Amazon Kindle 2/DX for Singaporeans!
BUT, there’s A SOLUTION!
- Amazon doesn’t ship Kindle out of the US. Therefore you must register with Vpost first. With Vpost, you can buy products from countries like, US, Europe and Japan.
- Go to Amazon.com, log into or create an account if you do not already have one. Buy the Kindle 2/DX and have Amazon shipped it to your Vpost (USA) **address. I will skip the rest of the procedures between you and Vpost as you can find them at their site.
- Once you receive your Kindle 2 in Singapore, the fun begins!
- Log into your Amazon.com account and buy a Gift Certificate and email the code to yourself.
- You should be able to receive the gift certificate code in your email in a matter of minutes.
- Copy and paste and apply the code to your Amazon account.
- Delete ALL you existing credit card information. Reason being that when you buy a Kindle book, the system will check this information and when it recognises that your credit card is not issused by a US bank, the purchases won’t go through.
- Drum rolls please…..
- Congratulations! You should now be able to buy books for your Kindle 2. Just ensure that the gift certificate has enough credit for what you are purchasing.
- To download your purchased books and sync to your Kindle via USB, go to ‘My Account’, scroll down to ‘Digital Content’ and click on the ‘Manage Your Kindle‘ link.
- Scroll down until you see, ‘Your Orders’. You should be able to see all your purchases. And on the right, there is an drop down menu that says, “Deliver too…”.
- And in that menu, choose the option that says, “Transfer via computer…” or something to that effect.
- Connect your Kindle via USB and drop the newly purchased book(s) into your Documents directory of your Kindle and HAVE FUN READING!
- Hope the above instructions help. If you run into any problems, feel free to ask me via this blog.
*Updated on 2 Jul 09: Thank God, I finally found the original blog where I learned this trick from. Credit must go to NerdGirl! I just tweaked it to people here living in Singapore. 
WARNING! (dtd 10 Jul 09): DO NOT use IE 8 to purchase your Kindle books. A reader, David, had problem purchasing his Kindle books, even with the gift voucher. Until he changed to Google Chrome, the problem was solved!
Update: 10 Jul 09: PDF Conversion: If you want to read pdf books, no problem! Just send your pdf book to yourusername@free.kindle.com. And in a few minutes time, an. azw (Kindle) version will be sent back to you. There’s no need to add Subject or Body heading. But remember the word, “free.” must be added in front of “kindle.com”. Therefore, it should be @free.kindle.com, not @kindle.com.
**Update: 11 Dec 09: Spoke with a Singpost staff and asked her especially with regards to the Amazon Kindle. She told me to ship it to Portland Oregon address instead of the Compton California’s. Reason being Compton is very strict with battery stuff. I’d suspect it’s the state of California that is strict, not Compton itself. So, just ship to the Portland Oregon address.
While it may not be "politically appropriate" nowadays to share one's true belief and philosophy, I have always endeavoured to run my life and my businesses the way I feel is right, although it is not always necessarily popular or "politically appropriate".
Hi Jeffrey
I’ve never used a VPN – can you please explain how to buy books using a VPN?
Thanks
Wendy
Pui Shan, what I meant was to always use a VPN when you’re buying books so that your location is not revealed. There seems to be no discernible pattern how some are ‘caught’ and others are not, so it’s not easy to see how amazon does these (automated?) checks…
What kinda precaution are you talking about? I can’t find the comment about the precaution on your blog. I am quite worried now. My kindle 2 is almost a year old now. If it died on me, I need to buy a new one. I can’t remember life without my kindle. I wonder if the checks would be as stringent for return customers.
>>>I have the US version of the kindle 2. So far, amazon did not try to check if I live in US. I think prob because the moment I paid for my kindle 2, I started buying books on Amazon.com and sending free samples to my kindle.
There’s a new data point in the comments section on my blog, and this person did this but forgot to take precautions, and the account was ‘disabled’ even before the arrive of the Kindle.
My impression is that the ‘raising of red flags’ seem to be more prevalent now compared to a year or so ago. This is not Amazon’s fault of course, they are just doing this to address their legal obligations.
