iCloud zones and payment issues?

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iCloud zones and payment issues?

Hi there. Ok so, I have a friend who lives in Japan. My friend told me this morning that they are trying to work on software from Europe but they were supposedly told that they need a European Apple card because they changed their iCloud to European to be able to install the app.

And so, they asked me who does live in europe to buy them a European Apple card.

I haven't yet since I'm not in the business of gifting things on request, if they were to paypal me the money first I wouldn't be opposed but I'd rather try to find some other solution. I'm wondering if this isn't all bs? Surely there are ways around this if it's even an issue?

Also, I'm a little concerned that someone is trying to scam them if I'm being honest. Smells fishy.

Any input is welcome. :)

iPad 2, iOS 9

Posted on Feb 9, 2025 1:39 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,658 points

Feb 9, 2025 5:00 AM in response to Norathenewb

Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs, so you can’t buy a credit card. I’m guessing, but I think you want an Apple Gift card.

Apple Gift cards are restricted to country or region of purchase. There are multiple reasons for this. Your friends need to be more specific, because there is no such thing as a European Apple Gift card. They are often per country even in EU.

If your friends changed their Apple ID/iCloud to Europe then they can only purchase a gift card for that country or region.

PayPal transfers can be disputed. You’re better off using Apple Cash or Venmo as a person to person transfer.

This may be of interest to you and your friend.

Gifting - Shopping Help - Apple

Send the link to your friend and they can do it themselves.

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Answer 2

Norathenewb Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 9, 2025 5:42 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Ah yes sorry I meant a gift card. Yep that's what they did, but shouldn't they be able to buy that country/region gift card themselves even though they are in Japan? I can't make heads or tails of that, then again I never tried buying something like that abroad. *Edit. Ah thanks I'll check out that link.

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,658 points

Feb 10, 2025 5:28 AM in response to Norathenewb

Yes, if their Apple Account is set to another region, like they told you, they can buy it themselves.

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iCloud zones and payment issues?

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