Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, with operations spanning across many countries. As neighbors, Canada and the United States have always shared a close economic relationship. So it‘s only natural that American customers would be interested in accessing products offered on Amazon‘s Canadian website (Amazon.ca).
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about ordering from Amazon Canada as a US customer, including:
- Does Amazon Canada ship to the US?
- How does ordering from Amazon.ca work for US customers?
- What are the costs and fees associated with Amazon Canada‘s international shipping?
- Can US customers return Amazon Canada purchases?
- How to switch between Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
Does Amazon Canada Ship to the US?
The short answer is yes, Amazon Canada does ship eligible items to the United States. However, not every product available on Amazon.ca can be shipped outside of Canada.
When browsing products on Amazon.ca as a US customer, you‘ll notice some listings will display a "Ships to U.S." message. This indicates the seller allows international shipping to the US.
According to Amazon Canada‘s policies, marketplace sellers have the option to ship internationally or restrict orders to Canadian addresses only. So it‘s important to verify the seller‘s shipping policies before purchasing.
Some product categories that typically don‘t qualify for international shipping include:
- Fresh, refrigerated, or frozen foods
- Hazardous materials
- Products exceeding size or weight restrictions
If you‘re having trouble finding products on Amazon.ca that ship to the US, try changing your shipping address to a Canadian address first. This will allow you to view all eligible listings.
How Does Ordering from Amazon.ca Work for US Customers?
Ordering from Amazon Canada is easy for American shoppers. You can use your existing Amazon account to sign in to Amazon.ca and start shopping.
Here are the steps:
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Visit Amazon.ca and sign in to your account. Your login credentials are the same.
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Add a Canadian shipping address. Under Accounts & Lists, add a Canadian address to your address book. This unlocks international shipping options.
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Browse and add items to your cart as normal. Look for the "Ships to U.S." message to confirm international shipping eligibility.
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Proceed to checkout. Your Canadian shipping address should auto-populate. Review shipping costs and delivery timelines.
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Select your US billing address. On the payment page, make sure your US address is selected as this matches your payment method.
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Pay and track your order. Once the order is placed, you can track its progress through the Amazon.ca website or app.
That‘s it! Amazon will ship your items from a Canadian fulfillment center or seller to your address in the United States.
What Are the Costs of Amazon Canada International Shipping?
When shipping items internationally, you‘ll incur additional costs beyond the listing price:
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Shipping fees – Amazon offers economy domestic shipping within Canada. Expect to pay higher international shipping rates to the US.
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Currency exchange – Your total is converted from Canadian dollars to US dollars during checkout. Exchange rates fluctuate daily.
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Duties & taxes – Crossing the US border triggers customs fees from courier services. Products over $800 USD may incur additional import duties.
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Return shipping – Returning an international Amazon purchase? You‘ll need to cover these return shipping charges.
Shipping costs vary by item, weight, and seller policies. In general, expect to pay $15 to $60 USD for basic international delivery from Amazon Canada to the United States.
Expedited shipping options like 2-day or next day delivery will cost extra on top of those fees.
Can US Customers Return Amazon Canada Purchases?
Yes, items ordered from Amazon Canada are eligible for return by US customers. You‘ll have 30 days from the shipment date to start the return process.
To initiate a return, visit Your Orders on Amazon.ca and select Return or Replace items. Amazon will provide a return shipping label via email.
You can drop off the package at any UPS location in the US. Make sure to remove any old shipping labels and attach the Amazon return label.
Refunds are typically processed within 7 days after Amazon receives the return. Return credits will be issued in the original payment method.
If you opt to arrange your own international return shipping, Amazon will reimburse you for up to $25 of the shipping cost.
How to Switch Between Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
If you‘re a frequent Amazon shopper crossing the US-Canada border, you may want to easily switch between the American and Canadian sites.
Here‘s how to change country websites in the desktop browser:
- Hover over Accounts & Lists and select Your Account.
- Under Ordering and shopping preferences, click Change.
- Select your desired country store, like Amazon.com for United States.
And on the mobile app:
- Tap the hamburger menu in the upper left.
- Tap the flag icon to open Country & Language.
- Choose United States (Amazon.com) or Canada (Amazon.ca).
One tip is to set your default shipping address to match the country store. This ensures accurate delivery timelines and costs during checkout.
Switching country stores is instant – your account, cart, and order history transfer seamlessly across Amazon‘s marketplaces.
The Pros and Cons of Shopping Amazon Canada as a US Customer
Before you start filling your cart on Amazon.ca, weigh the unique benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
- Access to different product selection or pricing
- Take advantage of sale events and Prime-exclusive deals
- No foreign transaction fees on US credit cards
- Easy returns through Amazon‘s prepaid labels
Cons
- Limited product availability and sellers who ship outside Canada
- Much higher shipping costs and customs fees
- No free Super Saver Shipping option
- Delays going through border clearance
Conclusion
Amazon makes it straightforward for US shoppers to order from Amazon Canada and get items reliably shipped to their door. Just be mindful of the shipping costs and delivery timelines, as buying internationally isn‘t as seamless as domestic Prime orders.
The best approach is to selectively take advantage of unique deals, pricing discrepancies or product selection. For frequent cross-border Amazon purchases, leverage return address options to minimize duties.
With a few extra clicks and considerations, American customers can access the vast made-in-Canada selection through Amazon.ca. Just look for that "Ships to the US" tag!
