Amazon is a global shopping powerhouse with a vast range of products and competitive prices. If you’re in the Philippines and looking to get your hands on items from Amazon USA, you’re in luck.
Shipping from Amazon USA to the Philippines opens up a world of options, from the latest tech gadgets to fashion finds that might be hard to come by locally.
However, there are a few key things to understand about the process, including shipping costs, any available free shipping options, and which items are banned from Amazon USA to the Philippines.
If you’re wondering how to order from Amazon in the Philippines and whether you need a credit card for Amazon purchases, this guide will walk you through all the essentials for a smooth shopping experience.
The Process: How to Order from Amazon US from the Philippines
Ordering from Amazon US involves several straightforward steps, although it can be a bit intricate. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Create an Amazon Account
As with any e-commerce site, creating an account is essential. Here you can already input your credit card details, shipping address, and more.
Browse and Select Products
The fun part! Browse through thousands if not millions of products on Amazon. There are quite a few things that you won’t find locally or are just way more expensive which makes buying from Amazon even more enticing. And if you already have your address set, the site will automatically show you items that are eligible to ship to the Philippines! . Proceed to Checkout
Once your cart is happy and full, just click on the checkout button to proceed with your purchase. Amazon accepts all major credit cards and we’ve also had success in using our GCash and Maya physical cards to purchase.
Just a quick note, you won’t be charged right away. So if you’re using your GCash or Maya card, which is a prepaid card, remember to have enough balance in your wallets to cover the cost of your purchases when the site does confirm your order.
As for other payment methods, Amazon also accepts certain debit cards from the Philippines. When using cards, you can choose to get charged in USD or PhP. Depending on the exchange rate of your bank or certain features of your card, paying in USD may be better at times.
Alternatively, Amazon also now allows cash payments through any Western Union branch. At checkout, you can opt to pay with cash and you’ll be allotted up to 4 days to pay for your purchases.
Review Shipping and Costs
Shipping costs are usually what many ask about and luckily, Amazon does offer free international shipping for orders over USD 49.99. Shipping times will vary but Amazon users that packages can arrive within a week of ordering but could extend up to a month. Additionally, if you are a Prime subscriber or opted for Priority Shipping, packages can be delivered within 6 days.
If the item is back-ordered, it may take more time.
Tip: New users can try Amazon Prime for free! Great way to take advantage of free and faster shipping.
There are a few things you do need to be aware of, however. Free shipping doesn’t apple to all items on the site. Amazon has listed the following reasons for items not being eligible for free internation shipping:
- The shopping cart includes items sold and shipped by a third party seller.
- Only items that qualify for free shipping count towards the minimum dollar requirement. Delivery fees are charged for all other items.
- VAT and Import Fees Deposit don’t contribute to the minimum dollar requirement.
As for regular, non-free shipping, rates will vary depending on the speed and products you’re having sent over. It could be as low as USD 5.99 for small ticket items with standard delivery. Priority delivery normally starts upwards of USD 12.99
Tip: The Philippines imposes a 12% tax on orders over PhP 10,000 or USD equivalent so make sure to keep your purchases under this limit or split your orders into several ones.
Limitations: What You Need to Know
The only caveat of shopping internationally is that there are more restrictions. Apart from the obvious, some other products cannot be shipped
Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive list of products that cannot be shipped from Amazon USA to the Philippines:
Prohibited Items
- Toy Guns and Explosives
- Laundry and Industrial Detergents
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Used Motorcycle Parts
- Firearms and Ammunition
- Gambling Devices
- Narcotics and Drugs
- Obscene or Immoral Materials
- Adulterated or Misbranded Food and Drugs
- Vehicles and Vehicle Parts
Items with Batteries or Electronics
- Loose Lithium Batteries: Generally prohibited due to safety concerns. This includes spare batteries not installed in devices
- Devices with Installed Lithium Batteries: Allowed with restrictions on the battery’s watt-hour rating and lithium content
- Hazardous Electronics: Electronics containing hazardous materials may be restricted or prohibited
Other Restricted Items
- Dynamite, Gunpowder, and Other Explosives
- Roulette Wheels and Gambling Outfits
- Lottery and Sweepstakes Tickets:
- Opium Pipes or Parts Thereof
Other Alternatives: Using Forwarding Services
If a product isn’t available for direct international shipping to the Philippines, or if you want additional shipping options, a package forwarding service can be a great alternative. These services give you a US-based address where your Amazon orders are sent, and they handle the forwarding process to the Philippines. This approach offers expanded access to products, flexible shipping options, and benefits like consolidating multiple packages into one shipment, often with add-on services such as repackaging and protection.
However, there are some downsides to consider. Package forwarding may involve additional costs, import duties, and potential delays compared to direct shipping from Amazon. Additionally, return policies and customer support might differ from Amazon’s direct services, so it’s important to weigh these factors when choosing this option.
Sure! Here’s an updated list with a sea freight forwarding option:
- Johnny Air Cargo
- Johnny Air Cargo is a well-known freight forwarder that specializes in shipping packages from the USA to the Philippines. They offer a reliable and efficient service, making it easy for customers to get their Amazon purchases delivered.
- Fees/Rates: The rates vary depending on the weight and size of the package. As of the latest information, the cost is approximately $6.99 per pound with a 2-pound minimum.
- MyUS
- MyUS is a popular package forwarding service that provides customers with a US address to receive their Amazon orders. They then consolidate and ship the packages to the Philippines. MyUS is known for its fast shipping and excellent customer service.
- Fees/Rates: Membership plans start at $9.99 per month, with shipping rates depending on the package’s weight and dimensions. They also offer a pay-as-you-go option.
- BuyandShip
- BuyandShip offers a straightforward package forwarding service from the USA to the Philippines. They provide a US address for your Amazon orders and handle the shipping process efficiently.
- Fees/Rates: The service charges PhP 620 per pound and an additional PhP 380 for every additional pound. Any customs fees will be paid to the courier.
Alternative: LBC Express/ShippingCart
- LBC Express offers sea freight forwarding services, making it a cost-effective option for larger shipments. They provide reliable shipping from the USA to the Philippines, with a focus on affordability and safety though some users have mentioned poor customer service
- Fees/Rates: Rates vary based on the volume and weight of the shipment. LBC Express typically offers competitive rates for sea cargo
Ordering from Amazon US can greatly enhance your shopping experience, offering access to a wider array of products and competitive prices.
By following the outlined steps and being aware of potential limitations, you can navigate the process smoothly. If direct shipping isn’t feasible, forwarding services like Johnny Air, Shipito, and MyUS can bridge the gap, ensuring you get your hands on those sought-after items.
Happy shopping!
