Can you use Alexa in non-supported countries?

People outside the US are often jealous of the country getting first dibs on new technologies and services, Amazon Alexa being a prime example (pun intended) — it was initially launched as a US exclusive in 2014. The voice assistant is now available in more than 40 countries, but for some people, there’s still reason to be jealous. If you’re in that camp, can you use Alexa in non-supported regions?

Can you use Alexa in non-supported countries?

Yes, but Amazon has created so many barriers that it might not be worth the effort. To begin with, you’ll need an international version of the Echo (4th gen), Echo Dot (5th gen), Echo Pop, Echo Show 5 (3rd gen), or Echo Show 8 (2nd gen). Doublecheck product listings before you buy anything. It should be possible to track down one or more of these devices, but you’ll probably end up ordering from Amazon’s US, UK, or German storefronts and paying quite a bit in shipping, duties, and/or import taxes.

You’ll also have to download the Alexa app for Android, iPhone, or iPad. You might hypothetically be able to complete device setup via alexa.amazon.com, but Amazon has already phased out that option in the US and Canada, and the app is required anyway to fully control settings and routines. If the app isn’t available in your region, you’ll have to temporarily change location and/or billing settings for the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone and iPad). Be warned this might not be practical since it can, for instance, wreak havoc on any app subscriptions you have going.

Some Alexa features are outright blocked on international Echo models. These include shopping, podcasts, and a lot of local information, such as news, traffic, and businesses. A variety of Alexa skills won’t work either, among them services like Audible, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and SiriusXM.

In many regions, thankfully, you can use Spotify, TuneIn, and/or Amazon Music Unlimited. Smart home functions are a go, as are things like calendars, timers, alarms, weather, and task/shopping lists. You can get news briefings if you don’t care about them being region-specific.

Check the product pages for international Echo speakers to see what restrictions apply in your country. Also, remember that international models can only speak English, French, German, Italian, and/or Spanish, so you should be reasonably fluent in one of the five.

Which countries officially support Alexa?

If Alexa is officially supported in your country, there’s no need to go through the hoops mentioned above. Here’s a list of supported regions so far.