Category: Shopping from China Guide

How to Pay Taobao Domestic Shipping

If you’re using Taobao from outside of China, you might wonder: How do I pay for Taobao domestic shipping? This guide will walk you through the process of paying for local Chinese delivery fees, especially when dealing with returns, seller-initiated shipping, or parcel forwarding.

Whether you’re using Alipay, a credit card, or planning for international shipping, this article covers everything you need to know.

When Do You Need to Pay Taobao Domestic Shipping?

Normally, most items on Taobao include free domestic shipping within China — especially if you’re not requesting a refund or return. However, you’ll be required to pay shipping costs in a few specific scenarios:

• Refunds or returns where you are responsible for return shipping
• Using a parcel forwarding service, like Cainiao or third-party agents
• Items without free shipping or special delivery zones

Paying Taobao Domestic Shipping with Alipay

Step 1: Register for an Alipay Account

Download the Alipay app and register using the same mobile number as your Taobao account. This ensures smooth account linking.

Step 2: Complete Real-Name Verification

Real-name authentication is mandatory. Without it, your account may get frozen or limited. You’ll need to:

• Upload your passport or ID
• Take a selfie for verification
• Link a valid mobile number

Step 3: Bind Alipay to Taobao

Once verified, go to Taobao Settings > Payment Settings and link your Alipay account. Now you can use it directly for shipping payments and refunds.

Using a Credit Card to Pay Domestic Shipping

Change the Region and Language

• Switch the Taobao interface to English
• Set your region to a non-Chinese country, like the US or UK

Unlock the Credit Card Binding Option

Taobao hides this feature by default for Chinese users. Changing the language unlocks the card setup.

Bind Your Credit Card

Follow the prompts to enter your credit card details (Visa, MasterCard). You’ll need to verify your card via SMS or CVV code.

Now you can use your card to pay for domestic shipping — especially useful for returns and third-party shipping requests.

Alipay vs. Credit Card: Which Is Better?

Verdict: If you shop on Taobao regularly, Alipay is the most reliable option. Credit cards are convenient but less integrated.

Are You Responsible for Domestic Shipping Costs?

In most cases:

• ✅ No need to pay for items with “包邮” (free shipping)
• ❌ You must pay if you initiate a return
• 🚚 If you use international forwarding, you’ll first pay domestic shipping from seller → warehouse

Check your seller’s shipping policy or consult customer service if unsure.

How to Pay for International Shipping on Taobao

Using Cainiao Consolidated Shipping, here’s what to do:

1. Wait until all parcels arrive at the warehouse
2. Select the items to ship internationally
3. Choose your shipping method (air, sea, etc.)
4. Select payment method: Alipay, WeChat Pay, or credit card
5. Confirm and pay in one click

You’ll receive a tracking number and shipping estimate shortly after.

Common Payment Issues and How to Fix Them

FAQs About Paying Shipping on Taobao

1. Do all Taobao sellers offer free domestic shipping?
   No. Most do, but some charge for rural areas or special services.
2. Can I use PayPal to pay for Taobao shipping?
   No. Taobao does not support PayPal. Use Alipay or a credit card instead.
3. Can I pay in foreign currency?
   Yes — Alipay and international credit cards automatically convert your currency to RMB.
4. What if the seller asks me to pay for return shipping?
   You can pay via Alipay or bank transfer depending on their instructions.
5. Can I track my domestic shipping separately?
   Yes. After payment, Taobao provides tracking for both domestic and international segments.
6. Is WeChat Pay accepted on Taobao?
   Only in limited cases. It’s better to rely on Alipay for full compatibility.

Conclusion: Paying Taobao Shipping Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Paying for Taobao domestic shipping is simple once you’ve set up Alipay or a credit card. Whether it’s a refund, return, or international forwarding, you’ll be equipped to handle it confidently.

Follow the setup steps above, keep your account verified, and check seller terms before ordering — and your shipping process will be smooth from China to your doorstep.

How to Pay on Taobao with Credit Card in 2025 (No Alipay)

The first time I tried to buy something from Taobao while living outside China, I hit a wall: Alipay registration required a Chinese phone number and ID.

