New iPad mini verification request

I got a new iPad mini and have tried buying apps on it but it keeps asking me to verify my account by answering security questions which I added when I first created my apple id. I can't remember the answers and have no rescue email added to my account. As the iPad was a Christmas present from my sister who lives in the States but I am not currently in the States, I have no way of contacting the Apple support which can only be done by telephone. I have tried changing my password for my apple id but that made no difference either.

Can anyone help? Is there any way I can do this without having to contact Apple support?