iOS US vs ZA app store. Should I bother?

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ngwe23

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Hi guys. I have taken the plunge and got myself an iPad Air. First off I am an absolute noob when it comes to all things Apple/iOS. Been on Android from day 1. My question is this: Is it still necessary to get a US address in order to get access to the US app store. I hear they have a lot more content. Or should I just use the ZA app store. Any pros and cons?

Thanks
 
The ZA store has most apps these days, but far from everything.
For example the new Facebook app, Paper, or something like that, is only available in the US store.

For the US store you need to buy vouchers in order to buy apps... Apps in the ZA store is like R7.99 for a $0.99 app, so effectively you pay less at this moment, but if you buy vouchers, you will pay more...

So it depends, if you want access to ALL the apps, go US, but you will pay more. Otherwise go ZA store.
 
Thanks guys. US store it is then. If I link my credit card will it work, or should it be a US issued card?
 
I'm of a mixed opinion on this one. It all depends on what you want from your account.

Music is VASTLY cheaper on the SA iTunes store so if that's the primary objective I would go for that.

Books however don't exist, but then you could get away with using the Kindle or Google apps and using their books instead.

Apps and Games aren't too much of a problem these days.


Of course the lack of hassle using the SA store with your credit card also says a lot for ease of use.


I was preparing to switch to an SA account but i first want to see what happens with this whole VAT business.
 
I have apps from two accounts in single library. One US and one SA. US is normally for downloading free apps and SA account for real purchases. Not sure it is political correct, but works so far. Just sign out (iTunes or AppStore app) and sign in to another one, iTunes switches stores automatically. When transfering apps from the phone it asks me password for specific account which was used for downloading app.
 
ngwe23 said:
Thanks guys. US store it is then. If I link my credit card will it work, or should it be a US issued card?
Click to expand...

There should be no need to use a US account unless you want series from the iTunes Store. Everything else you should get in the ZA store plus the music has more local music in addition to all else.
 
ngwe23 said:
Hi guys. I have taken the plunge and got myself an iPad Air. First off I am an absolute noob when it comes to all things Apple/iOS. Been on Android from day 1. My question is this: Is it still necessary to get a US address in order to get access to the US app store. I hear they have a lot more content. Or should I just use the ZA app store. Any pros and cons?

Thanks
Click to expand...

US store has a greater variety of apps, including games.
 
I use both, US for free apps & ZA for paid.
 
I would say stay local, I heard of some issues when switching stores, we have most of they apps anyways, only country specific apps we won't get…
 
Get both, switch between accounts where applicable. Here's what is working for me:

1. Get a ZA account, link your CC, buy whatever you can using your ZA account.
2. Get a USA account, only use it to get/buy stuff that isn't on the ZA account. If need be, get a $20 voucher from a dodgy online store.

You don't need to constantly switch accounts anymore to update apps/games, once it's on your device you can switch to whatever account you prefer. I used to only have a USA account, ever since Music+Games+Movies are now available on the ZA store i switched because it's more expensive AND a hassle to constantly buy the vouchers (from dodgy online stores that charge you 10% extra) on the USA account.

So i am 90% of the time using my ZA account, i switch to my USA account to see reviews/ratings in the app store and if i know something is not showing in the ZA store.

Remember this is not like Xbox Live where you are locked into a specific region, you can switch between accounts by simply logging in/out in the app store.
 
Last edited:
Toysoldier said:
I would say stay local, I heard of some issues when switching stores, we have most of they apps anyways, only country specific apps we won't get…
Click to expand...

Er no. For example Namco Bandai and SEGA have quite a few titles which the US store has and the SA doesn't. These are definitely not country specific.
 
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