A frequent request from our readers is for the store to be made available to a wider audience. It was both expensive and relatively difficult (if possible) to place an international order. Thankfully the team that runs our store (as well as the stores at our sister websites) has been working hard and now we're pleased to relay the news that it's easier than ever to place an order should you reside outside the US.

The Windows Phone Central Store is the #1 destination for all accessories and products for your smartphone. You may have noticed a number of articles are now frequently covering the deals and offers that are present on the store (be sure to keep an eye out for deals featured in the sidebar). We'll also start reviewing products listed more regularly to give our $0.02 on what's available from manufacturers.

When adding items to your basket and checking out, you'll be able to enter your postcode for a shipping cost calculation to be made and applied to the order total. The store will automatically detect the country you're connecting from and offer the best postage deals through USPS and UPS.

More (& Cheaper) Shipping Rates

Our only International shipping option previously was UPS Express, which while fast was also expensive (it doesn't make much sense to pay ~$40 on shipping if all you need is a case or a charger). We now offer three levels of USPS shipping and two levels of UPS shipping, which provide more options along with more affordability if that's what you're looking for.

International shipping starts with USPS Internal First Class mail, which takes 1 - 2 weeks (note, no package tracking is currently available on orders less than $100). The second USPS option is Priority Mail, which takes 6 - 10 days. The fastest USPS option is Express Mail, which will get you your order in 3 - 5 days.

UPS shipping is also available. UPS Worldwide Expediated has a 3 - 5 day shipping tme, while Worldwide Express/Saver is at 3 days.

A Note on Shipping Lithium Ion Batteries using USPS for shipping: Here's the bad news. Due to current Postal Regulations we are unable to ship items overseas via USPS containing Lithium Batteries at this time. It sounds like this rule may change in the not so distant future to allow for smaller items that contain lithium (like a spare battery for your Windows Phone), but in the meantime these products are off the table. Keep in mind you can still ship lithium ion batteries overseas via UPS.

Here's a few example rates to put the savings and options into perspective:

Australia / Japan: First Class $11.95, Priority $32.95, Express $38.95

UK: First Class $11.95, Priority $36.95, Express $40.95

France / Germany: First Class $11.95, Priority $30.95, Express $38.95

Mexico: First Class $9.95, Priority $27.95, Express $36.95

US Territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam: Just $5.95 Priority Mail or free shipping if your order is greater than $50!

We are also glad to offer FREE Priority Mail shipping to all US Army Post Office and Fleet Post Office destinations around the globe!

New $3.95 Budget Saver for US customers

Along with all the new shipping options for international customers we also recently introduced a new $3.95 Budget Saver shipping option, available on most orders, for those in the continental US. This is shipped via First Class Mail with a tracking code. This a great option for those looking to buy just one or two items. Remember - there's still free shipping within the continental US on orders over $50.

There you have it folks! A massive thanks for your continued custom and support, we really do appreciate it. If you have any feedback or suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments. Get into the swing of things by heading over to the Windows Phone Central Store to take advantage of the new international shipping rates!