I mentioned the above online and as a result I got a few questions about the process of buying and getting stuff delivered to addresses here in Malaysia.
It’s actually not that difficult and I’ve bought a whole bunch of stuff from international online stores. In the past few years, I’ve bought USB microphones, SSD hard drives and even Teva sandals for Zack. This post explains how.
Buy Directly from Online Stores
The first and simplest method to buy stuff online is directly from the stores. All you need to do is to check out with your credit card and Malaysian mailing address. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted worldwide, and many online retailers deliver internationally (it is the 20th century after all). Shipping is expensive due to the long distance, but in under 2 weeks you’ll be the proud owner of rare items that can’t be found / are too expensive in our local stores.
Online stores I’ve bought from with good experience:
Buy Through Middleman
Most stores including Amazon.com will ship items internationally. Sometimes though certain items can’t be shipped overseas because they are sold through Amazon but shipped from the merchant. For example, this super-cool geek tshirt is sold through Amazon but is shipped by ThinkGeek, and ThinkGeek won’t ship to Malaysia. (Yes I bought that online too).
Can’t ship to Malaysia
Update 9 July in response to Winnie: Amazon will also state on some pages if it is not able to ship outside of the US. You will also need to provide your address when you create an Amazon account. With your address, Amazon will also tell you when you try to buy something that cannot be shipped to your country.
In situations like this, you’ll need a middleman in the US to receive the packages and then ship it to you. There are quite a few options here like HopShopGo / ComGateway, vsHUB and vPOST Asia. Many online merchants offer free shipping domestically within the US, so you only have to pay for the shipping to Malaysia through one of the options above.
HopShopGo a.k.a. ComGateway
I’ve only used HopShopGo before because they partner with PayPal and give PayPal customers a 10% discount. Unfortunately this means that HopShopGo only accepts PayPal as a method of payment. However, I’ve found their rates to be reasonable. As a rule of thumb, the shipping fees are about 40-50% the value of the product. Looking at their shipping rates, I think vsHUB is more expensive. Also, I usually buy a few products together to save on the shipping fees.
The biggest drawback for using these middleman is that you don’t know what the final cost for shipping to Malaysia will be. They all provide shipping rate calculators but you won’t know what kind of box the retailer will pack your items in, and the shipping cost depends on that box. Don’t buy if you’re on a tight budget
Import and Custom Duties
UPDATE:Some items will incur import and custom duties. If that’s the case, the DHL/UPS/FedEx guy will collect money from you when he delivers your packages. Out of 7 shipments I’ve made with HopShopGo, I have only been charged for duties twice. The 2 times I’ve been charged for duties were because:
- The total shipment value was over RM1,000
- The shipment was mainly electronics
If I’m not mistaken the duties cost about 10-15% of the shipment value. So if your shipment value is about RM1,000 expect to pay up to RM150 in duties. The last time I had to pay duties (Sept 2012), the DHL guy said to me that I can try splitting my shipments so that the total value is under the RM1,000 mark. Please let me know in the comments below your total shipment value and what you bought if you incurred duties. This way we can all learn and benefit together
At the end of the day, shopping online may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But for those who want to, where there’s a will there’s a way. Happy shopping!
Jul 09, 2011 @ 14:53:15
Thanks for sharing the information with us. I just wondering how can we know whether the products sold by Amazon do deliver to Malaysia or we need to use 3rd party delivery?
Then i read from Amazon website, they do have associate program. Do you know whether Malaysian can join the program or not and how they do the payment to us since they not using paypal?
Jul 09, 2011 @ 15:43:02
Hi Winne! Good question, I updated my post with the answer
Oct 06, 2011 @ 05:07:09
Or, you could just use http://www.youramericanshipper.com. They will store merchandise you buy online from any US store for 6 months (!) and consolidate it for you in larger packages. This will save you $$$. I used them 8 times until now and saved a bunch in transportation costs.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 08:52:51
Ooh, thanks for sharing that. I will definitely check them out
Oct 22, 2011 @ 03:36:41
emm..do you think amazon can ships copic marker to malaysia?
i would love to buy them but im just too afraid that copic marker would get a tax duty import. what do you think?
