Shopping at Amazon from the Philippines

Abe Olandres April 10, 2006 · 1 min read

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An old high school friend sent me a text message asking if I had any experience with shopping at Amazon and how to go about it when you want the goods delivered into the country.

I actully don’t have any Amazon-shopping experience so I can’t help him either.

I have a $200 gift certificate there hanging around and waiting but from what I’ve read on their site, Amazon doesn’t deliver in Asia (except for books).

I thought the only way around it is to have the package shipped to a friend or relative in the US then have them send the package here.

Is that really the best way for now?

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Abe Olandres

Editor-in-chief

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

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118 Comments

Malds · 14 years ago

Never had any problems with JAC nor have any of my friends. But i suppose if they did lose a package theyed become liable for it and id get reimbursed anyway if the thing got lost the moment they took hold of it. Im assuming they have a policy for that somwhere.

EGEE · 14 years ago

But using Johhny Air Plus, you are sure that your packages are safe. I heard a lot of stories that they lose their items. I always use Johnny Air Plus everytime I buy my items in Zappos.com and amazon. I email their sales rep “EMIL” at em****@johnnyairplus.com.

I am sure that all my items are safe. Maybe you can try their service. It is well monitored by them.

Malds · 14 years ago

There are actually several ways to ship them now. Jhonny Air Cargo seems to be the most popular but the cost can pile up if your package is heavy. They charge by the pound so keep this in mind. An alternative is to go for ocean cargo shipping like pobox.ph for example. They charge by the box so you can stuff it with anything regardless of the weight. takes over a month to get here though.

Emil · 14 years ago

If you are here in the Philippines and you shop via amazon, you may use JACPlus as your shipping partner.

You may call them at 817-2989 / 812-4702 /
813-7227

brent · 14 years ago

hi guys! i would like to buy an ipad 2 in amazon.com however, im scared if i really would be able to get the unit after purchasing. also, how much would im gona pay for the tax and the shipping?mi am from las pinas. hope to hear from you guys. all i want is the assurance that ordering from amazon wont cause me any trouble. thank you so much! :)

noren obame · 14 years ago

sir,
you can directly shop at this link; http://www.amazon.com?_encoding=UTF8&tag=bewell05-20

truebluewriter · 15 years ago

I highly doubt that there’s a store here in the Phils. I mean they do most of their business online anyway and making a brick and mortar counterpart will just end up costing them money.

Best bet like a lot of people here say is to just go with Jonny Air Cargo, Here’s how I did mine:

http://truebluewriter.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-buy-items-from-amazon-and-have-them-shipped-to-the-Philippines

That’s probably the fastest method. Although I had some books recently shipped to the phils using pobox.ph. I remember them being cheaper than Johnney air pero they ship by sea so you need to have your stuff scheduled. Took my books 3 or 4 weeks if memory serves me right.

teofilo antillon · 15 years ago

where is the shop of amazon in qc? I will buy this socks (Nike Men’s Crew Cut Moisture Management Socks 3 pack)

wittynet · 15 years ago

Hello, Angelo Tan. I am also working for Amazon Mechanical Turk. I am from the Philippines. Can I also use my earnings there to purchase my dream laptop and have it sent here in Manila? Thank you!

Jean · 15 years ago

Hi, saw this thread and we have an online shop to address the concern. We have monthly shipping from US (Glendale, Ca.) to Philippines. Visit our website if interested : http://ishoptech.multiply.com/

In case you want to purchase the item/s, you can also use our US address at minimal charge and we can include the item in our monthly shipping.

Re: Kindle. Yes amazon ships express tru DHL. Cheaper Kindle (the one w/ ads $114) can only be checked-out using a US address. But the ones without the special offers are can be delivered from Amazon to a Phil address :)

Angelo Tan · 15 years ago

I am posting this comment because this website has provided valuable advice to me before ordering my Kindle from Amazon, which arrived today. About $200 ang binayaran ko sa Amazon through my Mturk earnings and debit card. This includes the cover. It arrived here at my own house in SF City, LU, via DHL, without requiring any additional customs fees. I was really surprised because four days lang since I placed my order. I am so satisifed!

E. Clemente · 15 years ago

The best work around is for you (anyone) to enroll with Johnny air cargo COD services.
You will have a US address (JAC US ofc). Have your orders sent there and JAC US will send them over to Manila safely within the week the item arrives in their ofc. I’ve been doing this since 1990s and did not loose anything from TV monitor to an SD card. I’ve been ordering things from continental USA. No need to bother your relatives there.

