Does Amazon Ship Internationally? Here's Exactly Where and How

Amazon doesn’t ship to every country in the world, but it ships to far more than most people realize. If you’re outside the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., you’ve probably wondered: Can I actually order from Amazon and get it delivered? The answer isn’t yes or no-it’s "it depends." And knowing how it works can save you time, money, and frustration.

Amazon’s International Shipping Isn’t One System

Amazon operates multiple shipping networks across the globe, and they don’t all work the same way. There’s Amazon.com (U.S.), Amazon.co.uk (U.K.), Amazon.de (Germany), Amazon.co.jp (Japan), and more than a dozen other regional sites. Each one has its own rules for international shipping.

If you’re in Australia and you go to Amazon.com, you won’t see a "Ship to Australia" option on most products. But if you go to Amazon.com.au, you’ll see local pricing, local taxes, and local delivery times. That’s because Amazon has built out local fulfillment centers in key markets like Australia, India, Brazil, Mexico, and the UAE.

But what if you want to buy something from Amazon U.S. and have it sent to, say, Nigeria? That’s where Amazon’s global shipping program comes in. Not every item qualifies. Only products marked "Ships from Amazon.com" and "Ships internationally" are eligible. And even then, you’re not guaranteed delivery-some items are blocked due to customs, safety rules, or weight limits.

How to Tell If Amazon Will Ship to Your Country

The easiest way to check is right on the product page. Look for this line under the "Add to Cart" button:

• "Ships to [Your Country]" - This means Amazon handles the entire process, including customs and local delivery.
• "Ships from Amazon.com" - This means Amazon ships it out of the U.S., but you’ll need to pay international fees and wait longer.
• "This item does not ship to your country" - No workaround here. Skip it.

Amazon also has a shipping calculator built into the checkout. When you enter your address, it tells you:

• Estimated delivery time (usually 5-15 business days for international)
• Import fees and taxes upfront (no surprise charges later)
• Whether the item is eligible for Amazon’s Global Shipping Program

Some countries have restrictions Amazon won’t override. For example, you can’t ship lithium batteries to certain countries in Africa or South America. Same with alcohol, weapons, or certain medicines. Even if the product is legal in your country, Amazon’s global policies might block it.

Which Countries Does Amazon Ship To?

Amazon ships to over 100 countries directly through its own international programs. Here are the most common ones with reliable delivery:

• Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
• United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
• India, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines
• Most of Western Europe: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden
• South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria (limited selection)

But here’s the catch: even if Amazon ships to your country, not every product is available. A Kindle bought in the U.S. might ship to India, but the latest Apple Watch probably won’t. Why? Because Amazon restricts high-value electronics in markets with high return rates or customs scrutiny.

Amazon’s own data shows that over 60% of international orders come from just 15 countries. The rest-like Indonesia, Vietnam, or Kenya-get limited access. If your country isn’t on the list, you’re not out of luck. You can still use a package forwarder.

What Are Package Forwarders? Should You Use One?

A package forwarder is a company that gives you a U.S. or U.K. address. You ship your Amazon order to that address, then they forward it to your real home. Popular ones include MyUS, Shipito, and Borderlinx.

They work-but they’re not free. You pay:

• A one-time registration fee ($10-$30)
• Storage fees if the package sits too long ($1-$5 per day)
• International shipping costs (often $15-$50 for a small box)
• Customs brokerage fees (sometimes hidden)

Plus, you lose Amazon’s return policy. If your item breaks or doesn’t match the description, you’re stuck dealing with the forwarder, not Amazon. And if your package gets stuck in customs, you’re on your own.

For low-cost items like books or phone chargers, forwarders make sense. For expensive electronics or fragile goods? Stick with Amazon’s direct shipping if possible.

Import Fees and Taxes: What You Really Pay

Many people think they’ll avoid taxes by buying from Amazon.com. That’s not true. Amazon collects import fees upfront for most countries. You’ll see a line item called "Import Fees Deposit" at checkout.

This is the estimated amount your country’s customs will charge. If your actual fees are lower, Amazon refunds the difference. If they’re higher, you pay the rest. But Amazon covers the difference in 98% of cases-so you won’t get hit with surprise bills after delivery.

Some countries, like Canada and Australia, have low thresholds. Under $40 CAD or $1,000 AUD, you pay no GST or VAT. But in the EU, you pay VAT on everything over €22. In the UK, it’s £135. Amazon handles this automatically if you’re buying from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de.

Bottom line: Always check the final price before checkout. If you see "Includes all taxes and duties," you’re safe.

Delivery Times: How Long Will It Really Take?

Domestic Amazon deliveries? 1-2 days. International? It’s a different game.

Amazon’s standard international shipping takes 5-15 business days. Expedited options (like Global Priority Shipping) can cut that to 3-7 days-but they cost 2-3x more. You’re paying for:

• Faster air freight
• Priority customs clearance
• Guaranteed delivery windows

Delivery times vary wildly by region. A package to Germany from the U.S. might arrive in 4 days. One to Chile? Could take 12. Weather, holidays, strikes, and customs backlogs all play a role.

Amazon tracks every step. You’ll get emails when your package leaves the U.S., clears customs, and hits your local post office. No guessing.

What You Can’t Ship Internationally

Even if Amazon says it ships to your country, some items are always blocked:

• Lithium batteries (power banks, e-bike parts, some toys)
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Firearms, ammunition, and replica weapons
• Prescription drugs and controlled substances
• Perishable food (cheese, meat, fresh fruit)
• Counterfeit or unlicensed products

Amazon’s AI scans product descriptions and images to catch these automatically. You won’t even see the "Buy Now" button if the item’s banned.

There are exceptions. Some countries allow limited quantities of alcohol or supplements-but only through local Amazon sites (like Amazon.de for wine in Germany). You can’t order wine from Amazon.com and have it shipped to France.

Alternatives to Amazon for International Shipping

If Amazon doesn’t ship what you need, here are other options:

• AliExpress - Ships to almost every country, low prices, but slow (3-8 weeks) and inconsistent quality.
• eBay Global Shipping - Sellers handle international shipping. Good for niche or used items.
• Wish - Cheap, but long delivery times and sketchy returns.
• Local retailers - Many countries now have Amazon-like stores: Flipkart (India), Noon (UAE), Tokopedia (Indonesia).

For electronics, consider buying from local authorized dealers. You’ll pay more, but you’ll get warranty support and faster service.

Final Tips for International Amazon Shoppers

• Always use your local Amazon site first (e.g., Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk).
• Check the product page for "Ships internationally" before adding to cart.
• Look for the "Import Fees Deposit" line in checkout-this is your safety net.
• Don’t use forwarders for expensive items unless you’re okay with no returns.
• Track your package. If it’s stuck in customs for over 10 days, contact Amazon support.
• Sign up for Amazon Prime in your country. Some regions offer free international shipping on eligible items.

Amazon’s international shipping isn’t perfect-but it’s the most reliable option out there for everyday shoppers. If you know the rules, you can get almost anything you want, delivered to your door, without surprise fees or delays.