Which VPN service would you recommend?

[NM]

I had an issue opening a bank account today, it needed an AU IP (so I used Nord initially), but the verify ID bit (3rd party) failed, so I used a VPN to a residential AU IP and then it worked fine.

For this reason I keep an IPSec VPN server running on my home NBN router so I can VPN into my home router and then bounce out appearing as the same AU IP address as my regular home network appears. The benefits of running a "real" router for my NBN connection rather than a "toy" packet forwarder . Also means I can access my NAS while away from my home network without publishing the NAS contents or front-door to the internet or relying on a cloud capability provided by the NAS vendor or a third party.

 

[Flashback]

For this reason I keep an IPSec VPN server running on my home NBN router so I can VPN into my home router and then bounce out appearing as the same AU IP address as my regular home network appears. The benefits of running a "real" router for my NBN connection rather than a "toy" packet forwarder . Also means I can access my NAS while away from my home network without publishing the NAS contents or front-door to the internet or relying on a cloud capability provided by the NAS vendor or a third party.

This is the way, exactly how I did it. My theory was they blocked commercial VPN IP's for the verify piece, and I was right when I tried again via a residential IP. Obviously not my home one ....... but the stuff I setup for my folks!

 

[MARTINE]

This is the way, exactly how I did it. My theory was they blocked commercial VPN IP's for the verify piece, and I was right when I tried again via a residential IP. Obviously not my home one ....... but the stuff I setup for my folks!

If only I understood what any of that meant and I can buy me some of that!

 

[MiaWexford]

For your use case (Aussie streaming in Europe + BBC iPlayer in Australia), these VPNs currently work most reliably:

• NordVPN – Still one of the best for both BBC iPlayer and Australian services. Works most of the time; if a server fails, switching usually fixes it.
• ExpressVPN – Very stable for streaming and often the most consistent with iPlayer.
• Surfshark – Cheaper but still strong for UK/AU streaming.
• Proton VPN (paid) – Works, but less consistent than the three above.

If you want the most reliable option overall: NordVPN or ExpressVPN.