Shop from USA to UAE: A Practical Amaboxly Guide

You can shop from USA to UAE with Amaboxly in three ways: order an item already listed in our shop, ask us to buy it from a US store for you, or buy it yourself and forward the parcel. UAE import charges stay with the buyer on every route. This guide covers what you pay, how long it takes and what to check first.

What a delivered price in the UAE is made of

Start with the total, because the US sticker price is only one part of it.

Shop prices can be shown in AED as an estimate. We charge in ringgit at checkout and your bank converts, so the final dirham amount can differ slightly. Card payments work from the UAE.

For forwarding, the UAE is one of 17 destinations on a benchmark-based rate: a published competitor benchmark minus US$0.10 per billable kg. Ask for a destination-specific quote before you buy. The calculator on our shipping fees page estimates Malaysia forwarding only, so its rates should not be assumed for the UAE.

Billed weight is the higher of actual and dimensional weight, with a 1 kg minimum per box. Dimensional weight is length x width x height in inches, divided by 166 for pounds, then multiplied by 0.4536 for kg. A box of 18 x 14 x 10 inches gives 2,520 / 166 = 15.18 lb, and 15.18 x 0.4536 = 6.89 kg. If the contents weigh 4 kg, billing uses the dimensional figure.

Three ways to shop from USA to UAE

Order from the Amaboxly shop

If the item is already on amaboxly.com, use the product page and shop checkout. Each listing shows its category: Pre-Order, Ready Stock USA or Ready Stock Malaysia. The Pre-Order collection shows items we buy from US stores after you order.

Buy for me

Use this when the item is not in our shop, or when a US store rejects your UAE card or billing address. In My Account, Forwarding, choose "Buy for me" and send the exact US product URL, product name, size, colour, quantity, store price and a cart or product-page screenshot. We review availability and eligibility, then place the order after you pay the payment request.

Retailer acceptance and stock are never guaranteed, and a promo code is not assumed valid until the retailer confirms it. Fee details are on the Buy for me page.

I bought something

If the US store accepts your payment, buy the item yourself and there is no Amaboxly purchase fee. Choose "I bought something" in your Forwarding account and get the complete receiving address and suite before checkout. Our address checkout checklist covers the format.

Keep the receipt and tracking number, declare the parcel with accurate contents and paid value, then review the quote before you authorize shipment.

What to check before you buy

Get a UAE quote first. A listed country does not mean every item or carrier route is accepted, and prohibited items can be held and disposed of. Our worldwide forwarding page explains how routes outside Malaysia are quoted.

Some goods need extra review before buying: batteries (installed or spare), power banks, liquids, aerosols, cosmetics, magnets, items with radio functions, fragile glass or ceramics, and bulky household items. Raise a power bank, a bottle of fragrance or a ceramic dinner set with us on WhatsApp at +1 (603) 440-9886 before you pay the store.

Our US base is New Hampshire, which has no general state sales tax. That can benefit eligible purchases delivered to the confirmed receiving address, though UAE import duties, taxes and clearance charges still apply. We do not sell freight insurance and forwarding terms give no loss or damage cover, so glass, ceramics and liquids travel at your risk.

Timing, deposit and balance for UAE orders

Pre-Order and Ready Stock USA items take about 30 days from the order date. This is an estimate, and peak seasons, US store delays or customs inspections can add a few days. Air freight forwarding is also planned at about 30 days, so confirm departure, arrival and local delivery timing with us.

Pre-Order items can be paid with a 50% deposit. On the product page choose the colour, select "Pay 50% deposit" and add to bag. The cart and checkout show what you pay today and the balance due later. Ready Stock items are paid in full.

UAE orders go through our Malaysia hub, so the balance is due when the item arrives in the UAE. The payment link comes by email and WhatsApp, and the item ships once the balance is paid.

UAE customs basics

Import duties and taxes are set by UAE customs (the federal and emirate customs authorities). They are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in our prices or delivery fees. We declare the accurate item value on customs forms.

The general process is simple to describe. A parcel is assessed on its declared value and description, receipts support that value, and the buyer pays any duty or tax that applies. Keep your US receipts, give us an accurate declaration for forwarded parcels, and check the current guidance from UAE customs before a large purchase.

Returns and cancellations

Shop orders can be returned within 30 days of delivery, including change of mind. Change-of-mind returns must be in new condition, a 10% restocking fee applies to the total paid for the order, and the cost of shipping it back to the seller is deducted from your refund. Contact us with your order number before sending anything back. Full terms are in our refund and returns policy.

Cancelling a Pre-Order or Ready Stock USA item before delivery carries a 10% processing fee. A Buy for me request can be cancelled free while it is Submitted or Information needed. Once the item is bought, the charge is USD 35 per checkout.

Returning a forwarded parcel to the US seller needs a per-package handling fee plus a return label you pay for, supplied as a PDF or JPG.