Oct 22, 2011 @ 09:14:16
They’re just markers so I don’t think it’ll get taxed. And even if they do, it’s 10-15% of the value – your shipping cost will probably cost more than that.
Dec 28, 2011 @ 08:53:06
i got books from amazon many years ago.maybe in 2005.someone from the US bought for me as a gift
i have never buy stuff online but i’d like to try,i wanna buy this small bag from a website,the price is 60usd,and international shipping to malaysia is 35usd
this is what wriiten in the site
———–.com currently ships to the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Nunavut, Northwest Territories and the Yukon), China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands (Holland), New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and The United Kingdom (Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland).
International shipping rates valid until 12/31/11 11:59 PM PST. The charge for standard international shipping is $35 USD. For international orders of $400 and above, standard shipping is $50 USD. Free international shipping will apply to all orders over $1000. International orders should arrive within 14 business days.
Title, Duties, Customs, VAT
International orders are subject to duties, customs, and value added taxes. If you are shipping your order outside of the continental United States, as a condition of sale, you acknowledge and agree that title to your order transfers to you after exportation from the United States and immediately prior to importation of such order at the border of the ship to location and assume all risk and responsibility for the import clearance, duties, and delivery to final destination. These charges must be paid upon receipt of your order. Be sure to verify the additional cost you may incur with the authorities of the country the order is being shipped to.
my question,is this shipping rate already include the shipping tax bla bla,like i have only have to pay 35usd for shipping and thats it rite?
and do u think i’ll get taxed over my humble 60usd purchase?and if i get taxed,how much presumeably the tax is…..
tq
Dec 28, 2011 @ 14:55:13
Tax applies depending on what you buy. I only had to pay custom duties once, when I purchased electronics. DHL will collect from you when they deliver your item.
Tax / duties are separate from your shipping fee. They are paid to Malaysian Customs, shipping is paid to Amazon / the company sending you the items.
Jan 26, 2012 @ 21:42:35
Hi David. I need your advice. Which one is cheaper? HopShopGo/VIAddress/Shipito/MyUS/Bongous to name a few.. Thanks dude for your post!
Jan 26, 2012 @ 23:29:45
Sorry Firdaus, I’ve only used HopShopGo before so I don’t know about the rest. They all should have some shipping cost calculator, so you can do your research. Please let us know the results, thanks!
Jan 27, 2012 @ 00:12:56
Ouh ok. I’m using Hop Shop Go too =)
Anyway thanks!!
Feb 25, 2012 @ 14:37:41
hi, may i ask u something, do u know any website/blog from malaysia that offer us to buy any us online store and they will handle everything included payment because i dont have a credit card..hehe tq
Feb 25, 2012 @ 15:28:38
i can help you!! just add me on facebook.com/ShoppeUnlmtd
Jul 14, 2012 @ 17:44:16
Hi David,
I want to buy some items from Amazon.com. Since you experienced so, I need your advice on any of the shiping company the best and cheap. How is the sales tax imposed? Thank you.
Jul 14, 2012 @ 19:02:33
Hi Lily, I have only used Comgateway before so I can’t compare and tell you which one is better or cheaper. So far I have been happy with their service.
Remember to check if Amazon can send the item directly to you. If they can it may be cheaper and you save on the middleman fees.
Jul 15, 2012 @ 17:31:59
Thank you David.
I actually want to buy a few pieces of blouse from Amazon.com and I have checked with them, they do not send any apparel directly into Malaysia. So you have any ideas?
Jul 15, 2012 @ 17:52:27
In that case you will need to use middlemen like Comgateway (www.hopshopgo.com). It’s a bit difficult to set up because you can only use their service with a PayPal account. I really haven’t tried other middlemen so I only know how to use them. Good luck with your purchase
Jul 17, 2012 @ 16:58:41
Thank you David for your advice. The assistance given is highly appreciated. Have a nice day…
Jul 20, 2012 @ 11:22:58
Hi bro
Thanks for writing your experience.
