itunes card Q

[BitsnBearsMom]

ok so I got an ipod touch for Christmas and my 14yo got the money back from his stolen one and had it replaced (thanks M/C) - love them so much that we are returning dh and 9yo ds' nano's and getting them both a touch as well (adding the rest to it for their birthdays which are both in Jan) Will be great to go away and not have to haul the portable dvd's along with the game system and everything else!!

They both got itunes cards and we just found out you can only use the cards for music and movies - not for the games and applications!? what's up with that??? Are we doing something wrong here?? We already have tonnes of music from our own CD's that dh converted over so I'm hoping that the itunes cards weren't a waste of money!!

 

[jmann]

Wow, I did not know that. I did try to send my wife a gift song and it would not let me because I had not registered my CC. I only use iTune cards so I don't go crazy buying music. I would think cards are just like cash but I guess not.

 

[thelindysix]

We didn't know that either. That is until my son loaded all his iTunes cards onto the computer and thought he had $65 to spend on apps for his iPhone. When the receipts started rolling in I noticed that it had all been charged to DH's Visa. DS kept telling DH that the amount wasn't going down, but DH just thought he was doing something wrong or wasn't looking in the right place. Ooops!

I don't know what the difference is if you buy songs/movies or apps? Seems a little silly to me. They get their money either way, don't they?

BTW, isn't the iPod Touch great? I got one for my bday in November and love it! And DH loved mine so much he went shopping Boxing Day and bought one for himself.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

it is very frustrating - but yes we do love the touch - I was hesitant about getting my almost 9yo one as I didn't think he was responsible enough but I think it's just the way to go!! Love having internet access too!

 

[Ham Ham]

Not being able to use an iTunes gift card at the APP store makes no sense. But unfortunately this is Apples policy.

I found out and posted about it earlier this month.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29086611&postcount=35

Apparently Apple is blaming the Canadian government for this one. Here's some info I found.
http://www.ipodtouchanswers.com/touch-life/using-itunes-gift-cards-on-the-app-store/
Hi,

Thank you for contacting Apple about the App Store. We’re so glad you’re interested in this new offering. My name is Natalie and I am delighted to assist you today!

Due to tax laws and commerce restrictions for software in Canada, customers residing in Canada may only purchase games and applications using a credit card.

I’m sorry, but you will not be able to purchase games or applications with store credit or an iTunes Gift Card in Canada.

If you have any other concerns surrounding this, feel free to include them in your reply and I’ll do my best to assist you.

Again, I apologize for this disappointment, I hope that you continue to enjoy the iTunes Store.

It has been my pleasure assisting you. If I can further assist you in any way, you can always reach me for support Sunday-Thursday from 6 a.m to 3 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. You may be receiving an Apple Customer Service survey email in 3 to 5 days. Please feel free to leave comments of your experience with my assistance. Take care and have an excellent day!

Yours Faithfully,

Natalie
iTunes Store Customer Support, CA

I would contact Apple and see if they will let you convert the iTunes card into an Apple gift card that may be used at their retail outlets or at their on line store.

Apple probably will not to want to do this but be persistent, explain that you thought/were informed that because the APP store is within the iTunes store you thought that it would work.

I hope this helps.

 

[bdoyledimou]

Due to tax laws and commerce restrictions for software in Canada, customers residing in Canada may only purchase games and applications using a credit card.

I’m sorry, but you will not be able to purchase games or applications with store credit or an iTunes Gift Card in Canada.

Someone better tell Microsoft and Sony about those tax and commerce restrictions.. as both of those companies use points cards for games downloads in Canada.

 

[Ham Ham]

Good point we can buy games with a Wii card via the console in our house.

 

[vickiea]

I think the difference with the Wii and Sony etc is that you are buying from an American site and the cards/points you buy don't matter.

Where as for itunes you specifically buy a Canadian iTunes card - we found this out the hard way as DH bought a $100 iTunes card when in Vegas and can't use it as it needs to have a US credit card associated with it.

That must be how Wii etc get around that 'little law'! Maybe?

Vickie

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

crazy - if they can find a way to get around it itunes really needs to find a way too!!
I told my brother about it last night too as they got a load of itunes cards for Cmas that they specifically bought to use for apps and he had no clue he couldn't!
Wonder how many other people did the same thing!!!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

on the upside, you can use them for movies if that helps. we've gotten a few good movies that way, monty python for dh and mama mia for me.
I LOVE my touch.

Has anyone downloaded Frenzic? It's addictive and we're trying to top each other here w/ our high scores. Also downloaded Topple b/c the icon was so cute (blue Grinch) but haven't played it yet. Also the MK & Epcot maps but we haven't used them yet.

 

[Ham Ham]

Here's a link to iponeincanada.ca

They have work around so you can buy aMaster Card gift card and set up a US iTunes account and purchase contecnt without have a credit card hooked up to.
I wish they took PayPal.

http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/tips-tricks/how-to-setup-a-us-itunes-account-in-canada/

 

[chimo2u]

My kids just exchanged their nanos for the new 8 GB ipod touch. My son is able to check his facebook acc. on his ipod touch. now, I am "technology illiterate" so maybe someone can answer a question for me.... Are we somehow going to end up with a big bill in the mail if he surfs the net on his ipod touch? I thought that it was just another ipod for music, but it seems to have so many more things attached to it. I don't want to end up with a surprise charge for internet somehow.... is it free to go onto your facebook account with an ipod touch? (Sorry if it seems like a dumb ?

 

[Ham Ham]

The iPod touch uses WiFi to connect to the internet.

There is no extra charge to connect the iPod touch to the internet if you connect via an open router.
At home your kids are jumping on to your wireless router.

When out and about there are many open wireless router to get a connection from restaurants, stores, Apple Store, libraries, food courts, docotrs offices.
Here's a link to some free WiFi across Canada.
http://www.wififreespot.com/can.html

Starbucks lets you have a 2 hours free a day of WiFi if you buy one of their gift cards and register it.

In Mississauga if you have a Library card there is free WiFi all libraries, City Hall, Community Centres and arenas.

The only way to incur charges for WiFi use if you sign up at a hotspot to be able to browse. Some cafes, hotels and airports amongst others who charge for a connection to the internet via WiFi.

With that said if your children are using their iPod touch to the extreme at home they may push you monthly allotment of bandwidth over its limit, but this would take a lot of browsing time to do it. You might want to check with your internet provider what your limit is and what your current usage is.

If you have opened an itunes account for them and tied into your credit card to the account they may downloads music from iTunes and applications from the App Store.

You may want to check your wireless router at home if it is open, anyone can access WiFi or a secure, only people you allow can access your WiFi.

If by you do not have a wireless router at home you children are surfing via some else's connection.

Hope this helps.