Can’t Ship from Taobao to the USA? Think Again — 2025 DIY Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Taobao
• How to Shop on Taobao in the USA
• How to Ship from Taobao to the US
• Restrictions on Items Shipped from Taobao to USA
• FAQs about Shipping from Taobao
• Final Thoughts

Taobao is one of the biggest online shopping platforms in China, but many international buyers, especially in the US, often wonder: "Can Taobao ship to the USA?" or "How to buy from Taobao in the US?" 

Yes! Taobao does ship to the USA. You can use Taobao’s international shipping service or a third-party freight forwarder to get your orders delivered to your US address. Shipping costs, delivery times, and restrictions may vary depending on the method you choose, so it's worth comparing options to find the best fit for your needs. 

Introduction to Taobao

What Is Taobao?

Taobao is often referred to as the "Chinese version of AliExpress". It’s a go-to shopping platform for many international buyers looking for affordable Chinese goods.

With millions of sellers and a massive range of products, Taobao offers everything from clothing and electronics to home goods and specialty Chinese items.

Why Choose to Shop from Taobao?

Taobao offers competitive prices, a huge selection of products, and access to unique Chinese specialties, like premium tea, traditional Chinese medicine, and custom-made furniture. 

Plus, if you're looking for trendy fashion items, Taobao is one of the best places to shop. The prices on Taobao are often much lower than what you'd find in local stores or other international e-commerce platforms. 

And the variety! You can find products from different regions of China, each with its own unique characteristics and styles. For example, if you're interested in traditional Chinese tea, you can explore a wide range of options, from green tea to black tea, and even rare and high-quality varieties that are hard to find elsewhere.

How to Shop on Taobao in the USA

Can You Order From Taobao in America?

Yes, you can! However, many US-based shoppers face challenges such as account creation, language barriers, payment issues, and Taobao shipping to the US. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step guidance. 

How to Register for a Taobao Account in the US?

• Use your US phone number to register (note: some users may not receive the verification code, so using an Alipay login is a great alternative). 
• Download and register for an Alipay account, then use Alipay’s quick login to access Taobao. 

I have to say, once you link Alipay to your Taobao account, Xiaohongshu, Xianyu, and 1688, everything works together seamlessly, making your shopping experience much more convenient and integrated. 

Linking these platforms allows you to share your account information and payment methods, so you don't have to go through the registration and payment process every time you shop on different platforms. It's like having a one-stop-shop for all your online shopping needs.

How to Browse Products on Taobao?

After logging in, you can switch Taobao to English, but note that the selection is more limited than the Chinese version. 

Alternatively, you can use Google Translate to help navigate the site.Google Translate can be a useful tool to translate the Chinese text on the website, but it may not always provide accurate translations, especially for technical or specialized terms.

• Go to "我的淘宝" - "设置" (Settings). 
• Select "国家/地区、语言、货币(Country/Region,Language,Currency).
• "语言" - "English".

How to Buy Goods from Taobao?

1. Set up your country, language, and currency in settings.
   • "我的淘宝” - "设置"
   • "国家/地区、语言、货币" 
   • "国家" - "全球"
   • "货币" - "USD 美元"
2. Add your US shipping address in “设置” (Settings) → “收货地址” (Shipping Address).

   • For a 3rd-party forwarder warehouse (e.g., JYS): 广东省深圳市 18129855839 邮编:518129

   • For Your US Address: Select “美国” (USA), then fill in your street, city, state, phone number, and postal code.
   ❌The Taobao app's international shipping section includes logistics options from third-party forwarders.
   ✅ Third-party forwarder warehouses do not have international shipping options on the Taobao app.
3. Link your credit/debit card or use Apple Pay/Google Pay.
   • Use a new Credit/Debit Card to enter your card details or pay with Apple Pay/Google Pay.

How to Ship from Taobao to the US

Does Taobao Support Shipping to the US?

Yes! Taobao does offer international shipping to the USA through its official global shipping service. However, not all products are eligible for direct international shipping. 

Some items may require the help of a third-party forwarder to reach your address. The official global shipping service is convenient, but it has certain limitations. For example, some products may be restricted due to customs regulations or shipping carrier policies. In such cases, a third-party forwarder can provide a more flexible solution.

Ways to Ship from Taobao to the US

1. Taobao International Shipping

Taobao provides an official international shipping service, which includes two main options:

• Direct Shipping: This includes air freight（直邮空运）and sea freight（直邮海运）, allowing you to ship eligible products straight to your US address. Direct air freight is usually faster but more expensive, while direct sea freight is slower but more cost-effective for larger or heavier items. The choice between the two depends on your urgency and budget.
• Consolidated Shipping: This option lets you ship multiple items to a Taobao warehouse in China, where they are combined into one package and then sent to the US. This method includes economy air freight（集运空运经济）, standard air freight（集运空运标准）, and sea freight（集运海运）.

