Shop On Amazon: A Guide For Belize Residents

If you're based in Belize and want to order from Amazon, you're in luck – it is possible, but there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Amazon does ship some items to Belize, including clothing and home decor. However, for certain products, you may encounter the message This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. This is often the case for valuable items like cameras and electronics.

So, what's the solution? Well, there are a couple of methods you can try. The first is to use Amazon's International Shopping Portal, which only displays items available for international shipping. You can set up a 1-Click address for Belize, so Amazon will only show you products that can be shipped to your country.

The second option is to use a shipping forwarder. This is a company that provides a US/UK address, so you can ship your Amazon order to them, and they will then forward it to your Belize address. This option tends to be more expensive, but it makes buying from Amazon possible if they don't deliver directly to your location.

Keep in mind that shipping times and costs will vary depending on the method you choose and the size and weight of your package. It's also worth noting that Amazon Prime members in Belize will not be able to take advantage of the quick delivery options available in other countries.

Amazon Prime in Belize

Amazon Prime does ship to Belize, but there are some important caveats to be aware of. Firstly, you need to have an international credit card or valid payment method. Secondly, you will need to use a shipping or consolidating company as a middle man to get your packages to Belize. This means that deliveries will take significantly longer than the typical 24- to 48-hour delivery window that Prime customers in the USA are accustomed to.

There are many freight forwarding services that you can send your Amazon packages to, and they will then ship your items to Belize via boat. This process can take around two weeks, and then there is the additional time needed for clearing the container from the port before delivery can begin. In total, it can take up to a month to receive your order. It's important to plan your orders accordingly, as ships usually leave the US port on Mondays, so getting your order in by the Friday before will ensure delivery on that ship.

Some popular consolidating companies that ship to Belize include Joseph Freight and Belizean Queen. These companies will consolidate multiple packages into one or two boxes, which can significantly reduce shipping costs. For example, an $17 bottle of shampoo ordered directly through Amazon to Belize would cost over $300 with shipping, even with Prime. Using a consolidating company, shipping costs are typically calculated based on the size of the box, rather than the weight or contents.

Overall, while it is possible to use Amazon Prime in Belize, it is a very different experience from the e-commerce culture that many are used to in the USA. The process is slower and more complex, and it may be more expensive depending on the shipping fees and duties. However, for those who want access to a wider variety of products or specific items that are not available locally, it can be a worthwhile option.

Shipping to Belize

While Amazon does ship some products to Belize, the majority of third-party sellers on Amazon do not ship internationally. Even when Amazon does ship to Belize, the process is often complicated and time-consuming, with many products getting held up by customs.

To ship products from Amazon to Belize, you will need to use a freight forwarder or package forwarder. These companies provide a US address to which you can ship your Amazon products, and they will then forward them to your Belize address. Some popular package forwarders include MyUS, FishisFast, and BigAppleBuddy. Signing up for these services is usually easy, and they offer features such as free estimates on shipping costs, weight-based pricing, and expedited shipping for urgent packages.

It is important to note that using a package forwarder will likely increase the overall cost of your purchase. Additionally, shipping times can be lengthy, with the entire process taking up to a month or more.

When using a package forwarder, you will first need to sign up for an account and obtain a US shipping address. You can then add this address to your Amazon account and place your order. The forwarder will receive the package and ship it to your Belize address, usually within 1-12 days, excluding processing times.

Some package forwarders also offer concierge services, where they will place the order on your behalf and handle any necessary returns or refunds. This may be useful if you encounter issues with ordering directly from Amazon to Belize.

Using a package forwarder

Step 1: Choose a Package Forwarder

The package forwarder you select will determine how quickly you receive your order and the cost of shipping. It is important to research different companies and compare their fees, monthly charges, pricing transparency, speed of processing and shipping, and customer service. Some popular package forwarders include Planet Express and MyUS.com.

