Buying apps while overseas

[Paul7876]

Hi,

I have an unlocked Galaxy S3 which I bought in Australia, but I'm currently in England using a pre-pay sim from a UK network.

Does anyone know if I can purchase apps while I'm here and still receive the updates when I get home?

Play store now has more options and all prices are GBP so that's changed since I got here, but I know with the iPhone that if I have a UK-specific app I couldn't get the updates after getting back to Oz, I was hoping Android worked differently.

 

[Deleted User]

If you're worried about it, you can always use a VPN app so Google Play thinks you're in the country of your choosing. I use this one, if your looking for a recommendation.

 

[Paul7876]

That's a great idea! Do you know if it covers all traffic (ie Web, Play store, torrents etc.)? My location is being reported in the country I choose with IP locating websites, but the Play store still appears as if I'm in England

 

[Deleted User]

AFAIK, it encrypts all data. I e,ailed the dev asking if that was the case, and that's what I was told.

 

[Paul7876]

Perfect, I'll go with that then. Thanks for your help

 

[mikedt]

I believe it goes on the carrier. So if Google sees the phone as say "Orange UK Samsung GT..", rather than something like"Telstra Samsung GT...", you'll get Google Play for the UK. I found myself, spoofing the IP address doesn't work. I myself get "China Mobile...." showing on Play, which means free apps only. Probably because of United States only or whatever geographic content restrictions on DRM'd movies, music. e-books via Play.

 

[Deleted User]

I believe it goes on the carrier. So if Google sees the phone as say "Orange UK Samsung GT..", rather than something like"Telstra Samsung GT...", you'll get Google Play for the UK. I found myself, spoofing the IP address doesn't work. I myself get "China Mobile...." showing on Play, which means free apps only. Probably because of United States only or whatever geographic content restrictions on DRM'd movies, music. e-books via Play.

Yeah, it's all about content deals. If Google can't secure the rights to distribute said movies or songs in China, then they don't arrive in Google Play for that country.

 

[Paul7876]

While I've been in England I've been getting updates for free and paid apps obtained while I was in Australia.
I don't believe any of those apps were country-specific though, so it looks like the UK-only apps I've downloaded will need me to pop my UK SIM back into the phone every now and then to check for updates.

Thanks for your help guys