Shopping on Amazon After Moving to Portugal

What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently relocated to Portugal, one of the first things you’ll need to adapt to is where and how you shop online. While Amazon remains a go-to platform for millions worldwide, using Amazon.com (U.S.) or Amazon.ca (Canada) after moving to Europe can come with unexpected headaches. Here’s why you should shop through a European Amazon site instead, and how to make the most of it while living in Portugal.

Why Not Use Amazon.com or Amazon.ca From Portugal?

It might be tempting to stick with what you know, but shopping from non-European Amazon stores often leads to:

  • High customs fees and import taxes: Items shipped from the U.S. or Canada to Portugal are subject to VAT and customs duties, which can significantly increase the total cost.
  • Longer shipping times: Deliveries can take weeks, especially if they get held up at customs.
  • Complicated returns: Sending an item back across the Atlantic is expensive and inconvenient.

The Smart Move: Use Amazon Europe

The better alternative is to shop on a European Amazon site. While Amazon.pt doesn’t currently exist, the most popular options for Portugal-based shoppers include:

  • Amazon Spain: Ideal for most shoppers in Portugal due to proximity, shared Iberian Peninsula location, and often lower shipping fees.
  • Amazon Germany: Offers a broader selection and frequently ships to Portugal with reliable service.
  • You can also try Amazon Italy, Amazon Belgium, Amazon France, and even Amazon UK (*sometimes you may have customs issues, although larger companies from the UK have worked out agreements for easy delivery, and the GBP is more expensive).

Both of these sites offer English language settings, making it easy for expats to navigate.

Benefits of Using Amazon.es or Amazon.de

  • No surprise fees: European Union rules mean no customs duties between member countries.
  • Faster shipping: Many items arrive within 1-3 business days.
  • EU consumer protection: Strong return and warranty policies protect your purchases.
  • Local delivery partners: Packages are handled by reliable services like CTT, MRW, or DHL.

Best Practices for Shopping on Amazon in Portugal

  1. Set your delivery address first: This ensures you’re only shown items that can be shipped to Portugal.
  2. Use the English version of the site: Look for language settings at the bottom of the page or use automatic translation from Google Chrome, etc. 
  3. Sign up for Amazon Prime EU: Some European Amazon sites offer localized Prime benefits, including faster delivery and access to Prime Video.
  4. Compare prices across Amazon sites: Use tools like Keepa or browser extensions to check where an item is cheapest in the EU.
  5. Watch for third-party sellers: Not all sellers offer EU-friendly shipping; filter by “Amazon fulfilled” to be safe.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have a company, open a company account with Amazon. This allows for a VAT exemption on most orders with companies on Amazon, reducing costs sometimes up to 20%. 

Final Thoughts

Shopping with Amazon after moving to Portugal doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you know where to look. Stick to Amazon Spain or Amazon Germany to avoid unnecessary customs fees and enjoy a smooth, reliable shopping experience. With a few simple adjustments, you’ll have everything you need delivered straight to your new doorstep in Portugal.