Amazon's Shipping Reach: Does It Cover Belize?

Amazon does not deliver directly to Belize. However, there are freight forwarding services that can be used to get around this. These services provide you with an address to send your Amazon orders to, and then they will forward them to you in Belize. One such service is ColisExpat, which offers competitive rates and the possibility to consolidate multiple packages into a single shipment to reduce forwarding costs. Another is Belizean Queen, which combines multiple items into one box to save on shipping costs.

Amazon Prime shipping to Belize

Amazon does ship to Belize, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to have an international credit card or valid payment method. Secondly, you'll need to use a shipping or consolidating company to forward your Amazon orders to Belize, as Amazon doesn't ship directly to the country. This means that delivery times will be significantly longer than the standard Prime delivery of 1-2 days; expect your orders to take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month to arrive.

There are two main options for shopping on Amazon and shipping to Belize. The first option is to buy directly from Amazon by accessing their international shopping portal and setting up a "1-click address" for Belize. This will allow you to browse items that are available for international shipping. However, the selection may be limited, and you'll still need to use a shipping forwarder to get your items to Belize.

The second option is to use a shipping forwarder such as MyUS.com. This option tends to be more expensive, but it allows you to buy any product from Amazon USA or Amazon UK and have it shipped to your forwarder address. The forwarder will then ship the items to your Belize address. Signing up for a shipping forwarder like MyUS can provide you with the best shipping rates, and you'll be able to see the cost of shipping before making your purchase. Keep in mind that your packages may be subject to customs fees and import duties, which are the recipient's responsibility.

When using a shipping forwarder, here's a general overview of the process:

• Sign up for an international shipping forwarder like MyUS.
• Shop on Amazon USA or Amazon UK using your US/UK shipping address provided by the forwarder.
• Once your order arrives at the forwarder's warehouse, they will process it and then ship it to your Belize address. This can take around 1-2 days, excluding weekends and holidays.
• The shipping time from the forwarder to Belize can vary depending on the shipping method selected, typically ranging from 1-12 days.
• In total, expect your Amazon orders to take around 2-4 weeks to arrive in Belize.

It's important to note that shipping costs will depend on the weight of your order and the shipping method chosen. Additionally, if you have multiple packages, some shipping forwarders may combine them into one box to help save on shipping costs.

While it is possible to use Amazon Prime for shipping to Belize, the process is more complex and time-consuming than standard Prime shipping. With the use of a shipping forwarder, you can still take advantage of the benefits of Prime membership, such as access to exclusive deals and discounts. However, the convenience of rapid delivery is not currently available in Belize.

Freight forwarding services

Amazon does not deliver directly to Belize. However, there are freight forwarding services that can facilitate this.

Using a freight forwarder means that you will be responsible for export/import compliance. This includes all U.S. export regulations and the import regulations of Belize. Amazon will not be liable for any damage, defect, material difference, or loss that occurs to items after they are delivered to you or your freight forwarder.

• Belizean Queen: This service is based in Houston and offers an app that allows you to track your delivery.
• Joseph Freight: This company offers e-commerce solutions and has branches in the Caribbean and Latin America.
• Belize Concierge & Shipping: This company delivers from the USA to Belize and has received praise for its fast communication, hassle-free deliveries, and affordable prices.
• BTALCO: This company is based in Belize City and offers e-commerce solutions, vessel reporting, brokerage, and trucking services.
• EZone: This company has 24 branches across the Caribbean and Latin America, with hubs in Miami, London, Canada, and Amsterdam. They offer air express and ocean shipping options.

When using a freight forwarding service, it is important to keep in mind that shipping times can vary. It usually takes about two weeks for shipping and clearing of the container from the port before delivery starts.

Additionally, it is worth noting that shipping costs can be calculated based on the size of the box rather than the weight or contents. This means that you could fit a variety of items in one box for a flat rate.

