How to buy video games from the United States or Europe from any LATAM country (without surprise customs or extras)

It also applies to collector's editions or games that are only available in one region.

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Buying video games can seem like a simple and straightforward process. You go to a specialty store, choose a title, pay for it, and you’re done. However, this only happens with games that are officially released in certain stores.

In other circumstances, you can’t always get a video game in the conventional way, and you have to look for alternatives to get that long-awaited title. This also happens with special editions or limited releases, and we’ll share with you on Generación Xbox my experience buying while being outside of Spain.

We teach you the basics to buy games abroad

You should keep in mind that each country has its own conditions and limitations when buying games abroad. Therefore, it’s convenient to know the available options to do it in the most reliable way possible. In my case, the experience is from Colombia, but it’s very similar for other countries.

Next, I share some sites that, according to my experience, meet expectations. It’s essential to consider the country you reside in, as some portals send directly to the destination, while in other cases, you’ll need an international mailbox (PBox) service to receive your products.

Limited Run Games – United States

This is an American store that offers physical editions of games that, in many cases, never arrived in this format. Their editions are usually classified into standard (more affordable), collector (medium price), and deluxe or limited (the most expensive).

• Access the Limited Run Games website
• Register with your trusted email

• Register your country’s address or your PBox address to receive your package.
• This portal usually launches limited pre-sales for a specific time. During that period, you can reserve, but keep in mind that deliveries can take between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the product.
• You can check the status of your orders at any time and, if you wish, cancel without any issues.

Amazon US – United States

This is the go-to site for everyone to buy and get great prices and options. It’s true that certain regions like Spain, Japan, Mexico, among others, have local distribution. In my case, in Colombia and other countries, we don’t have this alternative, and we have to import.

• Access the Amazon US website
• Register with your trusted email

• Remember that Amazon US, depending on the amount (over $37) and conditions, may offer free shipping to your country, in my case, Colombia. You can also subscribe to Amazon Prime, and certain products will be free to deliver to your country; be sure to validate availability in your region.
• On Amazon US, you can make a reservation or buy available stock. If the product is available, it will arrive at your PBox address.
• After that, you’ll only have to pay for shipping from your mailbox to your country.

Xtralife – Spain

This is a Spanish store with a very interesting catalog. However, they don’t make international shipments, so you’ll need a PBox. In my case, from Colombia, I used Flyxbox.

• Access the Xtralife website
• Register with your trusted email

• Different from Limited Run Games, here you can buy both pre-orders and immediate stock. If the product is available, it will arrive at your PBox address.
• After that, you’ll only have to pay for shipping from your mailbox to your country.

Play Asia – Hong Kong

This is an Asian store that, despite the distance, allows you to buy games from that region. Many of their editions come in local languages, although there are also multilingual options. They offer international shipping and allow purchases both in pre-order and available stock.

• Access the Play Asia website
• Register with your email or use access options like Google or other linked accounts.

• Like Xtralife, you can make purchases in pre-order or available stock. If your country is on the list of international shipments, you’ll receive the product directly. Otherwise, you can use a PBox.

Final observations to keep in mind

For now, these are the most relevant sites I’ve tried. Still, there are several important aspects to consider when buying abroad:

• Check the accepted payment methods in each store.
• Verify if your country is on the list of international shipments.
• If you use a PBox or international mailbox, ensure that the store accepts it.
• Consider possible customs duties, taxes, or nationalization costs of the product.
• Delivery times vary: in Limited Run Games, they can take from 6 months to 1 year; in Play Asia, several weeks due to distance; in Xtralife, it depends on their distribution and your PBox.
• Amazon Prime is an option for Amazon US, as the subscription allows shipping to certain countries, and you can also enjoy Amazon Video and Amazon Gaming.
• The final cost is usually higher than the local sale price. Evaluate if it’s worth the investment.

I’ve briefly shared my personal experience as a player bringing titles that didn’t arrive in my region or didn’t have a physical edition. It’s a more expensive option, I won’t deny it, but if you have the resources and patience, the satisfaction is worth it.