I have the US version of the kindle 2. So far, amazon did not try to check if I live in US. I think prob because the moment I paid for my kindle 2, I started buying books on Amazon.com and sending free samples to my kindle. For the few days prior shipping by vpost out of US, I sent quite a number to books/sample to my kindle. I was quite surprised to see all the books in my kindle when I received it. Previously I thought that I would have to send them via cable. Well of course, subsequently, all other the books I bought when my kindle is in Singapore could not be sent wirelessly to my kindle. I have to use my cable.
So, my advice to those new buyers is to start buying books/sample the moment you paid for your new kindle. This way, books will be sent to your kindle wirelessly. This might decrease your chance of being tracked down by Amazon to verify your credential.
Btw, all the books I sent was free and I dud attach my sg credit card to the account. All the books I have bought was deducted from my cc.
@Jeffery: Thanks for the information. I doubt Amazon will penalise people for buying books outside the US because there are many, many, many Americans living outside the US. If they were to do that, these Americans will be stucked.
@Rini: If you’d like to play it safe, do follow Jeffery’s advice. You can’t really go wrong with that method.
OK Rini, I see the two ‘versions’. Actually it’s just the same device, just that the intl version contains the additional plugs.
Melvin is right. You need to get the ‘US, Global Wireless’ version because from now on, amazon needs to know that you’re a person from the US. You will ship it to maybe Borderlinx, and use a VPN and the ‘gift card methoed’ when you want to buy books every single time. Once they know that you’re buying books from outside the US, they may disable your account; so this is quite critical. Other than that, the Kindle is a wonderful device!
Hey Rini,
When I bought my Kindle 2, it already came with an adapter. If the latest one doesn’t come with it, it’s fine too because the charger is essentially a micro-USB charger which many a handphone is using. For what you know, if you have a smartphone, you may already have that charger! Even if you don’t have one, this type of charger is a dime a dozen in Sim Lim Square.
As for whether to get a US or Int’l version, I can’t advise you on that because my purchase experience was with the US version. I’m not sure if you can ship the Int’l version to a US address (eg. Vpost) though; and if subsequent buying of Kindle books will be a problem or not.
Hi Jeff, Yeah they are called Global Wireless but there are two sites to purchase from… Here are the two links:
US Version
International Version
There are actually two diff web addr to purchase from…
Rini, I just re-read what you wrote, and I don’t think there’s a US-only version you can buy? Aren’t they all Global Wireless now?
Hi Jeffrey,
And so I should get the Intl version? Its still in my cart… I want to checkout but still having second thoughts… Lets give it a risk, should I? I’m giving myself another day to check out… help…
Regarding US or International Kindle 2s, if I’m not mistaken the US version was the older version, and Amazon ended that product line. They then introduced version 2 of the Kindle 2 called Global Wireless (intl+US wireless). Reports suggest that apart from the difference in radios (CDMA vs GSM), the screen is noticeably better in the international version.
The US-only version isn’t sold anymore (other than refub or 2nd hand I guess), so new units are all of the international version kind. Still, if you get a new unit, please don’t use Whispernet to buy books here…
Hi Melvin,
If thats the case, I think I am sticking to the US version as U do… I read elsewhere (if not mistaken title Kindle US vs Kindle International), that there are also some issues with the international version, don’t know whether it’s true. So I only need to get the UK adapter right? I dun want to stick to my laptop for charging or another double plug adapter to charge the kindle. Kinda troublesome… Btw i tried both Borderlinx for shipping some items while some to Vpost to avoid SGD400 shipping… hehe Any other tips to take note?
Hi Charles,
Thanx for the recommendation. Although I have yet to order my Kindle, I think I would stick to the kindle. Maybe one of the reasons would be what Melvin had mentioned about the backlight. But the mostly, I am ok with unitasking devices (as what a blogger, Jeff, mentioned…) I would rather concentrate on a device on reading, and usually i would use my lappy to surf…
P.S: I am not really a fan of Apple products, i dun even want to own an iPhone although my hubby insist of getting one for me… Still prefer physical qwerty.
Hey,
Have you guys upgraded to the latest Kindle 2.5 version? I have. Yay!
