at $1.70/month (Here’s how ↓).
For Apple users, there is still an easy way to subscribe to YouTube at a very low cost. Through the Turkish App Store (without VPN), you can get the individual subscription for just $2.26 and the family subscription for $4.47 (Here’s how ↓).
All other users need to switch to countries like Peru or Romania. All payment methods are accepted there, and over the course of a year, you can still save more than $100 compared to YouTube USA.
| Country |  Subscription Prices |
Subscription Purchase via VPN possible? / Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single License (Month) | Family Plan (Month) | |||||
 |
|
Ghana | $1.61 (GHS 23) | $3.02 (GHS 43) | ✓ | Not all payment methods are accepted by YouTube, but it’s definitely worth a try. Here’s how ↓ |
| Not all payment methods are accepted by YouTube, but it’s definitely worth a try. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Pakistan | $1.72 (PKR 479) | $3.24 (PKR 899) | ✓ | Not all payment methods are accepted by YouTube, but it’s definitely worth a try. Here’s how ↓ |
| Not all payment methods are accepted by YouTube, but it’s definitely worth a try. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Global | $1.70 | N/A | ✓ | No VPN required. Purchase of a pre-configured YouTube Premium account with a duration of 3 to 12 months. Here’s how ↓ |
| No VPN required. Purchase of a pre-configured YouTube Premium account with a duration of 3 to 12 months. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Turkey | $2.26 (TRY 75.99) | $4.47 (TRY 149.99) | ✓ | No VPN required. Works only for iPhone and iPad users. All payment methods are accepted. Here’s how ↓ |
| No VPN required. Works only for iPhone and iPad users. All payment methods are accepted. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Peru | $5.61 (PEN 20.90) | $8.56 (PEN 31.90) | ✓ | All payment methods (e.g., US credit cards) are accepted by YouTube. Here’s how ↓ |
| All payment methods (e.g., US credit cards) are accepted by YouTube. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Romania | $5.70 (RON 26) | $8.56 (RON 39) | ✓ | All payment methods (e.g., US credit cards) are accepted by YouTube. Here’s how ↓ |
| All payment methods (e.g., US credit cards) are accepted by YouTube. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Poland | $6.55 (PLN 25.99) | $11.85 (PLN 46.99) | ✓ | All payment methods (e.g., US credit cards) are accepted by YouTube. You can also pay with Paysafecard. Here’s how ↓ |
| All payment methods (e.g., US credit cards) are accepted by YouTube. You can also pay with Paysafecard. Here’s how ↓ | ||||||
 |
|
Ukraine | $2.52 (UAH 99) | $3.79 (UAH 149) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
 |
|
Argentina | $1.12 (ARS 389) | $2.05 (ARS 699) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
 |
|
India | $1.68 (INR 139) | $2.27 (INR 189) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
 |
|
Philippines | $2.86 (PHP 159) | $4.30 (PHP 239) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
 |
|
Malaysia | $3.79 (MYR 17.90) | $7.19 (MYR 33.90) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
 |
|
Brazil | $4.96 (24.90 BRL) | $8.34 (41.90 BRL) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
 |
|
Mexico | $6.86 (MXN 115.833) | $14.19 (MXN 239) | ✕ | Domestic payment method required |
| Domestic payment method required | ||||||
If you only want to get rid of YouTube ads, there’s also the option to use YouTube permanently via a VPN (starting from $2/month) in countries where YouTube doesn’t show ads (Here’s how ↓).
Reader survey: In which country were you able to successfully purchase a cheap YouTube subscription in the last 3 days?
Does the VPN always need to be active when I subscribe to YouTube Premium abroad?
No, it does not need to be always active. It is sufficient to activate the VPN when completing the subscription. After that, you can use YouTube Premium services without a VPN (Here’s how ↓).
Which VPN Providers Are Best for Subscribing to YouTube Premium?
