Amazon Geo Locked

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networkn

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#136663 4-Dec-2013 22:00

It would seem Amazon have added additional security to stop people from getting books and other content at USA prices, example enders game 1 is on promo at 1.99, but if I try and buy it, it's $4. I even tried VPN but that didn't help.

It might be now working off the location your Credit Card is registered on.

Anyone have any experience with this?

petes117

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#945749 4-Dec-2013 22:48

Amazon seems a bit messed up since they launched the AUS Kindle store (and we're obviously the same country). I searched for Ender's Game on amazon.com.au and the result said $4.54 but when I clicked through it says $11.99! Bizarre

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#951918 13-Dec-2013 21:47

Thats a shame if its true, I recently purchased bioshock infinite for something like $5 on special only protection I had to fix was change my billing address to a USA address.

freitasm

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#951920 13-Dec-2013 21:51

1. Never use a credit card on Amazon
2. See 1

Batman

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#951921 13-Dec-2013 21:55

can someone explain?

macuser

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#951922 13-Dec-2013 22:01

better not be... I literally just bought an ebook reader so I can read kindle books!! (It's a Kobo Aura HD but I'm fairly sure there is a way to convert them ;) )

insane

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#951924 13-Dec-2013 22:09

joker97: can someone explain?

I'm guessing that's because a CC has contact details which might point back to your real location? If it's not that then maybe has shares in PayPal

freitasm

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#951926 13-Dec-2013 22:26

Credit cards will (most of them) point to the country and institution of origin. You can always create two Amazon accounts: one with a NZ credit card which you use to buy gift cards and send those to yourself. Another which you only access over a VPN and only use the gift cards - never a credit card.

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rphenix

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#951928 13-Dec-2013 22:35

macuser: better not be... I literally just bought an ebook reader so I can read kindle books!! (It's a Kobo Aura HD but I'm fairly sure there is a way to convert them ;) ) :O

Shame you didnt get a paperwhite, the ebooks download so fast, they are always there before i change from ordering on my pc, to picking up the kindle!

mattwnz

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#951931 13-Dec-2013 22:37

Still doesn't really explain why they are charging oz and nz significantly more for the same eBook. Weren't some software companies in trouble for doing that.

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#951938 13-Dec-2013 22:53

Does this apply to just ebooks or electronic also?

naggyman

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#951952 13-Dec-2013 23:06

Would using paypal work?

Morgan French-Stagg

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#951971 13-Dec-2013 23:48

Never use a credit card with AVS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Address_Verification_System) on it to order from Amazon.

I believe some cards like AirNZ OneSmart don't have this, and a few virtual cards don't have this either - although they themselves (entropay for example) will insist on valid billing addresses)

I don't know if Amazon will barf (technical term meaning fail to complete transaction) if the supplied card info refers to a card without AVS, but it's your best bet.

I just had this hassle with trying to buy a Fitbit Force (uber pedometer)

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.