Question

Apologies if this is not a typical SO question, but I’m hoping that someone in the same situation will be able to help.

In some countries you cannot open a Google Merchant account, but you can open a Google Developer account. So, if you open a Google Developer account, but not have the ability to open a Merchant account, will you still be able to sell your apps or only give them away for free?

I’m asking because I’ve only ever developed for clients who sold their apps, but never sold an app myself and in my country (South Africa) you cannot register as a Google Merchant.

UPDATE:

For those listed outside of the countries below in my answer, take note that the Amazon Android developers does not currently have such a limitation, and that developer registration is currently free (at the time or writing). Payment is done by means of cheque.

Answer 1

OK, it cost me 25 US dollars to find out that being a Google developer does not entitle you to sell your apps. A registered developer can only publish free apps. You need to be a merchant to charge for applications.

This was the first thing I saw after logging in and following a link to ‘sell your app’:

Supported locations for merchants

Currently, developers in the below countries may register as Google
Checkout merchants and sell paid applications:

Argentina*
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil*
Canada
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Russia*
Singapore
Spain
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan*
United Kingdom
United States 

We’re working hard to add more countries, but we’re unable to provide
any guidance on timelines. Please stay tuned!

I just hope they use my 25 dollars wisely – that’s good beer money.

Update:

I contacted Google support and they confirmed that you need to be a registered merchant to sell android applications.