Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, and the race for the best deals has begun. But there’s a trick many shoppers overlook—a way to find even better prices than what’s shown on your screen. Sure, coupon codes or flash sales can help, but there’s something even more powerful that gives you access to exclusive regional deals, hidden discounts, and lower prices based on location. The secret? A VPN download.

You might already be used to using a VPN for privacy or secure browsing, but it can also be your best tool for shopping. By changing your virtual location, you can find the best deals on everything from tech gadgets to flights, all while avoiding dynamic pricing that inflates costs based on where you’re browsing from. 

In this guide, we’ll unpack how a VPN can help you level up your shopping strategy, save more on your purchases, and ensure you don’t miss out on hidden offers and price variations. 

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Jump to…
1. Save on online shopping
2. Access subscription deals and gaming content at lower costs
3. Avoid dynamic pricing
4. Save on travel bookings
5. Use a browser extension for extra savings
6. Stay safe from scams 

1. Unlock regional Black Friday discounts with a VPN

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are peak times for scoring deals on everything from gadgets to fashion. But here’s the catch: the price you see isn’t necessarily the best out there. Retailers adjust prices based on browsing location, meaning someone shopping from another country could get a lower price on the same item. A VPN helps you shop like a local, making hidden regional discounts visible so you can save more.

Tech gadgets and electronics 

If you’re hunting for tech, you’ll find that gadgets are priced differently depending on the country you’re browsing from. Local demand, import taxes, and regional sales tactics all contribute to these differences. For instance, a gaming console could be hundreds cheaper in one region compared to another. A VPN lets you browse as though you’re in a different country, revealing the best prices on the electronics you’re eyeing.

How to use a VPN for better tech deals

• Target countries with favorable pricing: Regions like Southeast Asia, India, and Eastern Europe often have more affordable prices on electronics than North America or Western Europe. For example, a laptop priced at 1,200 USD in the U.S. might be available for 950 USD in another market.
• Explore local e-commerce sites: Try browsing marketplaces like Amazon Japan or Amazon Germany. By connecting to a VPN server in those regions, you might uncover exclusive regional discounts that aren’t available in other markets.

Fashion and clothing deals

Whether you’re eyeing a designer handbag or the latest fashion from a top brand, where you shop can make a big difference in price. Fashion retailers often set prices by region, with some offering exclusive discounts that are only visible to local shoppers. So, while that bag might be a bargain in France, it could still be full price in the U.S. or elsewhere. With a VPN, you can “shop locally” from afar, connecting to servers in regions where the best sales are happening.

How to unlock fashion sales with a VPN

• Connect to top fashion capitals: Fashion hubs like France, Italy, Japan, and the UK tend to offer unique discounts, especially on luxury and seasonal collections. By connecting to a VPN server in one of these regions, you may find regional offers that international shoppers miss out on.
• Search for seasonal sales and flash deals: Many retailers run special seasonal sales tied to local events or holidays. By switching your browsing location, you can catch these regional-only flash sales and exclusive offers that aren’t promoted globally.
• Unlock luxury goods: If you’re shopping for a designer purse, connect to a VPN server in Italy and search local Italian online stores or even international retailers like Farfetch or Yoox. You might discover that the purse is significantly cheaper in Italy than in your home country.

Pay less by shopping in local currencies

Prices on online stores often appear in your local currency, but the listed price may not always be the best deal. Exchange rates can work in your favor if you know how to play them right. With a VPN, you can shop from the product’s origin country, letting you pay in the local currency, which could be cheaper when accounting for favorable exchange rates.

• Connect to different countries to compare currency prices: Let’s say you’re purchasing a product listed at 100 USD. With a VPN, connect to a server in a country like France and see that the product is available for 85 EUR. If the exchange rate is favorable, buying the product in euros could save you money compared to paying in dollars.
• Look for savings in weaker currencies: Products listed in countries with weaker currencies can often result in substantial savings. For instance, a product priced in Turkish lira might be cheaper than in dollars or pounds after conversion, allowing you to make significant savings.

2. Get lower prices on subscriptions and games with a VPN

Beyond shopping, VPNs can also unlock savings on digital services, software subscriptions, and even games that are often priced differently depending on where you’re browsing from. This can mean lower prices on everything from cloud storage and productivity tools to your favorite titles, helping you score exclusive deals only available in certain countries.

How to use a VPN to save on digital subscriptions

During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, digital services frequently offer special discounts, but you may see different rates depending on your location. Connecting to VPN servers in different regions allows you to find the best deals for the same subscription. For example, a popular software package priced at 50 USD in the U.S. could be 35 USD in Canada for Black Friday. Changing your virtual location could reveal these hidden discounts, helping you get more value from your subscriptions.

