Netflix says 'Your ad-supported plan is not available in this region.'

I live in Singapore, but I’ve had a US Netflix account since 2014. This was way before they launched in other countries, so back then I must’ve VPN’d it or something.

Recently they rolled out new pricing whereby the cheapest plan (USD 6.99) has ads. I was automatically put on that plan. I didn’t mind because i was curious what kind of ads they will show. Plus it’s a fair drop from the USD 11.99 I was paying.

But when I tried to watch Netflix last night, I got big message plastered on screen saying “Your ad-supported plan is not available in this region… bla bla”

After a bit of reading up, I learnt it doesn’t matter what account you have, they follow your location. The catalogue you’re allowed to access is based on the location you’re viewing from. What to do? Okay, upgrade to second tier (USD 15.49). No ads, but whatever, I just wanted to finish my show.

I was going to be okay with this. But after the show, I thought WAITAMINUTE… why am I hanging on to US account and being billed in US dollars? Netflix Singapore must have their own basic plan too. It won’t have ads and it has to be cheaper than USD 15.49, correct?

Correct. Netflix SG basic pricing SGD 13.98 (roughly USD 10). Which will save me about SGD 85 a year.

After more reading, I learnt the only way to change your region is to CANCEL YOUR ACCOUNT. In a nutshell:

1. Cancel your account
2. Wait for billing period to end
3. Restart your account while you’re in your new location

So dumb but whatever.