ITunes Store Geographic localization

I reckon that, for Apple Store (the one selling all the physical stuff, like iPods), it's normal they won't sell stuff all over the world, because there's shipping, taxes, and all. But what I don't get is why the same happens for, say, apps store? Why can Americans purchase stuff British, French, Japanese, or Brazilian people can't? What's the problem with enabling the same downloads for all customers worldwide? They're paying with money, anyways.
This really becomes a problem when you live in a "unfavored" country, like Brazil. Here, iTunes store is simply made of the appstore. There are no songs for sale, no movies, no podcasts for download, no tv shows, nor audiobooks. Why is that?

What's the problem with enabling the same downloads for all customers worldwide?
Apple hasn't acquired permission to sell enough content of that type in a country to open an iTunes Store section for that content, or in the case of specific items, doesn't have permission to sell that item in that country; the copyright may be held by a different person or group in different countries.
This doesn't apply to podcasts; those can be downloaded from any computer with an Internet connection from any iTunes Store that lists them. The iTunes Store doesn't host podcasts; it just provides a listing of those downloadable elsewhere.
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I cant download music from itunes store, my geographical location is india

Hi,
I stay in Mumbai, India. I wanted to purchase some music from the itunes store. I selected the "buy now" on the album details page. Then I entered my apple id and password. But then in the drop down list "India" was not mentioned. How should I download music from the itunes store then?

Do you have a valid credit card and address from any of the countries mentioned in the drop down menu? If you do, make an account with that credit card, if you don't, then you can't buy media from iTunes because iTunes currently doesn't have an India store.

ITunes store showing with Japanese localization, prices in Yen

Anyone else experiencing this? My timezone information is setup properly, thats the first thing I checked.
Windows XP Pro

Open iTunes and click on the iTunes Store icon. When the store opens scroll to the bottom of the screen to the My Store menu, click on the flag and then choose your own from the window that appears.

Can I use 2 different countries alternatively in one iTunes Store account?

Thank you very much in finding time to read (and possibly answer) this query of mine. My iTunes Store account is Philippine-based (even though I live in Dubai right now) ever since I had one and most of my apps we're purchased in that store. However, since a there are a lot of apps and most especially eBooks which I could only get from the US iTunes Store, I am planning to alternatively change the country of my account from Philippines to US and vice versa whenever I need to update apps on a specific store. But my default country would still be in the Philippine iTunes Store. Is that possible? Can I still read my purchased eBooks (from the US iTunes Store) for my iBooks app even if I revert back to the Philippine iTunes Store? Because the eBook selection for the Philippine iBookstore *****! It doesn't offer popular titles or new ones for people to read. Anyway, I've got my auntie's US address for me to be able to make a US iTunes Store account and I'll be using a iTunes gift card for my purchases since I don''t have a US-based credit/debit card with me.
I'd be so grateful to anybody who could give me specific answers to my specific questions on this post.
Thanks in advance!
- STEPHEN, 24, DUBAI, UAE

It is illegal to access an iTunes Store in one country from another country. I know what you are doing, so I'm informing you that doing so is a violation of law.
"Although you can browse the iTunes Store in any country without being signed in, you can only purchase content from the iTunes Store for your own country. This is enforced via the billing address associated with your credit card or other payment method that you use with the iTunes Store, rather than your actual geographic location."
From here > The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store | iLounge Article
Billing policy is the same for the iTunes and Mac App Stores.

How to re-download an app in US itunes store which i already purchased in china itunes store?

Apps in itunes library disappeared today after i transfered my acount to region from China.
How to redownload these apps?(Of course, I am asking for a method that do not need to transfer my account back to China, pay for them again or sugest the White House to occupy China)

"Although you can browse the iTunes Store in any country without being signed in, you can only purchase content from the iTunes Store for your own country. This is enforced via the billing address associated with your credit card or other payment method that you use with the iTunes Store, rather than your actual geographic location. You can use the iTunes Store in all countries of which you’re a resident, but you’ll either need a separate iTunes Store account for each one, or you’ll need to continually be switching the billing information on your single account. Generally, it’s simpler just to set up an alternative account for these situations, although it’s worth nothing that features like iTunes in the CLoud and iTunes Match are designed to work best when using a single iTunes Store account, as you can only switch accounts with these services every 90 days."
From here > The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store | iLounge Article

Is it safe to delete iTunes media that is no longer available in the iTunes Store?