If for example I bought for my wife and I something.. but only two items. (let say costs around RM1K+).. will that be worth to use this service?
For example my wife used to buy handbag by getting a person in US to ship it here. So I am not sure which one is worth for money, using freight forwarding or get someone (which not most of the time close to us.. some are traders too) to buy for us.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 19:03:35
Hey David,
Are there any other ways to purchase things online without a credit card in Malaysia?
Maybe through a phone credit or some other third party whatsoever?
Aug 11, 2012 @ 16:21:10
Lazada.com.my and Zalora.com.my will let you buy online and pay cash on delivery
Aug 11, 2012 @ 15:41:09
Hi David,
This is the first time I would like to try buying online. Do you ever buy from prubuy.sg? Is it like a middleman? As amazon don’t ship to Malaysia.
If I buy baby products e.g strollers about SGD600 will I get duty/tax? Just worry on the duty/tax end up to be too expensive.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 16:22:37
No, I haven’t bought from prubuy.sg before. Amazon *does* ship to Malaysia – just not all products. I really wouldn’t know what will get duty or tax. Please remember that I don’t work in customs so I’m not an expert at all.
Aug 23, 2012 @ 06:09:12
You can also use a little bookmarklet ( http://projects.nasherd.com/amazon/intl/bookmarklet.htm ) to find which products could be shipped to your country via marketplace sellers on Amazon – I find it very useful
Aug 24, 2012 @ 15:29:10
hai, David
i want to order some products from amazon, can you help me?
Aug 31, 2012 @ 10:37:25
Someone told me when recieving international shipped packages, they will be hold at the Malaysian customs. Then, we might need to pay about RM200 or so just to clear the custom taxes. When paying, as in, we have to go and collect at the customs office personally. Is this true ? Because one of my friends actually bought an album (music) on amazon and it just delivered straight to her house. I hope you can help me
Aug 31, 2012 @ 10:40:02
Answer to your question has already been answered above
Sep 19, 2012 @ 18:19:00
Is HopShopGo using Fedex or DHL for local delivery?
Sep 19, 2012 @ 18:30:47
Does it make a difference? As long as it gets to your doorstep right?
Nov 04, 2012 @ 02:57:19
hi David…
i read in one of ur comment that u had once paid for custom duties on electronic gadgets.. can i know how much does it costs u? i intended to buy some electronics from amazon but i’m afraid that the price+duties would be more expensive than buying it locally..
thanx!
Nov 04, 2012 @ 09:30:56
Hi Amy, I just checked my HopShopGo account and out of 7 shipments I’ve only been charged for duties twice. The 2 times I’ve been charged for duties were because:
1. The total shipment value was over RM1,000
2. The shipment was mainly electronics
If I’m not mistaken the duties cost about 10-15% of the shipment value. So if your shipment value is about RM1,000 expect to pay up to RM150 in duties.
The last time I had to pay duties, the DHL guy said to me that I can try splitting my shipments so that the total value is under the RM1,000 mark. Perhaps you can try that too.
Do let us know how it turns out for you so that I can update my post to share the info with others reading. Thanks!
Nov 08, 2012 @ 02:02:41
Hi David..
Just want to share, I consulted with one of my friends about all this shipping+duties stuff because he basically bought all of his Apple merchandises directly from US (he’s an apple geek just like you). He said that he only paid the amount displayed on screen and no duties were charged on him.
He bought all of his gadgets from the apple store and the shipping costs are free. The packaging is also private and confidential so that nothing regarding the content is displayed on the box.
Since i intended to buy an Apple merchandise, I think its better to buy it directly from Apple than other resellers.
I just placed my orders and will be receiving it in 1 week. I’ll let you know how it’ll turn out but for now lets keep my fingers crossed! =)
Nov 28, 2012 @ 07:55:43
Hi all, my sister lives in the USA for 20 years and currently I am ordering all the stuffs from there cos they have awesome sales throughout the year. And currently I am also acting as a middleman for large circle of people who wish to order anything from the US stores. My charges are much lesser than HopShopGo, vsHUB,..or others services. Once I quote you the rate , it will be included from International shipping rate to Malaysia taxes and duties plus locally delivery charge. I sometimes do the hand delivery if timing is allowed and you must be around Bangsar or KL triangle areas. For more info, please log on to Facebook.com/Caroline Trendy or quyenkul@yahoo.com or Caroline_trendy@yahoo.com.
