Amazon Shipping: Boats To Belize City?

Amazon does ship some items to Belize City, but the process is not as straightforward as in other countries. While Amazon does offer international shipping to Belize, there are certain items that cannot be shipped there, such as cameras and electronics. Additionally, the shipping time is longer, typically taking between 2 to 8 weeks for the entire process. To ship items to Belize, customers can use Amazon's International Shopping Portal, which displays items available for international shipping. Alternatively, customers can use a package forwarder, which provides a US address to ship items to and then forwards them to the customer's address in Belize. This option tends to be more expensive but allows customers to buy any product from Amazon, even if it doesn't ship directly to Belize.

Amazon's international shipping options

Amazon is a global company that ships to over 100 countries worldwide. However, not all items can be shipped to all locations.

AmazonGlobal

AmazonGlobal is Amazon's international portal, allowing customers to shop from anywhere in the world. AmazonGlobal Standard Shipping is available for free if your order meets certain requirements and you are shipping to an eligible international destination.

International Shipping Costs

International shipping costs can vary depending on the speed of delivery and the number, weight, and size of items.

Shipping to Belize

Amazon does ship to Belize. To do this, you can either buy directly from Amazon or use a shipping forwarder.

Buying Directly from Amazon

To buy directly from Amazon, you can go to Amazon's International Shopping Portal, which only displays items available for international shipping. You can then set up a "1-Click address" for Belize in your account settings.

Using a Shipping Forwarder

If Amazon doesn't ship a particular item to Belize, you can use a shipping forwarder such as MyUS.com. This option tends to be more expensive but makes buying from Amazon in a different country possible. A shipping forwarder provides a US/UK address, allowing you to ship items to their address, which they then forward to your Belize address.

Using a package forwarder

A package forwarder is a company that will accept your package in the United States and forward it to your address in Belize. This is a good option if you want to buy items from Amazon.com that are only available for shipping within the United States.

Step 1: Choose a Package Forwarder

When choosing a package forwarder, consider the following factors:

• Service Fees: Look into the fees charged for accepting and shipping packages, as well as additional services like long-term storage, re-packing, and package consolidation.
• Monthly Fees: Some companies may charge monthly fees.
• Pricing Transparency: Choose a company that is transparent about its shipping prices before you send your order to their warehouse.
• Speed: Consider how quickly the company processes and ships out packages.
• Customer Service: Research customer reviews and how satisfied users are with their service.

Some recommended package forwarders include:

• Planet Express: Offers a tax-free warehouse in Oregon, package consolidation, and cheap storage.
• MyUS.com: Has the lowest rates, is tax-free, and is the most popular US/UK shipping forwarder.
• Forward2me: Offers a free US address and 30-day free storage.

Step 2: Sign Up for an Account

Sign up for an account with your chosen package forwarder. You will usually be provided with a unique mailing address at their warehouse.

Step 3: Place Your Order with Amazon

When placing your order on Amazon, enter your package forwarder's warehouse address as the shipping address. You may also be able to use this address as your credit card billing address if needed.

Step 4: Forward Your Package

Once your package arrives at the package forwarder's warehouse, they will notify you and provide a series of shipping options to choose from, varying in price and speed.

Step 5: Customs and Duties

Keep in mind that you may need to pay additional costs for customs and duties, depending on the value and type of item you are shipping.

Important Considerations:

• Using a freight forwarder to ship items internationally may result in complications not covered by Amazon. You are responsible for export/import compliance for orders that you or your freight forwarder export/import.
• Amazon will not accept returns or issue refunds for lost or damaged items that you or your freight forwarder export.
• Always review the policies and guidelines provided by Amazon and your chosen package forwarder to ensure a smooth process.

Customs duties and taxes

The two main duties applied to imported goods and products are the Import Duty and Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD). Import Duties range between zero and 120 per cent, with the average rate applied to commodities at 20 per cent. Goods without duties include various food items and medicines. A rate of 45 per cent is applicable to certain automobiles and other goods, such as fresh peppers, pepper sauces, live animals, and boats. Import duties on industrial products average a rate of 20 per cent but may be higher for products of national interest and protected for Belizean investment.

Duties are calculated on the CIF Value of goods (Cost, Insurance, plus Freight). Imports from CARICOM countries are exempt from import duties, but Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD) may be applicable to some commodities originating from CARICOM countries. The RRD rates are applied between 10 per cent and 50 per cent, with the majority averaging 40 per cent.

Other taxes on imports include General Sales Tax (GST) and Environmental Tax. GST is applied at a rate of 12.5 per cent, based on the aggregate of the customs value and other duties. Environmental Tax is charged at a rate of three per cent on all imports, excluding some medicines and food items; however, automobiles are charged at a rate of two to five per cent depending on the type of vehicle.

There are also charges levied by the import customs broker for filing the import customs clearance documents with the local customs authorities. This customs brokerage fee is in addition to the customs duties and import VAT / GST applied to the imported goods.

Shipping costs and times

Amazon Global

To use Amazon Global, you must first set up your "1-Click" address so that Amazon knows which country you want to ship to. This will ensure that you only see items that can be shipped to your address. Once you have set this up, you can place items in your cart and see the shipping cost before checking out.

Shipping costs to Belize range from $5-$10 for smaller items (like clothing) up to $50-$100 for larger, more valuable items (like electronics). Shipping times are typically 5-7 business days, but faster methods are available at a higher cost.

Package Forwarders

If you want to use a package forwarder, you will need to choose one that offers the speed and cost that suits your needs. Planet Express and MyUS are two popular options.

With Planet Express, you will receive a unique mailing address at their warehouse, which you can use as your shipping address when making a purchase. They offer a tax-free warehouse in Oregon, package consolidation, and extremely cheap storage. Once your package arrives, they will send you photos and a series of shipping options to choose from. Shipping costs with Planet Express are typically $6-$35 USD, plus insurance.

MyUS also offers a US shipping address and a free estimate of shipping costs before you make a purchase. They offer significantly discounted shipping rates to VIP members, including international shippers who spend $500 or more per month, business owners who resell US products, and individuals who ship US products in volume for friends and family.

After your package arrives at MyUS, they will spend 1-2 days processing your order. Shipping times to Belize are then 1-12 days, depending on the shipping method chosen.

Customs and Duties

When shipping to Belize, it is important to consider the additional costs of customs and duties. Belize will levy a customs duty on your item depending on what it is, ranging from 0-100%, plus a 12.5% General Sales Tax (GST) and a 3% environmental fee (up to 5% for vehicles). There may also be additional taxes on the shipping fee.

Shipping companies will usually add these costs to your bill, so you will need to pay them before receiving your order.

Payment methods

Amazon accepts various payment options, including credit, debit, and gift cards. They also accept FSA, HSA, and SNAP EBT cards in participating states.

The following payment methods are available for use:

• Visa (including the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card)
• China UnionPay (credit card only)
• Visa, MasterCard, or American Express prepaid credit or gift cards

You can add a completely new payment card or change your existing payment details without having to place an order, in your Amazon Wallet.

You can also use Amazon Gift Cards to pay for your order. You can split payment between one of the accepted credit or debit cards and an Amazon.com Gift Card, but you cannot split payment among multiple cards.

Amazon also offers payment plans, allowing customers to buy now and pay over time with Affirm.

To manage your payment methods, go to "Your Account" and select "Your Payments". From there, you can add, edit, or remove a payment method.

Frequently asked questions