Buying tickets to events can be a hassle, especially if you are trying to purchase tickets for an event that is happening outside of your home country. Ticketmaster is the world’s largest ticket marketplace, but navigating their site and process can be confusing if you are not based in the US. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to purchase Ticketmaster tickets if you live outside of the US.
Is Ticketmaster available worldwide?
Ticketmaster has operations in 29 countries around the world. So it is widely available, but the site experience and ticket availability does vary by market. Some of the major markets where Ticketmaster operates include:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Turkey
- Australia
- New Zealand
So if you are looking to buy tickets for an event in one of those countries, you should be able to use the local Ticketmaster website. However, for other countries you may need to go through a different ticket provider.
Buying tickets on the US Ticketmaster site
If you want to use the US Ticketmaster site (www.ticketmaster.com) from outside the US to purchase tickets, it is possible but can be tricky.
Some key tips for using the US Ticketmaster site from abroad:
- You need a US credit card – Ticketmaster requires a US billing address that matches the credit card.
- Use a VPN or Proxy service – This masks your IP address so Ticketmaster thinks you are in the US.
- Ship tickets to a friend/family in the US – You can’t have the tickets shipped internationally from the US Ticketmaster site.
- Watch for currency conversion fees – Your credit card may charge extra to convert US dollar transactions.
So in summary, if you have a way to make Ticketmaster think you are based in the US through details like credit card and VPN, you can buy tickets on their site. But it requires some extra steps.
Buying tickets on your local Ticketmaster site
The easiest way to buy Ticketmaster tickets abroad is to use your local Ticketmaster website based on your country. This avoids any shipping, credit card, or VPN issues. Here are some top local Ticketmaster sites and tips for using them:
Ticketmaster Canada
URL: www.ticketmaster.ca
- English and French site
- Can buy tickets for Canadian and some US events
- Accepts Canadian credit cards
Ticketmaster UK
URL: www.ticketmaster.co.uk
- Great for buying tickets to events in the UK and Ireland
- Also provides tickets to select European events
- Accepts UK and Irish credit cards
Ticketmaster Australia
URL: www.ticketmaster.com.au
- Tickets for concerts and sports in Australia & New Zealand
- Accepts Australian and New Zealand credit cards
Ticketmaster Spain
URL: www.ticketmaster.es
- Tickets for events in Spain and Portugal
- Site is in Spanish language
- Accepts Spanish credit cards
This is just a small sampling of the regional Ticketmaster sites available. No matter what country you are in, check if there is a local Ticketmaster site as that will provide the easiest experience. You can purchase tickets just like a local resident.
Can you buy from one Ticketmaster site and pick up tickets in another country?
Unfortunately Ticketmaster does not allow you to buy tickets on one regional site and then pick them up or have them shipped to another country. For example, you can’t buy UK tickets on Ticketmaster Australia. The system is region locked. So when you buy the tickets, you must follow the pick up or delivery options only available in that country. The tickets are not transferable across Ticketmaster’s international sites.
Using Ticketmaster mobile apps from abroad
Along with their websites, Ticketmaster also offers mobile apps on iOS and Android devices. These apps generally mirror the desktop site experience, but in a mobile-optimized way. Some key things to keep in mind about using Ticketmaster mobile apps overseas:
- You still need to download the app based on your region. So use the Australian app in Australia, Spanish app in Spain.
- The app detects your location so you don’t need a VPN.
- You can link your local credit card or PayPal to fund purchases.
- The tickets you buy will be for events accessible from your current region.
The mobile option provides the best and easiest Ticketmaster experience while abroad. Just be sure to download the app for your specific area. The app makes buying tickets feel like you are a local.
Options for buying international events outside your region
What if you want to buy tickets for an event in a country that is not part of your local Ticketmaster service region? For example, buying tickets for a concert in Germany when you are based in Brazil.
In these cases, you have two main options:
- Go through a ticket reseller or secondary marketplace.
- Use a concierge ticket buying service.
Ticket Resellers
There are many large secondary ticket marketplaces that operate globally and allow you to buy tickets anywhere in the world:
| Reseller | Details |
|---|---|
| StubHub | Legit ticket resale marketplace with 60+ country sites. Popular in North America. |
| Viagogo | Swiss global ticket marketplace operating in over 70 countries. |
| SeatGeek | US-based resale site that ships internationally and offers 70+ currency options. |
| Vivid Seats | US ticket reseller that ships to select countries internationally. |
The benefit of these sites is you can search for and buy tickets all over the world. The drawback is tickets are marked up over face value.
Ticket Concierge Services
A more personalized option is using an international ticket concierge or broker service. They buy tickets on your behalf locally and charge a service fee on top of face value. Some popular international ticket concierge options include:
- Global Ticket Network – Online broker with ticket experts worldwide (globalticketnetwork.com)
- Superb Tickets – UK-based ticket service focused on European events (superbtickets.co.uk)
- Sports Events 365 – Broker specializing in sports like Champions League matches (sportsevents365.com)
These types of personal broker services can be helpful for hard-to-get or exclusive events where tickets sell out quickly in the local market.
Tips for buying tickets safely on international sites
When purchasing tickets from an international ticket site you aren’t familiar with, here are some tips to stay safe and avoid scams:
- Research the website – Read reviews and check for a trusted contact form or customer service.
- Use a credit card – Don’t pay direct bank transfers which are irreversible.
- Beware of deals too good to be true.
- Confirm all ticket details in writing before paying.
- Understand ticket delivery method and timing upfront.
- Check for verifiable company information like a physical address.
As long as you use a secure payment method and thoroughly vet the website, buying tickets abroad from a foreign company can be safe. But some added research is always a good idea.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster operates in dozens of countries worldwide, purchasing tickets abroad still involves some unique challenges. Your best options are to use your local Ticketmaster site or mobile app, buy through a trusted global ticket reseller, or use an international ticket concierge service. This will allow you to safely and securely obtain tickets for events outside your home country. Just be sure to plan ahead, do your research, and understand all policies related to ticket fulfillment and payments. With some preparation, you can easily use Ticketmaster to buy tickets from anywhere around the globe.