Even though I registered an account using my own phone number, I was unable to complete the real name verification by submitting my passport or other identification documents during the user authentication stage. Alipay has closed my account. Will I no longer be able to use Taobao?

For many overseas users, this alone is enough to give up.

But here’s the good news: Taobao now supports international credit cards — no Alipay required.

If you’ve been hesitating to shop on Taobao just because of the payment issue, this guide is for you.

First, Make Sure You’re in the Right Region

Taobao only shows international payment methods when it detects that you’re outside mainland China.

• Step 1: Switch your region to outside of China — this can be done automatically based on IP, or manually in app settings.
• Step 2: Change the language to English.

Go to My Taobao > Tap the gear icon on the top right > Language Settings > English

Now you’re ready to move forward.

How to Add a Credit Card on Taobao

Once you’ve set your app to the international version, follow these steps:

• Go to “My Taobao”
  Open the app and tap on “My” (bottom right corner)

• Enter the Settings Menu
  Tap the gear icon in the top right
• Tap “Payment Settings”
  Scroll down to find Payment Settings and enter the submenu

1. Select “Payment Method”
   Tap Payment Method, then look for the orange button that says “Add now”

• Enter Your Credit Card Info
  Fill in:
  
  
  
  • Card number
  
  
  • Expiry date
  
  
  • CVV (security code)
  
  

  Click Save, and you’re done.
  

Your card is now linked to your Taobao account and ready for use.

Credit Card vs Alipay: What’s the Difference?

Verdict: If you’re shopping from overseas, credit card is the easiest and most straightforward option available right now.

Credit Cards Supported by Taobao

As of 2025, the following card types are accepted:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• JCB
• American Express
• Discover
• UnionPay (for international cards)

Note: You must use a card that supports international online purchases. Some local debit cards may not work.

FAQ: Paying Taobao with a Credit Card

Q1: Will I be charged in RMB or my local currency?
A: Your card will be charged in RMB. Your bank will handle the currency conversion, usually at their own exchange rate.

Q2: Do I need to use Alipay after linking my credit card?
A: No. Once your credit card is linked via “Payment Method,” you can skip Alipay entirely.

Q3: Is it safe to store my credit card info on Taobao?
A: Yes. Taobao uses encrypted servers and secure channels. However, you can remove the card anytime from the same menu.

Q4: My card was declined. What should I do?
A: Try using a different card, or contact your bank to ensure it supports foreign online payments. Also confirm your region is not set to China.

Q5: Can I use PayPal instead?
A: No. As of now, Taobao does not support PayPal for payments.

Final Thoughts

Being able to shop on Taobao without needing a Chinese phone number, ID, or Alipay account opens up huge possibilities for international buyers. Whether you’re buying tech accessories, fashion, or niche Chinese brands, adding a credit card is now just a few taps away.

If you’ve been avoiding Taobao because of the payment hurdle — it might be time to try again.

Taobao English Guide: Change Language in One Minute

The first time I used Taobao, I was completely lost

I had heard that Taobao was the place to shop for trendy, affordable products directly from China — clothes, gadgets, home décor, and more. But when I opened the website, I was met with an ocean of Chinese text. No “Translate” button in sight, and Google Translate couldn’t handle the entire interface. I almost gave up.

Until I figured out the language switch trick — and it only took a minute.

If you’re also stuck wondering how to change Taobao to English, here’s your complete guide for both desktop and mobile. Whether you’re shopping from the U.S., Canada, UAE, or anywhere else, this will save you hours of frustration.

Desktop: How to Switch Taobao to English Language

When you visit taobao.com, the default language is Simplified Chinese, tailored to mainland China users. But here’s the shortcut to activate Taobao English mode:

Step-by-Step:

• Open the left navigation bar (on the homepage).
• Look for the word “language” (or a globe icon). Click it.
• In the dropdown, select English (EN).
• Done — the main interface will now show categories and navigation in English.

Can’t find the “language” option?

That likely means your location is still set to mainland China, which hides the language settings for overseas users. Here’s how to fix it:

• On the left sidebar, find the first button that refers to region or delivery country.
• Change your location to “Global” or an English-speaking country like United States or Canada (You can find a table at the bottom of the article to search for the Chinese name of your country).
• Refresh the page. You’ll now see the Language menu with “English” available.

