Online shopping has revolutionized the world. Some people claim it has made us lazier and has taken away the joy of purchasing items. That claim has some validity, especially with the new generation who will never understand the thrill of waiting for the weekend to go to the mall, shopping center, and get a drink at the food court. However, although it has its downsides, online shopping has made it easier for several groups of people, including those who cannot leave home due to disabilities, introverts, or individuals in a foreign country where they cannot find their favorite items at local stores. The latter was my case when I lived abroad in France and Belgium.
Traveling and living abroad is an exciting experience filled with anticipation and adventure. However, it comes with many challenges, especially when you are living abroad for studies or work. One of the first challenges I faced living abroad was finding essential everyday items. Between unfamiliar store brands, language barriers, and dealing with different price currencies, simple tasks like buying a body wash that will work on my sensitive skin or finding the right-sized pads were a stressful experience. Hence, I resorted to shopping online, and Amazon was my go-to destination for 90% of my everyday needs. This post dissects the 5 Essential Reasons Amazon is in Every Traveler’s Shopping Destination.
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My Shopping Journey Living Abroad
Before living abroad, I only used Amazon to rent books for my political science college classes. Amazon helped me save money on books that were overpriced in the University’s bookstore. The renting process also ensured I was not stuck with a book I would no longer need after the course was over. However, when I started traveling, Amazon became my favorite shopping site. My biggest Amazon purchase came when it was time to pack for my trip to China. The packing experience allowed me to see how vital Amazon is for travel packing. However, when I lived in France and Belgium, I became an avid online shopper with Amazon as my go-to site.
While living in France, I struggled to find many skin care products that suited my sensitive skin. Because I have sensitive skin, I usually use Cetaphil body wash and the Aveno Eczema collection, and I change body washes twice a year to suit the winter and summer seasons. However, my skincare products were not easy to find the first time I moved to France, which was pretty hot, and I needed something to soothe my heat hives. I made the cardinal mistake of bringing only mini-sized products for the first three days, as I did not want to overpack and have an overweight suitcase.
I spent days and weeks looking for skincare products at different local stores. I used different soaps weekly, and none could soothe my skin irritations and itchiness. Someone told me the best product would be available at pharmacies. The products the pharmacists recommended were costly. One single body wash costs three times more than I am used to paying for them for a bulk item. So I resorted to Amazon, and it became my lifesaver for all my everyday needs while living abroad. Here are 5 Reasons travelers can count on Amazon, regardless of where they go.
5 Benefits Travelers Get With Amazon
- Vast Product Selection
One of the most compelling reasons Amazon is a traveler’s shopping destination is its vast selection of products. Regardless of what you are looking for, whether it’s electronics, clothing, books, or groceries, Amazon offers an extensive range of options. As a traveler, you can order everything you need when you move abroad. The unparalleled variety ensures you find the products you need at competitive prices. With access to countless sellers and brands, Amazon caters to your diverse shopping preferences. When living abroad, I primarily used Amazon to purchase household items, such as pasta plates, to serve food to my new friends.
I purchased house decorations, organizational cabinets for shoes, and accessories because I could not bring these items in a suitcase. With the vast product selection, I can give my new apartment everything it needs to feel like a home. I also shopped for school supplies since I traveled to study abroad. One of my favorite school supplies I bought for my trip to China was the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack. Other items I purchased included furniture, snacks, and feminine products because what I was used to was not available, and when it was, it was too expensive. It was nice to buy furniture on Amazon because I knew it would be delivered to me, and I didn’t have to worry about hiring a company to produce items when I was barely familiar with the country. The vast product selection makes it easy to settle into your new normal, bringing your sense of normalcy with you. Hence, the first reason Amazon is a traveler’s shopping destination.
- Unmatched Convenience and Easy to Use
The second reason Amazon is a traveler’s shopping paradise is that it is convenient and easy to use. As a traveler, many things can frustrate you when living abroad. The everyday errands will bring some challenges, especially when you are looking for something that you cannot find in the immediate vicinity while trying to navigate the city that you have moved to. You may start to feel overwhelmed in those first few weeks as you try to unpack and organize your new apartment. Running around the city you don’t know is a stressor you do not want, especially if you move to a town where the locals do not speak your language and Google Maps is not helpful. The last thing you want is to have a stressful shopping experience. As someone who has lived in France and Belgium and has numerous European acquaintances who can attest to this as well, I must say that customer service is not particularly remarkable. Therefore, you need something that will alleviate your first-day stressors and be convenient for you.