Pros of Taobao International Shipping:

• Convenient and easy to use, as you can select the shipping option directly during checkout. This saves you time and effort, as you don't have to deal with a separate shipping provider. You can simply choose the shipping method that suits your needs and complete the transaction on the Taobao platform.
• Real-time tracking is available, allowing you to monitor your package's journey. You can track the status of your shipment from the moment it leaves the seller's warehouse until it arrives at your doorstep. This gives you peace of mind and helps you plan for the arrival of your package.

Cons of Taobao International Shipping:

• Additional taxes and duties apply; VAT and import fees must be paid upfront. These additional costs can sometimes be significant, especially for high-value items. It's important to factor in these costs when comparing shipping options and calculating the total cost of your purchase.
• Some items are restricted and may be rejected at the Taobao warehouse. This can be frustrating if you've already placed an order and then find out that the item cannot be shipped. It's advisable to check the shipping restrictions before making a purchase to avoid any disappointment.
• Limited post-shipping customer support for international buyers. If you encounter any issues with your shipment, such as delays or damaged goods, it may be difficult to get timely and effective support from Taobao's customer service. This can make the resolution process more time-consuming and stressful.

2. Using a Third-Party Freight Forwarder

For items that cannot be shipped via Taobao’s official logistics, or if you're looking for a more flexible shipping solution, third-party freight forwarders are a great alternative. 

These companies provide consolidation and repackaging services, and many offer cost-effective shipping options, including air and sea freight. 

They can also help you save on shipping costs by consolidating multiple packages into one and negotiating better rates with shipping carriers.

Pros of Third-Party Freight Forwarding:

• More flexible shipping options, allowing you to ship restricted items. Some third-party forwarders have special arrangements with shipping carriers or customs authorities, which enables them to handle items that are not allowed by Taobao's official shipping service. This gives you more freedom to buy the products you want without worrying about shipping restrictions.
• Personalized customer service, including repackaging and storage options. Many third-party forwarders offer additional services such as repackaging your items to reduce the size and weight, which can save you on shipping costs. They also provide storage facilities if you need to wait for all your items to arrive before shipping them together.
• Some freight forwarders offer tax-inclusive shipping, saving you from unexpected customs fees. This means that the shipping cost includes all the taxes and duties, so you don't have to worry about paying any additional fees when your package arrives. It provides more transparency and predictability in terms of the total cost of your purchase.

Cons of Third-Party Freight Forwarding:

• The quality and reliability of freight forwarders vary, so research is required. Not all third-party forwarders are created equal. Some may have better customer service, more competitive rates, or more reliable shipping options than others. It's important to do your research and read reviews before choosing a freight forwarder to ensure that you're getting the best service.
• Using a freight forwarder adds extra steps to the shipping process. You need to communicate with the forwarder, provide them with the necessary information, and follow their instructions for shipping. This can be a bit more time-consuming and complicated compared to using Taobao's official shipping service.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship from Taobao to the US?

The cost of Taobao shipping to the US depends on the shipping method, weight, and dimensions of the package. Below are some estimated costs:

• Taobao International Shipping: Air shipping typically costs $11 - $13 per kg, while sea shipping is usually cheaper but takes longer. The cost of air shipping is relatively high due to the speed and convenience it offers. Sea shipping, on the other hand, is more economical but has a longer transit time. You need to balance your budget and urgency when choosing between the two.
• Freight Forwarding: Prices vary by provider, but some offer bulk discounts or tax-inclusive pricing. Some freight forwarders may offer lower rates if you're shipping a large volume of goods. Tax-inclusive pricing can also help you avoid unexpected costs and make it easier to calculate the total cost of your purchase.

How Long Does Taobao Shipping Take to the US?

Shipping time varies depending on the method you choose. Whether you opt for Taobao International Shipping or a third-party forwarder, delivery times are similar. Air shipping typically takes 7 - 15 days, while sea shipping can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. 

Restrictions on Items Shipped from Taobao to USA

When you want to have items shipped to your USA address, it's important to know that Taobao International Shipping has more restrictions than third-party forwarders. 

Some products can be purchased on Taobao, but when they are shipped to the Taobao warehouse, the warehouse may refuse to accept them. 

In such cases, you will need to contact the seller for a refund, which can be quite troublesome. 

To help avoid this, I’ve listed some sensitive items that Taobao warehouses may refuse to accept.

FAQs about Shipping from Taobao

Final Thoughts

Shopping on Taobao from the US is possible and can be quite rewarding! With the right approach, you can access a vast range of affordable products and ship them to your doorstep seamlessly. 

Now that you know how Taobao shipping to the US works, why not start shopping today? Whether you're looking for a unique gift, the latest fashion trend, or a high-quality electronic device, Taobao has something for you. 

Just make sure to follow the guidelines and tips in this blog post to make your shopping experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.