Buying Electronics for Friends in Greece: Online Stores and International Shipping Options

If you're located in the United States and have a friend in Athens, Greece, who needs electronic items, you might be wondering how to make the purchase while having the items delivered to Greece. Fortunately, there are several online stores in Greece that operate similarly to Amazon and support international shipping, making this process smoother for you and your friend.

Online Stores in Greece and International Shipping

Several online stores in Greece can cater to international buyers, including those in the US. Here are a few options you can consider:

Inspiralis: This is one of the largest online marketplaces in Greece, somewhat comparable to Amazon. While it primarily serves local customers, it may offer international purchase or shipping options. It's worth checking if they have the specific items you need available. Public: Public is a well-known electronics and retail store in Greece that provides a wide range of products, including electronics, books, and home goods. They do offer international shipping, which could be beneficial for your order. Kotsovolos: Kotsovolos is another significant electronics and appliances retailer in Greece. They sell a variety of electronic items and large appliances. It would be worthwhile to check if their service includes international orders. eBay: eBay is another option where you can find sellers who ship to Greece directly. Just ensure that the sellers you select offer international shipping to avoid issues. Amazon Global: Although Amazon does not have a dedicated Greek website, you can use their Global Shipping feature to see if they can deliver items to Greece. This could be a convenient option if the products you're looking for are available there.

Additional Tips for Shipping to Greece

When ordering from these online stores, make sure to verify the shipping options and any potential customs fees. Here are a few things to consider to ensure a smoother experience:

Shipping Options: Check if the online store offers express shipping or if standard shipping will be sufficient for your needs. Customs Fees: Understand the customs duties or taxes that might apply to your order, as these can vary significantly and could be quite expensive. It's important to factor these costs into your budget. Purchase Preferences: If your friend in Greece has a preference for a local store, it might be best to contact them to see if they can use a local retailer or if they are amenable to receiving the items directly from one of the online stores mentioned.

The Impact of Brexit on International Shipping

Many individuals, especially those living in proximity to the UK or having frequent travel to and from the UK, have faced increased costs and longer delivery times since Brexit. Mike Austin, a user from Crete, describes the challenges he has encountered, particularly after Brexit:

Since Brexit, getting stuff delivered from the UK has become much more expensive and much slower, with the added risk of export or import duties. I usually transport a large amount of items during my returns to Crete and have always done so with limited luggage. However, the delivery prices have almost doubled, and I now have a backlog of items caught in customs in Wales. To avoid this in the future, I plan to bring suitcases to house my items during my trips. There is also the challenge of finding a use for an excess of suitcases.

Mike has shifted his purchasing behavior from Amazon UK to the German branch due to the increased costs and delays associated with Brexit.

Conclusion

By considering these options and understanding the associated costs and customs fees, you can order electronic items for your friend in Greece with relative ease. Whether you use one of the large online marketplaces or a local electronics retailer, careful planning and verification of shipping options can ensure a seamless delivery process.