So you’ve stumbled on AliExpress while hunting for deals, and now you’re wondering if it actually works for someone in the USA. Maybe you’ve seen prices that seem impossibly low, or maybe you’re just tired of Amazon’s markup on certain products. Either way, you’re here because you want to know: does this Chinese marketplace actually deliver to America, and what’s the catch?
Here’s the straightforward answer: yes, AliExpress ships to the USA, and millions of Americans use it successfully every year. But it’s not Amazon. Shipping takes longer, you’ll need to understand how new 2025 tariffs work, and you need to know which sellers are trustworthy. This isn’t complicated, but it does require knowing what you’re getting into.
This guide covers everything: how to create an account, which payment methods work best for US shoppers, realistic delivery timelines, the new customs situation after the August 2025 de minimis changes, buyer protection details, and when AliExpress makes sense versus just ordering from Amazon. No fluff, just what you actually need to know.
TL;DR: AliExpress USA Quick Facts
Does AliExpress deliver to the USA? Yes, to all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Typical delivery time: 10-25 days for standard shipping; 5-12 days for premium options.
Import taxes: Since August 29, 2025, ALL packages from China (and everywhere else) are subject to duties and tariffs. The old $800 duty-free threshold is gone.
Best payment method: Major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). PayPal works on some listings.
Key thing to know: You’re buying directly from Chinese sellers, not from a single warehouse. This means variable quality and seller reliability. Check ratings carefully.
Does AliExpress Deliver to the USA?
Yes. AliExpress ships to the entire United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories. The platform has been operating in the US market since 2010, and American shoppers represent one of their largest customer bases outside Asia.
When you enter a US shipping address during checkout, you’ll see which sellers ship to your location and what shipping methods they offer. Most products on AliExpress will ship to the US, but some sellers restrict certain items based on shipping complexity or customs regulations.
The platform works with multiple carriers to get packages from China to your door, primarily through Cainiao (Alibaba’s logistics arm), USPS for last-mile delivery, and express carriers like DHL or FedEx for premium options.
How to Create an AliExpress Account in the USA
Setting up an AliExpress account from the US is straightforward.
Step 1: Go to aliexpress.com (or download the AliExpress app from iOS/Android app stores).
Step 2: Click “Account” in the top right corner, then “Join.”
Step 3: You can sign up using:
- Email address and password
- Google account
- Facebook account
- Apple ID
Step 4: If using email, AliExpress will send a verification code to your inbox. Enter it to verify your account.
Step 5: Add your US shipping address in your account settings. Make sure the address format is correct (street address, city, state, ZIP code).
Phone verification: AliExpress may ask you to verify a phone number for security. US mobile numbers work fine here.
Common registration issues:
- If verification emails don’t arrive, check spam folders
- Use a strong password (AliExpress requires a mix of letters and numbers)
- Make sure your email isn’t already registered with another account
Once your account is set up, you can start browsing. No fees or subscriptions required just to have an account.
AliExpress Login & Account Access from the USA
Logging into AliExpress from the US works like any standard e-commerce platform.
Access your account by clicking “Account” in the top right corner and entering your email/password or using your linked Google/Facebook/Apple account.
Common login issues US users face:
- Forgotten passwords: Use the “Forgot Password” link to reset via email
- Account locked after multiple failed attempts: Wait 24 hours or contact support
- Two-factor authentication issues: Make sure your phone can receive SMS codes
Account security tips:
- Enable two-factor authentication in account settings
- Don’t use the same password you use for Amazon or banking
- Log out on shared devices
- Watch for phishing emails pretending to be from AliExpress (always check the sender domain)
The platform remembers your login on trusted devices, so you won’t have to re-enter credentials every time.
Payment Methods Available in the USA
For US shoppers, AliExpress accepts several payment options.
Credit and Debit Cards (Most Popular)
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
This is the most widely accepted payment method across all sellers. Your card issuer provides an additional layer of buyer protection through chargeback rights if something goes wrong.
