To answer your last question first, yes, many, many people have had refunds refused. Apple does not have to say why. Read on…
I can understand you not having seen it but Apple does document single country in multiple places. In fact if you had tried adding your sister to Family Sharing first you would have discovered you couldn't do it. That's why I ask people about allergies they may have before I decide what to cook for a dinner guest.
Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple
"All Family members must share the same Home Country."
Share purchases with others in your Family Sharing group
Share purchases with others in your Family Sharing group on Mac - Apple Support
"To share purchases, family members must be in the same iTunes Store country or region."
Check this link here for more details: Change Purchase Sharing settings in Family Sharing on Mac --> Change Purchase Sharing settings in Family Sharing on Mac - Apple Support
- "Note: To share purchases, family members must be in the same Apple ID country or region. If a family member changes their Apple ID country or region, that person might lose access to other family members’ purchases, and installed apps that were shared from other family members might not work. See the Apple Support article Change your Apple Account country or region - Apple Support ."
The people responding on this support forum are users like you. We have no special access to Apple information or your accounts, so unfortunately all we can do is guide you to the information Apple does provide. Apple, however, does not have much on its criteria for refusing refunds. Here are two sections from Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple
- "All Transactions are final."
I understand this as meaning Apple is starting from a point where any refund is considered an exception. Apple may provide a refund but can also simply say no without having to provide a reason. I understand this can be frustrating but by using the service you agree to the terms.
How long was it before you asked for a refund? You may need to do so promptly.
- "From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim." Remember that Apple has no way of removing a purchase from your device. They have to trust you are being honest when asking for a refund. It may be certain refund requests might be considered suspicious.
You can see if the terms are different for where you live by clicking on this link Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple select your location and then your language.
If you feel you want to discuss a refund request, try to contact an Apple representative using a telephone or chat request.
Click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.
or:
"See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." Click here --> Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support