*If you’d like to do the same, please follow the “Applying Kindle Software Updates Manually” instructions VERY CAREFULLY found here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200324680
*At the same time, I’ve also downloaded the Kindle for Mac. I’m so happy that now as I read my books on Kindle, my wife can read it on the Mac! You can follow the link to download Kindle for PC/Mac/Android/Blackberry/ iPhone/iPad here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=sv_kinh_8?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200127470
*Please do so at your own risk. I’m not responsible for any screw-ups. All I can say is that both the upgrading to v2.5 and the Mac version worked for me. And I’m thankful!
Kindle is a good reading tool that’s why I still keep it. But if a user wants multi purpose device then iPad is better tool if a user needs a multi purpose reader.
It is good to know the various reading option available in mkt now. I do glad my kindle for iPad sync direct w amazon server.
Kindle is ideal for outdoors and iPad is for indoors.
@Charles: You’re really a strong supporter for iPad, aren’t you?
Personally, I’d use iPad to check email and some internet stuff like setting up web hosting or email accounts for my clients. Or maybe even use the apps. As for reading, although iPad is bright, it tires the eyes much faster than Kindle because of the back light. Reading on an iPad is like staring into a computer screen. Furthermore, the battery life of iPad simply cannot be compared with the Kindle.
Please don’t misunderstand that I’m ruling out iPad. It’s just that both iPad and Kindle serve their purposes in different places.
@rini
I recommend u hold back fr buying kindle 2. Amazon has enhanced their kindle for iPad application to have more feature.
Consider an apple iPad with kindle application. I am using now and enjoying it.
Hey Rini,
I haven’t used the international version before. Therefore I can’t tell you which version is better. Mine is the US version and I have no problem getting the Kindle books so far.
Personally, if I haven’t purchased any, I’d go for the US version because it allows me to surf for free in the US with the Kindle. I travel to the States quite regularly and as such, I save quite a fair deal of GPRS charges.
Hi…
Everything is all set up for my purchase of my Kindle… Email, Vpost registration, manage Amazon Addr, Google chrome n all loads… Furthermore Kindle 2 is now at USD 189… Suddendly I realise this. There are two diff sets of kindle 2. One for the U.S residents. The other international….. Which is better or what is the difference? Will I have problem getting some ebooks that are only for U.S residents if I get the international one? I am so lost…
@Min
Why not recreate a new amazon usa account and transfer your credits to the new account.
hi, amazon has detected that i am not in US and now stops me from purchasing ebooks. I have purchased the gift cert and deleted the address/ card info. Tried updating the account info but they still detect. Is there any way I can solve this? thanks!
@edwin you post your email here userid @ email address . com and i will email u
@Charles
What’s your email? I couldn’t find it on any place in this site nor previous comments. Pls advise.
Thanks.
@Edwin
You can pass me your email and i contact you direct.
@fzTeh: Majority of the commenters here own a Kindle. And as far as I know, majority of them do not own a credit card issued in US; and most of them are Singapore citizens. Does that answer your, ” is kindle only allowed to be purchased by American ? So that American based credit card then b allowed to buy kindle ebook?” question? The answers to the rest of your questions – in fact ALL your questions – can actually be found in this blog post.
@Charles
I already have a iTunes account SG so how could i get the US account instead? Any tips?
Hi Melvin, I buy one Kindle from NZ, so if i buy Gift Cert by credit card issued by Singapore bank , then do I still able to use that Gift Cert to buy Kindle book ? I meant When I use Manage Your Kindle link, there is product code which i must register, but I have yet to register afraid to be stopped by Amazon for the credit card issue, so what can I do now, please…… if I know i would encounter all these problems, dun think worth to take hassle to get …….
@Edwin
You need a iTune USA Account to download Kindle for iPhone App.
Hi i m very blur of Kindle DX, now my question here is if only American can buy Kindle ?
Hi, I m very blur of this kindle gadget, now my question (1) is kindle only allowed to be purchased by American ? So that American based credit card then b allowed to buy kindle ebook?
Hi Guys, i just received my kindle today. I would like to know how can i download the kindle application onto my iPhone as i couldn’t find it in APP Store….
btw Kindle is so cool and awesome!
Bought a few books already. :p
Pls advise.
THanks.