PayPal Available on select listings, but not universal. Whether you can use PayPal depends on the individual seller. Look for the blue PayPal badge on product pages. PayPal adds an extra protection layer since you can file disputes through both AliExpress and PayPal.
Digital Wallets
- Google Pay (Android users)
- Apple Pay (iOS users)
These work if you’re shopping via the mobile app or mobile browser. Your card details are stored securely in your phone’s wallet.
AliPay AliExpress’s own payment system. You link a credit/debit card to AliPay, then pay through the AliPay interface. Offers periodic bonuses and discounts. Works smoothly but adds an extra account setup step.
What doesn’t work:
- Direct bank transfers (too slow, high fees)
- Western Union (outdated, inconvenient)
- Cash on delivery (not available for international shipping)
Best choice for US shoppers: Use a major credit card. You get fraud protection, chargeback rights, and it works everywhere. If PayPal is available and you prefer it, that works too.
Currency: Prices display in USD when you select “Ship to: United States” at the top of the page. You’ll be charged in dollars, no confusing conversion needed.
Shipping Times to the USA: What to Expect
This is where AliExpress differs most from Amazon.
Realistic Delivery Timelines:
Standard Shipping (AliExpress Standard Shipping):
- Timeline: 10-20 business days to most US locations
- Cost: Usually free or $1-3
- Tracking: Yes, updates once it enters the US (via USPS typically)
- Best for: Non-urgent items where you can wait 2-3 weeks
Premium Shipping (AliExpress Premium Shipping):
- Timeline: 5-12 business days
- Cost: $5-15 depending on item and seller
- Tracking: More frequent updates, better reliability
- Best for: Items you want faster but don’t want to pay express courier rates
Economy/Free Shipping:
- Timeline: 25-45 days (sometimes longer)
- Cost: Free
- Tracking: Limited or no tracking
- Best for: Very cheap items where you don’t care when they arrive
Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS):
- Timeline: 3-7 business days
- Cost: $15-40+
- Tracking: Full tracking from China to your door
- Best for: Urgent orders or high-value items
Ship From USA Option: Some sellers maintain warehouses in the US. If you see “Ships from: United States,” delivery is typically 1-7 days via domestic carriers. This is the fastest option but product selection is limited.
What affects delivery speed:
- Seller processing time (1-5 days before shipping)
- Customs clearance (2-5 days currently, sometimes longer)
- Your location (West Coast receives packages faster than East Coast since most shipments arrive in California)
- Holidays (Chinese New Year in January/February causes major delays; Christmas also slows final delivery)
- Current customs backlog due to the new tariff system
Example timeline breakdown:
- Order placed: Day 0
- Seller processes and ships: Days 1-3
- Package in transit from China: Days 4-15
- US customs clearance: Days 16-18
- USPS final delivery: Days 19-22
That’s a typical 3-week journey for standard shipping.
Tracking Your AliExpress Order to the USA
Once your order ships, you’ll get a tracking number.
Where to track:
- On AliExpress: Go to “My Orders” and click on the order
- Use tracking sites like 17track.net or Parcelsapp.com
- Check USPS.com once the package enters the US
What tracking updates look like:
- “Order dispatched” – seller handed package to carrier
- “Airline departure” – package left China
- “Arrival at destination country” – landed in the US
- “Customs clearance” – going through US Customs (this can take days with no updates)
- “Arrived at USPS facility” – handed to USPS for final delivery
- “Out for delivery” – on the truck heading to you
Common tracking frustrations:
- Long gaps with no updates (normal during ocean transit or customs)
- Tracking stops updating after “airline departure” and doesn’t resume until it hits a USPS facility
- Some economy shipping has zero tracking
If your tracking hasn’t updated in 10+ days: Don’t panic yet. Check if it’s stuck in customs or just in transit with no scan. Contact the seller through AliExpress messaging. If it’s been 30+ days with no movement, open a dispute.
