The good news is that if you live somewhere other than the US, you can still shop at Amazon and have your orders delivered to you — almost to anywhere in the world. Amazon’s Global Shipping Program simplifies the process of buying products from different countries, handling customs and import duties, and ensuring that the products reach the customer’s doorstep without any hitches. It’s a testament to Amazon’s commitment to making global shopping as seamless as possible.
But that doesn’t always mean you can get anything anywhere. A common misconception among shoppers is that all products on Amazon are sold directly by the company. In reality, Amazon is a bustling marketplace that hosts a myriad of third-party sellers. These sellers, each operating under their own policies, might not always offer international shipping. And even when they do, the shipping fees can sometimes be steep, making it crucial for customers to read the fine print and understand the shipping terms before making a purchase.
Don’t worry, though: there are solutions. For example, package forwarding companies like Stackry provide you with a shipping address in the US. You simply send the order to them and they ship it to you! Simple!
In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know about shopping at Amazon (we’re assuming you mean Amazon US) from wherever you are in the world.
Amazon.com’s Global Shipping Program
Amazon’s Global Store simplifies international shopping by displaying products from Amazon’s worldwide marketplaces, handling customs and import charges upfront, providing international delivery options with tracking, and ensuring a seamless purchase experience with the familiarity of local customer service.
But, have you ever noticed that not every product on Amazon can be shipped to your country? This can be due to various reasons like shipping laws, tariffs, or even transportation costs. It can be frustrating to get to the checkout only to discover that the product you want can’t be shipped to you. But don’t fret! There is a nifty way to show you exactly what’s available for your location, making your shopping experience a breeze.
Here’s a quick guide to ensure Amazon displays products that can be shipped right to you:
- Hop onto Amazon and sign in.
- Click on the Account & Lists tab at the top.
- Dive into the Your Account section.
- Under Ordering and Shopping Preferences, you’ll find Your Address. Click on it!
- If you’ve already added your international address, just make sure it’s set as the Default. If not, no worries! Click on Add a New Address, pop in your details, and then set it as your default.
Voilà! Amazon will now show you products tailored to your location, whether they’re local or from far-off lands.
What about free shipping?
If you want to get free international shipping (and who doesn’t?) for your Amazon order, look out for items with the ‘free shipping’ label. Keep in mind that for International delivery, order minimums also apply and they can vary by country (typically it’s around $40-$50).
Help! I Can’t Get What I Want Delivered to Me
Got a product that doesn’t ship directly to your country or thinking of bundling purchases from different retailers? No worries! Package forwarding companies have got your back. Especially popular in places like the US, Canada, and the UK, these handy services offer you a local address, accept packages for you, and then send them straight to your doorstep, wherever in the world that might be. It’s like having a helpful friend in another country, making sure you never miss out on that must-have item.
The following are some of the most popular US-based package forwarding countries:
- Stackry: Stackry offers a free U.S. address, allowing international shoppers to consolidate multiple purchases into one shipment. With no membership fees and a reputation for reliable service, they’ve become a favorite among global consumers.
- Planet Express: Planet Express stands out with its straightforward pricing and user-friendly interface. They provide a suite of services, including package consolidation, repackaging, and personal shopping assistance, catering to a wide range of international shopping needs.
- Shipito: Shipito offers both a free and a premium membership, each providing a U.S. address for international shipping. Their services include package consolidation, photo documentation, and multiple shipping options, ensuring flexibility for their customers.
- MyUS: With over 20 years in the business, MyUS is a veteran in the package forwarding industry. They promise fast and reliable shipping to over 220 countries, with services like package consolidation, repackaging, and a tax-free shopping experience.
- ForwardMe: ForwardMe prides itself on offering a personalized shopping and shipping experience. They provide a U.S. address for international shoppers and offer services like package consolidation, repackaging, and even returns handling.
- Viabox: Viabox boasts of offering the lowest shipping rates by leveraging bulk discounts. They provide a free Oregon-based address, which means no sales tax, and their services include package consolidation, repackaging, and detailed online tracking.
Amazon’s International Sites
While many associate Amazon primarily with the US, it’s essential to note that the platform has expanded its reach far beyond American borders. With dedicated sites for numerous countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and many others, customers often find what they need without resorting to international shipping. However, for those unique items or exclusive deals, Amazon does offer international shipping, both from Amazon.com and many of its international counterparts.
Currently Amazon operates in the following countries:
| Country | Amazon Website |
|---|---|
| Australia | amazon.com.au |
| Austria | amazon.at |
| Brazil | amazon.com.br |
| Canada | amazon.ca |
| China | amazon.cn |
| Czech Republic | amazon.cz |
| Egypt | amazon.eg |
| France | amazon.fr |
| Germany | amazon.de |
| India | amazon.in |
| Italy | amazon.it |
| Japan | amazon.co.jp |
| Mexico | amazon.com.mx |
| Netherlands | amazon.nl |
| Poland | amazon.pl |
| Singapore | amazon.com.sg |
| Spain | amazon.es |
| United Arab Emirates | amazon.ae |
| United Kingdom | amazon.co.uk |
| United States | Amazon.com |
Amazon Doesn’t Ship to Me
There are a few countries that Amazon doesn’t currently ship to, including:
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Sudan
- Syria
Unfortunately, this is often due to political situations, which means you are unlikely to find a package forwarding company that will forward the items onto you.