How to Order Online from the USA to Bermuda
4 min read
Short answer
If you've never ordered from a US website before, don't worry - it's simpler than it sounds.
You need a CAPS ID, a way to get the item to Bermuda, and a clear understanding of the import costs before you order.
Series
Getting Started with Importing to Bermuda
Part 1 of 6
Step 1: Get a CAPS ID
Before importing anything into Bermuda, you'll need a CAPS ID from Bermuda Customs.
A CAPS ID is simply your importer number. It tells Customs who the shipment belongs to.
You only need to apply once, and you'll use the same CAPS ID for all future imports, regardless of which shipping company you use.
Step 2: Buy your item
Order from any US retailer, such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot or thousands of other online stores.
Once you've bought your item, there are two main ways it gets to Bermuda.
Option 1: The retailer ships directly to Bermuda
Some retailers offer international shipping to Bermuda.
Amazon ships many products directly and usually shows you the estimated shipping costs and import charges before you place your order. In many cases, there are no additional customs charges to pay when your package arrives.
Not every product or retailer offers this service.
Option 2: Use a Bermuda shipping company
If the retailer doesn't ship to Bermuda, you can use a Bermuda shipping company such as ZipX, Mailboxes Unlimited, MyUS or others.
They'll give you a US shipping address. When placing your order, enter this address as your shipping address instead of your Bermuda address. Your purchase is delivered there first, after which the shipping company transports it to Bermuda, clears it through Customs, pays the required charges on your behalf and manages the import process.
Once your shipment arrives in Bermuda, the shipping company will notify you that it is ready. Depending on the company you use, you can either collect it from their local office or have it delivered to your home, sometimes for an additional fee.
Step 3: Pay the import costs
The total cost of importing is usually made up of:
- The price you paid for the item
- Shipping charges
- Bermuda import duty
- Wharfage and customs fees
- Any handling or service fees charged by your shipping company
The exact amount depends on the item, its value, how it's shipped and the company you use.
Before you order
Sometimes importing can save you hundreds of dollars.
Sometimes buying locally is actually the better deal.
Landed.bm helps you estimate the total landed cost before you buy, so you can decide which option offers the best value.
Check the full landed cost before you order
Paste a product link or describe the item. Landed.bm will estimate the shipping, duty, provider fees, and local price comparison before you buy.
Try the Landed.bm Calculator