Customs, Duties & Import Taxes in the USA (2025 Update)
This is the biggest change for US shoppers in 2025.
What changed: Until August 29, 2025, packages under $800 entered the US duty-free under something called “de minimis exemption.” That’s over.
For packages from China (effective May 2, 2025): All shipments from China and Hong Kong are now subject to tariffs, regardless of value.
For packages from all other countries (effective August 29, 2025): The de minimis exemption is eliminated globally. Every package gets assessed for duties.
What this means for you:
Tariff rates on Chinese goods: Currently, items from China face tariffs ranging from 54% to 125% depending on the product category and current trade policy. Yes, you read that right. Some items now have a 125% tariff.
How it works: When your package arrives in the US, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assesses:
- The declared value of the item
- The tariff classification (what type of product it is)
- The applicable tariff rate
- Any additional fees
You’ll be charged before the package is released for delivery. Carriers typically collect payment via:
- Email notification with payment link
- COD when package is delivered
- Pre-authorized charge to your card on file
For postal shipments (USPS): There’s a temporary flat-rate duty option (until February 28, 2026):
- $80 per package if the country’s effective tariff rate is under 16%
- $160 per package for tariff rates between 16-25%
- $200 per package for tariff rates above 25%
After February 28, 2026, all postal shipments move to ad valorem (percentage-based) duties.
Example: You order a $30 phone case from China. Under the old system (pre-May 2025), it arrived duty-free. Now, it could face a 54%+ tariff, meaning you might pay an additional $16+ in duties, bringing your total cost to $46+.
What you can do:
- Factor import costs into your purchase decision
- Look for “Ships from USA” options to avoid international tariffs
- Buy items where the AliExpress price + tariffs still beats Amazon’s price
- Check with the seller about declared value (though lying on customs forms is illegal)
Bottom line: AliExpress isn’t as cheap for US buyers as it used to be. You need to account for tariffs when comparing prices.
Buyer Protection for USA Users
AliExpress has a buyer protection program, and it works for US shoppers.
How it works: When you order, your payment is held in escrow. The seller doesn’t receive money until you confirm receipt or the buyer protection period expires.
Protection period: Typically 60-90 days from the order date. You’ll see the exact deadline in your order details.
What’s covered:
- Item doesn’t arrive
- Item significantly different from description
- Item arrives damaged or defective
- Wrong item sent
Opening a dispute: If something goes wrong, you can open a dispute through “My Orders.” Click “Open Dispute” and select:
- Refund only (item didn’t arrive or you want to keep a defective item)
- Return and refund (item is wrong and you’ll send it back)
Evidence required:
- Photos/videos showing the problem
- Communication with the seller (AliExpress wants to see you tried resolving it first)
- Tracking information
Typical outcomes:
- Full refund if item never arrived
- Partial refund if item has minor defects
- Full refund + return if item is completely wrong
Success tips:
- Always use the AliExpress messaging system (conversations outside the platform aren’t valid evidence)
- Take unboxing videos for expensive items
- Be specific about the issue
- Don’t accept the order until you’ve checked it
Refund timeline: Refunds typically process within 3-15 days after dispute resolution, returning to your original payment method.
Chargeback option: If buyer protection fails, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. This is your nuclear option.
Returns & Refunds from the USA
Returns from the US to China are possible but often impractical.
The reality: Shipping an item back to China from the US costs $20-50+ depending on package size. For a $10 item, this makes no financial sense.
Return process:
- Open a dispute requesting “Return and refund”
- AliExpress/seller approves return
- Seller provides return address (usually in China)
- You ship the item back (at your expense unless seller agrees otherwise)
- Seller confirms receipt
- Refund processes
Return shipping costs: Almost always paid by the buyer unless the seller explicitly agrees to cover it. Some sellers offer return labels, but this is rare.
