Apple Region Problem

[UBS28]

So I moved to an other country. And Apple refuses to change region because I have alot of money on my account still. Seriously Apple, WTF? I cannot even download free apps from an other region which doesn't require payment?

So basically I had to create a fake account (which has no money on it) in order to use apps in the country where I currently live in.

Basically Apple punishes me for having alot of money on my iTunes account because if I had no money on it, they could change my region. This is stupid.

 

[sunapple]

Did you try and ask support from Apple?

 

[UBS28]

Did you try and ask support from Apple?

I went to the Apple Store and they basically said I have to spend all my money first and then they can switch the region for me. But I am not going to spend all my money and stuff that I don't want just to be able to switch region (I already own many of the best apps in the App Store there is)

I will go back again to see if they can somehow transfer all the money back to my bank account (which I somehow doubt Apple will agree to this).

 

[DanielDD]

That's not Apple's fault. Those are legal restrictions to avoid tax / exchange rates benefits

 

[UBS28]

That's not Apple's fault. Those are legal restrictions because... taxes

What legal reasons and taxes? Apple is actually breaking taxes and all kinds of legal restrictions which is 100% Apple fault. (I really tried my best to switch Regions with my AppleID but Apple is blocking it)

If I buy something now with my main account, I have to pay VAT to a country which I don't have to pay taxes to at all.

So now I have to ask for VAT back if I buy something which is even more stupid.

 

[cosmichobo]

When you buy credit on the App store etc - buy a $20 iTunes Card - tax will be paid by Apple to the applicable government. EG in Australia 10% goes to the Australian Government in the form of "GST". As such if you used those funds to buy something in Europe/UK/wherever you are now, then you/Apple would be dodging paying the local taxes (VAT as noted).

The simplest remedy - credit the money back to you, so you could then buy credit in the new currency, and pay the VAT... But -

Apple will never ever do that. They'd fight it with their legal team even if it cost them millions... because globally, unused iTunes credit must be worth many many millions of dollars... which Apple gets to sit on... Happy days (for Apple).

 

[ericwn]

Make sure Apple explains to you in detail which purchases won’t be available anymore when changing the country of residence.

I did this in 2015 and lost access to all my previously purchased apps so I can no longer download them to my devices. I also cannot download previously purchased music from before the country change. I’m sure there are more items than that.

Changing countries is absolutely not user friendly, at least when I had to do it last.

 

[Lyn2012]

I would agree that changing countries isn’t straightforward. I alternate between two countries, some of my apps are available in one App Store and some in another. The only way I have found to work with this is to have 2 Apple IDs, one per country. I still sometimes have problems accessing certain apps when signed into my other ID.

 

[-Gonzo-]

If you don’t mind me asking, just how much credit are we talking here?

 

[eyoungren]

Basically Apple punishes me for having alot of money on my iTunes account because if I had no money on it, they could change my region. This is stupid.

So…I have to ask. Why do you have so much money on account? What's the point?

Apple has a credit card of mine and they charge me only when I download an app. I don't have anything sitting there.

Of course, I don't spend a lot with Apple, but if Apple can charge you only when you buy I don't see any need to keep any sort of a 'balance' wih them.

 

[Apple Fritter]

What legal reasons and taxes? Apple is actually breaking taxes and all kinds of legal restrictions which is 100% Apple fault.

I highly doubt Apple is operating illegally. What they do is cut corners where possible and use loopholes the various governments have left. Just like every Tom, Dick and Harry would, given the chance. If those governments didn't word their laws properly for max cuts or think they don't get their fair share, they can always amend them. I'd really love to see how and why that's Apple's fault.

As for monies going across borders, I wouldn't be surprised if there actually were some stupid law based on the good ole "anti-terrorism" reason that seems to be grounds for just about anything when it comes to justifying restrictive laws. And yes, it sucks to get the short end of the stick because of a handful of idiots. But we all get the government we deserve. Again, I can't see Apple at fault here.
[doublepost=1524412615][/doublepost]

[…] I don't see any need to keep any sort of a 'balance' wih them.

Apple iTunes gift cards can often be had with up to 20% off, in which case it makes sense. I use those from time to time to save on purchases. Of course, I don't rack up copious amounts, so you wouldn't find me kicking and screaming if something like the above were to happen.

 

[eyoungren]

Apple iTunes gift cards can often be had with up to 20% off, in which case it makes sense. I use those from time to time to save on purchases. Of course, I don't rack up copious amounts, so you wouldn't find me kicking and screaming if something like the above were to happen.

I don't have anything against gift cards as I use them a lot (not for Apple though), but Apple has never offered me anything in iTunes I couldn't get somewhere else and often much easier or cheaper.

So, I've never seen any need to have one of their gift cards or stock up on them. Everyone is different of course, but if someone is going to stock a large amount on an iTunes gift card or get multiple gift cards then that isn't Apple's fault. Apple doesn't force you to buy gift cards and you agree to the terms when you buy them.

Crying about the terms after you bought the cards (assuming this is where OP's money is) isn't productive.

 

[Apple Fritter]

Yes @eyoungren, I'm all with you there. While I mentioned iTunes gift cards, I should have been more precise. There isn't anything they could offer me as far as music or movies either, I use the balance to purchase software for macOS or iOS. I think in that case it makes sense, especially for bigger purchases like Final Cut X and the like.

And yes, I also think it'd be silly to invest large sums, I just buy them occasionally according to my spending pattern, so the balance does reach zero from time to time.

 

[-Gonzo-]

I use Apple Gift cards when there’s an offer on in the UK and also currently have $5 in my US Apple account which is what’s remaning from the $10 gift card I recently used.
I don’t generally buy apps but do purchase the odd film or two on Apple TV from both UK & US stores.
I also have an Apple Music sub so adding gift cards now and then when there’s an offer on makes sense to me.
No way I’d have excess amounts though.

 

[NoBoMac]

As for monies going across borders, I wouldn't be surprised if there actually were some stupid law based on the good ole "anti-terrorism" reason

That. And would not be surprised regarding each countries' laws about expatriating money when working there (eg. had a friend doing contract work in Norway, did not spend lots of the money they earned, and NO laws stated that if not a citizen, need to keep some large percentage of the money in the country [got around that by having friends come to visit and charge everything to their Norwegian credit card, ATM, and then write them a check in the States for the amount in USD]).

Also, you are dealing with exchange rates, and would not be surprised that they came up with a scenario where someone is bouncing around between different regions to take advantage of the swing in currency. And if even not, just going to be a pain for Apple with people calling support line complaining they got jobbed on the exchange rate.

And yes, I also think it'd be silly to invest large sums, I just buy them occasionally according to my spending pattern, so the balance does reach zero from time to time.

Ditto. When I have subscriptions coming due, I'll keep an eye out for discount iTunes cards or for the local grocery store's 4x fuel points deal and get enough to cover the upcoming fees.