There is a support document that states it is OK to delete content locally so long as the content is available in the cloud depending on your geographic location. As I'm in the US all media types are available. From the document:
You can delete items that you bought from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or Mac App Store from your iOS device, Mac, or PC. Because Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) plays content from the cloud, you don't need to delete items from your Apple TV.
Before you delete an item, make sure you can download it again. If you can't or need to pay to download it again, back up the item before you delete it.
What I am still not clear on is if it is also safe to delete content that is no longer available in the iTunes store? Will it still be available for previous purchases?
I prefer the quality and off-line availability of iTunes media over Google Play but I've had issues recovering deleted media in iTunes in the past and so have less anxiety about the security of my purchases on Google Play versus iTunes. Can someone confirm if items no longer available for sale in iTunes are or are not still available via the cloud?

Thanks for the reply although I'm not too happy to hear it. What's awesome about the cloud is no longer having to keep up with any physical media. The promise of that is realized with everything else (my work, music, books) besides movies and TV.
I wonder how Google Play will handle movies/tv that becomes unavailable? Google Play does allow you to download media in some circumstances (on Android and iOS) but is generally intended for streaming. Maybe relying on a physical copy as I do with iTunes should make me more comfortable with it and not less.
I will come back to mark your reply as the solution as it becomes clear there is not a contrary position. Thank you.

How to buy a movie from US iTunes store with Finnish credit card?

Tried to buy a movie: "One Track Heart" which was advertised in the movies web page with "available on iTunes" button.
Link leads to iTunes store page, where is error message like: not available in your country, you will be linked to another iTunes Store.
When buying a movie from US iTunes store, purchase does not happend because of "you Apple ID is not valid for purchases in US iTunes Store, you will be redirected to the iTunes Store Finland".
How come it´s easy to buy a DVD from states via Amazon, but very difficult via Apple?

This is what Amazon-instant-watch service replied as a error message:
"We are sorry...
We could not process your order because of geographical restrictions on the product which you were attempting to purchase. Please refer to the terms of use for this product to determine the geographical restrictions.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you."
Apple should see something to learn in this Amazon answer.

When I select a title in the iTunes Store and click on Play in iTunes I am sent to the download page for iTunes 10 which I have already. The selected title cannot be found anywhere in my iTunes. How can I get the title in iTunes with possibility to buy it

When I select a title in the iTunes Store and click on Play in iTunes I am sent to the download page for iTunes 10 which I have already. The selected title cannot be found anywhere in my iTunes. How can I get the title in iTunes with possibility to buy it?

The issue is that your credit or debit card credentials must be associated with the same country where you reside in order to purchase iTunes content.
"Although you can browse the iTunes Store in any country without being signed in, you can only purchase content from the iTunes Store for your own country. This is enforced via the billing address associated with your credit card or other payment method that you use with the iTunes Store, rather than your actual geographic location. You can use the iTunes Store in all countries of which you’re a resident, but you’ll either need a separate iTunes Store account for each one, or you’ll need to continually be switching the billing information on your single account. Generally, it’s simpler just to set up an alternative account for these situations, although it’s worth nothing that features like iTunes in the CLoud and iTunes Match are designed to work best when using a single iTunes Store account, as you can only switch accounts with these services every 90 days."
From here > The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store | iLounge Article

Setting up iTunes Store Account for Grenada

Hi,
Has anyone been able to set up an itunes store account using a debit/credit card with a Grenada billing address?
I am trying to set up an Ipad from Grenada and Itunes is saying the form is not complete even when every field in completed.
Looks like Apple's billing address completion form is not compatible with billing addresses from Grenada because it's looking for a postal code and the form does not have one.
Any ideas or workarounds?

Hi...
Not sure if this applies in your case, but your credit or debit card credentials must be associated with the same country where you reside.
"Although you can browse the iTunes Store in any country without being signed in, you can only purchase content from the iTunes Store for your own country. This is enforced via the billing address associated with your credit card or other payment method that you use with the iTunes Store, rather than your actual geographic location."
From here > The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store | iLounge Article
Use can the email form to contact Apple here > Apple - Support - iTunes Store - Contact Us

I live in Germany, but want to access iTunes store in English - how?