To determine which VPN providers are best for subscribing to YouTube Premium, I personally tested various VPN services. In my tests, NordVPN proved to be the most reliable.
| Provider | Success with YouTube Premium | Apps available for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN |
Works flawlessly. My readers’ comments confirm this. Offers VPN servers in all countries where YouTube is cheaper (including Ghana, Pakistan, Turkey, Ukraine). | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Browser extension | $12.99 Go to Provider (nordvpn.com) |
Surfshark |
Does not always work. If it doesn’t work the first time, you need to reconnect repeatedly until you get an IP address that allows the subscription to go through. | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Browser extension | $10.99 Go to Provider (surfshark.com) |
ExpressVPN |
Error message: “We couldn’t verify your country.” | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Browser extension | $11.83 Go to Provider (expressvpn.com) |
Cyberghost |
Error message: “We couldn’t verify your country.” | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Browser extension | $11.99 Go to Provider (cyberghost.com) |
Is it legal to subscribe to YouTube Premium at a lower price using a VPN?
YouTube’s terms of service contain clauses against attempts to circumvent geographical restrictions. Technically, using a VPN violates these rules, but using a VPN is legal in most countries (including USA), and enforcing a ban would be difficult.
Using VPNs to exploit geographical price differences on YouTube operates in a legal gray area. It is not illegal under criminal law. Theoretically, violating the terms of service could result in an account suspension. However, no such case is known, and the VPN trick has been used by many users for years. There is hardly a week when the trick is not featured in some magazine or on some deal site.
Guide: Subscribe to YouTube Premium at a Lower Cost via VPN (Ghana, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland)
Purchasing YouTube Premium via VPN is simple. Essentially, you follow the standard procedure to subscribe to YouTube Premium, with the small but crucial difference of connecting to a VPN beforehand. After successfully completing the subscription, you can simply disable the VPN connection and use YouTube as usual—now with the benefits of YouTube Premium.
Below is a detailed guide for the countries Ghana, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland. The guide for Turkey (for Apple users only) can be found further down ↓.
Step 1: Select and Set Up a VPN
Go to Provider
(nordvpn.com)
First, you need to select a reliable VPN service and install the corresponding VPN software/app/browser extension. I have tried various VPN services and received feedback from readers. NordVPN was the only VPN that worked without any issues. Access for one month currently costs $12.99. After completing the YouTube Premium subscription, you can deactivate the VPN connection and use YouTube Premium without it.
NordVPN provides servers in all countries with low YouTube Premium prices (including Peru & Romania).
Up to 71% DiscountView Offer
(nordvpn.com)
Step 2: Connect to the VPN
After setting up the VPN, connect to a server in the country where you want to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Here are the prices once again:
| Country | Subscription Prices |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | Family Plan | ||
| Ghana |
$1.61 (GHS 23) / monthAuto-renewal | $3.02 (GHS 43) / monthAuto-renewal | |
| Pakistan |
$1.72 (PKR 479) / monthAuto-renewal | $3.24 (PKR 899) / monthAuto-renewal | |
| Peru |
$5.61 (PEN 20.90) / monthAuto-renewal | $8.56 (PEN 31.90) / monthAuto-renewal | |
| Romania |
$5.70 (RON 26) / monthAuto-renewal | $8.56 (RON 39) / monthAuto-renewal | |
| Poland |
$6.55 (PLN 25.99) / monthAuto-renewal | $11.85 (PLN 46.99) / monthAuto-renewal | |
Step 3: Completing the YouTube Premium Subscription
While connected to the VPN, open the YouTube Premium page and follow the usual two steps to complete a Premium subscription (select a plan and enter payment details).
For some YouTube countries, like Peru, you also need to provide a local address (which isn’t verified). You can use, for example, a hotel address—Google can help with that 😉.
If you receive the error message “We couldn’t verify which country you’re in” on the YouTube Premium page, disconnect from the VPN and then reconnect to the same VPN server. This will give you a new IP address, which should no longer cause any issues.
