If you’ve been living in Mexico for a while, chances are you’ve come to rely on Amazon for everything from kitchen gadgets to imported snacks. But lately, something’s changed. A growing number of customers—including long-time account holders—are reporting problems placing orders on both Amazon.com.mx and Amazon.com.
In Facebook groups, Reddit and expat forums, the complaints are mounting: items that were once deliverable now show as “cannot be shipped to your address.” Some say their packages are being rejected at customs, even with all the proper tax ID info entered. Others have been told by Amazon agents that fulfillment is being limited to Mexico City only—though no official policy has been posted.
What’s Going On with Amazon Shipments to Mexico?
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There are several factors in play, and most of them point to broader changes in shipping policy, tax regulation, and international logistics:
- Amazon now requires a valid RFC or CURP for all orders shipped into Mexico, whether domestic or international. This is due to tighter enforcement of tax laws, and if your account is missing this info—or if it’s entered incorrectly—your order could be blocked or delayed.
- For foreigners living in Mexico, a CURP (available upon residency) can often be used in place of an RFC. Tourists and non-residents might be able to use a generic CURP code like XEXX010101000, though this can still cause issues with customs.
- New import tariffs have also gone into effect. Mexico now imposes a 19% tax on products from countries without a free-trade agreement, including many low-cost items shipped from China. This affects pricing and availability across both Amazon US and Amazon MX.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) shipments are delayed, with some sellers reporting wait times up to 75 days. In some cases, Amazon is closing inbound shipments that don’t arrive in time.
- Amazon’s new seller policy requires a 90% on-time delivery rate (OTDR) for non-FBA sellers to remain eligible for listings. This further limits selection, especially for hard-to-find items.
The result? More items listed on Amazon are now unavailable for shipping to locations outside of major metro areas, even if you’ve successfully ordered them in the past.
The 411 on Ordering from Amazon in Mexico
If you’re new in Mexico and wondering and wondering how to get your favorite Amazon stuff delivered—Whether you’re living here full-time, snowbirding it, or just trying to stream your favorite shows on vacation, the rest of this guide for you.
I’ve been using Amazon in Mexico for years, since it first became a viable option for us living on the Riviera Maya. I’m not much of a consumer these day but I still make occassional purchases from Amazon in the U.S. as well as Amazon Mexico.
Amazon Mexico has been around since 2015 and it’s grown a lot over the past decade. You can shop directly at amazon.com.mx, and it works pretty much like the U.S. site—just in Spanish.
The inventoryis much more limited, not everything you want or need is available, and some things are more expensive (especially electronics). But, for most basics, it works just fine. Scroll down to see our handy table of the differences between Amazon U.S. and Amazon Mexico.
Can You Use Your Same U.S. Amazon Account?
Yes, your Amazon U.S. login works—but:
- Your Prime membership from the U.S. does not transfer. You’ll need to sign up separately for Amazon Prime Mexico.
- You can use a foreign credit card, no problem. Just make sure the billing info matches.
- The site is only in Spanish (no language toggle), but Google Translate works well on Chrome if you need it.
Ordering from Amazon U.S.?
Yes, you can still order from Amazon.com and have it shipped to Mexico.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Change your delivery address to your Mexico address on the U.S. site. This will filter the listings to show only items that ship internationally.
- Look for listings that include shipping + import fees in the price. That way, you won’t get stuck with surprise charges at the door or have your delivery held up in customs.
- Some Amazon U.S. orders actually arrive faster than local ones if they’re shipped with Amazon Global.
***New in 2025: Mexico now requires extra info at customs. If you’re ordering from outside the country, you’ll likely need to provide:
- Your RFC (tax ID) or CURP (national ID number)
- A valid shipping address that matches your ID or CFE bill
Amazon Prime in Mexico: Worth It?
I think so—especially if you live in or near a big city. Here’s what you get with Amazon Prime Mexico:
- Free 1-day shipping in cities like CDMX, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Querétaro, Playa del Carmen, and more
- Same-day delivery in CDMX, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Toluca
- Free weekend delivery
- Prime Video and Amazon Music access (more on those below)
Pricing as of 2025:
- $99 pesos/month (~$5.79 USD)
- Or $899 pesos/year (~$52.60 USD)
There’s a 30-day free trial offered in case you want to try it out.