Mobile App: How to Use Taobao in English Language

Taobao’s app doesn’t default to English either, but you can switch it in under a minute. Here’s how.

Step-by-Step (Mobile Version):

• Open the Taobao app.
• Tap the bottom-right tab: “My Taobao” (我的淘宝).
• Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to enter Settings.
• In the settings menu, find and tap:
  
  “Country/Region – Language – Currency” （国家与地区 / 语言 / 货币）
• A popup menu will appear. Select the second option: Language (语言).
• Choose English from the list.
• Once saved, your app interface will reload in English. You’ll see product categories, settings, and cart information all localized.

Common Country Name and English Name Conversion Table

When using the Taobao English language version, many users find that the country names still appear in Chinese, which can make it difficult to select the correct location. To make this process easier, we’ve prepared a Chinese-to-English country name reference table. This will help you quickly find and match your country’s name, ensuring you choose the right option when setting your shipping address or adjusting your location preferences. 

Why Taobao English Mode Matters

• Easier Navigation: No need to copy-paste into Google Translate.
• Safer Purchases: Understand what you’re clicking, avoid accidental charges.
• Better Filters: Categories, shipping, and seller ratings become readable.
• Time Savings: You can actually enjoy browsing instead of decoding menus.

Whether you’re sourcing wholesale items for your small business or buying a limited-edition item from a Chinese seller, turning on Taobao English mode makes the experience way more user-friendly.

Bonus Tip: Use GoNest for International Delivery

Even after switching to English, you’ll notice that Taobao doesn’t support direct shipping to many countries. That’s where GoNest comes in.

GoNest is a parcel forwarder and freight specialist that gives you a Chinese warehouse address. You:

• Buy items on Taobao
• Ship to your GoNest warehouse in China
• Let them consolidate, pack, and send your items internationally

This is especially useful for countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others where Taobao doesn’t offer direct shipping or has high customs risk.

You can even ship sensitive goods, branded products, or multiple parcels combined into one to reduce cost.

Frequently Asked Questions: Taobao English Mode

1. Why can’t I find the English language option on Taobao?

You probably still have your region set to mainland China. The language menu is only visible to users whose location is set to “Global” or another country where English is a supported interface language. Try changing the country first, then refresh the page.

2. Does switching Taobao to English translate product descriptions too?

Not completely. The site’s main navigation, categories, and buttons will appear in English, but individual product listings are often written in Chinese by sellers. You can use browser-based tools like Google Translate for those parts or rely on image-based product reviews.

3. Is there a full English version of the Taobao app?

No official fully-English version exists. But once you switch the interface language to English (as shown in the mobile guide), most menus and navigation buttons will be localized. It’s still usable, especially when combined with tools like Google Lens for translating images.

4. Can I change the currency too?

Yes. In the same settings menu where you change the language, you can also set your preferred currency — such as USD, EUR, or AED. Note, however, that sellers still list prices in RMB (CNY), and exchange rates may vary slightly.

5. Why doesn’t Taobao ship to my country?

Taobao has limited international shipping coverage. Many countries like the U.S., UAE, Australia, and Canada are not directly supported for all product categories. For that reason, most international buyers use a parcel forwarding service like GoNest to get their packages delivered globally.

6. How do I use Taobao if I don’t speak Chinese at all?

Use the English interface, rely on product photos, check user reviews, and consider messaging sellers with simple, translated Chinese via tools like DeepL or ChatGPT. Also, consider shopping through a proxy agent or freight forwarder who can help you handle the details.

7. Is it safe to shop on Taobao as an international buyer?

Yes — as long as you take precautions:

• Buy from sellers with good ratings and many reviews
• Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true”
• Use services like GoNest to ensure safe, consolidated shipping
• Always double-check product sizes, shipping methods, and return policies

Final Thoughts

Getting started with Taobao in English is surprisingly easy — once you know the tricks. Whether you’re shopping as a hobby or running a full-blown reselling business, a smooth interface is the first step toward smart international shopping.

Combine that with a reliable forwarder like GoNest, and you’ve got access to one of the world’s most powerful e-commerce ecosystems — on your terms, in your language.