How to Buy from US Stores and Ship to Any Country in 2026
Get a free US address in tax-free Delaware, shop 1000+ stores, and ship to 200+ countries. Customs duties, shipping times, and duty-free limits for 15 destinations.
You just found the perfect pair of Nikes on the US store. The color. The price. The limited edition you can't get anywhere else. Then you see it: "This item does not ship to your country."
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Over $600 billion worth of products are bought across borders every year, and a huge chunk of that demand comes from shoppers trying to buy from US stores. The problem isn't that you can't get these products. The problem is that most US retailers only ship domestically.
Here's the fix: you get a real US shipping address, the store ships to that address, and then your package gets forwarded to your door, wherever you are in the world. That's exactly how international package forwarding works, and it takes about two minutes to set up.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to buy from US stores and ship to 15 of the most popular international destinations. For each country, we cover shipping times, customs duties, duty-free thresholds, and tips to save money. Whether you want to shop US stores and ship worldwide or target one specific country, this guide has you covered.
What's in this guide:
- How it works (4 simple steps)
- Shipping to Europe, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands
- Shipping to the Middle East, UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman
- Shipping to Asia-Pacific, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand
- Shipping to Canada
- 15-country comparison table
- 5 money-saving tips
- FAQ
How buying from the US and shipping internationally works
Before we get into country specifics, here's the simple version of how this works:
- Sign up for a free US address. You get a real street address in Delaware (a tax-free state, so no sales tax on your purchases).
- Shop any US store. Amazon, Nike, Apple, Target, eBay, Walmart, you name it. Use your US address as the shipping destination.
- Your packages arrive at the warehouse. You get notified with photos of each package.
- Choose how to ship. Pick your courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, or others), consolidate multiple packages into one box to save money, and ship to your country.
The whole process typically costs less than you'd think. And since your address is in Delaware, you skip the 6-10% sales tax that US shoppers in other states pay.
Want to see how much shipping would cost? Use the shipping cost calculator to get an instant estimate for your country.
Shipping to Europe from the US
Europe is one of the biggest markets for US products. Whether it's fashion, electronics, or limited-edition sneakers, European shoppers have been using package forwarding for years. Here's what you need to know for each country.
United Kingdom
If you want to buy from US stores and ship to the UK, you've picked one of the most popular destinations. British shoppers love American brands that either don't have UK stores or charge significantly more in the UK.
- Shipping time: 2-4 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-12% depending on product type
- VAT: 20% on goods over £135
- Duty-free threshold: £135 (~$170)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Nike, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren
Tip: If your order is under £135, you won't pay customs duty. Keep individual shipments below this threshold when possible, or consolidate strategically.
When Emma from Manchester wanted to buy matching Nike Dunks for herself and her sister, she found the US price was £40 cheaper per pair than the UK site. She ordered both to her ForwardMe address, consolidated them into one package, and paid $28 in shipping. Total savings: over £50, even after shipping and duties.
Germany
Looking to buy from US stores and ship to Germany? You're in good company. Germany is the largest e-commerce market in Europe after the UK, and German shoppers are some of the most active cross-border buyers on the continent.
- Shipping time: 2-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-17% depending on product
- VAT (MwSt): 19% on goods over €150
- Duty-free threshold: €150 (~$160)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, REI
Tip: The EU duty-free threshold is €150. This applies to the total value of the shipment, including shipping costs. Plan your orders accordingly.
France
Want to buy from US stores and ship to France? French shoppers increasingly turn to US stores for better prices on tech, fashion, and beauty products. The same EU customs rules apply as Germany.
- Shipping time: 2-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-17% depending on product
- VAT (TVA): 20% on goods over €150
- Duty-free threshold: €150 (~$160)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Sephora US, Nike, Apple, Anthropologie
Tip: Sephora US often carries products and shades that aren't available on Sephora France, at lower prices. Beauty products under €150 ship duty-free.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has one of the highest rates of online shopping in Europe, and many Dutch shoppers buy from US stores and ship to the Netherlands for better deals on American brands.
