Welcome to our guide for international shoppers who want to buy from Taobao—China’s largest online marketplace—in English and have their orders shipped anywhere in the world!
Since Taobao primarily operates in Chinese, but offers an English version mobile app, we provide a seamless solution for overseas customers:
1. Shop on Taobao’s English-friendly platforms (website or app).
2. Consolidate your purchases through our service.
3. Ship globally with reliable logistics—including USA deliveries via Hong Kong & Singapore.
Shopping on Taobao has never been easier — especially if you’re an international buyer looking to access the best products straight from China. With the Taobao mobile app now offering an English-friendly interface, more people than ever can explore the vast marketplace without needing to speak Chinese.
Our service helps you take full advantage of what Taobao has to offer by acting as your local logistics partner in Hong Kong. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Access Taobao in English
The Taobao app (also known as Taobao Global or Taobao Lite) is available on both iOS and Android devices. Designed for international users, it offers:
– A simplified English interface
– Product listings displayed in USD or your local currency
– Translation tools built into the app
– Options to filter for international shipping availability
– Secure payment methods compatible with international credit cards
To get started:
1. Open your device’s app store.
2. Search for “Taobao” or “Taobao Global.”
3. Download and install the app.
4. Create an account using your email address or phone number.
5. Set your preferred language and country location within the app settings.
Step 2: Browse & Select Products
- Check product details carefully—size charts, materials, and seller ratings (look for high “DSR” scores).
- Some sellers offer wholesale or bulk discounts—great for resellers or group orders.
Once set up, you can begin shopping:
– Use simple English keywords to search for products.
– Filter results to show only those that ship to Hong Kong or mainland China.
– Review seller ratings, product descriptions and customer feedback.
– Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
– Enter your shipping address — this will be our warehouse address in Hong Kong.We provide a secure and verified collection point where your Taobao packages can be received before we handle the next leg of delivery.
Step 3: Purchase Through Our Consolidation Service
Since many Taobao sellers do not ship directly overseas, our service helps by:
– Providing a Chinese shipping address (for Taobao domestic delivery).
– Combining multiple orders into one package (saving on international shipping).
– Quality checking items before forwarding.
How it works:
1. Place your Taobao order and ship it to our warehouse in Hong Kong.
Please note any delivery charge that Taobao charges you direct via the app for delivery to Hong Kong. There is a minimum of CNY100 spend to be eligible for free delivery to Hong Kong.
2. Once all items arrive, we repack & consolidate them.
3. You receive a shipping quote based on weight/destination. This cost is charged to your main wallet and deducted when the package is mailed out from Hong Kong Post.
4. We dispatch via fast & reliable routes (e.g., Hong Kong → Singapore → USA for best rates & customs clearance).
Step 4: Choose Your Shipping Method for Multi-point Deliveries
We offer multiple options depending on speed & budget:
– Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) – Fast (3-7 days), best for urgent orders.
– Economy Air Mail – Affordable (10-20+ days), good for lightweight packages.
– Sea Freight – Cheapest for bulk shipments (30-50+ days).
Step 5: Track & Receive Your Order
- We will provide you with a Hong Kong shipping address to use on Taobao. You’ll get a tracking number once shipped. Please only use SF Express as they are the most reliable partner for cross border deliveries to Hong Kong.
- Log onto your Dashboard profile and fill in all the items of your package, most importantly, this tracking number from SF Express.
- We handle customs documentation to minimize delays.
- Packages arrive at your destination—no extra hassle!
Tips for a Better Shopping Experience:
✅ No Chinese needed – We help with translations & communication.
✅ Save on shipping – Consolidation reduces costs.
✅ Reliable global delivery – Optimized routes (e.g., Hong Kong → Singapore → USA for smooth customs).
✅ Secure payments – Pay via Stripe, credit card, or Wise.
Tips for First-Time Users:
- Start with a small order to test the process. Give it time to find reliable merchants on the app.