What’s Different Between Amazon U.S. and Amazon Mexico?
Here’s a quick rundown:
| Feature | Amazon US | Amazon Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Product Range | Much bigger | More limited |
| Electronics | Cheaper | Usually pricier |
| Prime Perks | Extensive | Still solid |
| Language | English | Spanish only |
| Streaming | Full US catalog | More Spanish content |
| Gift Cards | US gift cards only work in the US | Mexico gift cards only work in MX |
Can You Use Amazon Mexico in English?
Technically no. There’s no language toggle on the site. But you’ve got options:
- Select Chrome as your browser and you will have the ability to see the site translated into English.
- Or just search the U.S. site and filter by items that ship to Mexico (that’s what I often do if I need something very specific).
Is Amazon Mexico Shipping Reliable?
In my experience—yes. A few tips from someone who’s been at this a while:
- If you live in a condo or building with a front desk, you’re golden.
- No package receiving? Have it delivered to an Amazon pickup point (Punto de Entrega) to avoid theft.
- Make sure your address is written exactly like it appears on your CFE bill—it helps avoid delivery errors.
I’ve had packages delivered to Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, and Mérida with no issues. But reports are flooding in that customers are experiencing issues getting order fulfilled. I may have to retract this statement depending on my next order.
Prime Video and Amazon Music in Mexico
You get access to both with your Amazon Prime Mexico account.
- Prime Video: Most of the big titles are there, but there’s more Spanish-language content than the U.S. version.
- Heads up: Starting June 17, 2025, Prime Video will include ads unless you pay for an ad-free upgrade.
- Amazon Music: You’ll get access to Amazon Music with no ads. You can upgrade to Music Unlimited if you want more.
What About Returns?
Yes, returns are possible on Amazon Mexico—but:
- You usually have 30 days to return eligible items.
- Returns must be initiated through your account, and you’ll need to print a label and pack the item properly.
- Some items are not returnable, especially imports—check the product listing first.
Other Online Retail Sites Like Amazon in Mexico
What happens if you find that Amazon is no longer able to ship the items that you want? Check out these Mexico-Based Online Retailers if Amazon stops delivering in Mexico.
Mercado Libre
The largest and most trusted e-commerce platform in Latin America. Great for electronics, tools, household goods, and even groceries. Fast shipping and reliable buyer protection.
Liverpool.mx
A high-end department store offering everything from fashion and home decor to electronics and kitchenware. Offers nationwide delivery and in-store pickup.
Coppel.com
Budget-friendly furniture, clothing, appliances, and more. Offers payment plans without needing a credit card. Especially useful in smaller cities and towns.
Sears México
Yes, it’s still around—and pretty reliable. Focus on appliances, electronics, and furniture. Solid fulfillment and frequent sales.
Sanborns
Great for books, cosmetics, gadgets, and gifts. In-store pickup available. Part of Carlos Slim’s Grupo Carso.
Linio México
Online marketplace offering a wide range of electronics and accessories. Owned by Falabella, with growing presence in Mexico.
Also Worth Checking Out
- H&M, Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear: Fashion brands with Mexico-based online stores.
- Best Buy México: Reopened online for electronics, though selection is more limited.
- Elektra: Furniture, electronics, and even motorcycles—many with payment plans.
Quick Tips for Using Amazon in Mexico
- Look for items marked “Enviado por Amazon” or “Vendido por Amazon México” when possible for fastest delivery
- Double check your address formatting—especially if you’re using a rental or AirBnB
- Keep in mind: prices are in pesos, not USD
- If in doubt, order to a pickup point instead of your home
If you’re living in Mexico or planning an extended stay, Amazon U.S. and Amazon Mexico can make life a lot easier—especially once you get used to how it all works.
If you’re like me and still flip between both sites depending on what you need, Just be sure to have your RFC or CURP handy, double-check your shipping address, and stay informed about tax and import requirements.
It’s not quite the seamless machine that ording from Amazon in the U.S. is, but it’s close enough for most day-to-day shopping. Now, let’s hope it stays that way.
Happy shopping!
