What happens when you change your country on Amazon

Changing your country on the Amazon app switches which Amazon store you see — prices, product availability, and shipping options all shift to match that country's marketplace. Amazon treats each country as a separate store: Amazon.com (US), Amazon.co.uk (UK), Amazon.de (Germany), and so on. When you change countries, you're moving between these separate storefronts, not just changing a language or currency setting.

The process itself is straightforward, but the outcome depends on what country you're switching to and whether you have an account registered in that country. If you don't have an account there, you'll need to create one. If you do, you can sign in with your existing credentials — though Amazon keeps your accounts separate by country, so your cart, orders, and saved items won't transfer between them.

Key Takeaways

  • Each Amazon country store is separate: your US account, UK account, and German account are three different accounts with different carts and order histories.
  • To switch countries on the app, go to Settings, select Country/Region, and choose your new location from the list.
  • If you don't have an account in that country yet, you'll be prompted to create one with a new email or sign up with an existing Amazon account registered there.
  • Changing your country setting does not move your existing orders, saved items, or payment methods — those stay with the account you created them on.

Steps to change your country in the Amazon app

Open the Amazon app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. This opens the main navigation menu. Scroll down until you see "Settings" and tap it.

In Settings, look for "Country/Region" or "Change Country" — the exact label varies slightly by app version. Tap it. The app will show you a list of countries where Amazon operates. Select the country you want to switch to. The app will ask you to confirm the change.

If you already have an Amazon account registered in that country, sign in with those credentials. If you don't, the app will prompt you to create a new account. You can use a new email address or, in some cases, link an existing Amazon account if it's registered in that country. Complete the account setup, and your app will now display that country's Amazon store.

What you need before switching countries

You need an active internet connection and the current version of the Amazon app. Older versions may not support all country options or may have different menu layouts, so update your app from your device's app store if you haven't recently.

You also need either an existing Amazon account in that country or the ability to create one. Most countries require a valid email address, a password, and a payment method on file — though you won't be charged just for creating the account. Some countries also ask for a phone number during signup. If you're switching to a country where you don't speak the language, the app will display in that country's primary language, though you can often change the language separately in Settings.

Why your cart and orders don't move between countries

Amazon's systems treat each country as a completely separate business. Your US Amazon account and your UK Amazon account are two different accounts in two different databases, even if you use the same email address to sign into both. This separation exists because each country has different tax laws, shipping networks, payment systems, and product inventories.

When you switch countries on the app, you're signing out of one account and signing into another. Your cart, saved items, order history, and payment methods all belong to the account you're signed into. If you switch back to your original country, you'll see your original cart and order history again — nothing was deleted, it was just hidden while you were signed into the other country's account.

Switching back to your original country

Follow the same steps: tap the menu icon, go to Settings, select Country/Region, and choose your original country from the list. Sign in with the account credentials you use in that country. Your cart, saved items, and order history will reappear immediately.

If you've made purchases or saved items while browsing a different country's store, those won't transfer back. They stay in that country's account. If you need something you saved while in another country, you'll have to switch back to that country's store, find the item again, and add it to that cart.

Troubleshooting country change problems

If the Country/Region option doesn't appear in your Settings menu, your app version may be outdated. Go to your device's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone) and check for updates. Install any available updates and try again.

If you see a country in the list but can't select it, Amazon may not currently operate a store in that location, or your account may not be may be able to access to access it. Some countries restrict access based on your payment method or billing address. If you're trying to access a store in a country where you don't have a billing address, you may need to create a new account with a local payment method or address.

If you're stuck on a login screen after selecting a new country, make sure you're using the correct credentials for an account registered in that country. If you don't have an account there, tap the option to create one instead of trying to sign in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password for Amazon accounts in different countries?

You can use the same password, but each country requires a separate account with its own email address or a separate registration. Amazon won't automatically link them. If you use the same email for multiple countries, Amazon will treat them as different accounts and you'll need to sign in and out to switch between them.

Will changing countries affect my Prime membership?

Yes. Amazon Prime is country-specific. A Prime membership in the US does not work on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de. If you switch countries, you'll need a separate Prime membership in that country to get Prime benefits there. Your US Prime membership stays active on your US account.

What if I don't see my country in the list?

Amazon doesn't operate stores in every country. If your country isn't listed, Amazon doesn't currently have a marketplace there. You can still browse and shop on Amazon stores in other countries, but you'll need a payment method and billing address in one of those countries to complete a purchase.

Can I change my country on the website instead of the app?

Yes. On the Amazon website, look for the country/region selector at the bottom of the page (usually shows a flag icon and country name). Click it and select your new country. The process is similar to the app, though the menu layout differs slightly depending on which country's store you're on.