How to use Taobao in English? Your step-by-step guide to shop on Taobao

Have you heard of Taobao - China's leading e-commerce platform? You can find literally everything there: pens, clothes, gadgets, cosmetics, and even furniture at bargain prices!

However, the website is entirely in Chinese, which can be a problem for non-native speakers who want to shop there. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the English-friendly version of Taobao, step-by-step and without the need for intermediaries. This way, you can save money and get access to a wider range of products.

Is Taobao available in English?

In short - no. Taobao primarily operates in Chinese, and the website is not fully available in English. However, there are ways to navigate and use Taobao in English and here's how.

Step 1: Translate Taobao to English

The most convenient way to translate Taobao to English is through a web translator. We highly recommend Google Chrome for the best user experience.

• Make sure that your ‘Preferred languages' is in English. You can turn on this feature by accessing Languages from Settings.

• Next, you can visit Taobao’s official website using Google Chrome. A request to translate your Taobao to English will pop up. Choose ‘English’, and then your Chrome will automatically translate the website.

Step 2: Create your free Taobao account

The next step is to create your Taobao account. You can follow these steps to sign up:

• Click ‘free registration’ or 免费注册 (Miǎnfèi zhùcè) in the upper left corner of the website. You will be transferred to the registration page.

• Switch to the English version of the registration page.
• Enter your phone number and click ‘Request Verification Code’

• Swipe right as required by the system.

• Your verification code will be sent to the Mobile Number that you provided. Hit ‘Resend’ if you do not receive this code.
• Enter this code and click ‘Agree and Register’

Step 3: Find your next favourite items on Taobao English

Once you have finished setting up your account, it’s time to shop for your next favourite items!

Use the search bar on the Taobao website to search for specific items. There are 3 ways you can get to your items:

1. Search in English: Simply type the items in Taobao English. However, keep in mind that English language searches may not pull up as many results as Chinese. But, most often, you will only face the problem of overloaded choices anyway- And, Taobao has filters available to narrow down your search.
2. Search in Chinese: Use Google Translate to get the Chinese term. It is not a perfect solution, but it is still very helpful because Taobao can still give your research with keywords.
3. Search with images: This cool feature of Taobao breaks all the language barriers. Not sure how to describe what you want in words? Click on the camera icon on the search bar, then you can search using a photo of it.

So rest assured, no matter which search method you choose, you can confidently find what you're looking for on Taobao. If you don’t have any specific items you are looking for, you can navigate using the category sidebar on the left of the page.

Step 4: Verify product descriptions and seller information

Taobao is a paradise for dirt-cheap goods! However, like with any online shopping, it's important to be careful and make sure you're buying from a trustworthy seller. Some sellers might not provide the best service or sell low-quality items. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, take a moment to read through the product descriptions carefully, and check out the reviews from other customers. This way, you can have a fun and stress-free shopping experience on Taobao, and get some amazing deals while you're at it!

Step 5: Talk to the seller

Often when you want to order customised goods or are unsure about which size of T-shirt to choose, talking to the seller to confirm the details can be a great help! This way, you can ensure you get your items exactly as you want them. You can contact the sellers by clicking on the Aliwangwang (阿里旺旺) button next to the connect information, or you can find this button in the right-sided bar.

Step 6: Place your order

After you decide that you want to purchase the items, it’s time to place your order:

• Check and confirm the items in your shopping cart. If you are a new user, Taobao will ask you to set up your address. You can refer to the below photo to fill in your personal information. Don't forget to tick the box to save your details for future orders.

• Choose your preferred shipping method. The delivery fee will vary depending on your choice. Or you can even contact the seller to ship the goods to negotiate for a better fee.
• Hit Submit Order.

Step 7: Pay for your order

AlipayHK and credit cards are normally the primary methods used by Taobao. If you have never used AlipayHK before, you can create an account now. However, as a foreigner, it is more convenient to use your credit or debit card. It is worth noting that Taobao charges a 3% fee for using an international card.² Additionally, your card issuer may also charge a fee.

Step 8: Track your order

Ta-da! You have already placed your order! Now your package is on the way to you. You can check the status of your shipment on the Taobao website by clicking on the Cross-border Logistics Management tab.

Additional tips on Taobao to save even more

Choose your best delivery methods

Usually, smaller items may be sent by airmail directly to you. But if you want to buy from different sellers all at once but don’t want to spend too much on shipping costs, you might choose a consolidated delivery option to have several items sent at once either by air or sea

When you buy from different stores on Taobao, the shipments will arrive at the warehouse in turn. Once you have everything in the warehouse, you can start ordering shipping.

Don’t want your items anymore?

Or in case the items you received are not up to your expectations, you may initiate a return process to get a refund. Make sure your items are eligible for a return before you purchase. Usually, you have up to 7-15 days from when you received the item to do this, depending on where you live.

It's also a good idea to talk to the seller first to avoid any unexpected fees. To apply for a return, just click on "Return & Refund" in your order, give your reasons for returning the item, and attach pictures if you need to. Then follow the instructions to send the item back to the shipping company.

Taobao is the place to go for cheap goods- home to almost everything with a good deal, from everyday essentials to fashion accessories, cool technology and housewares. Looking to navigate around Taobao? This guide will help you start!

Apart from Taobao, there are numerous cheap deals you can find from Chinese e-commerce platforms or merchants. Need to send money to mainland China for purchases? With Wise, you can send money to CNY at mid-market exchange rates for a low fee.

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