Guide to Shopping on Amazon USA: A Safe and Easy Payment Method for First-Time Users

• This article is for reference only as it is merely a translated version of the Japanese article below.
  アマゾン（Amazon）アメリカの買い方ガイド！初めてでも安心・お得な決済方法もご紹介します。 (Japanese version)

What is Amazon.com (Amazon USA)?

Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com began as an online bookstore. It has since grown into a massive e-commerce platform offering a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, food, household items, and more.

Amazon operates globally and has dedicated websites for various countries, such as Amazon.co.jp (Japan), Amazon.co.uk (UK), Amazon.de (Germany), Amazon.fr (France), and Amazon.ca (Canada).

Amazon.com (USA) is a pioneer in the online retail industry, serving millions of people worldwide with a broad spectrum of services, from product purchases to entertainment.

Can Amazon USA Display in Japanese?

Amazon USA can be displayed in Japanese, making it easier for users unfamiliar with English to navigate and shop just like they would on Japanese shopping sites. This is particularly helpful for those new to overseas online shopping.

Source: amazon.com

How to Shop on Amazon USA

Please note that an Amazon.com.jp account (Japanese Amazon) cannot be used to log in to Amazon.com (USA).

You’ll need to create a new account specifically for the US site.

Access Amazon USA (amazon.com)

Navigate to amazon.com. From the homepage, click on “Account & Lists” and then select “Sign In.”

Source: amazon.com

Creating an Account

Enter an email address or mobile phone number, then click “Create your Amazon account.”

Source: amazon.com

1. Input your name using the alphabet.
2. Enter your mobile phone number or email address.
3. Set a password of at least six characters.
4. Re-enter the same password to confirm it.
5. After completing the inputs, click “Verify email.”

Source: amazon.com

With these steps, the account creation process is complete! You can now log in using the registered email address or mobile phone number and the password you set.

Switching Between the Japanese Amazon and U.S. Amazon Apps

Switching from the Japanese Amazon.co.jp site to the U.S. Amazon.com site is simple. This can be done by changing the “Website (Country/Region)” settings. Below are the steps to switch between the two on both smartphones and PCs.

How to Switch on the Smartphone App

On the home screen, click the ≡ icon at the bottom right. On the next screen, select “United States” under the “Country/Region” section.

Note: The U.S. version of Amazon cannot display Japanese text on smartphones. If navigating in English is a concern, it’s recommended to use a PC.

How to Switch on a PC

Switching on a PC is also simple, and there are three locations on the homepage where this can be done:

1. On the far left of the screen, click ≡, then under “Help & Settings,” select “United States” in the Account Services section.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click the Japanese flag, then change the country to the “United States.”
3. At the top right of the homepage, click the Japanese flag and select “Change Country/Region,” then choose the “United States.”

The following instructions are based on the steps from the bottom of the homepage screen.

Source: amazon.com

Can a Japanese Amazon Account Be Integrated?

A Japanese Amazon account cannot be integrated with a U.S. Amazon account. Therefore, separate accounts need to be created for each country’s website.

However, for seven countries— the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Canada— it is possible to log in with a single shared account.

Once an account is created, the same email address and password can be used for login across these sites.

Registering Address and Credit Card

To register your shipping address and credit card for payments, navigate to “Accounts & Lists” on the home screen. Be sure to input your name and address using the alphabet.

Source: amazon.com

Switching Currency Display from USD to JPY

You can change the display currency to Japanese yen. By clicking the flag icon at the top right of the home screen, a currency settings page will appear. Simply select “￥-JPY-Japanese Yen” to complete the switch.

Source: amazon.com

Shipping and Delivery from Amazon U.S. to Japan

Products sold on Amazon U.S. can be shipped to Japan. As long as “Ships to Japan” is indicated on the product page, delivery to Japan is possible.

Source: amazon.com

Shipping Costs and Delivery Time from the U.S. to Japan

The standard delivery time for shipping from the U.S. to Japan through Amazon.com is a minimum of 13 business days for standard shipping, and as fast as 6 business days for priority shipping (based on Amazon.com’s global shipping time estimates).

The base shipping costs are as follows. These fees are “per shipment” and may increase depending on the product, shipping address, and selected shipping options.

To check the exact shipping costs, place the desired item in the cart and proceed to the order confirmation screen. You can easily check the shipping fees without confirming the order, providing peace of mind.

Source: Global Shipping Times by amazon.com

How to Track Orders

To find out when your package will arrive, follow these steps to track your order:

1. On the home screen, click “Accounts & Lists.”
2. Click “Your Orders.”
3. Select the order you want to track, then click “Track Package.”

For more details, refer to the Help & Customer Service section on Amazon.com.

Payment Methods on Amazon U.S. — Safe and Convenient Options

For those purchasing items from Amazon.com while residing in Japan, the payment methods and debit cards that offer safe and cost-effective transactions are explained below.

List of Available Payment Methods

The payment methods available on Amazon.com are listed below. For those living in Japan, credit and debit cards are the primary options available.

Source: amazon.com

Can Amazon Gift Cards Be Used?

While Amazon.com offers gift cards, Japanese Amazon gift cards (amazon.co.jp) cannot be used on Amazon.com.

If wishing to use a gift card, a new one must be purchased from Amazon.com.

