Buying on foreign websites for delivery in that country?

Chris94

So my sister is in Australia over Christmas so I want to get her a gift that can be delivered to where she is staying. I'm thinking of buying off the Pandora Australia website and getting them to send it to her but I'm not sure how I would go about it - is it possible to use a UK debit card to pay for it? Are there any currency conversion fees involved? Where would I find out this information?

benjus

Whether or not a website will allow you to:

• Enter a foreign address
• Ship to an address other than the card's billing address

generally depends on the individual website.

If you pay in foreign currency then your card will be charged in that currency - just as if you'd gone to that country and used your card to buy something. Read your bank's T&C to find out what they will charge you. Some cards are free - read this guide: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#specialist

knightstyle

Best to pay by credit card. There is a site dedicated to buying in Australia, think it is "gifts for aussies" we used it a few years ago as needed a gift in a hurry.
We have also phoned a local shop, paid by credit card and got next day delivery.

novelty-socks

I buy t-shirts regularly from US sites and get them delivered to colleagues in the states so I can pick them up on my next business trip. I've not had any problems buying with my UK credit card (I use Halifax Clarity because there are no fees) and having it delivered to an international address, although I imagine different retailers may have different rules.

Gloomendoom

I buy stuff from Australian websites quite regularly for delivery to an Australian address. I use PayPal for Ebay and a Halifax Clarity or other fee free card for everything else.

I have had zero issues. Sometimes it’s quicker to get stuff delivered to a UK address as Australia Post is notoriously slow.

Chris94

The website I'm going to buy off accepts PayPal which I think may be the simplest option for me just now. I read on the PayPal website that there is a 1% conversion fee for Australian dollars for PayPal or bank account but something like 3% when paying with a debit or credit card.

My debit card is what I use to pay for things using the money from my bank account and also to fund my PayPal spending so I'm a little confused about that.

Do you have any experience with the conversion fees when using PayPal?