I found shopping online to be easier for my mental health. In your first few days, you don’t want to have unnecessary arguments with a cashier who does not understand what you are going through as a foreigner trying to navigate your new normal. Therefore, the convenience and ease of use that Amazon provides are welcomed. Amazon’s user-friendly interface and convenient shopping experience are why I became an online shopper while living abroad. The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easy to search for products, read customer reviews, and compare prices. The one-click ordering system and streamlined checkout process save me time and effort. Furthermore, the convenience of having my purchases delivered directly to my doorstep, regardless of my geographical location, is a significant advantage.
- Global Shipping and Fulfillment
To build on previous points, the primary reason I love Amazon is its global shipping and fulfillment capabilities. Living in another country often raises concerns about shipping and fulfillment. However, Amazon’s international shipping network has successfully overcome this obstacle. Thanks to their extensive logistics infrastructure, I can order products from various sellers worldwide and have them shipped directly to my address. Moreover, Amazon Prime’s membership program offers even faster shipping speeds and exclusive benefits, making my shopping experience more seamless.
I usually order the products I need a week before I travel, if I don’t have Amazon Prime, so that my items get delivered a day after I arrive at my destination. If I have Amazon Prime, I order two days before traveling. Doing so allows me to retrieve my order within days after traveling. Amazon’s global shipping and fulfillment component is excellent for travelers, as it will enable you to purchase your favorite products. You do not need to search for substitutes when you live in another country. You also save money by not checking in a lot of suitcases. Amazon’s global reach enables you to pack light, receive your favorite products within days, and maintain your sense of normalcy while living abroad.
- Competitive Pricing and Deals
Another aspect I love about Amazon as a traveler is its competitive pricing and deals. Amazon always has a deal going on, which is great for travelers because, regardless of how much money you have, you need to have a reasonable budget and savings skills. Two of the three times I lived abroad as an international student, I was on a tight budget. As a student, I had to pay for printing, for example, something I never had to do at my alma mater, and I took for granted how much printing costs. Therefore, when I created my weekly budget, I had to factor in expenses like printing to avoid spending frivolously at times.
Having Amazon as a shopping center was essential in a country like Belgium, where product prices are high. Amazon consistently provides competitive pricing, allowing me to find products at affordable prices. The platform frequently offers deals, discounts, and seasonal sales that help me save money. Moreover, Amazon’s AI-powered recommendation system suggests related products or alternative options, enabling me to make informed purchasing decisions. By leveraging its vast customer base, Amazon negotiates lower prices from suppliers, ultimately passing the savings on to consumers such as yourself.
- Customer Reviews, Ratings & Customer Service
Another standout feature of Amazon is its extensive customer review system. Before purchasing a product, I read reviews and ratings from verified buyers to inform my decision. Reading the reviews influences my decision-making process. These honest and unbiased opinions provide valuable insights into the quality, performance, and suitability of the products I’m considering. I can trust the experiences of fellow shoppers, making me feel confident about my purchases.
Amazon’s commitment to customer satisfaction has consistently impressed me. Their customer service is reliable, prompt, and responsive. In case of any issues or inquiries, I can quickly contact their support team via email, live chat, or phone. Amazon’s dedication to resolving problems and ensuring customer happiness has built my trust in its brand. Amazon’s customer service team strives to serve customers regardless of their location.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in a different country can present unique shopping challenges, but Amazon has proven to be a global shopper’s paradise. Amazon is travelers’ preferred shopping center, offering a vast product selection, a convenient interface, global shipping capabilities, competitive pricing, customer reviews, and reliable customer service. It has simplified my shopping experience, providing access to a wide array of products worldwide at my fingertips. Amazon remains a trusted ally in meeting my shopping needs, regardless of where I live. Whether you’re moving across the globe or just preparing for a long trip, Amazon is the traveler’s trusted shopping center—giving you access to the products you love, whenever and wherever you need them.
Have you used Amazon while living or traveling abroad? What’s one item you were relieved to find online? Share in the comments below!
Xoxo,
Cy!
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