You can change your Amazon country by updating your account settings, but the process depends on whether you're moving to a new country or just want to shop from a different Amazon site

Amazon operates separate storefronts in different countries — Amazon.com (US), Amazon.co.uk (UK), Amazon.de (Germany), and so on. If you're relocating or want to shop on a different regional site, you have two paths: update your existing account to match your new location, or create a separate account on the Amazon site for that country. The fastest route is usually to change your address and payment method in your current account settings, but some countries require you to close your old account and start fresh on their local Amazon site.

The real limitation is that Amazon ties accounts to regions based on your billing address and payment method. You cannot simply flip a switch and shop as if you live in Germany while your credit card is registered to the United States. Amazon's fraud detection will flag mismatches between your address, payment method, and the site you're using.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your billing address and payment method in account settings is the simplest way to move your account to a new country if you're relocating.
  • Some countries require you to close your current account and create a new one on that country's Amazon site instead of converting your existing account.
  • Your account balance, gift cards, and Prime membership may not transfer between countries or may be forfeited when you switch.
  • If you want to shop on multiple Amazon sites without relocating, creating separate accounts for each country is more reliable than trying to use one account across regions.

Updating your address and payment method for relocation

If you're moving to a new country and want to keep your existing Amazon account, start by updating your account settings. Go to Account & Lists, select Your Account, then Login & Security. Update your primary address to your new address in the destination country. This is the step that matters most — Amazon uses your billing address to determine which regional site you can access and which currency your purchases use.

Next, update your payment method. Go to Your Account, then Manage Payment Methods, and add a credit card or debit card issued in your new country. Amazon requires that your payment method match your billing address. If you're moving from the US to Canada, for example, you'll need a Canadian card. If you only have a US card, you may not be able to complete purchases on the Canadian site, even if your address is updated.

After you've changed both your address and payment method, try placing a test order. If Amazon accepts it without errors, your account has successfully moved to the new region. If you see error messages about your address or payment method not matching, contact Amazon Customer Service — they can sometimes override regional restrictions if you provide proof of relocation, such as a lease or utility bill.

Countries that require closing your account and starting over

Some Amazon regions do not allow account conversion and require you to close your old account and create a new one on the local Amazon site. This is most common when moving to or from India, Japan, Mexico, and Australia. Amazon's terms vary by country, and some regional sites have separate account systems that do not sync with your US or European account.

Before you change your address, check Amazon's Help section for your destination country to see whether account transfer is supported. If it is not, you will need to close your current account (or leave it inactive) and register a new account on the destination site with a local address and payment method. Any balance, gift cards, or Prime membership on your old account will not transfer — you will lose access to them.

To close an account, go to Your Account, select Login & Security, scroll to the bottom, and look for Close Your Account. Amazon will ask you to confirm and may offer a reason-selection menu. Once closed, you cannot reopen it, so make sure you've downloaded any order history or receipts you need before proceeding.

What happens to your Prime membership, balance, and gift cards

If your account successfully converts to a new country, your Prime membership status depends on the destination. Prime memberships are country-specific — a US Prime membership does not automatically become a UK Prime membership. When you move your account, Amazon will usually end your existing Prime membership and offer you the option to start a new one in your new country at the local price. You will not receive a refund for the remaining time on your old membership.

Account balance and gift card balances are also country-specific. If you have a $50 balance on your US Amazon account and you move to Canada, that balance stays in USD and may not be usable on Amazon.ca. Some users report that Amazon converts the balance to the new currency, but this is not may provide. Before you change your address, spend any remaining balance or gift cards on items you actually want, or contact Customer Service to ask whether your balance will transfer.

If you're moving to a country where your account must be closed, you will lose any remaining balance, gift cards, or Prime time. Plan ahead and use up these benefits before initiating the account closure.

Creating a separate account if you want to shop on multiple Amazon sites

If you're not relocating but want to shop on Amazon sites in different countries — for example, buying from both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk — creating separate accounts is more straightforward than trying to use one account across regions. Each Amazon site operates independently, and using the same email address on multiple sites can trigger security alerts or account locks.

To create a new account on a different Amazon site, go to that site's homepage (Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc.) and select Start Here or Create Account. Use a different email address than your primary Amazon account, or use the same email if Amazon allows it (policies vary by region). You will need a payment method and billing address in that country to complete registration.

Keep in mind that each account is separate — your order history, saved items, and Prime membership do not sync across sites. You will also need to pay for Prime separately on each site if you want free shipping and other benefits. This approach works well if you're an expat shopping occasionally in your home country, but it requires managing multiple logins and separate wishlists.

Troubleshooting address and payment errors

If Amazon rejects your new address or payment method, the most common reason is a mismatch between what you entered and what your bank or payment processor has on file. Make sure your address is formatted exactly as it appears on your ID or bank statement — extra spaces, abbreviations, or missing apartment numbers can cause rejections. Some countries use postal codes differently (UK postcodes are alphanumeric, for example), so double-check the format for your destination.

If your payment method keeps failing, try adding a different card if you have one. Some banks flag international transactions or online purchases as suspicious, which can cause Amazon's payment processor to decline the charge. Contact your bank to confirm they are not blocking the transaction, then try again. If the problem persists, call Amazon Customer Service with your new address and payment details — they can sometimes process the change manually.

If Amazon tells you that your account cannot be moved to your new country, it may be because that region requires account closure and restart. Ask Customer Service directly whether your destination country supports account conversion, and if not, ask for instructions on closing your account safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a VPN to shop on Amazon in a different country?

Technically yes, but Amazon actively blocks VPN traffic and will likely lock your account if it detects one. Using a VPN to access a regional site you are not located in violates Amazon's terms of service. If you need to shop on a specific Amazon site, create a legitimate account in that country with a local address and payment method instead.

Will my Amazon Prime Video subscription change if I move countries?

Prime Video is tied to your Prime membership, which is country-specific. When you move your account or close it, your Prime Video access ends. You will need to subscribe to Prime in your new country to regain access. The content library also differs by country, so shows and movies available in one region may not be available in another.

What if I'm moving temporarily and want to keep my US Amazon account active?

If you are moving temporarily, you can keep your US account by not changing your address. However, you will not be able to ship to your new address unless you update it, which triggers the regional conversion. The workaround is to use a mail forwarding service with a US address, or ask a friend or family member to receive packages at their US address and forward them to you. This avoids triggering Amazon's regional restrictions.

Can I merge two Amazon accounts into one?

No, Amazon does not offer account merging. If you have created accounts on multiple regional sites, you will need to manage them separately. You cannot combine order history, balances, or Prime memberships across accounts.

Do I lose my order history when I change countries?

If your account successfully converts to a new country, your order history usually stays with your account. If you are required to close your account and create a new one, your old order history is no longer accessible through your new account, though you can download it before closing if you need records for warranty or return purposes.