I live in Germany, but want to access iTunes store in English - how?

1. iTunes (the application on your Mac) can be in English - it generally follows what your Mac's preferences are.
2. iTunes store or App Store (where you buy apps, music, films etc) - by default you will be sent to the French store if you are geographically connecting from France. This is only in French (except for the outer level menus) and priced in euros and has different stuff available for purchase or rent than the UK or US store.
You can change your account preferences to choose the UK store, but you need a billing address in the UK. Then you can use the UK store. You can browse the UK store without a UK account but you can't buy anything.
So basically if you are English-speaking but living in France, you have no choice but to read French on the site and choose from the few VO and VOST (original version and subtitled) films that are on offer. I believe there are other options as stated above if you have a pre-purchased card.

How can I buys book from iTunes if it is not available in my area; however available in the US iTunes store?

Hi,
I used to buy from itunes through my apple account till an apple onle store was opened recently in my country. This should have been a good news; however, the rality is that - it is not! Books that I'm willing to buy is not available in my country; however, available in the US store. Is there anyway that I can buy books and download them if not available in my apple's country online store?

Read here > iTunes Store: Which types of items can I buy in my country?
Is there anyway that I can buy books and download them if not available in my apple's country online store?
The problem with that is your credit or debit card credentials must be associated with the same country where you reside.
"Although you can browse the iTunes Store in any country without being signed in, you can only purchase content from the iTunes Store for your own country. This is enforced via the billing address associated with your credit card or other payment method that you use with the iTunes Store, rather than your actual geographic location."
From here > The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store | iLounge Article

Is the iTunes store useless for people outside of America?

Well, you read the title. The world wide web is a beautiful thing, and it gives us access to information from the other side of the world within seconds. More specifically, it allows you to go shopping in online stores from the other side of the world, with a large and diverse selection of products. That was the main reason why I wanted to start using iTunes; I wanted to buy songs, TV episodes, and other things, that were otherwise not available in a practical way due to my localization.
But however, as I am living in Norway, my account only allows me to buy products from the Norwegian store on iTunes. Which is a major paradox and a ridiculous catch to it. Why would I want to do that? Why would I want to browse the same selection of products I can find in a store 5 minutes away from my physical location?
When I can't download songs and videos available on a global web store - content which I pay for with real money - just because I live in another country (notice the paradox), I just have to ask myself: what is the point? Why does the iTunes Store even exist as it does today? I don't know the whole picture and all the factors related to this decision, but I mean, come on. Either allow different nationalities to browse the same broad selection of products, or remove the service altogether for the "other" countries. Sure, it's nice to be able to buy local media without moving anything else than your fingers. But the way it is now, it just kills the purpose of the web. If the service is available globally, it's just not right with availability segregation. After all, it's the world wide web, not the nation wide web.

The world wide web is a beautiful thing, and it gives us access to information from the other side of the world within seconds.
Yes it does. Information is wonderful.
More specifically, it allows you to go shopping in online stores from the other side of the world, with a large and diverse selection of products
Providing that they can ship it and legally sell it, yes.
But however, as I am living in Norway, my account only allows me to buy products from the Norwegian store on iTunes. Which is a major paradox and a ridiculous catch to
Yes. that is how it works for every music store in all the countries. Thats how the rights holders choose to do that.
Why would I want to browse the same selection of products I can find in a store 5 minutes away from my physical location?
Not every song in the iTunes store can be bought at a physical brick and mortar store nor do many offer the convenience of buying them at any time of the day and (in most cases on a song by song basis).
Its an alternative that allot of people like.
When I can't download songs and videos available on a global web store
Because the rights holders for the music content (not Apple) want to restrict music purchases by country. Since they own the content, its their choice.
content which I pay for with real money - just because I live in another country (notice the paradox),
Yep thats the ticker. Credit cards can be regionally enforced. Music companies have been looking for ways to do this for a long time. Even restricting CD's were tough to do being the difference between the media type.
Apple would love to sell music globally. They cant.
I don't know the whole picture and all the factors related to this decision,
I'm glad for you, they are complicated. But if you have a physic address and a credit card issued from a different country, you can open up an account from that country.
Either allow different nationalities to browse the same broad selection of products, or remove the service altogether for the "other" countries.
That "feature" exists as a convenience for the few people who can buy content from other countries (who have credit cards and addresses in more than one country). What you are asking for is separate version of iTunes for each country that would have to be maintained separately. Since those select few who can open up multiple accounts for a different country would either require a separate version of iTunes or for two different version to be installed at once.
FOor the best in simplicity, the store is a separate entity from iTunes for which iTunes access the same address (routed by IP address for the right store front).
Plus as I said before, Apple cant do cross border sales, the recording companies don't want it.
After all, it's the world wide web, not the nation wide web.
Content gets restricted by location all the time. There just doesn't exist a universal agreement on what can be done by the internet. You can't just make assumptions that the internet is entirely open. Who gets access to what things is determined by the content owners. If they want to restrict it, there is very little that can be done.