Two Debit Cards That Save on Currency Conversion Fees (Revolut & Wise)

For online shopping on overseas websites, credit and debit cards are typically used, and with card transactions, currency conversion fees are unavoidable.

The amount spent will have the conversion fee added and will be billed in Japanese yen.

The breakdown of currency conversion fees is as follows: when paying with a typical credit card, the fee can reach approximately 4.2%, which is quite high.

To save on these fees, it is recommended to use two debit cards, Revolut and Wise.

Both cards offer zero foreign transaction fees, which is a big advantage compared to typical credit cards that charge around 1.6% to 2.2%.

These cards come with additional attractive benefits, making them a must-have for overseas online shopping.

【Revolut】

Source: REVOLUT TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN

[Exclusive Offer] 3-Month Free Premium Plan with Revolut

By signing up for Revolut’s Premium Plan through this page, users can enjoy 3 months free, a plan that typically costs 980 JPY per month. This offer is ideal for those planning international travel or looking to easily manage foreign currencies.

Click the button below for access to 3 months of free Revolut Premium.

【Wise】

Source: Wise Payments Japan K.K.

Wise offers numerous benefits, including no annual fees and low currency conversion fees.

Since it supports electronic payments, it allows users to make transactions using just a smartphone. This feature is convenient for those who prefer not to carry a wallet or cards. Wise is compatible with Apple Pay for iPhone users and Google Pay for Android users.

Additionally, Wise is known for its high security. Registered as a money transfer service with the Kanto Finance Bureau, Wise’s security level is comparable to that of a bank, ensuring safe account management.

Important Points When Using Amazon U.S.

When using Amazon U.S., there are two important points to keep in mind to avoid unexpected costs or delivery issues. It’s essential to check these points before making a purchase.

Customs Duties and Consumption Tax May Apply

When importing products from overseas, customs duties and consumption tax may be applied. The amount depends on the price, type of product, and the tax system of the importing country.

When goods are shipped via international mail or courier services, customs duties and tax procedures are typically handled by the destination country’s customs authorities.

If purchasing from Amazon U.S., using “AmazonGlobal International Shipping” (which allows for customs pre-payment) will ensure that AmazonGlobal handles customs procedures.

It estimates customs fees and other charges, allowing users to pay these fees together with the product price and shipping costs at checkout.

Should there be an overpayment, a refund will be automatically issued, offering peace of mind. For more details, refer to Help & Customer Service under “International Shipping.”

The product page will display the estimated fees, allowing users to confirm them beforehand.

Source: amazon.com

Products That Cannot Be Shipped to Japan

Some products sold on Amazon.com cannot be shipped to Japan.

These may include items deemed illegal under Japanese law, such as hazardous materials and other prohibited goods. Additionally, strict regulations are in place for food items.

Moreover, Amazon restricts the export of certain supplements and cosmetics.

In such cases, these items might be confiscated by customs or refused for delivery by shipping companies.

To avoid issues, it is advisable to check the “Prohibited and Restricted Items” list on the customs website before purchasing.

How to Handle Issues on Amazon U.S.

In case of any issues, the following solutions are available:

What to Do If the Item Doesn’t Arrive or is Defective

If the order status shows “delivered” but the package hasn’t arrived, go to “Customer Service” from the “Accounts & Lists” menu in the top-right corner of the home screen, and select “Delivery, Orders, or Returns” to initiate a chat with support. Even if users are not confident in English, a translation app can help convey the issue during the chat.

If the item doesn’t arrive, Amazon usually offers a refund. A replacement can only be arranged if the same item is still available in the warehouse. For those who prefer a replacement, it’s worth negotiating with support.

Source: amazon.com

For defective or incorrect items, select “Return or Exchange” from the same menu. Exchanges are only possible if there is stock available.

Begin by selecting the item to return and choose one of the following reasons:

• The item is defective or doesn’t work.
• Missing or damaged parts.
• Both the product and the shipping box are damaged.
• The wrong item was sent.
• The product is damaged, but the shipping box is fine.

Be cautious when selecting the reason for return. If choosing “Purchased by mistake,” it will be considered a return for personal reasons.

Select whether to receive a refund in the form of an Amazon gift card or through the original payment method. After this, confirm the return deadline (year, month, and day).

Ensure the item is shipped back before this deadline, as failure to do so may result in losing the refund eligibility.

After completing the return request, a return label will be available for printing. Attach this label to the package and send it back to complete the return process.

Once the item arrives at Amazon.com, the refund will be processed, and the funds will be deposited accordingly.

How to Contact Amazon for Troubleshooting

In case of urgent issues, users can contact Amazon.com via chat or phone.

From the home screen, click on “Customer Service” at the top left, then navigate to “Amazon Customer Service.” Click on the “?” icon labeled “Something else” to proceed.

Choose either phone or chat. If opting for phone support, Amazon will call the user, eliminating phone charges. Since the conversation will be in English, those unsure of their language skills may prefer chat as an easier option.

Get the Latest Overseas Trends at a Bargain on Amazon U.S.

Amazon.com (the U.S. version of Amazon) is a convenient shopping site that can be used much like Japan’s Amazon if key points are understood. It offers access to products not yet available in Japan, sometimes at lower prices. For those eager to get their hands on the latest international trends, Amazon.com is worth checking out.