Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies, serving clients in over 30 countries worldwide. With their massive global reach, many people wonder if they can use Ticketmaster to purchase tickets for events in countries other than their own. The short answer is yes, Ticketmaster does make it possible to buy tickets internationally through their website and mobile apps. However, there are some key factors to keep in mind.
Buying Tickets for Events in Another Country Through Ticketmaster
If you want to use Ticketmaster to purchase tickets to an event in another country, the process will depend on whether Ticketmaster serves as the official ticketing provider in that country or not. Here are the main scenarios:
- If Ticketmaster sells tickets in the country where the event is taking place, you can directly purchase tickets on the Ticketmaster website for that specific country.
- If Ticketmaster does not sell tickets in that country, you may still be able to purchase international inventory through Ticketmaster websites in other countries that do serve that market indirectly.
- For many major live entertainment events and venues around the world, Ticketmaster has inventory that they make available globally on all their sites.
In the best case scenario, you can simply visit the Ticketmaster website for the specific country where the event is happening and buy the tickets you want if inventory is available. This is the most straightforward option when it’s a market that they directly service and have local inventory to sell. You would just use the Ticketmaster website for that country, likely in the local language and currency.
However, it’s somewhat common that Ticketmaster won’t be selling tickets directly in a particular country but may have access to inventory to sell internationally. In these cases, you would typically need to purchase through a Ticketmaster site in one of the countries that can sell into that market. For example, if you want to buy tickets for a concert in Poland but Ticketmaster Poland doesn’t sell them directly, you may be able to purchase them on Ticketmaster UK or another European site instead.
For major concerts, sports matches, festivals and other events that are very popular globally, Ticketmaster often gets allocations of tickets specifically to sell internationally. This inventory is made available across their websites worldwide all at once when sales begin. So no matter what country you are in, you’ll have a chance to compete for tickets just like anyone else around the world trying to buy them.
Factors to Consider When Buying International Tickets on Ticketmaster
While purchasing tickets internationally through Ticketmaster is totally possible, there are some important factors to keep in mind:
Ticket Availability and Selling Out
The main challenge with buying tickets internationally is going to be ticket availability. Popular concerts, games and shows often sell out quickly these days, even more so for in-demand international events that fans travel to experience. So you’ll have to contend with high demand and limited ticket availability when trying to purchase them.
Being ready to buy tickets the moment they go on sale internationally across Ticketmaster’s websites gives you the best chance. Signing up for Ticketmaster’s ticket alerts for the specific event can help. But there are never any guarantees that tickets will still be available when you try to checkout, even if you act right at the starting time of the sale.
Currency and Payment
When purchasing tickets directly through a Ticketmaster website in another country, you’ll typically need to pay in the local currency. So you may need to figure out how to pay in British pounds, Euros, Australian dollars, etc. depending on the Ticketmaster site.
In some cases, Ticketmaster may accept payments from select international credit cards or payment providers like PayPal in certain markets. But you’ll want to check if your payment method works in that country before trying to buy. Having a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can help minimize the costs of currency conversions.
When buying from a Ticketmaster site based in your home country that can sell the international inventory to you, you may be able to complete the transaction in your local currency. However, the tickets for the foreign event may still be priced in the other currency and require currency conversion.
Terms and Conditions
It’s always important to read the fine print when purchasing tickets, especially for an international event. Ticketmaster’s terms and conditions may include specific rules, restrictions or requirements when buying tickets internationally that you’ll want to be aware of.
This can cover aspects like: non-refundable purchases, requirements for international shipping, will call pickup policies, etc. You don’t want to be caught off guard by any limitations or extra steps needed to use your tickets.
Delivery Methods
When buying tickets for an event in another country, you’ll need to factor in how you will actually receive the tickets you purchase on Ticketmaster.
E-Tickets are very common these days, allowing you to access a digital ticket on your phone that can be scanned for entry. If e-tickets are offered, this is usually the easiest approach for international purchases.
However, some events or venues may still issue traditional printed tickets. In this case, you’ll need to provide a mailing address within the country where you can receive the tickets by post. Otherwise, you may need to pick up tickets at the venue will call office when you arrive for the event.
Fraudulent Sellers and Resale Sites
Due to the high demand for tickets to many international live events, there can be issues with fraudulent third-party sellers or ticket resale sites. Only buy from trusted primary sellers like Ticketmaster to ensure your tickets are legitimate. If purchasing from resellers, carefully verify their legitimacy before sending any money.
Tips for Successfully Buying International Tickets on Ticketmaster
Here are some top tips to help you securely buy tickets on Ticketmaster for an event in another country:
- Figure out ahead of the on-sale date which Ticketmaster site will give you the best chance to get tickets based on allocated inventory.
- Be ready at your computer logged into Ticketmaster’s site at least 15 mins before the scheduled start time for ticket sales.
- Have an account already set up on Ticketmaster with your payment details entered to enable the fastest checkout possible.
- Understand if e-tickets are available or if hard tickets will need to be shipped or picked up locally.
- Check if your normal payment method works for international orders on that Ticketmaster website or have a backup ready.
- Factor in the full costs in the local currency including taxes, fees so you know the total amount payable.
- Complete the purchase process quickly once tickets are in your basket to avoid missing out.
While buying tickets abroad on Ticketmaster has some nuances to consider, it’s very feasible. Millions of fans use their services to purchase tickets to events around the world every year. Being prepared and vigilant when sales open gives you the best opportunity to get the tickets you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets on Ticketmaster for an event in another country?
If Ticketmaster sells tickets directly in that country, visit their local website and purchase tickets when they go on sale. If Ticketmaster doesn’t operate there, find a Ticketmaster website in a different country that is allocated tickets to sell internationally for that event.
Can I buy tickets in my own currency from Ticketmaster in another country?
Typically you’ll need to pay in the local currency of that Ticketmaster website. In some cases, they may accept international credit cards or payment methods like PayPal to facilitate purchases in foreign currencies.
What’s the best way to get tickets for a hot international event on Ticketmaster?
Sign up for ticket alerts, research which Ticketmaster sites give you the best inventory access ahead of the sale, be logged in early and ready to act fast when tickets go live. But even with preparation, hot events can sell out in seconds.
How do I get my tickets if I buy them on Ticketmaster in another country?
E-tickets are most convenient as you can access them online from anywhere. If physical tickets are issued, you’ll need to provide an address locally to have them shipped or pick them up at the venue when you arrive.
Can I still buy tickets through Ticketmaster for an event abroad if I’m traveling there later?
Yes, you can purchase international event tickets ahead of time through Ticketmaster even if traveling later. Just be sure to choose e-ticket delivery or select will call pickup so you can obtain the tickets when you arrive in the country.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster makes it possible for fans to purchase tickets online to events around the world, not just in their home country. However, buying internationally does require checking availability, understanding currency and payment requirements, factoring in delivery methods, and moving quickly when hot tickets go on sale globally. While not always easy, Ticketmaster does give you the ability to access and buy into inventory for major events abroad which opens up the live entertainment world.