- Shipping time: 2-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-17% depending on product
- VAT (BTW): 21% on goods over €150
- Duty-free threshold: €150 (~$160)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Nike, Apple, Levi's, The North Face
Tip: The Netherlands uses the same EU customs rules. Consider ordering from multiple US stores and using package consolidation to combine everything into one shipment. You pay shipping once instead of five times.
Shipping to the Middle East from the US
The Middle East is a fast-growing market for American products. From electronics and fashion to supplements and outdoor gear, demand for US brands is strong across the Gulf states and Israel.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are shopping capitals, but shoppers who buy from US stores and ship to the UAE still find better prices and US-exclusive products through package forwarding.
- Shipping time: 2-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 5% standard rate
- VAT: 5%
- Duty-free threshold: No official threshold; duty applies to all imports
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Apple, Nike, iHerb, GNC
Tip: Health supplements, vitamins, and protein powders from US stores like iHerb and GNC are significantly cheaper than local UAE prices. Just check that your items aren't on the restricted imports list.
Israel
Shoppers who buy from US stores and ship to Israel enjoy significant savings, especially on tech and fashion. US stores often offer products at lower prices than local Israeli retailers.
- Shipping time: 2-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-12% depending on product
- VAT (Ma'am): 17%
- Duty-free threshold: Varies by product category
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, iHerb, Nike, Apple, B&H Photo
Tip: B&H Photo in New York is a favorite among Israeli tech shoppers. Camera gear, computer parts, and audio equipment are often 20-30% cheaper than buying locally.
Saudi Arabia
Want to buy from US stores and ship to Saudi Arabia? The market for it has exploded in recent years, driven by Vision 2030 and a young, tech-savvy population that wants access to global brands.
- Shipping time: 3-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 5-15% depending on product
- VAT: 15%
- Duty-free threshold: SAR 1,000 (~$265)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Nike, Apple, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret
Tip: Saudi Arabia has a relatively generous duty-free threshold at SAR 1,000 (~$265). Many everyday purchases fall under this limit.
Kuwait
If you buy from US stores and ship to Kuwait, you benefit from one of the simplest customs setups in the Gulf. Kuwait follows standard GCC customs rules, with shoppers looking for better selection and pricing from US retailers.
- Shipping time: 3-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 5% standard rate
- VAT: No VAT in Kuwait
- Duty-free threshold: Varies; standard GCC rules apply
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Nike, Apple, iHerb, Sephora US
Tip: Kuwait doesn't charge VAT, making it one of the more affordable Middle Eastern destinations for US imports. You still pay the 5% customs duty on most goods.
Oman
Shoppers who buy from US stores and ship to Oman enjoy a unique advantage: the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement provides duty-free treatment on certain product categories.
- Shipping time: 3-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 5% standard (some categories duty-free)
- VAT: 5%
- Duty-free threshold: Standard GCC rules apply
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Nike, iHerb, REI
Tip: Thanks to the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement, many product categories enjoy reduced or zero duties when shipping from the US. Check if your items qualify.
Shipping to Asia-Pacific from the US
The Asia-Pacific region represents some of the most exciting opportunities for US shopping. From tech-obsessed shoppers in Japan and South Korea to outdoor enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand, the demand for American products continues to grow.
Australia
If you want to buy from US stores and ship to Australia, you're in luck. Australia has one of the most generous duty-free thresholds in the world, making it one of the best destinations for international shopping.
- Shipping time: 2-5 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-10% (most goods 5%)
- GST: 10% on goods over AUD $1,000
- Duty-free threshold: AUD $1,000 (~$650)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Nike, Apple, REI, Patagonia
Tip: Australia's $650 duty-free threshold is one of the highest in the world. You can buy a pair of sneakers, a jacket, and a laptop case from the US and ship them all duty-free.