Mr.Lee · 15 years ago

In November 2010 I purchased a large format paperback from Amazon.com in the USA. It cost me 8.38 USD (U.S. Dollars) for the book and 9.98 USD for the shipping. It was the first time that the shipping cost me more than the book. I downloaded the “Kindle for PC” program from Amazon.com and now buy Ebooks. For those “I must read it right now” books they are the answer for me.

sir rowantheincatasi · 15 years ago

is there amazon store here in the Philippines and were i saw before at SM north when i go back the store is already close

noren obame · 14 years ago

Sir,
You can directly shop at this link; http://www.amazon.com?_encoding=UTF8&tag=bewell05-20

Joe D · 15 years ago

Did you know that Amazon.com is coming to the Philippines? Check this out: http://www.bilipinas.com . People can sell and buy online just like Amazon.com

jason · 15 years ago

stupid!

TrueBlueWriter · 15 years ago

Amazon still doesn’t ship stuff like electronics along with some other categories outside the US. I was able to get my earphones shipped to the Phil though, heres how I did it:

http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-buy-items-from-amazon-and-have-them-shipped-to-the-Philippines

I basically used Johnny air, had the item shipped to their US branch and from there they shipped it here. They charged I think $7 or $8 per pound, I cant really remember but I ended up paying around 900 something for the shipping fee. My in-ears were small though and since they were on sale on amazon it was still an awesome deal despite the shipping fee. I saved about half the money I would’ve spent if i got them in the phil

jrsan · 15 years ago

just paid php2,298 to air21 as tax on my small lcd screen for dell laptop which i purchase in amazon.com,the price of lcd screen is 92.90usd plus the shipping and handling of 45.90 usd,disappointing result because every small items come from foreign country needs to be paid even this for personal use

jhero · 15 years ago

BDO? I think yes, BDO holds the “Mastercard” type.

jelyn · 15 years ago

Hi there, is BDO ccard acceptable in amazon?

clark · 15 years ago

is there a custom duties when using forexworld.com for shipping electronic items here in ph??

yenyen · 16 years ago

Is metrobank/BDO card acceptable in amazon?I entered the card # and it says incorrect card # (am quiet sure i entered it correctly), am wondering if metrobank/BDO is acceptable. And how true that amazon won’t allow shipping in the Philippines?

nelcabz · 16 years ago

Hello Enrico, i think amazon is safe in online shoppping. when purchasing online i am always using amazon online service.

thanks,
nelcabz

Enrico L.Antonio · 16 years ago

I want to have an online shopping in amason how safe is it is there any guarantee how about the shipping is it or not included how about custom duties and taxes is there any? I want to order an emergency power pack w/ a built in 220v 400 watts or more 50/60 mgz inverter possible w/ built in Radio AM/FM and built in LED or Flourecent ligths good for typhoons specially during black outs and other emergency units durability is very much needed too thanks hoping for your kind reply

Dennis · 16 years ago

Hi, just wanted to ask the people who have bought online from amazon, if i bought a casio watch worth $180, would it have additional tax when it arrive here? thanks!

Mr. Lee · 16 years ago

Hello Everyone, As an American Expat living here in the lovely Philippines (Metro Manila). I’ve had Amazon ship me paperback books here. Shipping costs run about 75% to 80% of the cost of the books. It is true that Amazon won’t ship software and many (most) other items here. I want to thank everyone who commented as I may have found a new hardware/software source from the comments above. I’m also very happy to have found YugaTech. Thanks again. Best wishes, Mr. Lee

gilbert · 16 years ago

btw im from iloilo…

gilbert · 16 years ago

bought a cd at amazon and use the cheapest shipping method and after nine days my cd arrived..

Pongstr · 16 years ago

I’ve had experience buying stuff online but not at amazon though ( http://ap.razerzone.com ) i ordered at least $200 worth of gaming gear and i had 2 fedex boxes, shipping was free it came in 3days later and 4hrs earlier than scheduled got it really cheap and fast until later on Fedex calls and asked me to pay Php3,350 for Tax and Customs fee.

Nhing · 16 years ago

First, it is true that you may be required to pay customs duty on a package, but that is not Amazon’s fault, that is down to the Philippine government taking its cut. And do not be surprised if it takes a month or 2 to arrive, it probably reaches Manila after a week and then the rest of the time it sits in a corner waiting for some Pinoy postal worker to notice it is there.

agc29 · 16 years ago

check http://www.buyonlineworldwide.com/
they will teach you how to shop from amazon and ship your purchased item to your door.

miko · 16 years ago

try amazon.co.jp.i think they ship items to the phillipines.checkout their website for details.

Joel · 16 years ago

Guys, I highly recommend http://www.forexworld.com. Very simple…you shop online (Amazon.com, oldnavy.com, 6pm.com, etc.) and have it delivered to an address specified in their site. They’ll box it up for you and let you know via email if box is full or if they should expect more stuff. They’ll even send you a photo of your box so you have an idea how full it is. At your signal, they will ship it to the Philippines and deliver right at your doorstep. Price depend on size of the box ranging from $20-$65 (the $65 box is big I’m telling you). It takes about 3-weeks upon shipment to RP.

I do not work for them, but I’m a customer. Currently I have had 2 boxes delivered and expecting another one next week. Everything in perfect condition. I’m an absolutely satisfied customer!

