How to Change Your Amazon App Country (2024)
The Amazon app, a gateway to a vast marketplace, is tailored to your location for shipping, currency, and product availability. Changing your country setting is essential when you relocate, travel, or want to access products available in a different region. Unfortunately, you can’t directly change your country within the Amazon app itself. Instead, the process involves updating your country/region setting within your Amazon account through the Amazon website. This change then syncs with your app. Here’s how to do it:
- Open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) on your computer or mobile device.
- Go to the Amazon website for your current country (e.g., Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de).
- Sign in to your Amazon account using your email address and password.
- Hover over “Account & Lists” in the top right corner of the page. This will open a dropdown menu.
- Click on “Your Account.”
- Locate the “Content and Devices” section. You may need to scroll down the page to find it.
- Click on “Preferences.”
- Find the “Country/Region Settings” option.
- Click the “Change” button next to your current country/region.
- Select your new country/region from the dropdown menu.
- Update your address: Amazon will prompt you to update your default shipping address to an address within the new country. You’ll need to provide a valid address for that region.
- Follow any additional prompts. Amazon may ask you to confirm your payment methods or other account details.
- Restart your Amazon app. Close the app completely and reopen it to allow the changes to take effect. It may take a few minutes for the changes to fully propagate.
That’s it! By following these steps on the Amazon website, the updated country settings will synchronize with your Amazon app. Enjoy shopping in your preferred region!
Amazon App Country Change: Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs provide deeper insights into the intricacies of changing your Amazon app’s country setting and address potential issues you might encounter. Let’s dive in!
Why can’t I change my country directly in the Amazon app?
The Amazon app relies on your account’s country/region settings, which are managed centrally on the Amazon website to ensure consistent experience across all devices and services linked to your account. Direct in-app changes could lead to inconsistencies and potential security risks. This design also streamlines the process by requiring a single point of change for all of your devices.
What happens to my existing orders when I change my country?
Changing your country doesn’t automatically cancel or alter existing orders. However, you might encounter issues if the order’s delivery address is no longer within the previous country. Amazon will likely contact you to resolve the delivery issue, possibly requiring you to change the shipping address or cancel the order. It’s always best to update your address before placing any new orders.
Will my Prime membership transfer to the new country?
Prime membership benefits are country-specific. If you move to a new country where Amazon Prime is available, you’ll likely need to sign up for Prime in that new country. Your existing Prime membership might be canceled or prorated, and you’ll receive a refund for the unused portion. The costs and benefits vary by country.
I’m getting an error message when trying to change my country. What should I do?
Several reasons can trigger an error message. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure you have a valid address in the new country. Amazon requires a physical address for shipping purposes.
- Check your payment methods. Make sure you have at least one valid payment method associated with the new country.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Sometimes, old data can interfere with the process.
- Try a different browser or device. There might be a compatibility issue with your current setup.
- Contact Amazon customer service. If you’ve exhausted all other options, Amazon support can provide personalized assistance.
How often can I change my country on Amazon?
While there’s no explicit limit on how often you can change your country, frequent changes might raise flags with Amazon’s security system. It’s best to change your country only when genuinely relocating or needing to access a different region’s product catalog.
What happens to my digital content (eBooks, music, videos) when I change countries?
The availability of digital content varies by region due to licensing agreements. When you change your country, some of your digital content might become unavailable or restricted. Amazon will usually inform you about any changes to your digital library. You may be able to repurchase content that’s available in your new region.
I’m traveling temporarily. Should I change my Amazon country?
Generally, no. If you’re only traveling temporarily, it’s usually not necessary to change your Amazon country. Instead, you can:
- Use a temporary shipping address in the country you’re visiting.
- Purchase digital content that is available in your current location.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access content from your home country (though this might violate Amazon’s terms of service).
Changing your country for a short trip can be more trouble than it’s worth, especially if you have ongoing orders or subscriptions.
Will changing my country affect my Wish List?
Your Wish List generally remains intact when you change your country. However, the availability of items on your Wish List might change depending on the new region. Items that are not available in the new country will still appear on your Wish List, but you won’t be able to purchase them unless you switch back to a country where they are sold.
How does changing my country affect my Amazon gift card balance?
Amazon gift card balances are typically tied to the country where they were purchased. If you change your country, you might not be able to use your existing gift card balance. It’s best to spend your gift card balance before changing your country to avoid any issues.
Can I have multiple Amazon accounts for different countries?
Yes, you can have multiple Amazon accounts, each associated with a different country. This can be a convenient solution if you frequently shop in different regions and want to maintain separate order histories, payment methods, and digital content libraries. However, managing multiple accounts can be more complex.
Why are some products still showing in the old currency after I change my country?
It may take some time for the changes to fully propagate throughout the Amazon system. Clear your app’s cache and data, or sign out and back into your account. If the issue persists after a few hours, contacting Amazon customer support is the best course of action.
What if I don’t have a physical address in the new country yet?
This can be tricky. Amazon requires a valid physical address to complete the country change process. If you’re moving and haven’t secured an address yet, consider using a temporary address, such as a friend’s or family member’s address, or a mail forwarding service. Remember to update your address as soon as you have a permanent one.
These FAQs cover many common scenarios. Changing your Amazon country is a relatively straightforward process, but understanding the nuances can save you time and prevent potential headaches. Happy shopping!
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