Step 4: Deactivate the VPN
Done! That’s it! After successfully completing the subscription, you can deactivate the VPN connection. YouTube Premium can now be used without VPN access, with all the benefits such as ad-free viewing, downloading videos for offline use, and access to YouTube Music.
Guide: Subscribe to YouTube Premium at a Lower Cost via the App Store (Turkey)
In the Turkish Apple Store, the individual YouTube subscription is available for just $2.26 (75.99 TRY), and the family subscription for $4.47 (149.99 TRY). To take advantage of these low prices, you need an Apple tablet or smartphone. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on Mac computers, as there is no YouTube app for Mac.
Important Points Upfront:
- As part of this guide, you will need to create a new Apple ID and sign in with it on your device. After subscribing to YouTube Premium, you can sign back in with your regular Apple ID. Nothing will be lost (settings, apps, subscriptions, etc.)! Everything remains as if you never signed out.
- Only the billing is handled through the new Apple ID. You can still log into your YouTube account from any device as usual using the email address registered with YouTube.
- Since Apple handles the billing and this trick has been working smoothly for years, I believe it will continue to work for a long time.
- Make sure that your new Apple ID always has sufficient credit (recharge via gift card), otherwise, your YouTube Premium account will not be renewed.
Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Create a New Apple ID
- Create a new Turkish Apple ID on apple.com. Alternatively, through the iCloud website: Go to icloud.com, click on “Sign In”, and in the new window, click on “Create Apple ID”.
- Fill in the required information and select “Turkey” as the country. You do not need a VPN connection to create the Turkish Apple ID.
- Enter a valid phone number. It can be from a country other than Turkey and may have already been used for another Apple ID.
- If you receive the error message ‘Apple ID cannot be created at this time‘ when trying to create your Apple ID, download the Apple TV app and use it to create a Turkish Apple ID. The error message will no longer appear. Simply provide a fictitious address and select ‘none’ as the payment method. Otherwise, follow the points mentioned above: Select Turkey as the country, provide a valid phone number (doesn’t have to be Turkish).
Step 2: Sign In with the New Turkish Apple ID
- Open the App Store on your device. Then click on the icon with your initials in the top right corner. Scroll down and sign out of your current Apple ID.
- Sign in with your new Turkish Apple ID.
Step 3: Purchase and Redeem a Turkish Apple Gift Card
- Purchase a Turkish Apple gift card on G2A.com and note down the code.
- 75.99 TRY is sufficient for 1 month of YouTube Premium (individual subscription). A gift card for 1000 TRY will cover almost 1 year of YouTube Premium. A gift card for 1500 TRY is sufficient for just under 1 1/2 years (cheapest purchase price). Of course, you can also start with a smaller amount and add more credit later.
- For 150.79 TRY per month, you can get the family subscription. I recommend buying a gift card for 1500 TRY (10 months of YouTube Premium Family) for the family subscription. Unfortunately, there are no gift cards available with higher amounts.
- Open the App Store and return to your account settings. Select “Redeem Gift Card or Code” and enter the code from the purchased gift card to add it to your balance.
Step 4: Subscribe to YouTube Premium
- Open the YouTube app on your Apple device.
- Go to “My Account” > “Settings” > “Purchases and Memberships” > “Buy YouTube Premium” and complete the purchase process via iTunes.
- If a message appears stating that this Apple account has not yet been used in the iTunes Store, you will need to provide a Turkish address. This can be, for example, a hotel address. Google can help with this 😉. Any phone number can be entered, as it will not be verified.
- After completing the order process on your Apple device, you can sign back in with your regular Apple ID. However, as mentioned, make sure that you always have enough credit on your Turkish Apple ID. It’s best to purchase an additional iTunes gift card and add it to your Apple ID, as I’ve noticed that gift cards are becoming more expensive and are often sold out.
