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How to Buy Things from Other Countries: A Step-by-Step Guide
Searching for “how to buy things from other countries online?” This article has all the information you need.
The world is now a global village and globalization has paved the path for us to shop from virtually any country. There are times when a particular product is not available in your country or the origin country offers better pricing, in such cases it makes a lot of sense to shop internationally.
But how do you purchase products from international online stores? Here are all the steps you should know-
How to Buy Things from Other Countries Online – Follow These Steps
1. Have You Selected the Right Website?
The first step in how to buy things from other countries online is choosing the right website. Always choose stores that offer international shipping. If not, at least make sure it ships to your country. There are now several online retailers that cater to global customers, however, not all of them ship to every country.
Here are some quick tips for selecting an international shopping website or e-commerce platform-
- Check for international shipping policies on the retailer’s website
- Read product reviews and store ratings to ensure the site is trustworthy
- Look for any restrictions on what can be shipped internationally (some countries may restrict specific goods like electronics, food, or alcohol)
2. Check Prices and Get the Best Currency Conversion Rates
One of the most significant aspects of international online shopping is paying in a foreign currency. Here are some tips to get the best rates:
- Ensure you check product prices in both the local and foreign currency.
- Check the current exchange rate online.
- There are various online currency conversion tools you can use to get an accurate price.
For more insights into cost-effective shopping, you can read why OnBuy is so cheap in the UK.
3. Payment Methods
Once the currency conversion is sorted, the next step in how to buy things from other countries online is paying for the purchase. International retailers generally accept a variety of payment options like-
- Credit and Debit Cards- Most websites will accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Using a credit card is often the most convenient option as it offers protections like refunds for non-delivery.
- PayPal- This is a popular method for online product purchases due to its ease of use and buyer protection features. PayPal can automatically convert currencies and is widely accepted globally.
- Digital Wallets- In addition to PayPal, services like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Alipay are becoming increasingly popular for international purchases.
Before shopping, do check the payment methods accepted by the retailer. Ensure there are no additional charges for the payment method you intend to use.
4. Shipping Methods
To make a purchase from other countries, the next thing you must consider is shipping. Different shipping methods vary widely in terms of cost and delivery speed, so it’s essential to know the options before placing your order.
Here are some of the most common international shipping methods-
Shipping Method | Description | Delivery Time | Cost | Use Case |
Standard International Shipping | Most affordable option, suitable for non-urgent purchases | 10 to 30 days | Low | For non-urgent purchases, budget-friendly |
Express Shipping | Faster delivery, but significantly more expensive. Used for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries | 2 to 7 days | High | For urgent purchases requiring fast delivery |
Courier Services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | Reliable, fast shipping with tracking features. Faster than postal services | 2 to 5 days | Very High | For fast, reliable shipping with tracking |
Parcel Forwarding Service | Receives goods at a local address and forwards internationally, ideal for stores without international shipping. | Varies based on the service you select | Varies based on the service you but is generally cost-effective | For purchases from stores without international shipping |
5. Customs and Import Duty
When shopping from another country, don’t forget about customs and import duties. Depending on the value of the goods and the country you’re shipping to, you may be required to pay additional fees. Here are a few you should know about-
- Customs Fees- The country you live in charges a fee for receiving products from other countries. The charges can vary for countries and the product you’ve ordered.
- VAT/GST- Some countries like the UK and the US also charge VAT or GST. This is generally included in the purchase prices.
- Handling Fees- Even shipping companies can charge a handling fee if there are extensive customs documentation and handling involved.
Jetkrate- The Best Parcel Forwarding Service for the UK and New Zealand
If you’re interested in shopping from the UK or New Zealand but the e-commerce platform you’ve selected does not offer international shipping, Jetkrate can help.
So, what does Jetkrate do? Jetkrate is one of the leading parcel forwarding companies in the UK and New Zealand. The products you purchase from these countries can be shipped to over 200 countries across the world at highly cost-effective prices and in as little as 3-5 days.
Here’s how Jetkrate works-
- Get a Free Jetkrate Account- Visit our website and register for a free account. We will then provide you with our local shipping address.
- Start Shopping- You can now shop from UK or New Zealand-based online stores and get the products delivered to our local address.
- We Ship Your Package- Once the products reach our facility, it is then our responsibility to ship them to your doorstep.
- Consolidated Shipping- Looking to purchase multiple products from various online stores? We also offer consolidated shipping services to make your shopping experience more convenient and affordable.
Why Choose Jetkrate?
Here are some of the reasons why Jetkrate is your ideal companion for international shopping and shipping-
- Fast Shipping- With Jetkrate, your parcels can be delivered to you anywhere in the world in as little as 2 days, making it one of the quickest parcel forwarding options available.
- Cost Savings- By consolidating multiple packages into one shipment, you can save significantly on shipping costs, which is ideal if you’re making multiple purchases.
- Global Reach- Jetkrate ships to over 200 countries, so no matter where you’re located, you can enjoy shopping from UK and New Zealand online stores.
- Ease of Use- The registration process is simple, and once registered, you have full control over your shipments. Whether you want to send items immediately or store them for later, Jetkrate offers flexibility.
Jetkrate is the ideal solution for those looking to purchase products from the UK or New Zealand, especially when the online store doesn’t ship internationally. With fast, reliable service and competitive pricing, Jetkrate makes international shopping hassle-free.
Shopping from Other Countries is Now Easier Than Ever
Knowing how to buy things from other countries online can unlock a world of new products and better prices. Whether you’re interested in fashion from the UK, unique items from New Zealand, or anything else, international shopping has never been easier.
By choosing the right payment method and shipping option, you can shop globally without limitations.
Jetkrate’s fast shipping and affordable services make it the ideal choice for anyone looking to purchase products from the UK or New Zealand, no matter where they are located. So go ahead and start exploring the global marketplace!
FAQs
1. What are the most common payment methods for international online purchases?
Common methods include credit/debit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets like Apple Pay, with some stores also accepting bank transfers.
2. What are the different shipping methods when buying items from another country?
Options include Standard Shipping (10-30 days), Express (2-7 days), and courier services like DHL (2-5 days) and parcel forwarding services like Jetkrate (2-5 days).
3. Do I need to pay customs or import duties for international purchases?
Yes, customs or import duties may apply based on your country’s regulations and the value of the goods.
4. What is a parcel forwarding service, and how does it work?
Parcel forwarding services like Jetkrate provide you with a local address in another country to receive purchases, which are then shipped to your home.
5. How can I save on shipping costs for multiple items?
Jetkrate offers consolidated shipping services that consolidate multiple purchases into a single shipment, reducing your overall shipping costs.