
International Commerce Setup Guide: Tips for Non-US Merchants
Operating a Squarespace store outside the US requires several key adjustments to ensure compliance and optimal functionality for your target market. Here's what you need to know:
Currency and Measurements
Your store's currency automatically matches your payment processor's linked bank account currency (if supported). You can manually select a different currency for international audiences.
Switch to metric measurements in Language and Region Settings for:
- Weight (kilograms)
- Dimensions (meters)
- Shipping calculations
Language Settings
To reach international customers:
- Adjust built-in text language in Language and Region settings
- Consider creating a multilingual site
- Use location-appropriate domains (e.g., .com.au for Australia, .de for Germany)
Shipping and Tax Considerations
For international shipping:
- Create shipping zones for target countries
- Use Easyship or Shippo extensions for discounted rates
- Set up country-specific tax rules
- Enable tax-inclusive pricing where required
- For Canada: Add separate provincial tax rates
Legal Compliance
European Union requirements:
- Create an Imprint (Impressum) page for business information
- Comply with GDPR regulations
- Follow EU cookie requirements
Newsletter Management:
- Consider disabling automatic newsletter opt-ins to comply with laws like Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation
- Adjust settings in Checkout > Newsletter > Uncheck "Enable mailing list opt-in by default"
Remember to regularly review and update these settings as your business grows and regulations change.
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