Why can i see an album (punk o rama 10) on the apple website but not in the itunes store

the title pretty much sums it up, added note: when i go to press view in store it tells me to download itunes which i have.

The issue is that your credit or debit card credentials must be associated with the same country where you reside in order to purchase iTunes content.
"Although you can browse the iTunes Store in any country without being signed in, you can only purchase content from the iTunes Store for your own country. This is enforced via the billing address associated with your credit card or other payment method that you use with the iTunes Store, rather than your actual geographic location. You can use the iTunes Store in all countries of which you’re a resident, but you’ll either need a separate iTunes Store account for each one, or you’ll need to continually be switching the billing information on your single account. Generally, it’s simpler just to set up an alternative account for these situations, although it’s worth nothing that features like iTunes in the CLoud and iTunes Match are designed to work best when using a single iTunes Store account, as you can only switch accounts with these services every 90 days."
From here > The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store | iLounge Article

Can't buy any apps in iTunes store!

Hi there,
For the past few weeks I can't buy any apps from the iTunes store. It just says that "it's not possible to finish the purchase. To get get help contact iTunes Support on the website."
I have no idea why this happens, I checked all my info and it's all good... I also tried to contact Apple Support, but for my country (Portugal) we can only make calls and I've been trying for a while and it's impossible to reach them... To make things even better, I'm not in Portugal at the moment, so a call is quite expensive...
I also tried to buy apps on all sorts of devices (macbook pro, iphone 6 and ipad mini) with different accounts but all of them with the same problem...
Does anyone have any idea about how to solve this problem?? I would really appreciate!
Thanks,
Ana

You have to be in a country to use its store and it has always been that way - from the Portugal store's terms (and other countries will be the same) which you agreed to :
O Serviço está disponível para si apenas em Portugal. Concorda em não utilizar ou tentar utilizar o Serviço fora desta localização. A iTunes poderá utilizar tecnologias para verificar o seu cumprimento desta disposição.
Whilst you are in the Netherlands you can only use the Netherlands store

I live in Zambia and there is no itune store here.I just upgraded my ios and now i want to install apple apps but unfortunately itunes store cannot recognize Zambia in my billing plan.Somebody help because i need most of these apps which i have lost.

How can i have a billing plan if my country cannot be listed in itunes store.Is there any other way i could download apple apps without a billing plan?

The living issue is complex in my case. Legally speaking, I have no personal residence globally. I just live wherever my father goes, which is everywhere. I'm an expat and it seems that these sites aren't really expat-friendly. They seem to be built for localization and assume everyone stays in the same place.
I don't know what I'd be considered. I'm a US passport holder and live in China, but I only speak some Chinese and I can't read it (it using non-latin characters is just too much for my mind's memory to handle). Besides that, I'm not interested in popular Chinese apps. They tend to just be annoying and kooky and generic and put together badly, often full adware and spyware (speaking for most Chinese software, in fact). In fact, a lot of apps I want are illegal in China (YouTube, Facebook, etc) and I use a VPN to use the services. I assume I wouldn't find these apps on the Chinese store. In fact, last I checked, there wasn't many English apps on the Chinese app store. This is probably due to their strict moderation or something.
I've been going to international schools since I got here and college would be in English too. I can speak some Chinese, but not read it.
Well, I guess the answer is that I can't use the App Store in English. So I guess I'll just sign out everything on my phone involving my Apple account and just start using third-party tools to do my business.

ITunes Store Geographic localization

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