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How to create a US iTunes App Store account when you're not in the US
Anyone that writes about iPhone applications that isn't based in the United States has it rough; iTunes promo codes only work for US App Store accounts. That can make it tough to review iPhone and iPod touch software if you're not based in the US.
Creating an account for the US App Store when you're not based in the US is against Apple's terms and conditions, so I'm not recommending that you do it. But if, for journalistic reasons, you want or need to know how to do it, here's the scoop.
First of all, there are a few ways it can be done. If you're looking to download both free and paid apps, you'll need to create a new iTunes account and associate it with a US-based credit card. Many users report success doing this using PayPal even when they are based outside the US and their PayPal account is linked to a non-US bank, as long as their PayPal credit/debit card is set to US currency. Without testing this approach, it's hard to comment, but if you've tried please let us know how it went in the comments. Another option is to purchase a pre-paid Mastercard gift card as outlined by Smart Canucks.
If you're just looking to download free apps and have the ability to redeem promo codes, then matters get significantly more simple. In fact, Apple has instructions for you, but before you follow them you need to make sure you are not logged into your existing iTunes account, and you are on the US App Store. The following instructions are how to do it in iTunes on a Mac; Windows should be similar:
- In the menu in iTunes, click Store > Sign Out
- Click on the App Store link in the left sidebar of iTunes to open an App Store page
- Scroll to the bottom, and click on the icon of your country's flag at the bottom right
- On the following page, scroll to the bottom and choose United States
- Follow Apple's instructions to create an iTunes App Store account without a credit card
Be aware that you will not be able to download updates to any apps you install while logged in to your US account unless you are logged in with that account. It's a bit of a hassle to have to switch back and forth between your native country login and your US one.
Comments
5
Subscribe to commentsmajoraMar 5th 2010 9:53PM
You really shouldn't have to switch between countries to buy content
I think the buyer should buy a 'generic currency' of some sort (like song credits) and then be able to buy content
BlackCoffeeNoSugarMar 6th 2010 3:21AM
Well. That's how Apple makes money. They charge different amount from customers in different country. For example a song may cost 99 cents in the US, but 99 pence in the UK. A universal currency would mean Apple's pricing become more transparent (like the problem they were facing in the EU.). And that's what they don't want to see happening again.
xyz999999Mar 6th 2010 8:03AM
the all apple concept is just a hassle... why bother?
GreeenMar 7th 2010 5:45PM
i think it sucks since e.g. on US site you can buy movies and tv series.
it's like a chilidish "neh neh neh neh - you can't have it, you are not US"
simonApr 25th 2010 7:15AM
hang on, if i use my uk account, add a us credit card and then buy us apps, could i use that on my ipad?