A warning to non-Americans about buying SimPoints

[Thalia_NL]

I'll introduce myself properly later, but I wanted to get this topic up as soon as possible.

1000 simpoints cost ten dollars. In the sims store this is converted to seven euros. However, when you want to buy them through Origin, you have to pay... ten euros!

I e-mailed EA and posted on their forum. They mailed me back, stating that the dollarprice was converted 1:1 because some users have been 'cheating' by using cheap east-European prices... or something. It was all very vague. They also deleted my topic on the forums. Hmm... 

Prices for games and expansion packs are, as far as I can tell, still converted properly. But when you want to buy Simpoints, it is better to stay away from Origin and use the Sims 3 Store instead.

A special hint to Dutch users: Origin was the only way we could pay through the populair method of iDeal. However, Paypal recently launched a service called Money2 that enables us Dutchies to activate as well as transfer money to our Paypal account, using iDeal and at no extra fee. Instead of two to three working days, activating and adding money can now be done within minutes. Take that, Origin! 

P.S. Make sure to register your Origin-bought expansion packs BEFORE you complete the download! Otherwise the DRM will do it for you, denying you of free welcoming downloads and a shiny new icon on your account page. Look here for more details.
http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/566988.page

Edit: it seems that some of the stuff packs like "Fast lane" are converted 1:1 as well. Before you pay way too much, make sure to swich language settings and make sure you are paying a fair price.

[MoMoll]

Interesting. I'll have to keep my eye on the EA site purchases to see how they are converting my euros.

[OhMyZeus]

Wow!

[Thalia_NL]

Interesting. I'll have to keep my eye on the EA site purchases to see how they are converting my euros.

Make sure you do that  I even found one instance that did not just have the dollar price listed in euros... but DOUBLED it. 

You'd think for that kind of money we would get some way of browsing styleswatches with a keyboard. My poor hand!

[Noodles]

I'm from EU and have been using store well over a year, and I can tell you this EURO discount at the store is recent development. It used to be 10USD=10EUR for 1000 points in the store, as well. They changed it some moths ago.

Also, changing the language settings allows you to see the price in other currency (for example, dollars) until processing the payment but when you pay, you can only pay on your country's currency and price. When the points were still 10EUR at the store, I tried to find a work around for this to pay in $ (because it felt unfair to pay way more for virtual points, "imaginary goods" in a sense), but couldn't. I experimented paying with Paypal and my credit card, and the price went to 10EUR at the check out any way. I guess it's because of my registration information or IP. Since then they lowered the price and if I ever want to buy points, I'll happily accept that 7EUR price tag.

Anyway, you have a very good point and it's good to let people know about this price difference.
I'd say if one wants to buy simpoints, they should do so at the store to get the new(ish) lower price. They have started selling simpoint cards at game stores (at least in my country), but the price of the card is 10EUR so it's not a bargain.

[_Lyd!a_]

I think ten euros for 1000 SimPoints is a rip off. Most things that are worth buying are normally alot more than 1000 and cost even more euros.

[Magpie2012]

Wow this is good to know! I'm from South Africa so the exchange rate is ridiculously high for us, but if I ever get enough money together to be able to afford simpoints I will definitely be thankful to u for sharing this!!!