Would you like to watch CBS from abroad? Do you want to access the premium content on CBS.com or stream the latest blockbusters on Paramount+ while residing outside the United States? In this article, we will show you exactly how it can be done. These instructions serve as a universal key to unlocking the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) and its massive streaming sibling, Paramount+. We will even tackle the tricky part: how to pay for a subscription without an American credit card. 📺
Why Can’t I Watch CBS Outside the USA?
CBS is one of the world’s leading broadcasting networks. From legendary sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory to gripping dramas like NCIS, Elementary, and Survivor, they produce the cultural touchstones we all love.
However, if you visit CBS.com or attempt to open the Paramount+ app while in Europe, Asia, or anywhere else outside the 50 states, you will likely encounter a frustrating digital wall. Because of licensing agreements and regional broadcast rights, CBS uses “geo-blocking” to restrict its content to users with a U.S. based IP address.
Common Error Messages
If you have seen any of the following, you are currently being geo-blocked:
The Solution: How to Watch CBS and Paramount+ Anywhere
To bypass these errors, you need to convince the CBS servers that you are sitting on a couch in New York or Los Angeles. The most reliable way to do this is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in the United States. Once connected, your real location is hidden, and you are assigned a US IP address. It is like a digital passport that actually works.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose a reliable VPN provider. We highly recommend the services listed below for their high speeds and ability to bypass streaming blocks.
- Download and install the app on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
- Connect to a server located in the USA.
- Visit CBS.com or open the Paramount+ app.
- Start streaming! 🍿
Recommended VPNs for CBS
Not all VPNs are created equal. Many are blocked by CBS immediately. For a smooth, buffer-free experience, we recommend:
Using these services doesn’t just unlock CBS. You will also gain access to American Netflix, Hulu, and international gems like the BBC in the UK or Rai in Italy.
How to Pay for Paramount+ Without an American Card
Even with a VPN, you might hit a snag: the “Payment Wall.” Paramount+ usually requires a payment method issued by a U.S. bank. If your credit card was issued in London, Tokyo, or Berlin, the transaction will likely fail. 💳
Don’t panic! Here are three proven workarounds:
1. The Virtual Card Method
The most straightforward solution is using a service like USUnlocked. They provide you with a virtual prepaid debit card issued in the USA, complete with a valid U.S. billing address. You load the card with funds and use it just like a local.
2. The App Store “Backdoor”
If you have an Android or iOS device, you can often bypass the direct credit card requirement:
- Android: Download the Paramount+ APK (if it’s not in your local Play Store). Once installed, use your Google Play account (which often accepts international cards) to pay for the subscription via in-app purchase while your VPN is active.
- iOS: Create a secondary Apple ID set to the US region. Buy a US Apple Gift Card online, redeem it to your account, and use the balance to subscribe to Paramount+ through the App Store.
3. Paramount+ Gift Cards
You can purchase digital Paramount+ gift cards from reputable online retailers. Once you have the code, connect to your VPN, go to the Paramount+ redeem page, and apply the credit to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it legal to watch CBS with a VPN?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. While using one to bypass geo-restrictions may technically go against a streaming service’s Terms of Service, it is a common practice used by millions of expats and travelers worldwide.
Can I watch CBS for free?
CBS offers a selection of recent episodes for free on their website shortly after they air. However, these are still geo-blocked and require a US IP address. For full library access and live TV, a Paramount+ subscription is required.
Will a free VPN work?
Rarely. Free VPNs usually have limited bandwidth (hello, buffering!) and their IP addresses are almost always blacklisted by major streaming platforms like CBS and Paramount+.
What happened to CBS All Access?
In early 2021, CBS All Access was rebranded and expanded into Paramount+. It now includes content from Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and the Smithsonian Channel, alongside CBS.
Final Thoughts
Geography should not dictate your entertainment choices. Whether you are an American traveling abroad or a global fan of US television, a high-quality VPN and a little bit of “payment gymnastics” are all you need to stay connected to your favorite shows.
Is it possible to have a test of cbs All Access in Honduras to be cartain about your promotion? If possible, let me know of an specific time during weekends.
They have a 1 month free trial for CBS All Access at the moment. The discount code is fallaccess. You will still need a VPN in order to get an American IP address which is needed for you to watch CBS from abroad!