Alternative: Buy a Cheap YouTube Premium Account
On the marketplaces G2A and Kinguin, pre-configured YouTube Premium accounts with subscription durations of three to twelve months are offered at affordable prices (links to the deals follow ↓). These accounts are sold with new login details and do not require a VPN for use.
In my tests, these accounts worked flawlessly. My readers also report only positive experiences so far.
A major advantage is that it saves you the entire setup via VPN, gift cards, etc. Unfortunately, only YouTube accounts with individual subscriptions are sold. Accounts with family licenses are not available.
Here are the links to the offers:
- YouTube Premium Account – 12 Months (Global) from $22 (Kinguin.net)
- YouTube Premium Account – 12 Months (Global) from $26 (G2A.com)
- YouTube Premium Account – 6 Months (Global) from $15 (G2A.com)
- YouTube Premium Account – 3 Months (Global) from $11 (G2A.com)
Ad-Free YouTube Without Premium Access
If you access YouTube via a VPN server in Albania or the Bahamas, no ads will be displayed. YouTube doesn’t run ads in these countries. The user interface remains in German (depending on your browser settings), and the YouTube content doesn’t change either.
Surfshark is the optimal choice for this. Starting at just $2 per month, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections.
YouTube Premium Prices Worldwide (Individual License)
Below are the prices for YouTube Premium worldwide. In countries like Argentina, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, users pay only between $1.12 and $1.80 per month for YouTube Premium. Prices are also relatively low in countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, ranging from $2.86 to $3.26.
The highest prices for YouTube Premium are found in Western industrialized nations such as the USA ($14.10), Germany, France, and the Netherlands ($13.07– $14.16), the UK ($16.51), and Switzerland ($18.46).
| Country | Monthly Price (Local Currency) | Monthly Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ARS 389 | $1.12 |
| 🇮🇳 India | INR 139 | $1.68 |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | TRY 57.99 | $1.80 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | UAH 99 | $2.52 |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | PHP 159 | $2.86 |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | VND 79.000 | $3.26 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | IDR 59.000 | $3.77 |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | MYR 17.90 | $3.82 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | BRL 24.90 | $4.98 |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | RON 26 | $5.70 |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | SAR 23.99 | $6.44 |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | NOK 69 | $6.54 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | PLN 25.99 | $6.57 |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | SEK 69 | $6.62 |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | MXN 115.833 | $6.88 |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | JPY 1.280 | $8.69 |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | SGD 11.98 | $8.97 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | CAD 12.99 | $9.71 |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | HKD 78 | $10.03 |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | DKK 69 | $10.05 |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | NZD 17.99 | $10.99 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | AUD 16.99 | $11.14 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | EUR 11.99 | $13.07 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | EUR 11.99 | $13.07 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | USD 13.99 | $13.99 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | EUR 12.99 | $14.16 |
| 🇫🇷 France | EUR 12.99 | $14.16 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | GBP 12.99 | $16.51 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | CHF 15.90 | $18.46 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are YouTube Premium prices different worldwide?
YouTube Premium prices vary worldwide for several reasons. A key factor is purchasing power. In countries with lower purchasing power and average incomes, YouTube adjusts prices to make its services more affordable. A price considered inexpensive in Germany might be unaffordable for many people in poorer countries.
Similarly, this is also the case with Netflix. See: Netflix cheaper via VPN.
What happens to existing YouTube subscriptions when YouTube takes action to prevent the exploitation of price differences?
If YouTube decides to prevent the exploitation of regional price differences, existing subscriptions are generally unaffected. This was the case in Argentina and India, for example. Users who have already subscribed under more favorable conditions can usually continue to use their subscription. However, it will no longer be possible for new subscribers from other countries to sign up for subscriptions using foreign payment methods, such as a US credit card.
Are there free VPNs for subscribing to YouTube Premium abroad?
Free VPNs are often recognized and blocked by YouTube as VPN servers. Another problem with free services is the very limited selection of server locations. Often, only a few countries are available, which significantly restricts flexibility and options.
What does the error message “We couldn’t verify your country” mean?