Step 2: Sign Up and Get Your Unique Address

Sign up with your chosen package forwarder and receive your unique mailing address at their warehouse. You can then enter this address as your shipping address when making purchases on Amazon.

Step 3: Forward Your Package

Once your package arrives at the package forwarder's warehouse, they will notify you and provide a series of shipping options with different price-speed combinations. Choose the option that suits your needs, and your package will be sent out, sometimes even on the same day.

Step 4: Customs Declaration

You may be required to fill out a customs declaration form, providing details such as the item being shipped, the number of items, their value, and whether they contain batteries.

Step 5: Pay Any Customs or Duties

Depending on the value and type of item you buy, you may need to pay customs or duties on your order. These charges are in addition to the shipping fees charged by the package forwarder.

Payment methods

Amazon accepts a variety of payment methods for international customers. These include:

• Credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and China UnionPay.
• Prepaid credit or gift cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Amazon Gift Cards.
• Debit cards.
• FSA, HSA, and SNAP EBT cards in participating states.
• Amazon Store Card and Amazon Secured Card.
• Amazon Monthly Payments.
• Payment plans, such as "Buy Now, Pay Over Time" or "Pay Over Time with Affirm".
• Prime Visa and Amazon Visa Rewards Points.
• International credit cards.

It is important to note that some payment methods may not be available in certain countries or regions, and there may be additional restrictions or requirements for specific payment options. For example, SNAP EBT cards are only accepted as payment methods from participating states, and customers may register one EBT card to their online account at a time.

When ordering from Amazon to be delivered to Belize, it is recommended to use a freight forwarding service or a consolidating company that can receive your Amazon order and then ship it to Belize. This adds an extra step to the process, but it is possible to receive Amazon orders in Belize through these methods.

Amazon's international page

Step 1: Go to Amazon's International Shopping Portal

Amazon has an international section on its website that displays only the items available for international shipping. You can browse this catalog to find products that can be shipped to Belize.

Step 2: Create an Account and Set Up Your 1-Click Belize Address

To take full advantage of the international page, you need to set up a "1-Click address" for Belize. Here's how:

• Log in to your Amazon account or create a new one.
• Go to "Account & Lists" and then "Account".
• Under "Ordering and shopping preferences," find "1-Click settings".
• Manage your addresses here and input your Belize address.
• With your Belize address set up, Amazon will only display items that can be shipped to your country.

Step 3: Browse and Shop

Once you've set up your 1-Click address, you're ready to shop! Browse the international section for products that can be shipped directly to Belize.

Step 4: Understand the Limitations

It's important to note that not all items on Amazon can be shipped internationally. You may encounter the message, "This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location" for certain products, especially electronics and valuable items.

Step 5: Consider Using a Shipping Forwarder

If you want to purchase items that Amazon doesn't ship directly to Belize, you can use a shipping forwarder. These companies provide a U.S. address for you to ship your Amazon purchases, and then they forward the packages to your Belize address.

Step 6: Choose a Reputable Shipping Forwarder

When choosing a shipping forwarder, consider factors such as service fees, monthly fees, pricing transparency, speed of delivery, and customer service. Some popular options include MyUS.com and Planet Express.

Step 7: Sign Up and Receive Your Unique Mailing Address

Sign up with your chosen shipping forwarder and receive your unique U.S. mailing address. You can use this address as your shipping address when making purchases on Amazon.

Step 8: Forward Your Package

Once your package arrives at the shipping forwarder's warehouse, they will notify you and provide shipping options. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

Step 9: Understand the Costs and Timing

Shipping costs to Belize can vary depending on the weight and size of your package. Generally, shipping costs range from $5 to $10 for smaller items and can go up to $50 to $100 for larger, more valuable items. Shipping times can also vary, usually taking at least 5-7 business days, but faster shipping methods are available at an additional cost.

By following these steps, you can take advantage of Amazon's international page and shipping forwarders to shop on Amazon from Belize, enjoying a wider selection of products at lower prices.

Frequently asked questions