Why Kindle Books cost more in Australia than in the US

[Maurya]

Hi - Any ideas why the same kindle book for my sister in the US will cost sometimes between $5 and $10 less than it costs me in Australia? Same whispernet, no? And the dollar is about par to the Aussie dollar. I just do not understand this.

Take for example The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green. For the Americans, it is $4.99, for the Australians, $11.98. Something wrong in this picture.... (I would post screen shots if I could...)

Thoughts?

[Paul]

If it's any consolation, as author I get paid no more for sales of my Kindle books outside than inside the US, and often less.

[Maurya]

Thanks for the message, but no, not really any consolation! :-) (Sorry about that though.)

[Dee]

ask the australian government - they control pricing...its the same with print books, a book in the US that costs me $8, is like $25 in Australia - its beyond ridiculous

[Velia]

I remember a few years ago reading about a surcharge of $2 for international Amazon customers buying the e-book....maybe the surcharge increased??