Shipping costs

When using a package forwarder like Planet Express, shipping costs from the US to Belize can range from $6 to $35, with insurance costing an additional $2. Planet Express offers a shipping calculator on their website to help estimate the cost of shipping to Belize. This calculator takes into account the weight and dimensions of the package, as well as the preferred shipping method.

Another popular package forwarder, MyUS, offers a free estimate on shipping costs to Belize. They provide a calculator on their website that considers the weight and dimensions of the package, the preferred shipping courier (such as Airmail or FedEx), and the shipping destination within Belize.

It's worth noting that shipping costs can also be influenced by the value and type of items being shipped. For example, shipping electronics or other valuable items may incur higher shipping charges due to the additional insurance and security measures required.

Additionally, shipping costs can be affected by the number of packages being consolidated. Some package forwarders, like Planet Express, offer package consolidation services, where multiple packages are combined into a single shipment, reducing the overall shipping cost. This can be especially beneficial for those who make frequent purchases or order multiple items at once.

It's important to consider any additional fees or charges that may be incurred during the shipping process, such as customs fees, import duties, or taxes. These charges are typically the recipient's responsibility and can add to the overall cost of shipping to Belize.

Overall, shipping costs to Belize can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, and it's always a good idea to get estimates or quotes from multiple shipping companies or package forwarders to find the most cost-effective option for your specific needs.

Customs fees and import duties

Amazon does deliver to Belize, but it is not a direct service. You will need to use a shipping or consolidating company as a middleman to receive your packages. This means that delivery will take a minimum of two weeks and could take up to six weeks.

When shipping to Belize, your packages may be subject to customs fees and import duties. These charges are the recipient's responsibility. The Belize Customs & Excise Department administers tariffs and collects customs duties and taxes at the point of entry. Excises, customs, and import duties accounted for 35% of Belize’s revenue in 2021.

The two main duties applied to imported goods and products are the Import Duty and the Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD). Import Duties range between zero and 120%, with the average rate applied to commodities at 20%. Goods without duties include various food items and medicines; while 45% 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% but may be higher for products of national interest and protected for Belizean investment.

Duties are calculated based on the transaction value, which is derived from the value stated on the invoice (once authenticated), receipt, or other proof of purchase. The dollar value must be converted from the foreign currency stated on the proof of purchase document to Belize Currency (BZD). The Belize currency is tied to the US dollar at $2.0175 BZD to $1.00 USD.

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% and 50%, with the majority averaging 40%.

Other taxes on imports include General Sales Tax (GST) and Environmental Tax. GST is applied at a rate of 12.5%, based on the aggregate of the customs value and other duties. Environmental Tax is charged at a rate of 3% on all imports, excluding some medicines and food items; however, automobiles are charged at a rate of 2% to 5% depending on the type of vehicle.

Shipping times

Amazon does not directly ship to Belize. However, there are freight forwarding services that you can use to get your Amazon packages delivered to Belize. These services typically provide you with a U.S. address where you can have your Amazon orders delivered. The freight forwarder will then send the packages to Belize via boat, and it is then delivered to your local address. This process usually takes about two weeks, but it can take longer if there are any strikes or delays at the port of entry. From ordering online to delivery, the whole process can take about a month.

One such freight forwarding service is Belizean Queen, which is a preferred courier for shipping to Belize. They combine multiple items into one box to save on shipping costs. Another option is Caribbean Int'l Shipping, which ships items to Belize in a barrel. This is a good option if you are ordering a large number of items or if you are willing to wait until you have several items to ship together.

ColisExpat is another service that provides you with a U.S. address to receive your Amazon packages and then forwards them to your house in Belize. They offer competitive shipping rates and provide the option to repackage items to reduce the volume of the parcel and save on shipping costs. They accept payment via Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.

It is important to note that when using a freight forwarding service, you will need to have an international credit card or valid payment method, and your packages may be subject to customs fees and import duties, which are the recipient's responsibility.

Frequently asked questions