Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, and Amazon is often the first stop for many of us. But what happens when you live in the Canary Islands? Can you still enjoy the convenience of Amazon? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. While Amazon does deliver to the Canary Islands, it’s a bit hit and miss. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your Amazon orders to this stunning but sometimes tricky-to-reach region.
How to Set Up Amazon for Deliveries to the Canary Islands
Before you even start browsing Amazon.es, it’s important to set your account up correctly. If your address or postcode isn’t set to the Canary Islands, you won’t be able to see if a product delivers to the Canary Islands or not. So, here’s a quick guide:
- Add Your Canary Islands Address: Make sure your default address is updated with your Canary Islands postcode. This allows Amazon to show you which items can be delivered.
- Look for the Yellow “Add to Cart” Button: Once your address is set up, browse as normal. When selecting an item, pay close attention to the “Add to Cart” or “Añadir a la cesta” button. If it’s available, you can proceed with the purchase.
- Items Not Available for Delivery: If the yellow button isn’t there, it means that the item doesn’t ship to the Canary Islands. You’ll either need to find an alternative seller or use a third-party shipping service, which we’ll cover later.
Potential Hiccups in the Delivery Process
Even when you successfully place an order, there’s still a chance that the seller might not deliver. Unfortunately, some businesses on Amazon haven’t fully set up their shipping capabilities to accommodate deliveries to the Canary Islands. This often means you may get a message, even after payment, stating that your item can’t be delivered after all.
This can happen because some smaller businesses haven’t realised they need to exclude regions like the Canary Islands in their system settings. So, while it might appear that you can place an order, the logistics may fall through later.
Understanding Amazon and Customs for the Canary Islands
When you live in the Canary Islands, you quickly realise that customs are a big deal. Amazon deliveries are no exception, and while lower-value items generally make it through without a hitch, higher-priced goods can attract some unwanted delays and fees. All shipments into the Canary Islands are subject to import procedures, which vary based on the value and origin of the goods.
Here’s what you need to know about customs in the Canary Islands:
- Low-Value Items (under €150): These typically go through customs without any issues. You won’t need to pay additional fees, and delivery times remain fairly predictable.
- High-Value Items (over €150): Once you start ordering pricier goods, things get a bit more complicated. Customs will assess your item, and you may be required to pay additional taxes or duties before receiving it. According to Correos, customs regulations for high-value items can trigger the following:
- Import tariffs
- IGIC (Canary Islands General Indirect Tax)
- AIEM (Canary Islands Special Tax)
- Special Taxes: Additionally, goods subject to customs controls—such as health, pharmacy, or phytosanitary items—can face extra scrutiny.
- Perfumes and Colognes: Regardless of the price, shipments containing perfumes or colognes are always subject to customs procedures, which may delay your delivery.
If your package is flagged for customs, the fees must be paid before it can be delivered to your home. Correos allows payments at their branches or via bank transfer to make the process smoother.
What Happens if Amazon Doesn’t Deliver to the Canary Islands?
If you’ve found something you absolutely need but Amazon won’t deliver, don’t despair! Third-party services like Banango have stepped in to fill the gap for Canary Island residents. Banango offers an excellent workaround if you want to order from Amazon and other online retailers that don’t offer direct delivery.
How Banango Works:
- Shop via the Banango App: First, you’ll need to download the Banango app and create an account. You can either use the desktop app or download it to your mobile phone.
- Add Items to Your Cart: When you find a shop that you want to buy from, an icon will appear in the bottom lefthand corner of your screen (on desktop) where you can switch on Banango. You can then use the app to shop on Amazon.es and add your items to your cart as usual.
- Shipping Costs Calculated: Banango will calculate your shipping costs, starting at €7.95 for up to 4kg of items. Your items will first be sent to Banango’s warehouse in Madrid.
- Ferry Deliveries to the Canaries: Banango typically ships items via a weekly Friday ferry. This means that, depending on when Banango receives your order, your package could take up to two weeks to arrive.
- Delivery in the Canary Islands: Once your package reaches the Canary Islands, it will be delivered directly to your door by a local courier.
Not all online stores are automatically integrated with Banango, particularly smaller specialty stores. For more obscure items or for websites not integrated with Banango, you can place personalised orders through the app or their website for an extra fee of €3.95.
Success Stories with Amazon.de
If you’re finding that Amazon.es isn’t always reliable for deliveries to the Canary Islands, some shoppers have found greater success ordering from Amazon.de. Many users report that Amazon’s German site offers a wider selection of products available for delivery to the Canary Islands than the Spanish version.
Though the interface and product availability may vary, the checkout process and shipping methods are similar. Simply set your Canary Islands address in Amazon.de, and the site will automatically filter available items. You may be surprised at the range of products that can be shipped from Germany that weren’t listed on Amazon.es.
Keep in mind, however, that while Amazon.de might offer more delivery options, the customs and import rules discussed earlier still apply. Low-value items under €150 typically clear customs smoothly, but for high-ticket purchases, expect potential delays and extra fees.
Click here to head straight to Amazon.de (we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase – thank you!)
Amazon vs. Local Stores: Save Time and Stress
While Amazon may still be your go-to for convenience, it’s worth considering that many items you want can be purchased directly from stores based in the Canary Islands. Buying locally not only supports businesses in your area but also helps you avoid customs, long delivery times, and additional fees.
Our website, Shoplasislas.es, is dedicated to helping Canary Island residents find stores that deliver without all the hassle. We provide an easy-to-browse list of shops that ship quickly, with no customs delays or surprise fees. Why not support local businesses and get your items faster?
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Final Thoughts on Amazon Delivery to the Canary Islands
While it is possible to get Amazon deliveries in the Canary Islands, it’s not always the smoothest process. Setting up your address correctly, looking for items with the “Add to Cart” option, and being aware of potential customs delays are key steps. For those harder-to-get items, Banango offers a fantastic alternative, ensuring you don’t miss out on your Amazon favourites.
However, don’t forget that local stores can offer a stress-free shopping experience. Explore Shoplasislas.es to find stores that deliver directly to the Canary Islands—quickly, reliably, and without all the extra customs fees. And of course, it’s much better for your carbon footprint 🙂
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