Online Shopping in Mexico: What to Expect + Tips for Easy Delivery

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.

When I first moved to Mexico back in 2017, 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. With each passing year, the online shopping in Mexico continues to improve. Mexican consumers increasingly rely on home delivery services and online inventories as so the expats living in Mexico.

After reading this post, you’ll know the:

• Best online stores in Mexico for shopping categories like furniture, electronics & personal care
• Tips for smooth and easy online shopping in Mexico
• Answers to frequently asked questions about shopping online 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.

Use a Mexican Debit Card

While I’ve largely had success using my Charles Schwab debit card or Bank of America Travel Rewards credit car to shop online in Mexico, some websites (I’m looking at you Mercado Libre) decline foreign cards.

This post tells you everything you need to know about how to open a bank account in Mexico.

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. 

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

In recent years, the selection has improved immensely. While the online presence still isn’t quite 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. 

In this post, you will see that I break down the most popular online retailers for various categories such as furniture, personal electronics & fresh food. Like most internet users though, Amazon Mexico is generally my first stop for online shopping

Amazon Mexico has competitive prices, fast home delivery and easy returns. It’s the top online shopping site for almost every category on this list.

Since moving to Mexico in 2017, I’ve used Amazon Mexico to order everything from mobile phones and sports equipment like dumbbells to home decoration and consumer electronics such as a 65″ refurbished television for our new apartment in Guadalajara. 

Another reason Amazon Mexico is my go-to online shopping site is that it has the most reviews. This is especially important to me when ordering bigger ticket items like a mattress or TV. Often, I will search a specific item on Amazon US for even more reviews.

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 US) per month or $899 MXN (approx. $50 US) 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.

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.

After Amazon Mexico, Mercado Libre de Mexico is one of the best online shopping sites with the largest selection of everything from furniture and appliances to clothes and auto parts. Some Mexican online shoppers that I’ve talked to actually prefer Mercado Libre to Amazon, so if you’re struggling to find something in physical stores, it’s worth checking out.

Walmart Mexico

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. 

My top three choices for online shopping in Mexico are Walmart, Mercado Libre and Amazon Mexico because they have a wide range of goods and most competitive prices. They are three of the largest companies in the Mexican online shopping space and represent a huge part of the market share.

Most Popular Online Stores For Furniture & Home Decoration

It’s fun to shop for furniture and home decoration at local stores, but it’s tough to beat these big online stores for home delivery. Shopping at a department store chain like the ones listed below is often more expensive, so I prefer to wait for holiday sales like El Buen Fin (more on that in FAQs section below).

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. 

While the quality at Coppel isn’t always the best, it’s a solid option if you’re not sure how long you’re going to live in Mexico and don’t want to spend a ton of money (or if you have a whole house to furnish and want to stretch your pesos).

Home Depot

There are a few non-American department stores on this list, but Home Depot isn’t one of the. You’re likely already familiar with the selection of goods at Home Depot in the US. You will find a similar inventory in Mexico.

Most recently, I’ve shopped at online Home Depot for patio furniture. The home delivery service is very reliable & I found the outdoor furniture there to be much high quality than what I was seeing at local markets in Guadalajara.

In addition to furniture and home decoration, Home Depot is a solid Mexican online shopping for appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.  

Sears Mexico

Here’s a familiar department store chain for any Americans reading this guide! Sears Mexico offers discounts up to 50% for online shoppers. One of the top furniture stores in Mexico, home delivery is free with your online purchase.

Physical stores are located across Mexico, so you can go in and test out the couch or mattress in person before making a decision. Unlike many furniture stores in the US, sales associates at Sears Mexico don’t work on commission, so you don’t need to feel guilty about inquiring about a love seat or table only to order it online later.

The virtual store has a much better selection than what’s available in the actual store plus you get to make your big furniture decisions from the comfort of your own home.

Liverpool 

Similar to Sears Mexico, Liverpool is another of the most popular online stores in Mexico for furniture and home decoration. In addition this large department chain is a good place to shop for domestic appliances, electronics and clothes.

Most big cities in Mexico have physical stores where you can check out merchandise in person. Free home delivery is available throughout Mexico.

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.

Best Delivery Services in Mexico

Even before the pandemic, delivery services were becoming increasingly popular with online shoppers in Mexico. 

I go into more detail in the following sections, but both Rappi and Uber Eats are excellent options for ordering kitchen staples as well as fresh food. 

These speedy delivery services work best if you live in a large metro area. Expats living in places like Mexico City and Guadalajara can expect fast delivery at almost anytime of day.

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, convenience stores 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.

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.

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.

Popular Shopping Sites For Consumer Electronics & Home Appliances

In the section about the best online stores for furniture and home decoration, I recommended checking deals at Home Depot and Sears Mexico when shopping online in mexico for electronics and home appliances. If you’re shopping in Spanish, click on the “Línea Blanca” category to see the selection of home appliances such as stoves, washing machines and refrigerators. 

Sam’s Club

One of the best grocery stores for online shopping in Mexico, Sam’s Club is also one of the most popular sopping site for consumer electronics and home appliances. Invest in a membership to take advantage of significant savings both in the mortar stores and online.

Bodega Aurrera

A part of Walmart de Mexico, Bodega Aurrera is a top choice for Mexican online shoppers looking to purchase electronics.

Most Popular Online Stores For Personal Care

For the most part, I will purchase my personal care items from the grocery store. I can find popular skincare brands like La-Roche Posay and haircare brands such as Revlon at La Comer and Chedraui via the Rappi app.

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.

​Fashion Shopping Online in Mexico

Keep reading for some of the best websites to add clothes to your online shopping cart!

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.

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. 

The social media app is also a popular for shoppers looking to make a unique online fashion purchase. Instagram is the easiest way to hope small Mexican brands.

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.

FAQs About Shopping Online in Mexico

This section answers the most frequently asked questions I get from readers about online shopping in Mexico. If you have a question not answered in the body of this post, please feel free to leave it as a comment below, and I will my response here.

What is El Buen Fun?

Short for “El Buen Fin de Semana” which translates to “The Good Weekend” in English, this is one of the most important shopping weekends of the year in Mexico. 

Started back in 2011, its Mexico’s version of Black Friday. Online retailers and physical stores offer special deals and major discounts.

The 2023 date for El Buen Fin in Mexico is Friday, Nov. 17 to Monday, Nov. 20. El Buen Fin always takes place the weekend before the Mexican Revolution holiday which is the third Monday of November.

Are foreign personal credit cards accepted everywhere?

For the most part, I never have an issue using foreign personal credit cards when online shopping in Mexico. Most retailers accept Visa and Mastercard.

​If I ever do have an issue, I simply select the option to pay via PayPal which is almost always available. I’ve never had trouble selecting PayPal as a backup option.

Apple Pay and digital wallets are slowly becoming more accepted across the Mexican e-commerce market.

​Is Best Buy Mexico good for online shopping?

Best Buy is no longer part of the Mexican e-commerce market. In 2021, Best Buy shutdown its operation in Mexico. 

Fans of the American electronics retailer will have to wait until the next time they’re in the United States to shop there.

More Posts About Mexico Shopping Online

• Mexico Packing List: What to Bring When Moving to Mexico
• How to Rent an Apartment in Mexico as a Foreigner
• 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.

Online Shopping in Mexico: What to Expect + Tips for Easy Delivery