Table of Contents
So you've found some amazing deals on Taobao and you're ready to click that checkout button. But wait—does Taobao ship worldwide? If you’re not based in China, that’s probably your first big question. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about Taobao shipping in plain, friendly English.
Does Taobao Ship Internationally?
A lot of people assume that Taobao ships everywhere in the world—but that's not exactly true.
Yes, Taobao does offer international shipping, but only to a limited number of countries. As of now, Taobao supports official shipping to:
- Canada
- Australia, New Zealand
- Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
- Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Does Taobao Ship to the UK & Europe?
Does Taobao ship to UK? Nope. Not directly. If you’re in the UK, Europe, Africa, or South America, you will need a third-party shipping service (Forwarder) to get your goods.
The "Hidden" Challenge: Language & Warehouse Settings
Before you even start shopping, you need to set up your app correctly. This is where most international users get stuck. Here is how to unlock the "Global" mode:
- Go to your Taobao account “我的淘宝” and click “设置” (Settings).
- Find "国家与地区/语言/货币” (Country/Region/Language/Currency).
- Country/Region: Select your country. (If your country isn't listed, please select “Global” (全球)).
- Language: Select “English” (Note: Thailand users may see Thai).
- Currency: Select “USD” (Dollar). Taobao provides settlement in about 30 currencies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy from Taobao
1. How to Register for a Taobao Account
- Use your mobile number to register: Go to the sign-up page and select your country code.
- Alternative Method (Recommended): Download Alipay first. Register for an Alipay account, then use Alipay’s "Quick Login" to access Taobao.
Pro Tip: Once you link Alipay to your Taobao account, it also works for Xiaohongshu, Xianyu, and 1688! This creates a seamless ecosystem where you don't have to register separately for every China shopping app. It’s the ultimate key to unlocking all major Chinese platforms.
You can register with international mobile numbers. You can also log in via Google, Apple, Facebook, or Alipay.
2. How to Browse Products
Even with the English setting, product descriptions are often in Chinese.
- Switch to English in App: As mentioned above, go to Settings > Language > English.
- Use Translation Tools: Use Google Chrome's "Translate this page" or the Google Translate image feature for product details.
Taobao's English version is only available in select regions. If you don't see it, stick to the "Global" region and use a translator.
3. How to Set Your Shipping Address
This step is critical depending on whether you are using Official Shipping or a Forwarder (like JiyunService).
- Go to “设置” (Settings) → “收货地址” (Shipping Address).
- For Official Shipping: Select your actual country (e.g., USA), and fill in your home address.
-
For JiyunService (Forwarder): You must fill in the Chinese Warehouse Address provided by us.
Example: 广东省深圳市 18129855839 邮编:518129
Third-party forwarder warehouses do NOT show up in the "International Shipping" options on the app. You treat them as a domestic Chinese address.
4. Payment
Link your Visa/Mastercard, or use Apple Pay/Google Pay directly in the app.
How to Ship: Official vs. Third-Party
Option A: Taobao Official International Shipping
If you are in the USA, Australia, or Singapore, you might see these options:
- Direct Shipping (Air/Sea): Items ship straight to you. Fast but expensive.
- Consolidated Shipping (Official): Multiple items go to an official warehouse, get combined, and then ship. Includes Economy Air, Standard Air, and Sea Freight.
Option B: Third-Party Forwarder (The "Unlimited" Option)
Does Taobao say "No shipping to your region"? Or are you buying items marked "Prohibited"? This is where a forwarder comes in.
A forwarder gives you a Chinese address. You buy on Taobao → Ship to Forwarder → Forwarder ships to you (Anywhere in the world).
What You Can & Can't Ship (Crucial Guide)
Taobao's official shipping is very strict. They often reject batteries, liquids, and branded items. Third-party forwarders like JiyunService have specialized lines to handle these "Sensitive Goods".
| Category | Products | Shipping Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Items | Phones, Laptops |
Non-lithium batteries are okay. Batteries are a safety hazard. Official shipping usually rejects them, but Forwarders have special battery lines. |
| Liquids, Creams, Powders | Sunscreen, Toothpaste, Cosmetics |
Limit to 500ml, no alcohol. Liquids can leak. Powders are risky. Specialized packing is required. |
| Luxury/Branded Goods | Watches, Jewelry, Designer Bags |
Third-party forwarders CAN ship. Official Taobao shipping often blocks branded items ("replicas" or authentic) due to copyright risks. |
| Magnetic Items | Speakers, Headphones |
Third-party forwarders CAN ship. Magnets interfere with aviation instruments, so they need special handling. |
| CDs & DVDs | Records, Films, Tapes |
Third-party forwarders CAN ship. Copyright regulations make these hard to ship officially. |
| Prohibited Goods | Live Animals, Frozen Items, Flammables, Alcohol, White Powder |
⛔ STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Neither Taobao nor Forwarders can ship these. |
Just because you can buy it on Taobao doesn't mean it can legally enter your country via standard mail. Always check regulations.
Third-party forwarders can handle "Sensitive Goods" (Liquids, Batteries, Brands) at reasonable prices using special logistics channels.
Why Use a Third-Party Forwarder (JiyunService)?
If you aren't in a supported country, or if you want to buy "Sensitive Goods" (like a power bank or snacks), JiyunService is your best solution.
The JiyunService Advantage
- Global Reach: We ship to Europe, Africa, South America, and everywhere else Taobao Official doesn't reach.
- Sensitive Goods Expert: We can ship electronics, cosmetics, and branded items that official shipping rejects.
- Human Support: Real human customer service to guide you (in English!) and help with translations.
- Duty-Free Options: We offer "Tax-Inclusive" lines for many countries, so you don't have to worry about customs clearance or surprise fees.
- Free Photos & Inspection: We check your items when they arrive at our warehouse to ensure they aren't damaged or wrong.
If you've ever asked "does Taobao ship worldwide?"—this is your answer. Let JiyunService handle the logistics.
Contact us on WhatsappFrequently Asked Questions
Can I order from Taobao if I live outside of China?
Not directly for all countries. But with parcel forwarders like JiyunService, you can ship from Taobao to almost anywhere.
Can Taobao deliver orders to Australia?
Yes! You can use Taobao’s official direct or consolidated shipping options.
Is Taobao shipping available for Canada?
Yes, but only through air shipping methods. Sea freight isn’t available via official channels.
Why can’t I save your warehouse address on Taobao?
This usually happens when your app region is set to International/Global. Switch to Mainland China in your Taobao app settings temporarily to add a Chinese warehouse address.
What is the cheapest way to ship from Taobao?
Using parcel consolidation (grouping many small items into one box) via a third-party forwarder usually gives you the best value.