Depending on where you're from, it's not always easy finding an imported copy of a game, although it's less of an issue with the digital downloads these days.
My original FFXI I imported from the US (it wasn't out in Europe yet at the time), but by the time Europe got an official FFXI release, practically no store would sell me US expansion packs. I ended up getting mine from someone I met in-game, who was kind enough to buy a copy and mail me the key.
