Can I shop on iTunes/download new podcasts to my laptop from Africa?
 

I use iTunes in the U.S. to buy songs and download podcasts to my laptop. I am moving to Africa (Rep. of Congo) and wondering if I will be able to continue buying/downloading new material from the iTunes store from there. Or do they block access to the store in countries without their own official version of iTunes (such as Congo)?

I appreciate advice from any iTunes savvy Fodorites out there!

thanks,

mp413

If you have a US based address/password for your Itunes purchases, you should be able to use it from anywhere in the world. You may not be able to open up a new account in countries where access is prohibited.

Meant to say - where purchases are prohibited. You may be able to access the itunes site anywhere......

Thank HariS, I opened my account in the U.S. using a U.S. credit card/adress etc.

So from your first post sounds like I could still make purchases from abroad, but your second post refers to "where purchases are prohibited" - I am confused! Are there countries where purchases are prohibited (e.g. Congo) and if so will it impact my ability to buy/download podcasts using my existing U.S. account?

thanks and apologies for my cluelessness ;)

mp413

No idea about the Congo. But, there are several countries in the world (India being one of them) where Itunes isn't available (not necessarily prohibited) - but, itunes is just another internet feature and so you will be able to download stuff using your US account.

As far my knowledge goes, It all depends on your credit card- with an american card written under an american address you shouldn't have a problem.

but.. if for some reason it doesn't work, there's a way to get around it with itunes gift cards.
I'm pretty sure you won't need it so I won't go into the full details. PM me if you get to congo and can't make purchases.

Thanks a lot for the replies! Sounds like it will work, I will post back if it doesn't.

mp413

The key to using iTunes when outside the USA is Tunezip - http://www.tunezip.com. Not only can they set you up with a USA iTunes account, but they also sell $10, $15, $25 and $50 credit vouchers/gift cards at really reasonable prices, and their service is fast. You can buy and download apps, movies, music, basically anything from the US itunes store using this service.

The other thing to consider is if you'll have access to high speed internet in the Congo. I'd be surprised if you do.

ShayTay: mp413's OP is nearly 2 years old. the thread was topped by an advertiser.

So it is! However, it's an interesting question and, as iPods, iPads, etc. continue to proliferate, is revelant for today. In 2009, I sent an MMS text with a photo from Dar es Salaam and it wasn't delivered to my sister in the US for six days! I got home faster than it did. Downloads can be especially problematic with slow connections.

Oh -- yes totally relevant - probably even more so than 2 years ago. I just didn't want you to think you were answering the OP's questions.