When Jake from Sydney wanted to outfit his family for a camping trip, he found REI's prices were 30-40% below what Australian outdoor stores charged. He ordered a tent, sleeping bags, and hiking boots to his ForwardMe US address, consolidated everything into one box, and shipped it to Sydney. Total shipping: $65. Total savings compared to buying locally: over $400. And since the order was under AUD $1,000, he paid zero customs duty.
Singapore
Singapore is a major shipping hub, and shoppers who buy from US stores and ship to Singapore enjoy some of the most competitive import policies in the world.
- Shipping time: 2-4 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0% on most goods (only alcohol, tobacco, vehicles have duty)
- GST: 9% on goods over SGD $400
- Duty-free threshold: SGD $400 (~$290)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Apple, Nike, Best Buy, B&H Photo
Tip: Singapore charges zero customs duty on most consumer goods. The only cost to watch is the 9% GST on orders over SGD $400. For most purchases, you'll pay no extra fees at all.
Japan
Shoppers who buy from US stores and ship to Japan tap into a massive market for American fashion, vintage clothing, and sneaker culture. US-exclusive releases often sell out domestically before Japanese retailers even get them.
- Shipping time: 1-4 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-15% depending on product
- Consumption tax: 10%
- Duty-free threshold: ¥10,000 (~$67) for certain goods
- Popular US stores: Nike, Supreme, Patagonia, Apple, Amazon US
Tip: Japan's express shipping times from the US are among the fastest in the world, often arriving in just 1-3 business days with FedEx or DHL.
South Korea
Looking to buy from US stores and ship to South Korea? Korean consumers are fashion-forward and tech-obsessed, always hunting for US-exclusive products in streetwear and electronics.
- Shipping time: 1-4 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 8-13% on most consumer goods
- VAT: 10%
- Duty-free threshold: $150 for personal use items
- Popular US stores: Nike, Apple, Amazon US, Supreme, Stussy
Tip: South Korea has a $150 personal use exemption for imports. Keep individual orders under this threshold to avoid duties and VAT.
New Zealand
If you buy from US stores and ship to New Zealand, you'll enjoy a generous duty-free threshold and access to products that are hard to find locally. New Zealand shoppers face limited local selection and high retail prices, making US stores an attractive alternative.
- Shipping time: 3-7 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0-10% depending on product
- GST: 15% on goods over NZD $1,000
- Duty-free threshold: NZD $1,000 (~$600)
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, REI, Patagonia, Nike, Apple
Tip: Like Australia, New Zealand has a generous NZD $1,000 duty-free threshold. Most personal shopping orders from the US will arrive without any customs charges.
Shipping to North America from the US
Canada
Canada is the easiest destination if you want to buy from US stores and ship to Canada. It's the fastest international route for US packages, and thanks to the USMCA trade agreement (the updated NAFTA), many goods qualify for duty-free treatment.
- Shipping time: 2-3 business days (express)
- Customs duty: 0% on USMCA-qualifying goods; up to 35% otherwise
- GST/HST: 5-15% depending on province
- Duty-free threshold: CAD $150 for duty; CAD $40 for tax
- Popular US stores: Amazon US, Target, Bath & Body Works, Nike, Sephora US
Tip: Under USMCA, most goods made in North America ship to Canada duty-free. This includes clothing, electronics, and household items manufactured in the US. Canadian shoppers pay only the provincial sales tax.
Priya from Toronto had been eyeing a KitchenAid stand mixer. The Canadian price: CAD $500. The US price: $350 (about CAD $480). But she also wanted a set of attachments that weren't available in Canada at all. She ordered both to her ForwardMe US address, the mixer shipped duty-free under USMCA, and she got the attachments she couldn't find locally. Total cost including shipping: CAD $510, saving $90 and getting products she couldn't buy in Canada.
