If you’re from the US and find yourself either living in or visiting Mexico, there’s a good chance you might miss the convenience of hopping on Amazon US for your favorite products. The familiar interface, the array of choices, and often, the nostalgia of products from back home can be quite tempting.
Here’s the good news: not only can you access Amazon US, but Mexico also boasts its dedicated Amazon platform – Amazon.com.mx. This local version offers a mix of both international and domestic products, tailored to the preferences and needs of the Mexican market. However, for those who still yearn for items from the US or find comfort in the English interface, Amazon US remains accessible and often ships to Mexico, offering a sense of home away from home.
For the expatriates and vacationers aiming to make the most out of their Amazon shopping experience in Mexico, this guide provides insight. We’ll detail the nuances of shopping on both Amazon platforms, explore delivery options, and offer tips to ensure a seamless online shopping experience in your new tropical paradise.
Shopping at Amazon.com
Does Amazon ship to Mexico? The simple answer is yes. If you’re situated in Mexico, whether as an expat or a vacationer, you can easily shop from the main Amazon.com site. Being a primary platform of the American-based giant, shopping on Amazon.com unlocks a vast array of products often at highly competitive prices.
However, while the prospect of tapping into a larger product range is alluring, it comes with its caveats. One significant concern is the shipping cost. Even for relatively lightweight packages, the charges can be quite high due to customs and import duty taxes upon their arrival at the Mexican border. This is despite the NAFTA agreement between Mexico, the USA, and Canada, which occasionally sees the government stepping in to cover some import duties. Yet, not every retailer on Amazon is eager to navigate this process.
Moreover, many sellers may not ship to Mexico. This may be something that you don’t find out until you get to the checkout page, which can be very frustrating. Thankfully, there’s a solution: Package forwarding.
Using a package forwarding company
While shopping on Amazon.com offers a wide array of products, the shipping limitations can sometimes pose a hurdle. This is where package forwarding services, such as Stackry, come into play. These companies act as an intermediary, allowing you to shop from the US and have your orders delivered to Mexico seamlessly. Here’s how the process generally works and the advantages it offers:
How Package Forwarding with Stackry Works:
- Registration: Begin by creating an account with Stackry. Upon registration, you’ll be provided with a US-based address, which you will use as your shipping address when shopping on Amazon.com or other US retailers.
- Shopping and Shipping: Shop on Amazon.com as you normally would, using the US address provided by Stackry at checkout. The retailer will ship your order to this address.
- Notification and Consolidation: Once your package arrives at Stackry’s warehouse, you’ll be notified. If you have multiple packages, Stackry offers a consolidation service, where several parcels can be packed into one to save on international shipping costs.
- Dispatch to Mexico: After confirming the receipt and, if desired, consolidating your packages, you’ll instruct Stackry to forward the package(s) to your address in Mexico. At this stage, you’ll pay the international shipping fee.
- Customs and Delivery: Stackry takes care of the customs documentation, ensuring a smoother transition through Mexican customs. Once cleared, your package will be on its way to your doorstep in Mexico.
Shopping at Amazon.com.mx
For those living in Mexico or vacationing for an extended period, the prospect of navigating a foreign Amazon site can be daunting. However, Amazon’s Mexican platform, Amazon.com.mx, is a treasure trove designed specifically to cater to the Mexican market, merging the familiarity of the Amazon interface with products and services tailored to local needs.
The website is primarily in Spanish, reflecting the local language. Prices are listed in Mexican pesos (MXN), offering clarity for local transactions. If you’re using a credit card in another currency (such as USD) be aware that your bank may charge you a currency conversion fee.
Viewing Amazon Mexico in English
While Amazon.com.mx is predominantly in Spanish, there’s no need for non-Spanish speakers to feel lost. With modern browser tools, it’s easier than ever to translate web pages to your preferred language in real-time. If you’re keen on shopping on Amazon Mexico but are grappling with the language barrier, here’s how you can seamlessly view the site in English using Google Translate and the Chrome browser:
1. Google Chrome’s Built-in Translation:
Google Chrome, one of the world’s most popular browsers, has an integrated translation feature that automatically detects when a webpage is in a foreign language and offers to translate it for you.
Steps:
- Navigate to Amazon.com.mx in Google Chrome.
- A small icon (usually a small square with the abbreviation of the language, e.g., “ES” for Spanish) will appear on the right side of the address bar.
- Click on this icon.
- You will see a pop-up with the message, “This page is in Spanish. Would you like to translate it?”
- Click “Translate,” and the entire webpage will be translated into English instantly.
This built-in feature is not exclusive to Amazon.com.mx; it works for almost any website in a foreign language.
2. Google Translate Web Tool:
If you’re not using Chrome or prefer a manual approach, Google Translate’s web tool can also help you access Amazon.com.mx in English.
Steps:
- Go to Google Translate.
- On the left box, set the language to “Spanish” (or let it auto-detect) and on the right box, set it to “English.”
- Copy and paste the URL of Amazon.com.mx into the left box.
- Click on the translated URL in the right box, and it will open Amazon Mexico in a new tab, translated into English.
While these translation tools are incredibly handy, it’s essential to be aware that they offer machine translations. This means that while general content will be understandable, there might be occasional quirks or nuances that aren’t perfectly translated. However, for the purpose of online shopping, these tools should suffice to provide a comfortable browsing experience.
Mexican Alternatives to Amazon
While Amazon has made significant inroads into the Mexican market with its dedicated Amazon.com.mx portal, Mexico boasts its own robust e-commerce landscape with platforms offering a wide range of products and services. For those looking for local alternatives or simply wanting to explore more shopping options, here’s a rundown of some of the top Mexican online retailers:
MercadoLibre
Often dubbed the “eBay of Latin America,” MercadoLibre is a massive online marketplace where users can buy and sell almost anything. From tech gadgets to fashion, home goods, and more, it’s a one-stop-shop for many online shoppers in Mexico. The platform also offers payment solutions through MercadoPago, ensuring secure transactions.
Linio
Linio is another big player in the Mexican e-commerce scene, providing a wide variety of products, including electronics, beauty products, home appliances, and more. The platform often features deals and discounts, making it a favorite for bargain hunters.
Liverpool
This iconic department store chain in Mexico also boasts a strong online presence. Shoppers can browse and purchase everything from luxury brands to household items on their website. With its long-standing reputation for quality, Liverpool’s online store is a go-to for many.
Sears México
Although Sears has faced challenges in the U.S., its Mexican counterpart remains robust. The platform offers a vast selection of products, from apparel and accessories to home appliances and tools. It’s especially popular for its white-goods and home improvement categories.
Elektra
Popular for electronics and home appliances, Elektra’s online platform is an extension of its widespread brick-and-mortar presence in Mexico. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking the latest gadgets or household items.