Everything you need to know about shopping online in Mexico plus the best online stores in Mexico from home delivery!
Knowing the best online stores in Mexico and what to expect from online shopping in Mexico is essential if you’re planning on moving here.
Even before the pandemic, I relied on shopping online in Mexico to furnish my house in Querétaro. Since I don’t have a car, I spent a lot of time researching stores for home delivery in Mexico.
You can order food, clothes, home goods and pretty much anything else you could want via shopping online in Mexico.
After reading this post, you’ll know the best online stores in Mexico plus tips for smooth and easy online shopping in Mexico.
Tips for Easy Online Shopping in Mexico
While online shopping in Mexico is very similar to shopping online in other countries such as the United States, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you add items to your cart:
Shop in English
Many Mexican websites try to accommodate English speakers with an option either on the menu bar or near the bottom of the home page to view the website in English.
Can’t find that option? If you’re using Chrome, you should get a popup asking if you want the website translated.
You can also click the “Translate this Page” icon in your search bar. See screenshot below.
Although the translation might not be 100% accurate, it’s sufficient for making an online purchase.
Have Someone Receive the Delivery
When you enter an address for the delivery, make sure it’s one where someone will be present to open the door and sign for the package.
If you’re not home during the day, consider sending the package to a FedEx or DHL pickup site. Amazon Mexico has its own service for puntos de entrega (delivery points).
The delivery person will often call when they’re on the way to your house, so have the ringer turned on in case they try to reach you.
Provide a Clear Address
As you’re filling out your address, you may see a line requesting referencias y ubicabión (references and location).
Here’s where you should note what streets your street is between as well as any other important identifiers such as the color of your house.
If you live on a pedestrian-only street, make sure the delivery driver knows in advance. Provide a nearby street address so they can get as close to your house as possible using Google Maps.
Pay Duties and Taxes Ahead of Time
If you don’t want your package held up in customs, make sure you pay the taxes and duties ahead of time.
Selecting “cash on delivery” (COD) might seem more convenient, but it’s really just a hassle for the delivery person. Plus, you don’t want a big bill to surprise you when the item arrives.
Best Stores for Online Shopping in Mexico
This is by no means a definitive roundup of online stores in Mexico, but it’s a good place to start if you’re just now dipping your toes into the world of online shopping in Mexico.
Since the pandemic, many stores have begun offering convenient curbside or in-store pickup. I like this option for clothing stores like Stradivarius, Pull & Bear and Bershka where the current situation doesn’t permit trying anything on in the stores.
1. Amazon Mexico
Ah yes, the granddaddy of them all: Amazon. To be honest, I don’t think I could have furnished my apartment in Mexico without it.
Amazon Mexico has its own website: Amazon.com.mx
The selection isn’t as good as Amazon in the U.S. (where you can order absolutely anything), but I can generally find at least a few different options for whatever it is that I need.
Occasionally, you will see an option to order an item from outside of Mexico. Just be sure to factor in importation fees into the total price.
Can Amazon deliver in Mexico?
Unfortunately, many Amazon sellers based in the U.S. opt not to ship to Mexico in order to avoid customs and importation fees.
I try not to order items that are coming from outside of Mexico since they’re usually more expensive and delivery can take weeks (sometimes months).
If you do decide to order from Amazon and have your items sent to Mexico, use the filter “ships to Mexico.”
Can I use my US Amazon account in Mexico?
Yes, you can use your US Amazon account in Mexico. However, you will need a Prime membership specifically for Mexico.
The cost of Amazon Prime in Mexico is $99 MXN (approx. $5 USD) per month or $899 MXN (approx. $44 USD) annually.
You don’t need a Mexican bank account or debit card to order from Amazon Mexico. Debit and credit cards from the U.S. work just fine.
2. Mercado Libre
If I can’t find what I’m looking for on Amazon, my next stop is Mercado Libre.
The online e-commerce platform is the biggest in Latin America. In fact, Mercado Libre is sometimes referred to as the “Amazon of Mexico.”
I try not to buy anything from Mercado Libre that there’s a good chance I’ll have to send back. The returns process is complicated, and I’ve had trouble reaching a customer service representative on the phone.
3. Instagram
Many small businesses in Mexico seem to prefer selling their products via Instagram over a traditional website.
Since moving to Mexico, I’ve used Instagram to order everything from lotion and jewelry to a macramé plant hanger. Usually, the account will say right in its bio if it accepts pedidos (orders) via direct message.
Sometimes you can pay for your order using PayPal, but it’s far more common for the owner to request a transferencia (transfer).
