August 10, 2023 - Updated April 23, 2026 · 3 min read
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Yes, you can order from Amazon.com and have it shipped to your door in Cartagena. It’s not as smooth as shipping within the US, but for most products it works reliably and the selection is far broader than what’s available locally. Here’s the honest picture in 2026.
Many products on Amazon.com are marked as eligible for international shipping under Amazon Global. When you select a Colombian delivery address, the product page will show whether it ships internationally and give you an estimated cost and delivery window (typically 2 to 4 weeks). Free shipping thresholds don’t apply internationally, expect to pay $15-$40 USD in shipping depending on weight and speed.
Colombian Customs: The Key Numbers
Under $200 USD declared value: No import duties. The package clears customs and arrives at your door. This is the sweet spot for most individual purchases.
$200-$2,000 USD: Subject to import duties, typically 10 to 20% depending on the product category, plus 19% IVA (VAT) on top. The courier handles customs clearance and will contact you for payment before delivery.
Over $2,000 USD: Formal customs declaration required, more paperwork and significantly more cost. Not practical for most personal purchases.
Important: Colombia’s DIAN (customs authority) has increasingly flagged split shipments designed to keep each package under $200. Don’t try to game the system by placing multiple small orders of related items, this can result in all packages being held.
The Forwarding Service Alternative
If a product isn’t eligible for Amazon Global, or if you want to access a US warehouse-based forwarding address, you can use a package forwarding service. These companies give you a US mailing address; your packages ship there, and they then ship onward to Colombia.
Popular options used by Cartagena expats include Envíos USA, Miami Box, and similar services based in Miami (the main logistics hub for Colombian imports). Costs vary by weight; budget approximately $8-$15 USD per kilogram for air freight. These services also handle customs paperwork, which is helpful if you’re not fluent in the process.
What Ships Well
Electronics (phones, tablets, accessories), very commonly ordered, but keep declared value under $200 where possible
Books and media, low customs risk, good value
Clothing and shoes, brands not available in Colombia, US sizing
Specialized tools and equipment, things simply not sold locally
Supplements and vitamins, generally fine, but check INVIMA (Colombia’s health regulator) restrictions on specific ingredients
What to Avoid Shipping
Food products, subject to INVIMA clearance, often seized
Plants, seeds, or agricultural products, restricted or prohibited under Colombian law
Weapons, replica weapons, or anything resembling them, blocked at customs
Prescription medications without documentation, possible seizure and legal complications
Practical Tips
Use your building’s address with apartment number, couriers deliver to the door in most Cartagena buildings
Include your Colombian phone number so the courier can contact you for delivery
If using DHL or FedEx, they’re generally more reliable than USPS for Colombian delivery (USPS hands off to 4-72, which is less consistent)
Track your package obsessively through customs, packages can sit at DIAN for weeks if there’s a clearance issue that nobody told you about
Amazon Prime does not apply internationally, don’t expect Prime delivery speeds or free returns
Is It Worth It?
For many products, yes, especially given what’s unavailable or overpriced locally. Electronics, specific brands, and specialty items can be significantly cheaper even after shipping than buying locally at Alkosto, Ktronix, or similar stores. For clothing basics or anything Amazon Basics-level, you’ll probably find it’s not worth the wait and complexity compared to shopping at Cartagena’s own malls. Use Amazon for what you can’t get locally, not as your primary shopping channel.
Still have questions?¿Todavía tienes preguntas?
Catalina is our concierge. Ask her about visas, neighborhoods, healthcare, prices, anything Cartagena. She answers in chat or WhatsApp, English or Spanish, free.Catalina es nuestra concierge. Pregúntale sobre visas, barrios, salud, precios, cualquier cosa de Cartagena. Responde por chat o WhatsApp, en inglés o español, gratis.
