Online shopping in Burundi

Unfortunately, online shopping in Burundi is far from happening yet. There are limited online shops that cater to Burundi and if they do the shipping cost could be high. Just some months ago, I purchased online a personal item from the US to be shipped via DHL, but then DHL-US  said shipping is higher than normal because of security issues in Burundi.

Just last week, I bought an item online  from eBay-US, the seller returned my payment saying item has been returned for factory recall. True or not, I understand most likely when the seller came to know they will ship in Burundi, decided to retract not take the risk.

I received a document parcel from Aramex with my home address and phone on it. They called me to collect instead of delivering to my home.

I also received an EMS package from Addis Ababa to Bujumbura, it took over 21 days and the box is open and totally smashed up, containing used personal clothing.

I have yet to experience receiving items addressed at the postal box in Bujumbura. My Burundi colleagues warned me though that losing is highly probable especially if it is a small item without tracking receipt.

I hate to say this and I don't mean to undermine the system, but my experiences are not encouraging, to share others.

Thanks.