- Always check seller ratings and read reviews before purchasing. It is not uncommon for some merchants to mislead with false advertising and fake product photos.
- Use the message feature in the Taobao app to ask sellers any questions about the product. Ensure to take screenshots of the products you expect and any conversations and keep them in-case of any future issues. These screenshots will serve as evidence to submit to the app when filing complaint(s) or requesting for refund(s) to Taobao customer service.
- Keep track of your order numbers and expected delivery dates.
- If you need to file any claims to Taobao for help with your purchases, and require any documentation of the freight forwarding service to provide them, we will be here to support you, please email support@dashshipper.com
Who Can Benefit From This Service?
Our forwarding solution is ideal for:
- Individuals who want to buy unique or affordable items not available locally
- Small business owners sourcing products directly from China, especially for samples or very small quantities at no rish to your business model(s)
- Resellers and online retailers looking to expand their product range
- Anyone who wants to shop on Taobao but doesn’t have a reliable delivery address in China or Hong Kong
Frequently Asked Questions
Account related
Can I shop on Taobao in English?
Yes, you can. The Taobao Global app (also called Taobao Lite) offers a simplified English version of the platform. While not all product listings are fully translated, the interface is easy to navigate using English keywords and built-in tools.
Do I need to speak Chinese to use Taobao?
No, you don’t. Most international users rely on the Taobao Global app or browser translation extensions like Google Translate to understand product descriptions and seller messages.
How do I download the Taobao app?
You can find the Taobao app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “Taobao” or “Taobao Global” and download the official app provided by Alibaba.
Shipping and Real0time Tracking
Can I have items shipped directly to my home country?
Some sellers offer international shipping, but it’s often limited or expensive. A better option is to use our service — have your order shipped to our Hong Kong warehouse, and we’ll forward it to your international address.
How do I enter a Hong Kong address during checkout?
During the checkout process, you’ll be asked to provide a shipping address. Simply enter the Hong Kong address we provide so we can receive your package safely.
How long does shipping take from China to Hong Kong?
Domestic shipping within China typically takes 1–3 business days. Once your package arrives at our Hong Kong facility, we prepare it for international delivery, which usually takes 3–20 business days depending on destination and your preferred choice of delivery speed.
Can I track my Taobao shipment?
Yes. Once your package is with us, we provide you with tracking details so you can monitor its progress every step of the way.
Payment methods for International Shoppers
What payment methods does Taobao accept for international buyers?
Taobao accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and some sellers also support PayPal through third-party payment gateways. International Alipay accounts are also an option.
Is it safe to shop on Taobao as an international buyer?
Yes, as long as you follow best practices: check seller ratings, read reviews, and use secure payment methods. Taobao also offers a dispute resolution system if there are any issues with your order.
What should I do if something goes wrong with my order?
Contact the seller/merchant directly through the Taobao app. If you’re unable to reach a solution, let us know — we will try our best to guide you through the dispute resolution process. However, this can be really time consuming and the process changes as a result of the item(s) you’ve bought and/or delays caused by a bad merchant in attending to your request(s). After a few attempts negotiating directly with the merchant, if they do not refund you, contact Taobao customer service and file complaints directly with them on the app interface.
In many cases, the merchant will delay refund by asking you to return the goods and pay for return shipping. Some may agree to reimburse shipping after they receive the goods back. Please do not choose this option or agree to it.
Sometimes, the merchant might even ask you to ship back a broken item, just message back and ask for ane explanation, they will rethink their actions and offer a full refund right away.
There will be surcharges placed on goods shipped from Hong Kong to China on local courier services. They also require senders to provide China identification of the receiver (in this case, it is the Taobao merchant) you are returning the goods to. Many merchants will not provide you with any ID documentation, and the return shipping fee will make this an even larger loss to you, especially if the merchant will not reimburse return shipping. Therefore in most cases, it is bet to file a refund request, without return of goods and explain clearly the reason.
In most cases, the best option is to report any product issues to Taobao customer service team and ask for a resolution.