If I take my UK-bought iPad to Dubai in the UAE, will I be able to access my UK iTunes account to purchase music and apps (and iOS updates) whilst in Dubai? I've googled the issue but there are so many different answers that I need some sort of authoriative guidence, if anyone can help please. Is it correct that Apple will not allow iTunes transactions from non-UK IP addresses?
According to the Terms of Use of the iTunes Store, you need to be physically located in the country in which you have your account at the time of purchase. Does Apple actually enforce this? I don't know. Have people successfully used their accounts from other countries? Yes.
Only Apple can really give you a definitive answer.
Best of luck.
Is it correct that Apple will not allow iTunes transactions from non-UK IP addresses?
Speaking from my personal experience, I have never had a problem using my UK iTunes account whilst visiting relatives abroad. I've updated existing apps and purchased new apps many, many times.
However, Apple do say:
"The Service is available to you only in the United Kingdom. You agree not to use or attempt to use the Service from outside this location. iTunes may use technologies to verify your compliance."
My husband works/travels extensively in the Middle East. Due to the many restrictions in place there he always uses a VPN. He connects to servers here in the US but had the choice of Canadian or UK servers. Our subscription costs just under $10/month but is well worth it because he can use FaceTime, Skype and Netflix.
You can get a subscription on a monthly basis so it depends on how much the access is worth to you if you only plan on using it once or twice. We use a company called VPN Account but there are many to choose from. Just be sure you pick one that supports the iPad. I understand that HideMyAss is having trouble with the latest iPad OS.
Thanks folks. So in summary then, Apple say that one can only use iTunes in the country one lives in, but it might work regardless. It's a bl**dy ridiculous situation from a common-sense, paying customer perspective, especially when you consider that so many of Apple's non-US customers travel internationally so often, and that iOS devices are built to be mobile. I'm sure someone will be quick to point out that it's not Apple's fault, but I'm not so sure that they aren't just giving in far too easily instead of challenging the legal boundaries here. steelblue - I would begrudge paying a VPN subscription just to be able to buy things from Apple, but thanks anyway 🙂
Here in the EU, free trade between EU countries should allow EU residents to buy whatever they want from any EU country. However, Apple's iTunes/App Store restrictions effectively block this, so I'm not sure how this is happening from a legal standpoint. I believe there may be some EU folks looking into it.
It's kind of weird that I can order a physical CD from any EU country and legally buy it from the UK. However, Apple prevents this for digital downloads by having it's "must have a billing address in the selected Store's country" rule. Basically going against EU free trade rules.
According to this article, it's to do with music licensing issues, which are done on a country-by-country basis, rather than the EU as a whole. But there are no such licensing issues with apps, so why Apple imposes the same restrictions I don't know.
Understand what you are saying about EU member countries. I suspect the "across-the-board" restrictions have as much to do with coding for exceptions as much as anything.
But in the case of any country in the Middle East (or some far eastern countries, for that matter), it has to do with government restrictions. These countries are struggling to maintain a way of life and feel threatened by Western values, which they consider to be immoral. It's not just FaceTime/Skype, etc. It's also music/movie/TV content that gets blocked. Until/unless those governments lift their restrictions you will be SOL. Hence the use of a VPN. I would not pay for a VPN either if all I wanted to do was buy a few things for a few days, but if you are there for any long period of time you might consider it. You might be surprised what is blocked.
Hello Roy,
Well, i've been to Dubai last year with a friend from London. & she was able to use her iTunes Account to download stuff (music, apps) without any problems.
Apparently, Apple's iTunes does not use IP Tracking to control user activity. As long as your account is legit, i see no issues. The only thing you might not be able to access are the UK apps which may or may not use technologies to control their content.
Sometimes iTunes may take you to the UAE store, don't worry - just login & it will take you back to the UK iTunes Store.
Thanks for that MUSIC_foryou, but I've already found out that all was well last year. It's the current state of play that I am hoping to find out about, as things have reportedly changed in recent months. Does anyone have any recent experience of using a UK iTunes account in the UAE?
I've just posted similiar question. I moved with my MacBookPro to UAE from Poland (EU country) and can not get connected to AppleStore and iTunesStore. Seems strange that only some Apple/iTuneStore customers can still use their accounts while traveling aborad and the others have access restricted/blocked.
I have regrettably just become aware that I am extremely restricted and Limited to what is available on an Apple iPad when in the UAE.
I am most peeved that I cannot even get access to the Free Discovery Channel APP from within the UAE.
Luckily I found out now and can / will be returning my product for refund.
Can i buy music and apps from a UK iTunes account in the UAE?