The YouTube error message “We couldn’t verify your country” indicates that YouTube is having trouble determining your current location. This often happens when YouTube detects your IP address as being associated with a VPN.
Disconnect and reconnect the VPN. This will provide you with a new IP address from the VPN provider, which may not be blocked by YouTube.
Do I need a credit card to use YouTube Premium?
Yes, if you are using a VPN to subscribe to YouTube Premium, you will need a credit card. If you do not have a credit card, I recommend Revolut. Revolut offers a free card that can be used for online purchases and subscriptions without any fees. Verification usually takes only a few minutes.
What are the features of YouTube Premium?
Here are the main features of YouTube Premium:
- Ad-Free Experience: With YouTube Premium, all videos on YouTube can be watched without ads, both before and during the videos. This is a primary reason many people activate Premium. This also applies to YouTube Music and YouTube Kids.
- Background Play: A particularly useful feature for mobile devices. You can listen to videos or music while using other apps or when your device’s screen is off.
- Offline Playback: You can download videos and music to your device and watch or listen offline. This is especially handy when you are in places without an internet connection.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: YouTube Music Premium users benefit from higher audio quality compared to the standard version.
- Access to YouTube Music Premium: As part of the subscription, you also get access to YouTube Music Premium, which is ad-free and also offers background play and downloads for offline use.
How much does YouTube Premium cost in Turkey?
YouTube Premium costs 49 Turkish Lira (TRY) per month for an annual subscription in the individual plan, which is about $1.53. The family plan is available for TRY 115.99 per month, which is about $3.60.
How much does YouTube Premium cost in Ghana?
For an individual license, YouTube Premium costs GHS 23 per month in Ghana, which is approximately $1.61. If you opt for the family plan, which includes multiple users, the price is GHS 43 per month, which is approximately $3.02.
How much does YouTube Premium cost in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, YouTube Premium offers two different subscription models. For individuals, a monthly subscription costs 99 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH), about $2.52.
Additionally, there is an affordable plan for families. This costs UAH 149 per month, about $3.79. The family plan allows sharing premium benefits with up to five family members living in the same household.
How does a VPN work?
When establishing a VPN connection, you first log in to an external VPN server with a username and password. This creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. Your data traffic is encrypted through this tunnel and cannot be seen by third parties.
Your actual IP address and location data remain hidden, and you “borrow” the identity (IP address, location) of the VPN server. This makes it appear to websites that you are actually browsing from that server. This way, geo-restrictions can be bypassed, and content from other countries can be accessed.
This article is also available in german.
A huge thank you for the tip and the guidance!
Crazy. I think it worked. Subscription via Turkish Apple ID. Awesome, thanks.
Worked for me with a Turkish Apple ID.
YouTube is increasing the ad times more and more. And I’m not willing to pay $12.99 a month for that. It’s just outrageous what they’re charging now 😠
The trick with the Apple ID is brilliant! Now I’m paying just over $2💪
YouTube accounts including a 12-month subscription are available at G2A’s shop for just under $30. I have bought several in the last few months, for myself and friends. They work without any issues.
https://www.g2a.com/youtube-premium-12-months-youtube-account-global-i10000337507018
On Kinguin there are YouTube accounts incl. 12-month subscription for only 20€. Tested ✅
https://www.kinguin.net/en/category/184635/youtube-premium-12-months-subscription-account
Thank you, René,
great guide, works perfectly, and is super affordable.
YouTube is increasing the ad times more and more. And I’m not willing to pay €12.99 a month for it. It’s outrageous what they’re charging now 😠
The trick with the Apple ID is genius! I’m now paying just over 2 euros 💪
worked right away
It worked for me too. $3.02 for a family membership. I used my Revolut credit card and a random address in Ghana.
I did it through Ghana with an account that I previously had a Turkey premium membership with. Thank you
Worked perfectly.
It worked. Ghana + NordVPN + VISA credit card.
Thank you! I had no problems.