Tag: Taobao Guide

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.

Where Can You Buy Counterfeit Goods from China?

The first time I saw those “fake Nike” or “replica Adidas” shoes was in a wholesale market in Guangzhou. Rows of sports sneakers, all marked with familiar swooshes or three stripes, but priced at only a tenth of the real ones. You might ask: if everyone knows they’re fake, why are so many people still buying them?

It’s not just Chinese customers—buyers from Southeast Asia, Africa, and even Europe travel here to find these goods.

Why Are Fake Branded Products So Popular?

The answer is simple: brand premiums are too high. A pair of genuine sneakers can easily cost over 1,000 RMB, while these “version shoes” that look almost identical are sold for just a little over 100 RMB. With little visible difference and a much higher cost-performance ratio, many consider this a “smart” way to shop.

Why Are Counterfeit Goods So Common in China?

In China, “high-copy” and “1:1 replicas” are practically open secrets—especially for sportswear, fashion, and luxury goods. Brands like Nike, Adidas, LV, and Gucci have entire underground manufacturing chains behind them—from mold making and sample development to full-scale production and distribution.

According to data from the China E-Commerce Research Center, over 80 million pieces of counterfeit branded shoes and clothing were circulated through online platforms in the first half of 2023 alone. That doesn’t even include offline sales or exported products.

One supplier in Fujian told me he sells more than 200,000 pairs of “version shoes” a year—80% of which are exported overseas, to countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa, and even Spain. Most of his clients are small boutique sellers or social media merchants on Facebook or Shopee.

How Do Overseas Buyers Ship These Fake Goods?

That’s a question I didn’t consider seriously until later.

Most international customers don’t ship these “sensitive items” via regular couriers. The reason is simple: brand infringement. If customs inspects them, the items are confiscated.

Instead, most use a consolidation logistics platform like GeeseNest, which specializes in shipping sensitive items from China.

Why GeeseNest Works for Shipping Counterfeit Goods

GeeseNest is experienced in handling goods like replica shoes, branded apparel, and electronic devices. Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Privacy Protection: Packages are sorted and packed to hide brand identifiers and reduce interception risk. They also offer proper customs declarations.
• DDP All-Inclusive Service: They offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service. This means GeeseNest handles all steps—from export customs clearance to destination country taxes and delivery—so the sender doesn’t need to worry.
• Stable Pricing: Their shipping routes are reliable, pricing is transparent, and channels are matched based on cargo type.

Example: A client from France uses GeeseNest to ship 3–4 boxes of “version shoes” every month. Each pair costs under ¥25 to ship. From warehouse to doorstep, delivery takes 7–10 days. His monthly sales revenue has grown from several thousand euros to over €20,000.

Why Choose “High-Copy” Chinese Goods?

From fake Adidas and Nike to replica luxury bags like Gucci and LV, there’s a full gray-market ecosystem in China. Here’s why consumers go for them:

• Excellent Value: 300 RMB can get you a pair of sneakers that closely mimic the real thing—sometimes even in feel and build quality.
• High Brand Premiums: More rational consumers don’t want to overpay just for a logo.
• Mature Chinese Manufacturing: Many authentic branded products are made in China too, so replicas often look and feel very similar.

A 2024 survey by the China Cross-border Consumer Report shows that 18% of international shoppers admit to buying “unofficial branded items”, mostly shoes and clothing.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Replica Brands on Taobao and Ship via GeeseNest

Step 1: Register on Taobao

• Visit Taobao International or download the Taobao app.
• Sign up using your mobile number (international numbers accepted).
• For the shipping address, use the Chinese warehouse address provided by GeeseNest.

Step 2: Search for Products

Avoid searching for “Nike” directly. Instead, try terms like:

• “AF1 高仿” (AF1 Replica)
• “Adidas 三叶草 精仿” (Adidas Trefoil High-Copy)

Look for:

• Product videos
• Clear real photos
• Authentic customer reviews
• Store ratings and trust level

Message the seller to confirm size, color, and delivery to your China warehouse.

Step 3: Ship to GeeseNest China Warehouse

• Ask GeeseNest for your warehouse address with your customer code.
• During checkout on Taobao, use this address as the shipping address.
• Inform GeeseNest of the tracking number and expected arrival date.

How GeeseNest Ships These Replica Items to You

GeeseNest is a cross-border logistics company focused on sensitive goods and personal consolidation shipping. They’re experts in handling gray-area items, especially counterfeit or branded replicas.

How It Works:

1. Register on GeeseNest
   • Go to www.geesenest.com
   • Sign up and complete identity verification
2. Get Your Chinese Warehouse Address
   • After registration, you’ll be assigned a unique China warehouse address
   • Use this for all Chinese e-commerce purchases
3. Submit Pre-Arrival Notice
   • Every time you buy something on Taobao or Pinduoduo, log in to GeeseNest and submit your shipment notice
   • Include tracking number, product type, platform, and value
4. Consolidate & Choose Shipping Option
   • GeeseNest will combine your packages for cheaper international shipping
   • Choose between air freight or sea freight
   • Services include Sensitive Cargo Shipping, DDP Delivery, and Customs-Inclusive Plans
5. Pay and Wait
   • Shipping fees are calculated based on weight and route
   • Pay via WeChat, Alipay, or credit card
   • Delivery typically takes 7–15 days. Sensitive goods may take longer.

Is There Risk in Shipping Counterfeit Goods?

Absolutely. If customs finds counterfeit goods, they’ll be confiscated—and you could face legal trouble depending on your country’s laws.

GeeseNest offers discreet channels and guidance, but even they remind customers: sensitive goods aren’t always illegal, but they often involve brand violations. You must weigh the risk.

From my personal experience, shipping counterfeit items feels like walking a tightrope—the profit margins can be high, but if mishandled, you could lose everything.

That’s why working with a professional logistics partner like GeeseNest is essential. Whether you’re buying Air Jordans, Adidas Yeezy, or an LV chain bag from Taobao, a safe, traceable shipping process is the best experience an international buyer can have.