You don’t need to have a Mexican bank account in order to do a transfer. Just take the account number to an Oxxo, and you can do it right at the cash register.
4. Coppel
The department store may be on its way out in the U.S., but it’s very much alive and well in Mexico.
Coppel is a nationwide department store in Mexico that’s been in business since the 1940s. Whatever it is you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you can find it at Coppel.
Recently, I ordered an indoor/outdoor rug, and despite the confirmation email saying the estimated delivery time was a week, I received my item the very next day.
Other popular department stores in Mexico:
- Liverpool
- Sears
- Sanborns
5. Walmart
When I lived in the U.S., I rarely shopped at Walmart, but in Mexico—along with Amazon, I relied heavily on it to furnish my apartment.
Although I prefer shopping at Walmart in person for home goods, the Walmart website is very well-organized and deliveries arrive promptly.
The largest item I’ve ever ordered from Walmart was a mattress, and it arrived in a matter of days.
You can also order groceries via Walmart’s website and schedule a delivery time.
6. Rappi
While I have used Walmart’s website to order groceries in the past, it’s more common for me to use Rappi.
Rappi is a smartphone app that facilitates home deliveries from supermarkets, restaurants and pharmacies. In Querétaro, I’ve used it to order from Soriana, Walmart, La Comer and Costco (all major supermarkets).
Use Rappi to stock up on ingredients for special meals like celebrating Thanksgiving in Mexico!
During the height of the pandemic, we were ordering almost all our food via Rappi. But since going back to shopping at Mercado La Cruz, I now try to only order from Rappi once a week for paper products and cooking staples such as olive oil.
I also use Rappi to order wine and liquor since the selection is more varied than at our neighborhood corner store.
7. Uber Eats
Another option for ordering groceries and alcohol online is Uber Eats.
Just like in the U.S., Uber Eats delivers prepared food from restaurants as well. Here are some of my favorite places in Querétaro to order from:
- Be Green
- Taka Taka Chino Express Milenio
- Bruno Cucina
- Rebel Wings Arcos
- La Barbacha y La Cecina
For even more options, download the DiDi Food app.
8. Sephora
If you’ve read my checklist for moving to another country, you know one of my suggestions is to stockpile your absolute favorite products. For me, that means makeup and skincare.
But depending on what your go-to items are, that might no longer be necessary since, as of relatively recently, you can now shop Sephora in Mexico.
Thanks to Sephora Mexico, I don’t need to wait until I’m back in Michigan to buy my favorite brow micro filling pen from Benefit Cosmetics.
9. Borderfree
While doing research for this online shopping in Mexico guide, I came across a website that I’m really excited to test out myself: Borderfree.
Borderfree simplifies the customs and duties involved with importing products to Mexico. They’re the middleman for a variety of retailers including Nordstrom, Macy’s David’s Bridal, The Container Store and more.
The exact shipping times vary from retailer to retailer, but on the whole, you can expect your item to arrive in Mexico seven to 10 days after placing your order.
10. Cornershop
The pandemic instilled in me a deep appreciation for a well-organized online shopping app. Although I haven’t tried it out myself (yet), Cornershop seems very promising.
Upon submitting my zip code, I saw that, in addition to groceries, there are delivery options for fresh baked goods, pet supplies, office supplies, cosmetics and more.
The app isn’t available in all of Mexico, but if you live in a big city like Querétaro, the delivery options are numerous.
11. Linio
One of the important things to know before moving to Mexico is that you can furnish an apartment on a budget. Linio is one of the best online stores in Mexico for quality home goods such as office chairs, TVs, dining room tables, patio furniture and more.
They ship all over Mexico and offer a variety of payment options.
More Posts About Mexico Shopping Online
- Mexico Packing List: What to Bring When Moving to Mexico
- {2021} 11 Best Places to Live in Mexico for Expats
- 9 Things That Are Unbelievably Cheap in Mexico
Final Thoughts on Online Shopping in Mexico
Since moving to Mexico in 2017, online shopping in Mexico has exploded in popularity. The number of online stores in Mexico and home delivery options continues to grow.
The rise of shopping online in Mexico is great news for foreigners as it makes furnishing a home and establishing your new life in Mexico a whole lot easier.
If you have any questions about online shopping in Mexico or suggestions for online stores in Mexico to check out, feel free to leave a comment.
You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up.
You mentioned on one of your vlogs the best reusable shopping bag. I have tried to fine the episode but I can’t. I think it was on Amazon. I would like for you to get the credit.
Will you do an episode on spending a day in Queretaro? We are going to visit the first week of September.
Does amazon also deliver beer and wine?
I use Rappi for beer and wine deliveries from the supermarket.