When returns make sense:
- High-value items ($100+) where return shipping is worth it
- Items shipped from US warehouses (much cheaper to return domestically)
- When seller offers to cover return shipping
Alternative resolution: Many sellers will offer a partial refund (keep the item, get some money back) rather than deal with returns. This often makes more sense for both parties when return shipping costs more than the item.
Free return eligibility: Some listings advertise “free returns,” but read the fine print. This usually applies only to items shipped from warehouses in your country (US in this case), not items shipped from China.
Best approach: Before ordering, assume returns aren’t an option. Buy from high-rated sellers, read reviews carefully, and accept that if something goes wrong, you’ll likely negotiate a partial refund rather than returning the item.
Common Problems USA Shoppers Face (And Solutions)
Problem 1: Package never arrives
- Timeline: After buyer protection expires (60-90 days)
- Solution: Open dispute with tracking evidence. Almost always results in full refund if tracking shows no delivery.
Problem 2: Stuck in customs for weeks
- Cause: New tariff system causing backlogs, missing documentation, or random inspections
- Solution: Contact USPS or check CBP’s website. If it’s been 30+ days, open a dispute for non-delivery.
Problem 3: Unexpected tariff charges
- Cause: High tariffs on Chinese goods since May 2025
- Solution: Unfortunately, you have to pay them to receive the package. Factor this into future purchases.
Problem 4: Item looks nothing like the photos
- Cause: Deceptive listings or stock photos
- Solution: Open dispute with comparison photos. Usually results in partial or full refund.
Problem 5: Payment declined
- Cause: Bank flags international transaction, insufficient funds, card doesn’t support international purchases
- Solution: Call your bank to authorize AliExpress transactions. Try a different card. Use PayPal if available.
Problem 6: Seller not responding
- Cause: Time zone differences, seller ignoring messages, language barriers
- Solution: Wait 48 hours for response (it’s likely nighttime in China). If no response after 2-3 messages, skip straight to opening a dispute.
Problem 7: Wrong item received
- Cause: Warehouse mix-up, seller error
- Solution: Open dispute with photos of what you ordered vs. what arrived. Usually results in full refund without return.
Problem 8: Item damaged in shipping
- Cause: Poor packaging, rough handling
- Solution: Open dispute with damage photos. Outcome depends on severity, could be partial refund to full refund.
Problem 9: Quality is terrible
- Cause: You get what you pay for
- Solution: Check if the description was misleading. If the item matches the description but is just cheap quality, dispute success is unlikely.
Problem 10: Address not recognized
- Cause: New developments, rural routes, formatting issues
- Solution: Contact seller before ordering. Provide detailed address with landmarks. Consider using a PO Box if available.
Best Product Categories to Buy on AliExpress (For USA Shoppers)
Categories where AliExpress wins on value:
Electronics accessories Phone cases, charging cables, screen protectors, headphone adapters, cable organizers. Even with tariffs, these are often 50-70% cheaper than Amazon.
Home organization Drawer dividers, cable management, closet organizers, storage bins. Quality varies but prices are unbeatable.
Craft supplies Beads, jewelry-making supplies, scrapbooking materials, sewing notions. Huge selection, tiny prices.
DIY electronics Arduino components, LED strips, sensors, circuit boards. Tech hobbyists love AliExpress for this.
Fashion accessories Jewelry, hair accessories, scarves, bags. Hit or miss on quality, but prices allow experimentation.
Unique home decor Wall tapestries, throw pillows, fairy lights, quirky decorations you won’t find at Target.
Categories to avoid:
Branded electronics High risk of counterfeits. Buy name-brand phones, laptops, or cameras from authorized US retailers.
Cosmetics and skincare Quality concerns, potential counterfeits, ingredient safety questions. Not worth the risk.
Anything you need quickly If you need it this month, buy it locally or from Amazon.
Baby products Safety standards matter. Buy cribs, car seats, and baby gear from regulated US retailers.