Quick comparison: All 15 countries at a glance
Country | Shipping Time | Duty-Free Limit | VAT/GST | Key Advantage |
Australia | 2-5 days | $650 | 10% | Highest duty-free threshold |
Canada | 2-3 days | $115 duty | 5-15% | USMCA duty-free on most goods |
UK | 2-4 days | $170 | 20% | Fastest European delivery |
Germany | 2-5 days | $160 | 19% | Largest EU market |
Netherlands | 2-5 days | $160 | 21% | EU distribution hub |
UAE | 2-5 days | None | 5% | Low duty + low VAT |
Israel | 2-5 days | Varies | 17% | Tech gear savings |
France | 2-5 days | $160 | 20% | Beauty product savings |
Saudi Arabia | 3-5 days | $265 | 15% | High duty-free threshold |
Kuwait | 3-5 days | Varies | 0% | No VAT |
Oman | 3-5 days | Varies | 5% | US-Oman FTA benefits |
Singapore | 2-4 days | $290 | 9% | Zero duty on most goods |
New Zealand | 3-7 days | $600 | 15% | Very high duty-free limit |
South Korea | 1-4 days | $150 | 10% | Fastest Asian delivery |
Japan | 1-4 days | $67 | 10% | Ultra-fast express shipping |
5 ways to save when you buy from the US and ship internationally
Now that you know the country-specific details, here are five strategies that work no matter where you're shipping.
1. Use your tax-free Delaware address
When you sign up for a free US address with ForwardMe, your address is in Delaware, one of five US states with no sales tax. That means every purchase you make is already 6-10% cheaper than what most Americans pay.
2. Consolidate your packages
This is the single biggest money-saver. Instead of shipping five packages separately (paying five times for international shipping), combine them into one box. Most shoppers save 40-60% on shipping costs by consolidating.
3. Stay under your country's duty-free threshold
Check the table above for your country's limit. If your order is $170 and your country's threshold is $160, split it into two shipments. A little planning saves you customs duty and VAT.
4. Shop during US sales events
Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day. US sales are some of the best in the world, and they stack on top of the savings you're already getting from shopping internationally. Some shoppers report saving 50-70% compared to local prices during these events.
5. Use the personal shopper for stores that need a US payment method
Some US stores don't accept international credit cards. ForwardMe's personal shopper service buys the item for you. You tell us what you want, we purchase it, and ship it to your country.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to use a package forwarding service?
Yes, completely. Package forwarding is a legitimate service used by millions of international shoppers. You're simply having your packages delivered to a US address (which happens to be a forwarding warehouse) and then shipped to your home country.
How much does international shipping cost?
It depends on the weight, dimensions, and destination. A 2 lb package to the UK typically costs $25-35 via DHL Express. Use the shipping cost calculator for an instant quote.
Do I have to pay customs duties on everything?
No. Every country has a duty-free threshold (see the table above). If your shipment value is below that threshold, you pay zero customs duty. Some countries like Singapore charge zero duty on most consumer goods regardless of value. If you would like to estimate your exact costs, you can use the Duty Calculator on our website.
Can I buy from any US store?
Almost any. If a store ships to a US address, you can use it. This includes Amazon, Nike, Apple, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora, and thousands more. The only exceptions are stores that specifically block forwarding addresses (very rare).
How long does the whole process take?
Most US stores deliver to your ForwardMe address in 2-5 business days. Then international shipping takes 1-7 business days depending on your country and courier choice. Total: about 1-2 weeks from order to your door.
Is there a monthly fee?
No. ForwardMe has no monthly fees and no membership costs. You only pay when you ship a package. Sign up is free.
Start shopping from the US today
Over 18,000 customers in 200+ countries already use ForwardMe to buy from US stores and ship internationally. Whether you're after limited-edition sneakers in Tokyo, outdoor gear in Sydney, or beauty products in London, the process is the same: get your free US address, shop, and ship.
The whole setup takes about two minutes. No monthly fees. No contracts. Just a real US address that opens up every American store to you, no matter where you live.