Switzerland, known for its breathtaking landscapes, precision watches, and delectable chocolates, is also home to a growing community of online shoppers. While Amazon does not have a specific domain for Switzerland, residents can still access the massive product catalog that the retail giant offers. Here’s your comprehensive guide to shopping at Amazon from Switzerland.
Selecting the Right Amazon Site
For Swiss shoppers, Amazon’s websites from neighboring countries like Amazon Germany (Amazon.de), Amazon France (Amazon.fr), or Amazon Italy (Amazon.it) are often the most convenient choices. The UK’s Amazon.co.uk is also a popular choice.
Overall, however, Amazon.de is probably the easiest option for most shoppers in Switzerland. Amazon now calculates the import costs of many items and includes them in the checkout amount.
Tips & Tricks
The following are two helpful tips for shopping at Amazon from Switzerland.
Package forwarding
A lot of Amazon sellers won’t ship to Switzerland. To get around this, you can use a package forwarding company. This allows you to get your order delivered to an address in the US, for example, and then forwarded onto you wherever you are in the world. Stackry is a popular package forwarding company in the US and Forward2me is a popular package forwarding company in the UK.
Visiting Germany
If you live close to the border with Germany, France, or Italy, you could get your orders delivered there and simply drive across. Amazon lets you have your orders delivered to pickup locations such as locations or tabac shops. It’s common, for example, for shoppers in Switzerland to get their orders delivered to an address in Germany and then to drive over and pick them up.
Shopping Steps for Swiss Customers
- Language and Currency Preferences: Many of the European Amazon sites allow you to change the language to English and display prices in Swiss Francs (CHF), making the shopping experience more tailored to Swiss customers.
- Finding Eligible Products: Look for items marked as available for international shipping. You can filter your search to show only items that can be shipped to Switzerland.
- Understanding Shipping Costs and Import Fees: Shipping costs will vary depending on the seller and your chosen delivery method. Import fees might also apply, and Amazon’s Global Shipping program usually calculates these at checkout.
- Payment Methods: Payment can typically be made using Swiss credit or debit cards, and some Amazon sites may also offer PayPal as an option.
- Shipping Times: Delivery times can vary, so it’s essential to check the expected delivery date, especially if you need the item by a specific time.
Alternatives and Considerations
- Package Forwarding Services: If you encounter an item that doesn’t ship directly to Switzerland, you can use a package forwarding service. These companies provide a local address in the country of the Amazon site and then forward the package to Switzerland.
- Local Retail Options: Many Swiss online retailers offer products similar to those on Amazon. Shopping locally might save you on shipping costs and avoid import fees.
- Amazon Prime: It’s important to note that Amazon Prime benefits from one country’s Amazon site may not apply to Switzerland, so check the terms carefully.
Conclusion
Shopping on Amazon from Switzerland is a process that might seem daunting at first glance, but with the right understanding of how to select products, calculate costs, and choose shipping options, it becomes a convenient way to access a world of products.
Remember to explore all your options, including local Swiss online retailers, to find the best deals and products tailored to your needs. Whether you’re shopping for the latest tech gadget, a bestselling book, or a unique gift, Amazon’s vast selection is accessible from the heart of Europe, connecting Switzerland to a global marketplace. Happy shopping!