Buying devices from the Google Store

[cobuskruger]

Does anyone have experience buying devices from the Google store?

I ordered two Chromecast Audio devices and specified delivery to a US address. This worked fine and I was billed by Google. But then they cancelled the order for "suspicious activity," which - being Google - I cannot get any explanation of, despite querying it using the link in the cancellation email.

I know the Google store is not officially available in SA, but it even gave me a blurb about how my bank may charge a fee for currency conversions and then proceeded to bill me. So I don't think the cancellation is due to my SA credit card.

Has anyone managed to successfully buy something from them?

 

[Lew Skannen]

Does anyone have experience buying devices from the Google store?

I ordered two Chromecast Audio devices and specified delivery to a US address. This worked fine and I was billed by Google. But then they cancelled the order for "suspicious activity," which - being Google - I cannot get any explanation of, despite querying it using the link in the cancellation email.

I know the Google store is not officially available in SA, but it even gave me a blurb about how my bank may charge a fee for currency conversions and then proceeded to bill me. So I don't think the cancellation is due to my SA credit card.

Has anyone managed to successfully buy something from them?

No you cannot buy from them.

Google will also not be selling any of their devices in South Africa any time soon. In fact, probably never. They have taken a business decision not sell locally. So, any orders from South Africa will be against their Terms and result in a cancellation and refund of your payment.

If you still want to try and bypass their system, you could take a look at opening a USD account with FNB and getting a card for the account. I have not tested this personally, but I know I cannot purchase locally with my FNB USD card. I can however purchase with it on any website outside South Africa. So, this may perhaps work on Google?

Best is to buy from either importers here in SA or from resellers on sites like eBay or Amazon.

Buying directly from Google may cause you some problems, especially with your Google Account.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I ordered a Chromecast a few months back and had it delivered to a friend in the US. Paid using my SA credit card and didn't have any issues.

 

[johnjm]

I ordered a Chromecast a few months back and had it delivered to a friend in the US. Paid using my SA credit card and didn't have any issues.

Now it won't work. SA cards not accepted. Even my UK card was rejected.

They made a few changes in Google pay that resulted in these being rejected.

Pity.

 

[cobuskruger]

Now it won't work. SA cards not accepted. Even my UK card was rejected.

They made a few changes in Google pay that resulted in these being rejected.

Pity.

Interesting then that they don't just reject the card outright, but first process the transaction and then cancel it afterwards. Thanks for the confirmation.