This tutorial will guide you through the steps required to buy or rent content that’s only available in the US version of the iTunes Store, from Canada.
Please note: This guide was initially published way back in 2009 and I have no idea if it still works. Please proceed accordingly. As a helpful commenter pointed out, purchasing US iTunes gift cards online may be an easier way to go out obtaining US iTunes content while in Canada.
- The most important part of this trick is to purchase a MasterCard gift card (a temporary/disposable MasterCard). These are available in many stores across Canada, including Macs and Shoppers Drug Mart. They come in $25, $50 and $100 denominations.
- Launch iTunes. Select iTunes Store from the left navigation, and if you already have a Canadian account, click on the ‘your email address’ button in the upper right corner.
- Click the Sign Out button.
- Now back in the iTunes Store, click the Sign In button.
- Click the Create New Account button.
- On the intro screen, click the Continue button.
- You’ll be asked to enter your credit card and address info. Don’t. Look for the line that says If the billing address is not in Canada, click here, and click the click here link.
- In the Select a country: drop-down list, select US. Now click the Change Country button.
- You’ll be taken back to the iTunes Store, where once again you’ll have to click the Sign In button.
- And again, click the Create New Account button.
- Notice that the iTunes Store now thinks you’re in the US. Enter in the gift card MasterCard info, and a US billing address. You can probably just make one up, but you might want to confirm that the ZIP code and city match up.
- Once you’ve filled in all the appropriate info, click the Done button.
- Now you’ll be signed in to the US iTunes Store. Navigate to whatever content it is you want to buy/rent and go for it!
- You should have no problems downloading the movies/music/TV show etc.
I purchased a Vanilla Master card gift card in Canada and US iTunes wouldn’t accept the security code on the back. I phoned the customer support number on the back of the card, and they told me it wouldn’t work because it was a Canadian card. She then promptly activated the card as I confirmed my US address and the purchase went through fine.
I don’t know why iTunes doesn’t want our money, very strange.
Hope that helps.
Shannon says If you buy a US itunes card from pcgame supply, and just redeem it instead of a vanilla mastercard (it is a online delivery) it will work just as good. I am very excited to unlock this!
—> I agree with Shannon! I tried to do the credit card gift card thing, but it didn’t work out for me. I bought a US iTunes card from pcgame supply and I had my Sons of Anarchy episodes downloading within half an hour – and I didn’t even have to leave my house! Thanks Shannon!
In respect to the previous post regarding the info not matching, you just need to go to the vanilla mastercard us website and make up a postal code. That is all the system is validating anyways
If you buy a US itunes card from pcgame supply, and just redeem it instead of a vanilla mastercard (it is a online delivery) it will work just as good. I am very excited to unlock this!
OMGosh, it actually worked! Aha. I wasn’t expecting it too, more like hoping, but yeah, this works 100%.