Take TV With You: How to Watch UK TV Abroad in Spain, Dubai, and USA
For millions of British expats and travelers, leaving the UK comes with one major downside: losing access to British TV.
Whether you are retiring to the Costa del Sol, working in Dubai, or just visiting Florida for two weeks, turning on the hotel TV is usually a disappointment. You miss the Premier League, you miss EastEnders, and you definitely miss the BBC News.
In the past, expats in Spain would install massive 3-meter satellite dishes to catch a grainy signal. But in 2026, technology has changed.
Here is the ultimate guide to taking your home TV package with you, wherever you go in the world.
The Old Way vs. The New Way
❌ The Old Way: Satellite Dishes
Since Brexit and recent satellite beam changes, picking up "Freesat" in southern Europe has become harder.
- Spain: You need a huge, expensive dish.
- USA/Dubai: Satellite is impossible (the Earth curves too much!).
✅ The New Way: Portable IPTV
IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) doesn't care where you are. As long as you have an internet connection (WiFi or 4G/5G), you can stream the exact same channels you watch at home.
With an IPTV Care subscription, you get:
- UK Live TV: BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky Sports, TNT Sports.
- Familiar Guide: An EPG that looks just like your Sky or Virgin box at home.
- No Equipment: No dish, no box. Just use a Firestick or an app on your Smart TV.
The "Geo-Block" Hurdle (And How to Fix It)
If you try to open BBC iPlayer in Benidorm or Dubai, you will see a message: "This content is not available in your location."
This is called Geo-Blocking. Streaming services read your IP address, see you are in Spain, and block you.
The Solution: Use a VPN
To watch UK TV abroad reliably, you need two things:
- A Premium IPTV Subscription (like IPTV Care).
- A VPN (Virtual Private Network).
A VPN, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, allows you to "teleport" your digital location back to the UK.
- Step 1: Open the VPN app on your Firestick/Phone.
- Step 2: Connect to a "London" or "Manchester" server.
- Step 3: Open TiviMate or IPTV Smarters.
Now, as far as the internet is concerned, you are sitting on your sofa in Birmingham.
Special Guide: Watching TV in Dubai (UAE)
Dubai is a popular destination for British expats, but it has strict internet rules. Some VoIP and streaming services are blocked by local ISPs (Etisalat/Du).
If you are in the UAE, a VPN is not just recommended, it is essential.
- It bypasses the local blocks on video calling and streaming apps.
- It keeps your connection private and secure from ISP snooping.
Note: Always ensure you use a "stealth" or "obfuscated" protocol on your VPN when in the UAE to ensure it connects successfully.
Why Hardware Matters for Travelers
If you are a frequent traveler, our top tip is to buy a Firestick 4K.
- Portable: It fits in your pocket.
- Plug & Play: Plug it into any hotel TV HDMI port.
- WiFi Ready: Connects easily to hotel WiFi.
Pre-load it with IPTV Care and your VPN before you leave the UK. When you arrive at your hotel in New York or Alicante, just plug it in, and you have instant access to 25,000+ channels.
Conclusion
Don't settle for CNN International or local dubbed soaps. In 2026, there is no excuse for missing the big match or your favorite series.
Pack a Firestick, get a subscription, and make the world your living room.