Why I’m Using a US iTunes Account (Apple ID) Even as a Nigerian

It is almost a necessity to have an Apple ID when you use an iPhone, an iPad or a computer running macOS. Of course, you can choose not to, and that means missing out on downloading from iTunes, using Keychain, iCloud, Find My iPhone, Handoff and many other features that rely on your Apple ID.

My first Apple ID was a Nigerian account, but I switched to a US account in less than a year. If you’re outside the US, you may be surprised to find out that a US Apple account offers more. Here are some reasons why you should consider opening a US iTunes account (and even change your region to the US):

1. Bypassing Geo-restrictions in the App Store

A lot of applications and games are restricted to only Apple users in the United States. The developers may have their reasons for this restriction but to a lot of us, these can sometimes be much-needed apps. On Android, you could easily get such apps in APK format from several sites, but you need to jailbreak your device to the same on the iPhone.

With a US Apple ID, you can access these restricted apps directly from the App Store.

2. Setting up the account without a credit card

Setting up an Apple ID requires you to enter your credit card details but as a US resident, you can set up your Apple ID without payment information. You may encounter issues with the card issued from your bank and this might stop you from completing the registration.

Getting a US Apple ID solves this as you are not required to enter payment information. You only need to choose “None” when asked.

3. Gift cards!

For those who have access to gift cards, you may only be able to load them to a US iTunes account. Besides, this is the perfect way to buy things from Apple even if your credit/debit card wouldn’t work.

4. News App on iOS (US Region)

Although this has nothing to do with having a US Apple account, it is actually related with changing the region settings on your device to the US. The default News app on iOS doesn’t appear on your springboard unless you set the region to the US. There’s already a complete guide on that in this article.