Shopping from UK stores using crypto has become a big part of how I buy what I need. As someone living in China, I used to think ordering from the UK with cryptocurrency would be hard. But after figuring out the process and finding trusted services, it’s now smooth and pretty exciting. In this post, I’ll share how I shop from UK retailers using crypto, and how others in China can do the same easily and safely.
At first, I wasn’t sure where to start. Most UK retailers don’t accept direct shipping to China, and many don’t take crypto payments. However, I discovered that it’s possible to order from crypto-friendly UK retailers and have your purchases shipped to China through forwarding services. This helped me connect the dots between crypto shopping and international delivery.
Because of this, I didn’t have to rely on friends in the UK anymore. The whole process became smoother once I understood how to use my crypto wallet, place an order with selected UK stores, and then let the forwarding company take care of shipping to my home in China. Now, I’ll walk you through each part of it, step by step.
Picking the Right UK Retailers That Accept Crypto
The first step in crypto shopping is finding stores that support cryptocurrency payments. While not every UK store does this yet, there are several tech, fashion, and gadget retailers that welcome Bitcoin and other popular tokens like Ethereum. So, I usually begin by checking their payment page or contacting customer service to ask.
In my experience, some stores may only accept crypto through third-party payment platforms. That’s not a problem because these platforms handle the payment securely. Once confirmed, I make sure the item is in stock and that they’re okay with shipping to a UK forwarding address.
Setting Up a Forwarding Address in the UK
Since most UK stores don’t deliver directly to China, I had to create a UK shipping address using a package forwarding service. These companies give you a UK address, receive the parcel on your behalf, and then send it to China. This step is super helpful because it opens the door to more online stores.
After signing up with a forwarding service, I receive a unique customer ID and UK warehouse address. When shopping online, I enter this address at checkout. Once the item is delivered to that warehouse, the forwarding team sends it on to me, often offering package tracking and customs help.
Paying with Crypto: How I Do It
When I’m ready to pay, I select cryptocurrency as the payment method. Some stores display a QR code that I scan using my crypto wallet. Others provide a wallet address to which I send the amount. It's important to double-check the token type and the correct amount to avoid issues.
Transactions usually confirm within a few minutes, and I always save my payment receipt just in case. After payment is confirmed, the retailer ships the item to my UK forwarding address. It’s important to act quickly because many payment windows close after a short time.
Tracking and Receiving My Order in China
Once the forwarding service gets the item, they notify me by email. Then, I pay the shipping fee to have the package sent to my address in China. This fee depends on the parcel’s size, weight, and speed of delivery I choose.
Usually, I receive my order within 7–14 days. Most services offer tracking numbers, so I know where the parcel is. Also, some forwarding companies let me group several orders into one package to save on shipping costs. That’s something I often do when I plan a big shopping round.
Keeping My Crypto Safe During the Process
Of course, I make sure to use secure crypto wallets and trustworthy websites. It’s easy to lose crypto if you send it to the wrong place. That’s why I never share my private keys and I only use wallets I trust.
For every transaction, I make sure the address is correct, the store is real, and the payment system is working properly. Over time, I’ve built a list of reliable stores that accept crypto, which has helped make the whole process faster.
Benefits I’ve Experienced Shopping This Way
One of the biggest reasons I love shopping with crypto is the speed and control I get. I don’t have to wait for bank transfers or worry about exchange rates. Plus, many crypto-friendly stores offer good deals or special products that aren’t available elsewhere.
Also, using a forwarding service has saved me time and stress. I no longer miss out on UK-only products, and I don’t need a UK address of my own. Everything works through the forwarding platform, from storage to delivery.
Key Takeaways
- You can shop from UK stores with crypto and use a parcel forwarding service to get the items in China.
- Use secure crypto wallets and double-check all addresses before making a payment.
- A UK parcel forwarding service simplifies the process, helping you avoid shipping limits and customs issues.
FAQs
What is a UK parcel forwarding service?
A UK parcel forwarding service gives you a local UK shipping address. This address can be used while shopping online. When your items arrive there, the service ships them to your address in China.
Can I shop from any UK store using crypto?
Not all UK stores accept cryptocurrency. However, many online retailers, especially in electronics, fashion, or digital items, do accept Bitcoin or other coins. Always check their payment methods before shopping.
Is it safe to pay with crypto online?
Yes, it is safe if you use trusted stores and secure wallets. Always check for HTTPS on websites, verify wallet addresses, and never share your private keys.
How long does it take to get my order in China?
After the parcel reaches your UK forwarding service, it usually takes 7–14 business days to arrive in China, depending on the shipping speed you choose.
Are there extra fees when using forwarding services?
Yes, you will need to pay for the shipping from the UK to China. Some services may also charge small handling or storage fees, especially if you keep your items there for several days.
What if my crypto payment doesn’t go through?
If your crypto payment doesn’t go through, first check your wallet for errors. Then, contact the retailer’s support team. They might issue a new payment window or help you resolve the issue. Always act within the payment time limit to avoid issues.
