Changing your Steam region can be useful for accessing a regional store, traveling, or resolving currency issues. However, Valve has strict rules to prevent abuse of region-switching for lower game prices. If done incorrectly, it may lead to account restrictions or suspension. This guide shows how to properly and securely change your Steam region.
TLDR
If you need to change your Steam region, the best way is by making a purchase while connected from a different country, but there are several steps to follow carefully. Use a reliable VPN sparingly and only when actually traveling, as Valve monitors suspicious activity. Never switch just to get a better deal—this can violate the Terms of Service. Your Steam Wallet balance must be zero, and local currency will change after successful region switching.
Why You Might Want to Change Your Steam Region
There are several valid reasons to change your Steam region:
- Travel or Permanent Relocation: If you're moving or staying in another country, your store should reflect the prices and currency of your current location.
- Currency Compatibility: Some countries use currencies not supported in the old region, making purchases difficult.
- Local Game Availability: Certain titles may only be available in specific regions due to licensing and regional restrictions.
Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to go about this the right way to avoid consequences from Steam’s automated fraud detection systems.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your Steam Region
Before initiating a region change, keep these critical points in mind:
- Your Steam Wallet balance must be empty. Wallet funds are region-locked and cannot be transferred.
- You must use local payment methods for transactions in the new region, or Steam will deny your region change.
- Do not continually switch back and forth between countries. Valve considers this suspicious behavior.
- Use of VPNs is detected by Steam. Use only if you're physically moving and not just trying to gain price advantages.
How to Change Your Steam Region (Step-by-Step)
Follow this method to change your region safely:
- Clear your Steam Wallet.
Make sure you use up any Steam Wallet funds before attempting a region change. You can spend them on games or downloadable content (DLC). - Log in to your Steam account.
Use the client or the Steam web interface as normal. - Use a VPN with a server in the country you're moving to (optional).
Only do this if you're actually relocating. Don't attempt to spoof your location purely for pricing benefits, as this violates Steam’s Terms of Service. - Browse the Store.
Once connected through the target country's network, go to the store. You should see prices in the local currency. If not, restart the client. - Attempt to buy a game.
During this process, Steam will prompt you to confirm your country. Choose the new region and continue to checkout. - Add a payment method with a billing address in the new country.
This is vital. Steam uses your billing address to verify your region. If your card or payment method does not match the new region, the process will fail. - Complete the payment.
Once the payment is successful, your store region will be updated automatically. You may need to restart the client or browser for changes to take full effect.
Use of VPNs: Risks and Recommendations
VPNs can technically allow you to access and simulate an IP address in another country, but Steam’s stance on VPNs is clear: Do not use them to circumvent price differences or licensing restrictions.
That said, if you're actually in another country and are using a VPN for security or connectivity reasons, Valve is unlikely to penalize you—provided your account activity aligns with the new region.
Always follow these VPN tips:
- Use VPNs that are known for secure, private browsing.
- Don’t switch locations frequently—this triggers flags on your account.
- Use a payment method from the VPN’s country only if you are physically there or just moved.
Changing Region Through Customer Support
If you face any issues during the store change—perhaps due to a blocked account, wrong currency showing, or payment error—you can contact Steam Support for assistance.
Make sure to have the following ready when reaching out:
- A local payment receipt (from the new region), if you already attempted a purchase.
- Your IP address (they may use it to verify geolocation).
- Your reason for changing region. If you’ve relocated, saying so clearly will usually help speed the process.
How Often Can You Change Your Steam Region?
Steam does not state a hard limit on region changes. However, the platform closely monitors how often such changes occur. Frequent region switching is usually taken as a sign of abuse or fraud.
Ideally, you should only change your Steam region when:
- You're permanently relocating to a new country.
- You are staying in a new country for an extended period for work, studies, or other valid reasons.
Steam may block accounts that change regions too frequently or whose activity appears inconsistent with the information provided.
After Changing Your Region: What to Expect
Once you've successfully changed your store region, here’s what you'll notice:
- Storefront prices will appear in the new country’s currency.
- Game availability may differ based on regional content licensing.
- Your wishlist prices may update or reset.
- Steam Wallet top-ups will require payment in your new local currency.
- If you ever return to your old region, Steam may prompt you to resubmit payment details for the old region.
Can Changing Your Region Get You Banned?
Changing your Steam region is not against the platform’s rules if done for legitimate reasons. However, Valve does penalize users who abuse the system to gain access to cheaper prices or restricted games.
Potential penalties include:
- Temporary purchase restrictions.
- Locking of the Steam account until pending investigation.
- Loss of games bought undeclared from foreign regions.
- Permanent bans in extreme cases, especially for marketplace abuse.
To avoid trouble, always be honest and align your payment, IP address, and activity with the country you claim to reside in.
Final Thoughts
Changing your Steam region is a straightforward process when done for the right reasons, such as traveling or relocating. While VPNs and price comparisons can be tempting, it’s important to respect the platform’s policies to avoid losing access to your account.
Always use valid payment methods, be consistent with your regional details, and change your region sparingly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely transition your Steam account’s store region without risking penalties.