Food and supplements Customs restrictions, quality concerns, health risks. Skip it.
Seasonal buying tip: Shop for Halloween costumes in August, Christmas decorations in September. You need that 3-week buffer.
Finding Trusted Sellers for USA Delivery
Not all sellers are equal. Here’s how to separate good from sketchy.
Seller rating: Look for 95%+ positive feedback. 98%+ is even better. Anything below 90% is a red flag.
Order count: Sellers with 1,000+ orders have a track record. 10,000+ orders means they’re established.
Shipping-to-USA verification: Check the seller’s stats to see how many US customers they’ve served. Look at reviews filtered by “United States” to see experiences from American buyers.
Response time: Good sellers respond to messages within 24-48 hours. If a seller takes days to reply before you order, imagine how slow they’ll be if something goes wrong.
Product reviews with photos: Scroll past the generic “great product” reviews and find ones with actual photos from US buyers. These show reality vs. listing photos.
Red flags to avoid:
- Brand-new sellers with zero feedback
- Sellers with recent negative review spikes
- Listings with obviously Photoshopped images
- Prices that seem impossibly low even for AliExpress
- Sellers who ask you to pay outside the AliExpress system
Communication tip: China is 12-15 hours ahead of US time zones (depending on whether it’s EST or PST). If you message at 9 AM US time, it’s already 9 PM or later in China. Expect responses during your evening/night when it’s their daytime.
How to verify a seller before ordering:
- Check their store page for how long they’ve been selling
- Read recent negative reviews to see common complaints
- Look at their dispute rate (lower is better)
- Confirm they have “Ships to: United States” on the product listing
- Message them with a simple question and gauge response quality
AliExpress vs. Amazon: When to Use Which
Both platforms have their place. Here’s when each makes sense.
Use AliExpress when:
- Price is your main concern and you can wait 2-3 weeks
- You’re buying accessories, small electronics, or craft supplies
- You’re looking for unique items not sold in the US market
- You’re ordering multiples and the savings scale up
- You’re OK with variable quality and doing your homework on sellers
Use Amazon when:
- You need it within a week
- Buying electronics, appliances, or branded items where counterfeits are risky
- Return convenience matters
- Paying extra for peace of mind is worth it
- You trust Amazon’s fulfillment quality
Price comparison reality:
Before May 2025, AliExpress often beat Amazon by 50-80% on comparable items. Now with tariffs, that gap has narrowed. You might find:
- Phone case on Amazon: $15
- Same case on AliExpress: $3 + $5 tariff = $8 (still cheaper, but not as dramatic)
Delivery speed comparison:
- Amazon Prime: 1-2 days
- Amazon non-Prime: 5-7 days
- AliExpress standard: 10-25 days
- AliExpress ships from USA: 3-7 days (when available)
There’s no contest on speed. Amazon dominates.
Quality comparison: Amazon has stricter seller vetting and FBA quality standards. AliExpress quality ranges from surprisingly good to laughably bad. You’re rolling the dice more on AliExpress.
Return ease: Amazon wins hands down. Free returns, prepaid labels, no questions asked for most items. AliExpress returns mean shipping to China at your expense.
Best use case for AliExpress in the USA: Small, non-urgent items where even with tariffs, you’re saving 30%+ compared to US retail. Things like phone accessories, organization supplies, craft materials, and DIY components.
Hybrid strategy: Many savvy shoppers use both. Buy essentials and time-sensitive items on Amazon. Buy accessories, experimental purchases, and bulk cheap items on AliExpress.
Tips for USA Shoppers Using AliExpress
1. Always check the “Ships from” location If it says “Ships from: United States,” you’ll get it faster and avoid international tariffs (though selection is limited and prices are higher than China shipping).
2. Factor tariff costs into your decision That $5 item might cost $8-12 after import duties. Is it still worth it versus the $15 Amazon version with 2-day shipping?
