How to Change My Amazon Back to the US?
Want to shop Amazon.com again? It’s easier than you think! To change your Amazon account back to the US marketplace, you’ll generally need to update your country settings in your account management page or, in some cases, create a new account specifically for the US.
Why Change Your Amazon Marketplace Back to the US?
Amazon operates globally, with various marketplaces tailored to different countries. When you initially create an account, or if you move to a different country, Amazon might automatically switch your default marketplace. There are several reasons why you might want to change your Amazon back to the US:
- Product Availability: Some products are only available on Amazon.com and not on other regional Amazon sites.
- Shipping Costs: International shipping can be expensive and time-consuming. Shopping on Amazon.com can provide cheaper and faster shipping to a US address.
- Language Preferences: You might prefer to browse and shop in English.
- Currency: You might want to pay in US dollars (USD) rather than the local currency of another country.
- Familiarity: You may simply be more familiar and comfortable with the US Amazon marketplace.
How to Change Your Amazon Country Settings
The most common way to change your Amazon back to the US is by modifying your country settings within your Amazon account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Sign in: Go to Amazon.com and sign in to your account.
- Access Your Account: Hover over “Account & Lists” and click “Account”.
- Manage Your Addresses: Find and click on “Your Addresses”.
- Add a US Address: Add a new address located in the United States. Make sure to fill in all required fields accurately.
- Default Shipping and Billing: Set your newly added US address as your default shipping and billing address. This will often prompt Amazon to switch your marketplace.
- Confirm Country Settings: After updating your addresses, go back to “Account & Lists” then “Content & Devices”. From there, select “Preferences,” and then “Country/Region Settings.” Confirm that the country/region is set to the United States.
- Restart Your Browser: Close and reopen your browser to ensure the changes are fully applied.
Considerations Before Changing Your Amazon Marketplace
Before you change your Amazon back to the US, consider these points:
- Prime Membership: Your Prime membership may or may not transfer automatically. You might need to purchase a separate Prime membership for Amazon.com.
- Digital Content: Digital content (eBooks, music, videos) is often region-locked. Content purchased in one marketplace may not be accessible in another.
- Payment Methods: Ensure you have valid US payment methods associated with your account, such as US-based credit cards or bank accounts.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, simply changing your address might not be enough to fully change your Amazon back to the US. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- Account Region Remains Incorrect: Contact Amazon customer support directly. They can often manually switch your account region.
- Digital Content Not Available: This is a common issue due to regional restrictions. There’s usually no workaround unless you repurchase the content in the US marketplace.
- Payment Method Issues: Make sure your payment method is accepted in the US marketplace. Verify your billing address matches your payment method.
Creating a New Amazon Account
In some cases, especially if you’ve permanently relocated to the US or are having persistent issues switching your existing account, the easiest solution might be to create a brand-new Amazon account specifically for Amazon.com.
- Use a different email address than the one associated with your current Amazon account.
- Add your US address and payment information during the registration process.
- Keep in mind that you’ll lose access to any digital content or Prime benefits tied to your old account.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Changing Existing Account | Creating a New Account |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Relatively simple, but can be tricky sometimes. | Straightforward registration process. |
| Content | Retains existing purchases (physical). Digital content may be limited. | Requires repurchasing digital content. |
| Prime Membership | May require a new subscription. | Requires a new subscription. |
| Email Address | Uses your existing email. | Requires a different email address. |
FAQ Section
What happens to my Prime membership if I change my Amazon back to the US?
Your existing Prime membership might not automatically transfer. You may need to purchase a new Prime membership specifically for Amazon.com. Check your account settings and contact Amazon support if you’re unsure. Prime benefits are usually tied to the specific marketplace where you purchased the subscription.
Will my gift card balance transfer if I change my Amazon account region?
No. Amazon gift card balances are usually specific to the region in which they were purchased. If you change your Amazon back to the US, your gift card balance from another region will likely not be usable.
Can I still ship to my old international address after changing my Amazon back to the US?
Yes, you can still ship to international addresses. Simply add the international address as a shipping address in your account. However, remember that international shipping costs and delivery times will apply.
What if I don’t have a US address?
You’ll need a valid US address to change your Amazon back to the US and shop effectively on Amazon.com. Consider using a forwarding service or asking a friend or family member in the US if you can use their address.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change my Amazon region?
While there isn’t a strict limit, frequently switching your Amazon region might raise flags with Amazon’s security system. Try to avoid changing it too often, and contact customer support if you encounter any issues.
Will changing my Amazon region affect my Amazon Web Services (AWS) account?
No, changing your Amazon retail account region will not affect your AWS account. AWS is a separate service with its own regional settings.
What happens to my Wish List when I change my Amazon region?
Your Wish List should remain intact, but product availability might change depending on the region. Some items may no longer be available or have different prices.
I changed my address, but my Amazon still shows prices in a different currency. What should I do?
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then restart your browser. If the issue persists, contact Amazon customer support to manually update your account’s currency settings.
How do I change my Amazon app back to the US marketplace?
The Amazon app uses the same account settings as the Amazon website. Change your Amazon back to the US by following the steps outlined for the website, and the changes should reflect in the app after you sign out and sign back in.
Can I use a VPN to shop on Amazon.com from another country?
While you can use a VPN, it’s not recommended. Amazon might detect the VPN and restrict your account. It’s better to change your Amazon back to the US legitimately through your account settings or by creating a new account.
I can’t find the “Country/Region Settings” in my account. Where is it?
The location of “Country/Region Settings” might vary slightly depending on Amazon’s website layout. Usually, it’s under “Account & Lists” then “Content & Devices”. If you can’t find it, use the search bar within your Amazon account to search for “Country Settings”.
What are the risks of creating multiple Amazon accounts?
Creating multiple Amazon accounts is generally allowed, but it’s important to use them responsibly. Avoid using multiple accounts to circumvent Amazon’s policies, such as exceeding order limits or manipulating reviews. Abuse of multiple accounts can lead to account suspension. If you want to change your Amazon back to the US, creating a new account for shopping solely within the US is acceptable so long as you adhere to Amazon’s user agreement.