Kindle price just drop to $189 USD
@Grace did u managed to resolve the issue with Amazon. If amazon does not allow you to get Kindle. You can use the money to buy the ebooks contents and get a iPhone or iPad. Load your iPhone and iPad with Kindle for iPAD/iPhone Application.
You can then read from your iPhone or iPAD
Hi Melvin,my amazon account is being placed on hold and I am required to fax amazon my credit card billing information so as to verify the information in amazon with my credit card.I bought the kindle dx through vpost,so is there any solution to this problem?
@Min You can choose to read Amazon eBooks on Amazon Kindle or Amazon Kindle for iPhone App or Amazon Kindle for iPAD App. Register an Amazon USA account and start by buying some free books to test out.
I started reading the amazon ebooks on my iPhone via the Amazon Kindle for iPhone App before moving into a Amazon Kindle.
Today i read my Amazon ebooks on Apple iPAD.
@Min,
I’m not sure if Sim Lim does sell the ‘cracked’ version.
As for “hotshield or stuff like that”, what’s that? I don’t use any of that. I use my computer as per normal. I just don’t have any Singapore address in my Amazon’s account. I use my Vpost’s USA address.
As for the tracing of location, I really don’t know if we are overly concerned with it. Because if that’s the case, those Americans living in Singapore would have problems buying Kindle books, wouldn’t they?
Hi Melvin
I am really interested to get Kindle but am a complete IT idiot!!!
Does any shop in sim lim sell kindle all decoded or ‘cracked’ so that I can use it easily?
If I follow your instructions, do I still need to use hotshield or stuff like that in my computer such that amazon can’t trace my location at all? All these are blurring me.
Ok, thanks Charles.
Hi wendy I won’t recommend u update unless absolutely necessary.
Hi Melvin
I just tried to download the new kindle 2.5 software but my kindle says i’m not registered. Should I go ahead and try and register it or will i then run into problems because I’m in Singapore or maybe they’ll become aware of the fact that I’m not in the US?
Thanks and regards
Wendy
Many thanks for the info Melvin. What a relief!
Hey Wendy,
You can easily get one from Sim Lim Square or Funan Centre. I think it’s a micro-USB cable. Just bring your existing cable along.
If I remember correctly, I bought mine from Sim Lim Square.
Hi Melvin
My kindle cable for charging and downloading is getting pretty damaged – the plastic covering is all cracking and peeling off, exposing the silver wires inside. I really don’t know how this happened. Do you know if I can order another from Amazon?
Thanks and regards
Wendy
informative thread !
What if you leaked some ‘smell’ and they felt something odd and emailed you to clarify. You did and they then replied that you are now able to buy ebooks normally. Would you return to buy the ebooks ?
>>Another question though, can we use the global wireless here?
Please do not use global wireless/Whispernet here. Amazon will know you’ll in SG and may disable your account until you verify with them that you’re a US resident. I’ve got some local users experiencing this already. Please use the gift card method and VPN (then exit, and reopen your browser before visiting amazon).
The Kindle can also read unprotected epub books. Just use the free utility called Calibre to convert epub books to the Kindle format. It’s not too much of a hassle.
http://calibre-ebook.com/
Thanks for the advise !
Another question though,
can we use the global wireless here?
I saw the Nook ebook reader at barns and
noble. Looks like another alternative as it supports
epub formats. Am comparing them now..
I’m using my Singapore issued credit card to buy the gift certificate and have no issue with it till date. So I see no reason why I should use someone else’s US credit card.
Just make sure that there’s no trace or smell of “Singapore” in your Amazon account. If you follow the instructions listed in my blog carefully, you should be able to buy the ebooks without any issue.
Melvin, would it be good idea to get someone with a US credit card to send us an Amazon gift card so we can buy ebooks?
What are other ways of doing it so we can buy without being blocked…
Hey Karen,
I think Firefox should be ok. As for your Singapore issued US Visa card, I can’t answer you that as I don’t have that experience before.
Thanks for sharing your info on the kindle with us! Question though: can I download using Firefox browser? Also if I were to use a US visacard but issued in Singapore, would it solve the problem of Amazon’s refusal of us buying ebooks ?