Guide
How to buy from Taobao from abroad
You can buy almost anything on Taobao from outside China. The steps are finding the item, checking the seller and the size, and getting it shipped, either by yourself or through an agent.
1. Find the item
- Search in Chinese. Taobao search works best with Chinese terms. A translator is fine for simple words like 连衣裙 (dress) or 厚底鞋 (platform shoes).
- Use image search. In the app, tap the camera icon and upload a photo. This finds the same item from several shops.
- Ask an agent. Send us a photo or description and we search for you.
2. Read the listing
- Price: listings show a range; the real price depends on the colour and size you pick (SKU).
- Pre-sale (预售): ships later, sometimes weeks later. The date is in the listing.
- Size chart (尺码表): garment measurements in cm. Compare with your measurements.
- Buyer photos and reviews (评价): the best way to see real colour and fit.
3. Check the seller
Look at the shop's rating, how long it has been open, the number of sales and whether reviews mention problems. Tmall stores are official brand shops.
4. Order and pay
Yourself: create a Taobao account, add a card or Alipay, and order to a forwarder's warehouse address in China, or use Taobao's official international shipping where your country and item are covered.
With an agent: send the link with colour, size and quantity. The agent quotes, buys, inspects and ships. See how it works.
5. Ship it
Combine items into one parcel, choose a line and pay any import tax. Delivery times and taxes for your country are on our country pages.
Ordering yourself vs with an agent
| Yourself | With us | |
|---|---|---|
| Account and payment | Needed | Not needed |
| Chinese | Needed for chat and problems | We handle it |
| Shipping abroad | Official shipping (some countries) or a forwarder | Included |
| Inspection | None, unless you use a forwarder | 3 photos per item |
| Cost | Lower if everything goes well | 8% service fee (min $5 per order) |
Questions
Can I order from Taobao to the USA?
Yes, through an agent. Taobao's own international shipping has limited US coverage and most sellers only ship within China. See Taobao to the US.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
To use Taobao yourself you need an account, which usually needs a phone number for verification. With an agent you don't need an account at all.
How do I search Taobao in English?
Use the app's English interface where available, or translate your search terms into Chinese. Image search often works better than words. See Taobao in English.