Uncover hidden game discounts and exclusive bundles

Game prices, and even in-game currency, vary by region. In some cases, a game’s price could be half as much in another country. This price difference usually depends on local demand, regional competition, and platform pricing strategies, making a VPN especially handy for gamers on Black Friday.

• Shop from regions with lower game prices: Major gaming platforms like Steam, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Store often set prices to fit local budgets, which can lead to significant differences. Regions like Turkey, Brazil, and Argentina typically have more affordable pricing. By connecting to these regions with a VPN, you could find titles that cost a fraction of the price.
• Score regional holiday bundles: Some Black Friday or Cyber Monday bundles are exclusive to certain countries and include bonus downloadable content (DLC), character skins, or extra currency. With a VPN, you can connect to the right region and gain access to these limited-time offers—getting more value without spending extra.
• Stretch your in-game currency further: In-game currencies like V-Bucks or Apex Coins often have different price points depending on the market. With a VPN, you can make the most of your budget by accessing regions with favorable rates, allowing you to buy more currency for your money. Just be mindful of game and currency licensing policies in each region. Some regions limit purchases to local payment methods, so be prepared to switch back if needed.

3. Avoid price hikes with VPN protection against dynamic pricing

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just busy for shoppers—retailers are also working overtime to maximize sales. One tactic that becomes especially common during holiday sales is dynamic pricing. This strategy adjusts prices based on factors like location, browsing history, and even repeated visits to the same page. Ever noticed the price of a TV creeping up each time you check back? That’s dynamic pricing at work. A VPN gives you a clean slate by masking your browsing data, helping you dodge price hikes and get closer to the real deal.

How to stop price hikes and see the best deal

Dynamic pricing usually activates when retailers see repeated searches or track your interest in a product. Here’s where a VPN becomes a smart shopping tool. Switching your virtual location not only refreshes your search but also helps prevent prices from creeping up based on previous views.

• Compare prices from different regions: If a deal on a pair of wireless earbuds starts looking less like a steal and more like a splurge, connect to a server in a different region. Some regions might even have better base prices, so switching servers can show you where the true discounts lie.
• Stay incognito and clear your cookies: Dynamic pricing often relies on cookies to track your visits. Each time you switch locations, clear your cookies to remove past browsing data, which helps you start fresh without the “marked-up” effect.

4. Save on flights, hotels, and car rentals this Black Friday with a VPN

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday rolling around, travel companies are ready with discounts—but here’s the catch. Many travel sites adjust prices based on where you’re browsing from, so what you pay could depend on location. A VPN can help you test different regions to reveal better prices, unique perks, and rates that might not be visible otherwise. 

Get lower flight prices with regional pricing strategies

Flights are notorious for price variations based on demand, time of day, and—yes—location. Airlines and booking platforms often set different rates for customers browsing from certain regions, and with Black Friday deals in full swing, a little server switching can make a big difference.

• Look for deals in the airline’s base country: Airlines typically treat their home market to the best offers, especially around high-traffic holidays like Black Friday. By connecting to a VPN server in that region, you might see discounts that aren’t available elsewhere. For example, European-based airlines often drop prices for customers browsing from Europe itself.
• Try budget-friendly regions for flights: Some regions, particularly Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, tend to have more competitive fares during Black Friday. Test these locations with your VPN to see if there’s a price drop for the same flight.
• Track fares with alerts and check from multiple regions: Use fare alert tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner, then check these alerts through your VPN as Black Friday approaches. Switching regions can help you find the sweet spot when prices dip, and it’s one of the most effective ways to lock in a great deal.

Score hotel deals by tapping into regional specials

Hotels often use “location-based” pricing to make rooms more attractive for locals or travelers from nearby areas. With a VPN, you can access hidden deals or perks tied to your browsing location, such as free upgrades or complimentary breakfasts.

• Test hotel rates in their base country: Hotels frequently offer better rates to customers browsing from their home country. For instance, a Japanese hotel chain might provide a lower rate for customers appearing to browse from Japan. Connect to that server and see if the price improves.
• Look for local-only perks: Hotels in some countries promote “local-only” packages, including free breakfast, discounted room rates, or extended stay perks. By using a VPN to connect from your travel destination, you may spot these Black Friday offers that aren’t available to international shoppers.
• Check prices in multiple cities: Rates can vary between cities within the same country, especially on busy weekends. A VPN allows you to check rates in multiple cities or areas, giving you an idea of where the best deals actually are.

Get better car rental rates with regional comparisons

Car rental rates can differ based on booking location, and this can even impact things like insurance coverage. With a VPN, you can compare rates across regions and potentially save on Black Friday car rentals.