Hope this helps.

Vangie · 16 years ago

My husband is a bookworm… even in the car he wants read…I would like to give him Kindle as x’mas present. I was so happy when I read amazon is shipping to the Philippines… my only worries then is how much will they charge for shipping??? also about the taxes???? My husband ordered some books from UK and before we could have them we have to pay big amount for taxes….What about Nook will it be available in the philippines too?

boo · 17 years ago

hi yuga..

how’s the process will be if i’m going to buy a book from amazon?? and any idea on how much the shipping fee would be if i use super express through johnny air cargo??

thank :)

jomar Hilario · 17 years ago

Hey yuga DOES amazon ship to the philippines? I tried buying books.. NO DICE. Not a valid country daw.

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 17 years ago

Use Johnny Air Cargo.

John Panlican · 17 years ago

Some items on the amazon store are available from other sellers. You have to check on the “available from these sellers” link on the amazon page then find a one who ships internationally. I have $200 worth of gift card on my account and just lately found out that i could use this method. I have just ordered a watch and waiting for it to arrive. I have the tracking code now and i’ll let you know when the package arrives.

Dumadaan lang po. · 17 years ago

Sinubukan niyo po ba yung http://www.myusamailbox.com.ph/ ?

kristine · 17 years ago

I purchased books in amazon and I paid 150 dollars for total and 70 dollars for the handling and shipping fee through DHL in advance. The pack arrived as expected in 6 days, the only problem is DHL charged me an additional 45 dollars for custom fee. My question is, should not Amazon tell me before that I still have to pay this extra amount? If I choose not to pay, will the Amazon give my money back? Thanks in advance.

Raymund · 17 years ago

hello! any of you know how to filter amazon listings to list only those items that can deliver to the philippines just like in eBay???

nelcabz · 18 years ago

I think the post office EMS service is also a good alternative. I have been using the service and its excellent and safe.

anna · 18 years ago

any other reliable company you know that offers a temporary US address and ships all your items in a balikbayan box to the philippines? the http://www.myusaddress.com does not seem complete. i’m planning to buy a lot of stuff online because of the sale season in the US. :)

Hazel · 20 years ago

try http://www.e2door.com. they have an online shopping cart and calculator so you know exactly how much they’ll be charging you before you even buy the item. it’s not cheap though, I use it for stuff you can’t find locally.

Lucas · 20 years ago

You also have to consider the warranty on the items you buy especially if they are electronic equipments in case they are DOA (dead on arrival) out of the box (or balikbayan box)

vonjobi · 20 years ago

myusaddress.com looks good, but the website itself seems to be very new. the “testimonials” seem to have been designed to lead somewhere… but don’t. and “news” is actually a ” Lorem ipsum” page. this isn’t very good for building confidence…

Kaye · 20 years ago

I bought an out-of-stock CD from Amazon a few years ago. What would have cost me P450 reached P700 because of shipping fees, but it was worth it.

Unfortunately, it took three months–three months!– before I received the item. The post office sent me a notification card to pick it up from them. When I picked up the CD, I had to pay something like 20 bucks for the storage fee.

alwell · 20 years ago

Almost a year ago I ordered a book for my friend from amazon. I believe I’ve choosen the not soo cheap option as the delivery method. Then I got a notification card from the Alabang Post Office asking me to pick up the package. That was my first.

markku · 20 years ago

Abe, Johnny Air Cargo (http://www.johnnyair.com/) is reportedly another good alternative. I have several friends who buy camera gear from the US and have it shipped home through their service. They have a megamall office at the basement level, I think you can inquire there.

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 20 years ago

Thanks for the comments/suggestions. So I really have to wait for my uncle to come back home from Houston to have those Amazon items sent to me.

Dave Starr · 20 years ago

I’ll be in the same boat in a few months when I make the move to the Philippines full-time. Here’s one source:
http://www.myusaddress.com/
As you cna see, they have a Manila office and are well setup for US shopping/Philippine deleivery.

This company is owned by Manny Paez, a principal in http://www.manilaforwarder.com and http://www.travelph.com

I’ve known Manny in an on line mode for some years now, I believe him to be reliable. I have no business connection with these sites.

Worth a checkout.

AnP · 20 years ago

I had two experiences when I was still living back home in 1997. I bought Diego art books. It took longer longer than expected (although, it didn’t take 3 months, as experienced by Noemi) considering that I took the DHL (I think) option. I just remember paying for tax, though.

Another option would be to go to those bookstores who accept “orders” for books which aren’t currently sold in Pinas. Like that one in Glorietta, near the entrance facing this other music/book store. Forgot the name.

Noemi Dado · 20 years ago

When I know a relative is coming over to the Philippines, I quickly order and have it delivered sometimes using express delivery (5 days). The first and last time I ordered and had delivered in the Philippines took 3 months. This was using the cheapest method. Never again.