Picture the scene: you’re shopping online in the UK and can’t find that one specific thing you’re after. You speak to an American friend who offers to help you, and they manage to find the item with just a single Google search. The reason they were able to find it and you weren’t is simple: Google provides you results based on where you are in the world. In the past, it was easy to change your location, but as of October this year, it became difficult to do.
Now you must visit Google/preferences each time to change your location. However, you should know, the following. If the country you reside in demands that specific results do not show up in a search, Google will remove them.
Change Search or Shopping Location in Google – A Solution
So, now that you know Google has removed the simple solution to this problem, and changing your search location manually doesn’t guarantee the results you want! Maybe, it’s time to think outside of the box. Thankfully, you don’t have to go too far outside of it, as it is possible to use a simple tool known as a VPN. Using one to shop as though you were in a different location or country has never been easier.
What is a VPN and Why Would You Use One When Shopping Online?
An acronym for a ‘Virtual Private Network,’ a VPN is a service which allows you to change your web location and browse as though you were in another country. That means, should you want to appear as if in the USA, Germany, Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Africa that’s possible.
Some of the most trusted and affordable VPN services can be found below. However, should you wish to do a little research first, take a look at my VPN reviews
- Provider
- User Rating
- Our Review
- Price
PureVPN- 4807 Votes
- $3.24 / month
ExpressVPN- 3795 Votes
- $6.67 / month
Each of these services can be used across all devices, so you’ll be able to change location in a Google shopping search via a laptop, tablet or mobile. In fact, most providers now support multiple platforms, so that’s Android phones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads. Plus, Windows, Linux, and MAC, and streaming devices like Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, and Roku.
Another added benefit to using a VPN when shopping online is that it will remove your browsing history.
The reason this is a benefit is that lots of websites will remember you if you return more than once, and may not offer you the same deals the second time around. In other words, by using a VPN when shopping online, you’ll arrive at each website as though it was the first time, and receive the very best offers.
When To Change Location In Google Shopping Search
By changing your location when shopping online with Google, you’ll be able to access many retailers/services which wouldn’t otherwise be available to you.
Of course, this means that you’ll be able to check out a broader range of products as well as compare prices to the ones available in your own country. It’s also useful to know how to search Google in a different location if ever you want to find the latest news related to a specific place.
How To Change Your Location in Google
To recap, should you wish to search or shop on Google from a different as if in another country, you’ll need to:
- Download a VPN
- Set your location to your preferred region
- Get shopping as if you were a native
It really is as simple as 1,2,3 to change your search or shopping location on Google!