Best Tax Free Online Stores for International Shoppers

Introduction: Why Global Shoppers Are Turning to Tax Free Online Stores

As cross-border shopping grows in 2025, international buyers are increasingly seeking smarter ways to save. With fluctuating exchange rates, rising customs duties, and local VAT, every dollar counts.

This is where tax free online stores come into play. By purchasing from U.S.-based retailers that don’t charge sales tax, international shoppers can enjoy significant savings—especially when buying electronics, fashion, supplements, and more.

With Gonest offering fast, affordable cross-border forwarding from the U.S. to countries worldwide, tapping into these savings is now easier than ever.

What Are Tax Free Online Stores and How Do They Work?

Tax free online stores are websites that do not charge U.S. sales tax at checkout. For domestic U.S. buyers, this depends on their shipping address and the store’s physical location (nexus). But for international shoppers, there’s a distinct advantage:

• Sales tax is not applied to exports.
• You get the item at retail price—no state-level tax.

It’s important to note that you may still be responsible for duties/VAT in your home country, but skipping U.S. sales tax is an immediate cost reduction.

How International Shoppers Can Access U.S. Tax-Free Online Stores

While many U.S. stores don’t ship abroad, you can still shop and save by using a cross-border forwarding service like Gonest.

Here’s how it works:

• Register with Gonest and receive your own U.S. shipping address.
• Shop on any U.S. tax-free website and ship your items to that address.
• Gonest consolidates, repacks, and ships the package to your international address.
• Receive your goods without U.S. sales tax, and possibly save on customs with Gonest’s smart logistics options.

Top 10 Tax Free Online Stores for International Buyers in 2025

• B&H Photo – Electronics – No sales tax outside NY/NJ
• Adorama – Cameras/Tech – Tax-free in most states
• Newegg – Computers – Tax-free for international shipping
• iHerb – Supplements – No sales tax for global orders
• FragranceNet – Perfume/Beauty – Tax-free checkout
• YesStyle – Fashion/Beauty – Ships from HK, no U.S. sales tax
• Backcountry – Outdoor Gear – Often tax-free depending on zip
• BHFO – Clothing – Tax-free via eBay in many locations
• Sweetwater – Music Gear – Tax-free outside Indiana
• Book Depository – Books – No tax, free global shipping

B&H Photo Video – A Tech Haven with No Sales Tax

B&H Photo is a favorite for international tech enthusiasts. Based in New York, they:

• Charge sales tax only to NY and NJ addresses
• Offer international-friendly policies
• Work seamlessly with forwarding services like Gonest

With regular deals on cameras, laptops, drones, and more, this is one of the best U.S. retailers for cross-border shoppers.

Adorama & Newegg – Electronics Without the Extra Charges

Adorama

Known for photography gear and electronics, Adorama ships to U.S. addresses without charging tax in most states. International buyers using Gonest can:

• Buy at base price
• Request multi-item consolidation
• Track everything globally

Newegg

Specializes in computer components, accessories, and laptops. While not every item ships internationally directly, using Gonest unlocks access to their entire inventory without tax.

Beauty & Health Stores Loved by Global Buyers

iHerb

Globally trusted for:

• Vitamins
• Health supplements
• Organic snacks

iHerb offers tax-free shopping and affordable international delivery. Pairing it with Gonest can help in consolidating larger orders for bulk discounts.

FragranceNet

Authentic perfumes, skincare, and salon-grade products with:

• No U.S. sales tax
• Up to 80% off retail pricing

Best Fashion & Lifestyle Retailers That Skip the Sales Tax

Backcountry

Carries premium outdoor and adventure brands. Many orders processed through non-tax states make it ideal for savings.

BHFO (via eBay)

Global fashion brands at discount prices. As a high-volume seller, BHFO often doesn’t collect tax for most destinations, especially when orders are fulfilled via Gonest.

How to Use Gonest for Cross-Border Delivery from Tax-Free U.S. Stores

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign up at gonest.com
2. Get your U.S. warehouse address (Delaware-based, no tax!)
3. Order from any U.S. online store
4. Ship items to your Gonest address
5. Gonest consolidates and ships globally via air or sea

Why Gonest Works So Well:

• Located in tax-free states like Delaware
• Customs-friendly packaging and labeling
• Offers tracking, insurance, and package inspection

Gonest vs Traditional Forwarding Services

Understanding Duties & Customs When Shopping Internationally

Even if you avoid U.S. sales tax, you may still face:

• Customs duties
• Value-Added Tax (VAT) in your country

Gonest can help you:

• Pre-pay or estimate these costs
• Avoid surprises with their customs calculator
• Choose shipping modes that minimize fees

Tips to Maximize Savings When Buying from Tax Free Online Stores

• Bundle orders using Gonest’s consolidation service
• Shop during sales (Black Friday, Prime Day)
• Use promo codes and cashback
• Choose items under de minimis value to avoid import tax
• Double-check if VAT exemptions apply in your country

Common Mistakes International Shoppers Make with Tax Free Orders

• Forgetting to use a U.S. forwarding address
• Assuming all items are tax-free (some sellers charge tax regardless)
• Ignoring import limits in their home country
• Not declaring true item values (may lead to penalties)

Always be honest and accurate in customs declarations to avoid delays or fines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I really avoid U.S. sales tax as an international shopper?
  Yes! Most U.S. retailers don’t charge sales tax when shipping to a forwarding address used for export, especially in states like Delaware or Oregon.
• Is Gonest legal and safe to use for forwarding?
  Absolutely. Gonest is a licensed, international logistics provider specializing in cross-border e-commerce support.
• Will I still pay tax in my home country?
  Possibly. That depends on your country’s import laws, but Gonest helps you calculate it upfront.
• What happens if the online store charges me tax anyway?
  Reach out to customer service or request a refund. Some stores can reverse charges when they realize it’s an export.
• Are there items that cannot be shipped internationally?
  Yes. Batteries, flammables, and certain electronics may have restrictions. Gonest will alert you if your order includes prohibited items.
• Can I track my packages globally with Gonest?
  Yes. Every package comes with tracking and optional insurance.

Conclusion: Should You Shop from Tax Free Online Stores in 2025?

If you’re an international shopper looking for the best deals on U.S. products, tax free online stores are a golden opportunity. With smart retailers like B&H, Adorama, iHerb, and FragranceNet, you can skip the sales tax and stretch your budget further.

By using a trusted forwarding service like Gonest, you unlock access to thousands of U.S. deals with a smooth, secure global delivery experience.