3. Order early for gifts Need something for Christmas? Order in October. Birthdays? Give yourself 6 weeks minimum.
4. Use AliExpress coins and coupons The platform offers discount coins, store coupons, and seasonal sales. Stack these for maximum savings.
5. Read reviews from US buyers specifically Filter reviews by “United States” to see delivery times and experiences relevant to you.
6. Screenshot everything When you order, screenshot the listing photos, description, specifications, and price. Sellers sometimes edit listings after you order.
7. Don’t order consumables or safety-critical items Supplements, cosmetics, baby gear, helmets… buy these from regulated US sources.
8. Check seller processing time Some sellers take 7+ days just to ship after you order. This delays everything.
9. Use a credit card, not a debit card Better fraud protection, chargeback rights, and your bank account isn’t directly exposed.
10. Be patient but vigilant Packages take time, but if something feels wrong (seller won’t communicate, tracking never updates), don’t wait until the last day of buyer protection to act.
11. Join AliExpress sales events 11.11 (November 11), Black Friday, anniversary sales offer the deepest discounts.
12. Download the mobile app Better deals, app-exclusive coupons, and easier order tracking.
Customer Support Access from the USA
How to contact AliExpress support:
In-app chat: Open the AliExpress app → “Account” → “Customer Service” → Start chat This is the fastest way to get help.
Online help center: aliexpress.com/help Browse FAQs or submit a support ticket.
Email: Not recommended. Slowest response method.
Phone support: AliExpress doesn’t offer phone support for US customers. Everything is handled through chat or email.
Response time expectations:
- Chat: Usually within a few hours during China business hours
- Email/tickets: 24-72 hours
Language support: English support is available. Quality varies, some reps are fluent, others use translation tools.
Timezone considerations: Support is most responsive during China business hours (roughly 6 PM – 6 AM US EST, 3 PM – 3 AM US PST).
When to contact support vs. seller:
- Contact seller first: Product questions, shipping delays, wrong item, damaged goods
- Contact AliExpress support: When seller won’t respond, dispute escalation, account issues, payment problems
Support effectiveness: AliExpress support tends to be more helpful than individual sellers for resolving disputes, but they’ll always push you to work with the seller first.
Conclusion: Does AliExpress Work for USA Shoppers?
Yes, but with caveats that matter more today than they did before.
AliExpress still delivers successfully to the United States. You can find products at prices that, even after the new tariffs, often undercut domestic retailers. Buyer protection exists and generally works when you need it.
But the platform has changed for American shoppers. The elimination of the de minimis exemption means every package from China gets hit with tariffs, sometimes substantial ones. What used to be a $3 phone case is now an $8-10 phone case after duties. Still cheaper than Amazon’s $15, but not the incredible bargain it once was.
The main advantages for US shoppers today: price on certain categories (accessories, crafts, electronics components, unique items), massive product selection, and the ability to source things you can’t find domestically.
The main challenges: shipping time (still 2-4 weeks for most orders), tariff uncertainty, variable seller quality, and return logistics that make sending stuff back to China impractical.
Best use cases for AliExpress in the USA:
- Small accessories where bulk savings add up
- Hobby supplies and craft materials
- Experimental purchases where you’re OK with hit-or-miss quality
- Unique products not available through US retailers
- DIY electronics and tech components
When to stick with Amazon instead:
- Time-sensitive purchases
- High-value electronics where counterfeit risk matters
- Anything where returns might be necessary
- Products where US safety standards are important
If you’re a patient shopper who does your homework on sellers, can wait 3 weeks for delivery, and understands that a $3 bargain might come with $5 in tariffs, AliExpress can still save you money. Just keep your expectations realistic about delivery speed and product quality, factor in the new import costs, and stick with highly-rated sellers.
The platform works for US shoppers who know what they’re getting into. Start with a small test order, see how the process goes, and scale up from there if you’re satisfied.
