Search International Edition Textbooks
You can save 50% or more when you order international edition textbooks for your college classes!
What are International Edition Textbooks?
Intl. Ed.
International edition textbooks on Biblio are easily identifiable by this image.
An international edition textbook has been published at a lower production cost for sale in foreign markets. Distributors overseas then re-sell the titles to customers in other parts of the world at a much lower price. International edition textbooks save students an average of 50% over the prices offered at their college bookstores. Contrary to what their name might imply, international editions are published in English.
International edition markings
Most international editions are marked as such, with phrases such as "international student edition", "IE", "int'l edition", "global edition" and of course "international edition".
Many also have labels that indicate they are not for sale in certain areas, such as "not for sale in the United States", "not authorized for sale in North America", or "not for sale in the U.S. or Canada". However, as mentioned above, it is not illegal for students in the U.S. to purchase international edition textbooks.
How to order the correct international edition
International editions of textbooks may have different ISBN's from the U.S. edition. We recommend that you search by title and author as well as ISBN. International edition textbooks will be clearly identified as such in Biblio's search results.
Carefully compare your search results to the author and title of the book you want to order. Check for other details such as revised and/or newer editions, etc. Read the seller's entire description of the book available.
International vs. US Editions: Key Differences
While international editions are often more than adequate for most college and university classes, there are a few key differences that students should be aware of.
- The ISBN is not the same as the US edition.
- The cover image is usually different.
- Most international editions are soft cover.
- They often have black and white illustrations.
- CD ROMs or other supplementary materials may not be included.
- May contain a statement that they are intended for foreign markets.
- Unit measurements used in example problems throughout the book may be in metric instead of imperial.
What the warnings are all about
Most international editions may bear a label that says something to the effect of "Not for sale in the U.S. or Canada". This is because the publisher has printed the books to be sold overseas. There is nothing illegal, however, in purchasing international edition books from sellers overseas. In fact, the 2013 Supreme Court decision of Kirtsaeng vs. John Wiley & Sons put this matter to rest, ruling that International Edition textbooks may be sold and purchased within the U.S. It also upheld the right of anyone to sell used international edition textbooks, which means that college students can resell their international edition textbooks when the semester is over!
A word on supplementary materials
International Editions may not have the same supplementary materials (CD-Roms, online access codes, etc.) as U.S. editions. If this material is essential for your course, then use the 'Ask this seller a question' link before you place your order to confirm whether supplementary material is included.
A word on shipping options
Because orders of this type will often ship from overseas, make sure you order with plenty of time before you need the book. Check the estimated delivery time before placing your order.
You can save on shipping costs by going in with fellow students. Order multiple books or copies from the same bookseller where available. The number of copies that bookseller has available will appear near the book price.