How to Buy a Freely TV Box Outside the UK
Freely TV is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to watch UK television, combining live BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 channels with catch-up services in one place.
Devices such as the Netgem PLEIO and the Manhattan Aero Freely TV box allow you to bring Freely to almost any television. Not sure which to pick? See our Manhattan Aero vs Netgem PLEIO guide.
However, if you are living outside the UK, buying one is not always straightforward.
Many major UK retailers simply will not ship these devices internationally.
Why UK Retailers Won’t Ship Freely TV Boxes Abroad
You will usually find that delivery is restricted to UK addresses, if you try to order a Freely TV box from retailers such as:
- Amazon UK
- Currys
- John Lewis
This is typically due to:
- Distribution and regional sales agreements
- Warranty and support limitations
- Product availability being focused on the UK market
Even when international delivery appears possible, orders are often cancelled or restricted.
Common Workarounds (And Their Drawbacks)
When faced with these restrictions, many customers try alternative ways to get a Freely TV box abroad.
Sending to a UK Address
Some people send the device to a friend or family member in the UK and ask them to forward it.
While this can work, it often results in:
- Additional shipping steps and delays
- Limited visibility once the item is forwarded
- Difficulty if something needs to be returned
Parcel Forwarding Services
Parcel forwarding companies offer another option, but they can introduce their own issues.
These may include:
- Multiple handling stages
- Increased risk of delays in transit
- Limited support if the device needs to be returned
Buying from Marketplace Sellers
Some customers turn to platforms such as eBay to find sellers offering international shipping.
While this can sometimes work, there are several things to be aware of.
Many listings are from private sellers rather than established companies, which can lead to:
- Significantly inflated prices, sometimes double UK retail
- Little or no after-sales support
- Uncertainty around returns or replacements
- Lack of experience with international shipping
It is also worth being cautious of anyone offering a cheap "fully-loaded" Fire Stick as a shortcut instead of a genuine Freely box. These devices often hide malware — here's why a dodgy Fire Stick can slow down your whole internet connection — which is exactly the sort of risk a legitimate Netgem PLEIO or Manhattan Aero avoids.
A More Reliable Way to Buy a Freely TV Box Abroad
For customers outside the UK, it is usually easier to purchase from a supplier experienced in shipping these devices internationally.
At Stream UK TV Abroad, we supply:
- Netgem PLEIO Freely TV boxes
- Manhattan Aero Freely TV boxes
We ship them directly to customers across Europe and worldwide.
Our team manages the shipping process end-to-end, including monitoring shipments and assisting with customs clearance where required. This helps ensure a smoother delivery experience compared to forwarding services or marketplace purchases.
Because we specialise in helping customers watch UK TV abroad, we also ensure the devices are suitable for use with VPN router setups, avoiding common compatibility issues.
What You Need to Use Freely Outside the UK
It is important to understand that Freely is designed for use within the UK.
To use it abroad, you will also need:
- A SmartHub VPN router
- A UK residential IP connection
- An internet connection such as fibre, Starlink or 4G/5G
Once connected, Freely works just as it does in the UK.
A Simple Setup for Watching UK TV Abroad
A typical setup looks like this:
- Your internet connection (home broadband, Starlink or mobile data)
- A VPN router using a UK residential IP
- Your Netgem PLEIO or Manhattan Aero device
Once configured, you can watch live UK channels and catch-up services on your TV without needing satellite or aerial installations.
Why Freely Is Worth It
Freely offers a simple and flexible way to watch UK television.
It provides:
- Live BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 channels
- Integrated catch-up services
- No satellite dish or aerial required
For viewers abroad, this makes it one of the easiest ways to access UK TV when combined with the right network setup.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Freely TV box outside the UK can be frustrating, especially when major retailers do not offer international shipping.
While there are workarounds, they often involve higher costs, delays or uncertainty.
By choosing a supplier experienced in international delivery, you can avoid these issues and get everything you need in one place.
For viewers looking to watch UK TV abroad, having the right device and the right setup makes all the difference.
