If it's convenient or solves your problem, it's illegal. Just use that as a rule of thumb.

It's not illegal, but it is against Netflix's TOS:

> You may not circumvent, remove, alter, deactivate, degrade or thwart any of the content protections in the Netflix service.

Using a VPN to access content from another region would be considered circumventing content protections.

It is probably not illegal to purchase a VPN connection.

However check the Netflix terms of use. They may specify that you can only access it if you are located in the USA. If you are using a VPN you are accessing a computer system without authorisation, which is illegal in the USA (and most other countries). You are unlikely to be convicted of it (though it did sorta happen once in the USA).

When I lived in Europe from 2006-2008, I was able to purchase and download episodes online from Apple iTunes with a U.S. Credit Card.

I was unable to access Hulu or Netflix streaming when they debuted, which made me sad.

You would probably need a credit card tied to a us-based address as well.