Building an eCommerce store outside the US requires attention to several key regional settings and compliance requirements. Here's what you need to know:

Currency and Measurements

Your store's currency automatically aligns with your payment processor's bank account currency. For international audiences, you can select a different supported currency.

Switch to metric measurements for weight (kilograms) and dimensions (meters) in Language and Region settings to better serve non-US customers.

Language Settings

Adjust your site's embedded text language through Language and Region settings. For international reach, consider creating a multilingual site.

Choose a domain extension matching your location (e.g., .com.au for Australia, .de for Germany) to build trust with local customers.

Shipping and Tax Configuration

Create shipping zones for your target countries and set appropriate rates. Connect Easyship or Shippo extensions for discounted international shipping rates and automated returns.

Set up country-specific tax rules, including:

• Provincial tax rates for Canada (separate national and provincial taxes)
• VAT-inclusive pricing where required
• GST collection for applicable regions

Legal Compliance

For EU-based stores:

• Create an Impressum page (mandatory in Germany and other EU countries)
• Implement GDPR compliance measures
• Follow European cookie requirements

For Canadian stores:

• Follow anti-spam legislation
• Consider disabling automatic newsletter opt-ins at checkout

These adjustments help ensure your store meets local requirements while providing a seamless experience for your customers.

Pro tip: Review supported countries and currencies before setting up your store to avoid compatibility issues later.

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