iTunes Gift Cards for Indonesian Customer, is that for real?
I just updated iTunes to version 9, and I got a new iTunes Store like screenshot below.
Click image to enlarge
By viewing the new iTunes screenshot above, take a focus at circled area.
Yes. There is a new redeem menu in updated iTunes Store.
I always liked the reason that we can buy apps or (possibly) music with iTunes gift cards, since not everybody have credit card. For my personal concern, I think I could control my monthly or semester purchasing limit in iTunes Store with gift card, compared to buying it with credit card.
I am asking to Apple and letting you know now via this post because when I got the same new redeem menu in AppStore app for iPhone (but not in iTunes Store in my computer) a few weeks ago, then it gone by next week. And when I asked to Apple Customer Support about availablity of iTunes gift cards and possible buying with iTunes redemption (and also buying via eBay), they said:
Liz here from the iTunes Store. I understand you live in Indonesia and you would like to purchase items in the App Store using Gift Cards or other methods than credit card. I’m very sorry but other payment methods are not available in your country at this time.You cannot use Gift Cards purchased on Ebay in your App Store. Purchasing through auction sites is not recommended.
Although I cannot comment on future expansion plans of the iTunes Store, rest assured that we are committed to making it available to people around the world.
~ Answer from Liz, an Apple Customer Support representative, dated August 11, 2009
So with the today’s new screenshot just like this. I am really curious. FYI, this redeem link also available in bottom section of iTunes Store.
Look at Indonesian flag there. This is from Indonesian iTunes Store.
Yesterday I inquired Apple Customer Support about this new thing. Is this now for real, I wondered, and they just replied it:
I see that you are wondering how you can purchase iTunes gift cards. My name is Patrick and I’ll be more than happy to address this question for you and assist in any way I can.I found the best link available for your country which is:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/giftcards/itunes/gallery
You just need to purchase the amount that you want.
It may take one to three business days to complete your iTunes Gift Card order. You will receive a shipment notification via email when your Gift Card order has left Apple’s warehouse. Your estimated delivery date timeframe will appear on the shipping notification email.
If you chose Ground shipping and do not receive your iTunes Gift Card(s) within two weeks of placing your order, please let me know by replying to this email.
~ Answer from Patrick, September 12, 2009.
Surprised? Yes, you read it correctly. They say we able to buy and use iTunes gift cards now, tough they said we should buy via US store. And that makes it weird. Why not via Indonesian online Apple Store? I already replied to them again, just reconfirming is this real for Indonesian customer. I will let you all updated in this post when I got definitive answer from them.
UPDATE Oct 10: my email still didn’t get answered, but the weird thing is, the redeem menu still available in iTunes App Store. Well, worth to wait. I am pretty sure that this thing will come very soon in Indonesia. Let’s wait.
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— Robin · 22/09/09 08:38 PM · #
Hi, thanks for the post. Just wonder how’s your correspondence with Apple staffs going. Is it possible for Indonesian customer purchasing itunes/iPhone app via Gift Card? Can’t find any in Indo’s Apple Store though…