Shopping in Mexico using Amazon Global

Shopping in Mexico can be a real challenge and frustrating sometimes depending on what you are trying to buy.  Even the simplest of things (simple to me, anyway) are difficult to obtain in any consistent manner.  We basically spend a lot of time going to all the local stores (Chedraui, Sorianna, Walmart and Mega) looking for items.  


For example, the large box of Arm & Hammer baking soda we like

to purchase for cooking, laundry and household cleaning is at Walmart in Playa del Carmen (PDC), which is about 15 miles away from me (about a 30 to 45 minute colectivo ride and walk). However, recently it is now stocked at the local Chedraui here in Puerto Aventuras (PA), and only a 10-minute walk from where we live. 

But here’s the deal…sometimes they stock it and sometimes they

don’t.  More often than not, they don’t stock it.  So, what we have learned about living and shopping in Mexico, is if the store has something we use, even if we don’t necessarily need it right then, we buy several of the item at a time to ensure we’ll have it when needed. Of course, we would not recommend you do this with every item (always check expiration dates), but when possible, buy it.  Anything we can do to reduce frustration and stress is a winner!

But I digress, the purpose of this post is not really to address what’s available or not with brick and mortar stores in Mexico, but to address an alternative way of shopping here in Mexico; specifically, using Amazon Global.

 Let’s talk about the process of shopping via Amazon in Mexico. All items on their website are not available for Amazon Global shipping to Mexico. I suspect that Amazon Global with continue to expand their product base as the service becomes more popular. Now to be completely honest, the thoughts of having something shipped internationally is a little daunting, but we pushed passed the fear to give it a test run.

Since we are already Amazon members, all we had to do was login to our account. Obviously if you are not a member, you will need to create an account using your email address and creating a password.  

Here are the steps we used: see screen shots below

1-log in to our account

2-click on the “Account & Lists” link and then the “Your Account” link

3-click on “Add New Address” (in the “Settings Section” of the page) and enter your Mexico address information

4-now start shopping!

5-when viewing a desired item, click on the link just below the “Ship to” line on the right side of the screen (it should show your default shipping address)

6-select your Mexico address

7-in the middle column of the display (right below where it indicates if the item is in stock), it will indicate in bold letters whether your item can be shipped to Mexico

8-continue shopping and adding items to your cart that can be shipped to Mexico

9-at checkout you will see the total cost including taxes, shipping & handling, and import fees (which includes Mexico IVA tax)

10-Pay with whatever payment method is available on your screen. Once you have paid for the items in your shopping cart, you will receive an email confirmation receipt of your order.  Within a few days, you will receive another email telling you that your item(s) have shipped, along with an anticipated delivery date.  Within a few more days of that email, you will receive another email with an exact delivery date.

Here is the link to the Amazon Global page with their step by step instructions. 

So, we put it to the test.  We selected something very inexpensive in the event the item did not get delivered.  We received our order confirmation email receipt, then our delivery email.  DHL delivered the package as scheduled and had no problems finding our address. 

We were shocked and excited at the same time.  In fact, we felt so confident after our experience, we decided to place another order. This time we took advantage of the promotion that Amazon Global had for any order of $65.00 USD or more, there is no shipping charge.  We placed our ordered and received it as scheduled.

EASY PEASY!!!

We are glad we have identified an alternative method to shop and ship worry-free to Mexico using Amazon Global.  We recommend that you give it a try.  But be careful, you just might become addicted.

Happy Shopping!!!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
1. Items do cost more.  You must decide if the convenience of front-door delivery is worth it to you for the higher cost.

2. You must sign for your package (at least we did with DHL).  When you receive the email with the exact delivery date, you have the option of changing the date for your convenience.

3. All items are not available for international shopping and delivery.

4. Watch for promotions. On orders $65.00 USD or more, you may be eligible for free shipping.

5. For returns, refer to Amazon’s standard return policy - 
See Amazon Global website for details