Which country should I buy a node in

When buying a node for a store, first check the IP type and whether the address is static and dedicated. Then choose a country or region based on the store's registration details and platform, not just where its customers are.

IP type: static ISP first, datacenter second

For day-to-day store management, choose in this order:

1. A static (fixed) ISP IP is the first choice. Keep the store on the same exit IP over time rather than choosing a product that automatically rotates addresses.
2. A datacenter IP is the second choice. It usually costs less and is worth considering on a tighter budget. Make sure the address is static as well.

Whichever type you choose, buy a dedicated IP, not a shared one. “Static” means the address stays the same; “dedicated” means it is not shared with other customers. Check both before buying.

Some providers label ISP IPs as “static residential” or “ISP residential.” For more on the differences, see How to tell node types apart.

Cross-border stores: Hong Kong first, the US second

For Amazon cross-border stores and TikTok Shop POP stores registered using mainland Chinese or Hong Kong details, we recommend:

1. Choose a Hong Kong IP first.
2. Choose a US IP as the second option.

Selling on a UK or US marketplace does not, by itself, mean these cross-border stores need an IP in that country. Start with the registration details and store type.

Avoid Hong Kong IPs if you need to access TikTok

Hong Kong IPs cannot access TikTok's consumer-facing site. If you need to browse TikTok as well as manage a TikTok Shop POP store, do not choose a Hong Kong IP. Consider a US IP instead.

Temu does not support Hong Kong IPs

Temu does not support Hong Kong IPs. Do not buy a Hong Kong node for a Temu store. For cross-border stores registered using mainland Chinese or Hong Kong details, consider a US IP first. For stores registered locally, choose an IP in the registration country.

Locally registered stores: choose a local IP

For a store set up using local registration details, choose an IP in that country, not Hong Kong or a neighboring country.

For example:

• An Amazon store registered as a local UK business should use a UK IP.
• An Amazon store registered as a local US business should use a US IP.

Base the choice on the store's registration details and type, not the current location of the person managing it.

Before you buy

• Type: prefer ISP; consider datacenter IPs if your budget is limited.
• Static address: confirm you can keep the same IP without automatic rotation.
• Dedicated access: confirm the IP is not shared with other customers.
• Country or region: follow the recommendations above for cross-border stores, exclude Hong Kong if you need to browse TikTok or use Temu, and use local IPs for locally registered stores.

Browse providers on the Network providers page, then follow Add a node to enter the connection details in Merca. Use Check node to check the exit IP and its country or region.

When replacing a node for an existing store, keep the same country or region where possible. See Is it risky to change a store's node.