China · Shopping, Classifieds & Parcels

Taobao

One of China's largest online marketplaces, part of Alibaba, known for its enormous variety of products from countless small sellers.

What it helps with

Buying almost anything at Chinese pricesMillions of sellers list clothes, electronics, household goods and spare parts, usually cheaper than in shops.
Shipping Taobao orders abroadTaobao’s official consolidation warehouse collects several orders and sends them abroad in one parcel for a separate shipping fee.
Paying with a foreign cardOrders are paid through Alipay with a linked Visa, Mastercard or JCB card; no Chinese bank account is needed.

About Taobao

Taobao (淘宝) is Alibaba's consumer-to-consumer and small-business marketplace, known for having an almost unlimited variety of products at highly competitive prices, from individual sellers and small shops rather than mostly branded retailers.

Key Features

Massive Product Variety: Millions of listings across nearly every product category imaginable.
Livestream Shopping: Popular livestream sales events where sellers demonstrate and sell products in real time.
Direct Seller Chat: Message sellers directly to ask questions or negotiate before purchasing.
Integrated Alipay Checkout: Seamless payment through the connected Alipay ecosystem.

How to Get Started

Download the Taobao app and register with a Chinese phone number.
Search or browse for the products you need.
Message the seller directly if you have questions before ordering.
Add items to your cart, choose delivery details, and pay via Alipay.

Before you use it

Good to know: The English interface appears only when the account region is set to a supported market such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong or Macau, not mainland China.
Fees: Through Alipay, foreign-card payments above ¥200 carry a 3% fee plus your bank’s exchange fee.
Limits: Most sellers ship only within mainland China; batteries, liquids, powders, food and knives are often refused for consolidation abroad.

Foreign card OK

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Taobao work with a foreign bank card in China?: Yes - Taobao accepts foreign-issued cards in China.
Is Taobao available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Taobao?: No, an international phone number generally works for Taobao.
Do I need local ID or residency for Taobao?: No, Taobao doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
Where can I use Taobao?: iOS · Android · Web
How much does Taobao cost?: Free to use; goods priced by sellers, shipping within China often free; consolidation abroad is paid