Thank you David for posting all the infomations which are so informative and helpful for others.
Nov 28, 2012 @ 09:00:33
Thanks Caroline for providing an alternative service. Do let us know if you have a website with further details
Nov 28, 2012 @ 09:20:07
Hi David,
I only have my FB account for doing this in a smaller scale pls don’t ask me to ship big large TV or anything that are bigger than my size of 1.58m in height
Thank you.
Feb 25, 2013 @ 02:20:27
I had sent u email, please reply, thanks
Dec 05, 2012 @ 20:50:06
hi david,i want to know did amazon.com sent an email when they had shipped our item?
Dec 05, 2012 @ 21:07:02
can i use atm card that have visa logo for online payment
Dec 08, 2012 @ 10:51:17
Hi Hafiz. Yes, Amazon will email you when you place an order, and when the order is shipped. I think you should be able to use the ATM card, but best to check with your bank. Happy shopping!
Feb 19, 2013 @ 02:36:05
To make a long thing short:
No duties as long as the total CIF (Cost+Insurance+Freight) of the item doesn’t exceed 500.00 MYR.
Mar 08, 2013 @ 14:04:52
Good day ! If it’s free shipping. Any duty and tax for freight included ? CIF (Cost+Insurance+Freight)
Mar 09, 2013 @ 01:48:07
Hi David,
Would like to check with you if I buy the stuff less than USD300 will I get tax? I read some post say if less than USD300 won’t get tax but some say will. It really confuess me. This is my 1st time buying thing from Amazon. All is baby stuff coz there lot more cheaper than Malaysia? Thanks!
Mar 20, 2013 @ 09:28:03
Just done buying…hoping item arrived safely and in-time… buying from both one direct from amazon+shipping, and one buying from ebay n used hopshop for shipment….. here the cost incured using hopshop…. item actual weight 0.24kg, volumetric weight 0.34, chargeable weight 0.5kg, declared value USD 91, International Shipping Charges: 24.90-10%=22.41, Fuel Surcharge: 2.74, Mandatory Insurance:(Declared Value & Shipping at 0.65%.) 0.75
Total shipping cost US$ 25.90……is this price still low comparing to others service provider eg: vpost, youramericashopper,
91+25.9=USD 116….. still less than RM500, anyway experience with both amazon & hopshop was beautiful, very prompt n fast response…..thanks dude for ur guidelines….
Mar 20, 2013 @ 16:05:14
Congrats! Glad I could guide you through your first time
May 04, 2013 @ 20:38:29
I want to ask a question. How do I write my address on amazon? Can’t just use jalan bla3 and taman bla3 right?
Since this is my first time trying I don’t really know how. Can you give me an example?
May 13, 2013 @ 17:10:24
Here’s what I don’t understand. If I register my Malaysia address with Amazon, and my credit card has the same address, will they ship to a 3rd party in the US like hopshop? I want to buy some clothes and somebody above said Amazon doesn’t ship apparel to Malaysia.
May 13, 2013 @ 19:06:39
As explained..
So if the merchant does ship to Malaysia, you don’t need a 3rd party
May 13, 2013 @ 19:19:13
Oops sorry, misunderstood your question. Yes they will ship to 3rd party even though your registered address and credit card billing address is Malaysia. Mine is the same and I ship stuff to HopShopGo all the time.
May 19, 2013 @ 20:14:12
So if they ship to my name can my mom take on behalf of me ? because i wont me around kl all the time im mostly working outstation ,kinda new to shipping got hooked on amazon and eBay lol
May 19, 2013 @ 21:36:11
Amazon doesn’t deliver the package to you, they use a shipping company like FedEx / DHL / UPS. So it depends on their policy, but usually they will allow other residents of the delivery address to accept packages on your behalf. You mom just needs to sign for the delivery.