Is it possible to market to the US while operating from the caribbean?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A Curaçao-based entrepreneur wants to launch a Shopify dropshipping store targeting US customers and has several operational questions:

Key Questions:

  • Whether selling to the US from the Caribbean is permitted
  • What requirements are needed
  • If a US business license is necessary
  • Whether Wise (formerly TransferWise) accepts US currency payments

Official Response:
Shopify Community team confirmed:

  • Selling globally to the US is allowed and possible
  • Basic requirements: laptop, internet connection, and startup budget
  • Wise is accepted as a payment option on Shopify, but verification needed regarding US currency business accounts
  • Recommended consulting local business authorities about US market licensing requirements
  • Suggested reviewing Shopify Help Center for detailed information

Status: The inquiry received initial guidance but requires follow-up on legal/licensing specifics and payment processor verification. One additional post appears in Papiamento (local Caribbean language) but content is unclear.

Summarized with AI on November 7. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I live on an island called Curaçao (One of the Dutch ABC islands in the caribbean off the coast of south America) I would love to open a Shopify store with the focus of offering products mainly to the US market. It will most likely be Drop shipping and or fulfillment by a third party. Here are my questions and concerns:

1 Is it allowed/possible?

2 What are the requirement’s ?

3 Do I need a license for the US market ?

4 Is WISE accepted to receive payments ( US currency account) ?

DeenoG21

2

Rio here from the Shopify Community team. It’s great to hear that you’re interested in opening a Shopify store to target the US market. Here are some quick answers to your questions:

  1. Yes, it is allowed and possible to sell globally with Shopify, including the US market.

  2. The requirements are simple: all you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and a budget to get started.

  3. It’s best to seek legal advice from a local business authority regarding any licensing requirements for the US market.

  4. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is accepted as a payment option on Shopify, but I recommend checking with Wise to ensure they accept business bank accounts for receiving payments in US currency.

For more detailed information, I recommend checking out the Shopify Help Center and joining the Shopify Community forums.

3

Bon día conta con mi por contact bo mi ta biba na Aruba y mi no por hasi Shopify di Aruba pasobra bank ta hasi fastioso, mi mester hasie di corsow con mi por contact bo pa hanja information di banco na corsow di antemano danki