Do you now how to fix it with an iphone? (pay for CBS all access without an American Card)
I have an American VPN and have downloaded CBS app
At the moment I do not have a payment option for CBS All Access and iPhone, but come back in a few days because I have a method that I will try in a few days from now, just have to wait a bit more before I can actually give it a try… So will write an article then if it works 🙂
Just wanted to say that the PureVPN screenshot above is a bit out of date, but the method itself still works like a sweet dream! If you have any further questions related to streaming CBS from abroad, just write your comment beneath here.
How can I get the CBS application to my Android device? Which application do I need, because I have found several apps? Why can’t I find any of the real CBS apps in Google Play Store? I have managed to sign up and I can stream CBS on my laptop abroad, but I would really want to stream it on my mobile device as well.
There is an Android app named CBS All Access, but personally I strongly dislike it. You should rather get CBS Full Episodes and Live TV, and you can download it manually from here https://apkpure.com/cbs-full-episodes-and-live-tv/com.cbs.app
Download the .apk file and install it. To install it you need to accept programs from unknown sources. Once you have it installed just open it, and you should be ready to stream your favorite CBS content wherever you might be in the world. If you have trouble, just write a comment!
Ps: The reason that you cannot find the app, is that the CBS app is only available to people with a US Google account.
I have a PureVPN subscription, but I still get the error message that I am not allowed to stream CBS abroad… Can you help me out?
You should just try some other server or contact the PureVPN support team. Can not test it for you right now, but will try to test it myself within shortly, so that I can give you some exact examples of PureVPN servers that work when you try to stream CBS from abroad.
I have just updated the article and I now recommend using the VPN provider ExpressVPN. I know for sure that it works, they have a much better refund policy, and they even give you access to American Netflix and other services!
Don’t you think you should update these pictures? They are so old, and so out of date, I have trouble believing that the content of the article itself is updated. If you keep it fresh and update it, and actually give these methods a try, I would love to follow your instructions to watch CBS overseas.
hey sheldon. maybe you can try another server. if that doesn’t work, check out their support. if that doesn’t work either try using another vpn service like ivacy or nord. most of them are on black friday sale anyways.
Hi,
I would like to subscribe to CBS Full Access, but the thing is, I don’t live in the US, I need to enter a Zip code in the US, I could use an address generator, but I would not like to do that preferabbly.. Anyone have another idea?
Kind regards
Richard
Why don’t you want to use an address generator? You could register at Shipito for a virtual address in the USA and use that address as well!
Just tested CBS All Access now with ExpressVPN to make sure that the instructions that are given here work, and yes, they do! If you look for a way to stream CBS All Access from abroad, follow these instructions. I use them all the time to watch my favorite shows which currently are Kevin Can Wait, Big Bang Theory and Scorpion. Enjoy!
I now recommend ExpressVPN if you want to stream CBS from abroad, as they have faster servers, and they also give you access to lots of other content, for example, American Netflix, Canadian Netflix, BBC/ITV and so much more if you sign up for their services!
And I have just updated the design of this guide, making it even easier and nicer to find out and discover and read how you can watch and enjoy CBS All Access all across the world!
i have downloaded the app, and i use expressVPN. but still haven’t found a way to pay for CBS All Access without an american card.
i tryed an american gift card for google play store, but my try to make an american google accout failed, and paying does not work. help?
You should just use your very own Google account and pay for the service with your own account (and the card belonging to your account). There is no need for a gift card nor anything else!
I think ExpressVPN is one of the best softwares for VPNs. I truly recommend it if you want to watch CBS. If you are having problems to download it, use any apk downloader as https://www.apksmods.com/
Personally I am a huge Star Trek fan and I can’t wait for their new animated series. This is mostly why I bought CBS All access and a fresh NordVPN account. Will be enjoying the show from tomorrow!
Didn’t work for me. Installed the app on my phone, Used vpn (New York). I was able to sign up and log in on my first attempt. Nothing would play though and I couldn’t log in from my pc using the same vpn and credentials. Tried logging out on my phone but couldn’t log back in. Just got an error. Ah well.
This has got to be something completely different problem. Did you contact the VPN provider about the problem? YOu should be able to use one subscription on many devices simultaneously, so the fact that you couldn’t log in and more just tells me that the error has got to be somewhere else. If you didn’t even get it to work on your computer… well don’t understand really!
Personally, I am a huge Star Trek fan and I can’t wait for their new animated series. This is mostly why I bought Paramount+ and a fresh ExpressVPN account. Will be enjoying the show from tomorrow! 🙂