REI International Shipping: How to Shop from REI and Ship Worldwide

If you want to buy outdoor gear and clothing from REI and have it shipped internationally, you may discover that REI’s website does not directly support international shipping to most countries. However, with the help of a package forwarding service like Global Shopaholics, you can shop at REI from anywhere in the world, using a US address, and have your order forwarded safely to your doorstep. This guide explains your REI international shipping options, common issues, how package forwarding works, and how to get started today.

Quick Summary: REI International Shipping in 2024

• REI does not offer direct international shipping to most countries outside the US and Canada.
• You can shop at REI.com from anywhere by using a US package forwarding address.
• Global Shopaholics gives you a free US address, consolidates packages, and ships your REI orders worldwide.
• Check for possible product restrictions before placing large or high-value REI orders.
• Costs depend on final package size, shipping method, destination, and any customs duties in your country.

What Is the Main Challenge With REI International Shipping?

REI is one of the most popular US retailers for outdoor adventure clothing, camping gear, bikes, footwear, and more. Their online store, REI.com, offers a huge selection and regular sales for members and shoppers. However, international customers quickly find that REI does not ship directly to most countries. According to their shipping policy, standard US shipping and store pickup are available, but worldwide delivery is generally not supported (except Canada, with some restrictions).

This can be frustrating for shoppers wanting to purchase REI-exclusive brands, gear bundles, and member deals from outside the United States. Global Shopaholics solves this by providing a US shipping address and forwarding service, opening the door for global REI fans.

What International Shoppers Must Know Before Ordering from REI

If you want to order from REI outside the US, here are the most important things to consider:

• REI online shopping accounts: You can create an account and add a US address, even if you live overseas.
• REI shipping rates and times: Domestic rates and times apply when shipping to your US forwarding address. Final international costs depend on your forwarding service and destination.
• REI store pickup: Only available to those who can physically visit a store in the US.
• REI payment: REI.com typically accepts international credit cards, but some cards may be blocked. If you have payment issues, Global Shopaholics offers an Assisted Purchase service for help.
• Product availability: Some REI products (like batteries or certain bikes) may have shipping restrictions. Check REI’s shipping help page or contact REI customer service before placing large, heavy, or specialized orders.
• Potential customs duties: You are responsible for any import duties, taxes, or clearance fees in your country upon arrival.
• Returns: REI has a generous US return policy, but international returns are the customer’s responsibility (see details below).

Does REI Offer International Shipping Directly?

Currently, REI does not ship directly to most countries outside the United States and Canada. Canadian customers can use specific REI shipping options, while all other international shoppers must use a third-party freight or package forwarding service. For the latest shipping and return information, always check REI’s official shipping information page.

Overview of REI Shipping Options for International Customers

If you’re located outside the US, your main options to access REI products are:

• Use a US-based shipping address provider: Services like Global Shopaholics issue you a US address for shopping at REI.com, then forward your packages internationally.
• Ask a friend or relative in the US to receive and reship your order: Practical for small orders, but less reliable for regular shoppers.
• Shop REI from authorized resellers in your country: Selection is usually limited, and prices may be higher than buying directly from the US.

For most consumers, using a US package forwarding service is the fastest, most flexible way to get REI products internationally with access to the full REI catalog, member sales, and gear exclusives.

Step-by-Step: How to Shop from REI and Ship Worldwide with Global Shopaholics

Ready to buy from REI outside the US? Here’s the process for global shoppers using Global Shopaholics for seamless international shipping:

Cost Factors: How Much Does It Cost to Ship REI Products Internationally?

The cost to ship REI products worldwide depends on several variables:

• REI’s domestic shipping fees: Shipping to your US forwarding address is typically free on qualifying orders (see REI’s free shipping policy), but fast or oversized delivery may have extra charges.
• Package forwarding service fees: Global Shopaholics provides free storage and address, with forwarding fees based on shipping method, destination, and optional services (like consolidation or special handling).
• International shipping rates: These depend on package weight, size, value, and destination country. Get an estimate using the international shipping calculator.
• Customs duties and taxes: Most countries charge import VAT, GST, customs clearance, or handling fees on international shipments above a set value.

Tip: If you are buying several items (e.g. REI clothing, shoes, and camping gear), request package consolidation to reduce total shipping volume and cost. Read about how package consolidation works here.

REI Shipping Rates, Times, and Tracking

• Within the US: REI offers standard, express, and some free shipping options. See their current domestic shipping rates for details.
• Internationally (With Package Forwarding):
  • Delivery time depends on your chosen courier and location—usually within 3-10 business days after dispatch from the US address.
  • Real-time order tracking is available on both REI’s site (to your US address) and via your forwarding provider (for the international leg).

Always allow for potential customs processing or local courier hand-offs, which can slightly extend delivery times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping REI Orders Internationally

• Forgetting about country import restrictions: Some gear, lithium batteries, knives, or oversized bikes have shipping limitations. Check local customs and REI’s shipping FAQ.
• Using an incorrect or incomplete US forwarding address: Double-check your Global Shopaholics locker number and address format.
• Assuming all payment cards will be accepted at REI: If you encounter payment issues, try Global Shopaholics’ Assisted Purchase.
• Neglecting combined shipping: Don’t ship multiple small orders separately—consolidate to save significantly on international shipping rates.
• Not budgeting for customs and import duties: Research your country’s import rules, thresholds, and how these charges are collected by your local authorities.

Full Comparison: Buying from REI Directly vs. Using a Package Forwarding Service

Frequently Asked Questions: REI International Shipping

1. Does REI offer international shipping directly?

No, REI does not provide direct international shipping to most countries except Canada. International customers must use a US-based package forwarding service or have items delivered to a US address for onward shipment.

2. How can I order from REI if I live outside the US?

You can place an order on REI.com using a US shipping address issued by a forwarding service like Global Shopaholics. Global Shopaholics can also help if your international payment method isn’t accepted by REI by purchasing on your behalf.

3. What are the shipping costs and times for REI international orders?

REI’s domestic shipping rates and times apply for delivery to your US forwarding address. International shipping cost and delivery time depend on the courier, destination, and package size. Use the shipping calculator for estimates.

4. Can I return REI products if shipped overseas?

REI accepts returns to US stores or the US return address under their standard policy (see details). International customers are responsible for shipping returns back to REI in the US and all related fees.

5. How does package forwarding work for REI international shoppers?

Once you sign up with Global Shopaholics, you receive a US address to use at REI.com. Your REI order ships to that address, then Global Shopaholics forwards it to your international destination using your preferred shipping method and helps with consolidation, customs paperwork, and notifications.

What’s Next? Your Checklist for REI International Shopping Success

• Sign up for a free US address with Global Shopaholics (sign up here).
• Browse gear and sales at REI.com.
• Add your Global Shopaholics address at checkout.
• Use the shipping calculator to estimate your final international shipping costs.
• Combine multiple US orders for lower shipping rates through consolidation.
• If needed, use Global Shopaholics’ Assisted Purchase service to complete payment.
• Track your order and prepare for local duties or taxes.

Conclusion: Shop REI Globally With Confidence

REI’s exclusive gear, clothing, and outdoor essentials are now within your reach no matter where you live. By using Global Shopaholics’ REI package forwarding services, you unlock the full potential of US online shopping and gain access to special deals, top-rated gear, and a wide inventory unavailable elsewhere. With careful planning and the right forwarding partner, your next REI order can arrive at your doorstep—whether you’re in Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, or anywhere else in the world.

Ready to shop from REI and ship worldwide? Use Global Shopaholics to get a US address, consolidate packages, and forward your REI orders internationally.