• Check rental rates from pickup and drop-off spots: Car rental companies often have different rates for pickup and drop-off locations, so use your VPN to test both areas. You might find that one location has a better deal.
• Look for regions with lower insurance fees: Car rentals often bundle in insurance, and the cost can vary greatly by location. Try connecting to areas known for lower fees to save on the full rental price. For Black Friday, car rental companies may also offer extras like discounted insurance packages—using a VPN to test different regions helps you find the best rates.

5. Pair your VPN with browser extensions for extra savings

Using a VPN to access regional discounts can reveal hidden savings, especially during Black Friday. But to take it a step further, pairing your VPN with smart browser extensions—like coupon and cashback tools—lets you tap into deals tailored to each market and maximize savings that may otherwise stay hidden. 

Maximize regional discounts with coupon and cashback extensions

With the right combo of VPN and browser extensions, you can unlock country-specific promo codes, increased cashback rates, and offers that wouldn’t appear if you were browsing locally. Here are some tools and tips to try.

• Find location-specific promo codes: Retailers often make discounts available only to shoppers in certain regions. By connecting to the store’s base region via VPN and using a coupon extension like Rakuten, Honey, or Capital One Shopping, you can find promo codes meant for local shoppers. These extensions search out deals that might otherwise stay hidden, so you’re saving like a local and catching discounts that global shoppers might miss.
• Compare cashback rates across regions: Some items offer different cashback rates depending on the country you’re browsing from, and during Black Friday, this difference can be significant. By connecting through a VPN, you can check which countries give the best cashback offers, especially for big-ticket items like electronics or fashion. Extensions like Rakuten and TopCashback are ideal for surfacing these options as you shop.
• Score region-based perks for specific groups: Some offers target specific demographics, like discounts for first-time buyers, students, or even loyalty program members in certain countries. By using a VPN to connect to the right region, you can combine these perks with your browser extension’s suggestions and catch deals usually limited to local customers.

Track international prices and time your purchases with price-watch tools

Pairing a VPN with price-tracking extensions like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel can help you uncover the true best price, tracking how costs change across different regions and timing purchases for the lowest rates.

• See international price trends on high-demand items: Products like electronics or popular gift items see price fluctuations across regions. Connect to different servers with your VPN and use tools like Keepa to identify where the real deals are, so you avoid inflated “sales” that don’t reflect the lowest prices.
• Set alerts across multiple countries: Waiting for the right moment to grab that special item? Set alerts for price drops in several regions. By using your VPN to check these alerts in different areas, you’ll know as soon as Black Friday deals start falling in the countries with the best rates.
• Get ahead with early price cuts: Many items start dropping in price even before Black Friday, especially in regions where sales start early. By combining your VPN with price-monitoring tools, you can keep an eye on early discounts and snap up the best offers before they disappear.

6. Shop safely on Black Friday: VPN tips to avoid scams

When discounts pop up everywhere, so do the risks. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are peak times for online scams, and cybercriminals know exactly how to take advantage of the shopping frenzy. A VPN like ExpressVPN does more than just keep your data private—it’s your first line of defense against the pitfalls of high-traffic shopping days. Here’s how to stay smart and secure while hunting for deals:

Protect your payment information on public Wi-Fi

Out grabbing coffee and using public Wi-Fi to check out deals? Public networks are notoriously insecure and can expose your device to hackers. By connecting to a VPN like ExpressVPN, you encrypt your data and make it nearly impossible for hackers on the same network to see sensitive information like your credit card details or login credentials. The VPN acts like a secure tunnel for your data, letting you browse and shop privately, even in crowded places.

Spotting and avoiding phishing scams disguised as deals

Black Friday and Cyber Monday email blasts can be tempting, with subject lines offering “Exclusive deals just for you!” But these can often be phishing scams designed to lure you into clicking links that compromise your personal information. A VPN adds a layer of anonymity, making it harder for scammers to target you specifically with tailored attacks. However, vigilance is key—always go directly to trusted sites rather than clicking through promotional emails or pop-ups.

Safeguard your personal shopping accounts

Many retailers save your information—billing addresses, saved cards, and wish lists—to make shopping easier. But during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these accounts are more vulnerable to hacking attempts. Protecting your login credentials with a VPN helps prevent hackers from seeing your IP address, making it more challenging for them to compromise your account. And, if your password is stored in a cloud-based password manager, a VPN encrypts that connection too, making it even safer.

Securely track your purchases and monitor for unusual activity

Once you’ve made your purchases, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your accounts for any unexpected activity, especially if you’re shopping with multiple retailers. Use a VPN to check your online banking or credit card statements, as it shields your data while you monitor transactions and account balances. This is especially important if you’re shopping across several devices, as it helps to prevent unauthorized access while giving you peace of mind.

The post 6 ways to use a VPN for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 savings appeared first on ExpressVPN Blog.