PayPal works on AliExpress in most countries. To use it: (1) Add items to cart and proceed to checkout, (2) Select “PayPal” from available payment methods, (3) Click to confirm, which redirects you to PayPal’s website, (4) Log into your PayPal account, (5) Review the payment details and confirm, (6) You’ll be redirected back to AliExpress with payment confirmed. Requires an active PayPal account with verified payment method (card or bank account linked). Available on both mobile app and desktop website.
Requirements Before You Start
Before you can use PayPal on AliExpress, verify:
PayPal account setup:
- Active PayPal account (free to create at paypal.com)
- Account verified (email confirmed)
- At least one payment method linked (credit card, debit card, or bank account)
- Sufficient funds or credit available
AliExpress account:
- Active AliExpress account
- Shipping address added to your profile
- You’re in a country where PayPal is available on AliExpress
Device/connection:
- Stable internet connection
- Updated browser or AliExpress app
- Cookies enabled (for website checkout)
If you don’t have a PayPal account yet, create one at paypal.com before proceeding. This takes about 5 minutes.
How to Use PayPal on AliExpress (Mobile App)
Step 1: Add items to cart Browse AliExpress and add products to your cart as usual.
Step 2: Go to checkout
- Tap the shopping cart icon
- Review your items
- Tap “Buy Now” or “Check Out”
Step 3: Verify shipping information
- Confirm your shipping address is correct
- Select shipping method if options are available
- Add any discount codes if you have them
Step 4: Select payment method Scroll down to the “Payment Method” section.
You’ll see available payment options listed (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
Step 5: Tap “PayPal” Select PayPal from the list of payment methods.
The PayPal logo should be visible next to the option.
Step 6: Review order summary Before proceeding, verify:
- Total amount to be charged
- Items in your order
- Shipping address
- Delivery estimates
Step 7: Tap “Pay Now” or “Confirm Payment” This button is usually at the bottom of the checkout screen.
Step 8: Redirected to PayPal The app will open a PayPal screen (either in-app browser or external browser).
You’ll see the PayPal login page.
Step 9: Log into PayPal
- Enter your PayPal email address
- Enter your PayPal password
- Complete two-factor authentication if you have it enabled
Step 10: Review payment in PayPal PayPal shows:
- Merchant name (AliExpress or seller name)
- Amount to be charged
- Currency
- Which payment method will be used (your default card/bank account)
Step 11: Change payment source (optional) If you want to use a different card or bank account:
- Look for “Change” or “Funding source” link
- Select your preferred payment method
- Confirm selection
Step 12: Confirm payment in PayPal
- Review all details carefully
- Tap “Pay Now” or “Complete Payment”
- Wait for processing (usually 2-5 seconds)
Step 13: Redirected back to AliExpress After PayPal processes payment, you’re automatically sent back to AliExpress.
Step 14: See confirmation AliExpress displays:
- Order confirmation screen
- Order number
- Payment success message
- Estimated delivery date
You’ll also receive:
- Email confirmation from AliExpress
- Email receipt from PayPal
Total time: About 2-3 minutes from checkout to confirmation.
How to Use PayPal on AliExpress (Desktop Website)
Step 1: Add items to cart Browse www.aliexpress.com and add products to your shopping cart.
Step 2: Go to cart and checkout
- Click the shopping cart icon (top right)
- Review items
- Click “Buy all” or “Check out”
Step 3: Enter/verify shipping address
- Make sure your address is complete and correct
- Select shipping method if options appear
- Apply any promo codes
Step 4: Scroll to payment section Look for the “Payment Method” or “Select Payment” area.
Step 5: Click “PayPal” Select PayPal from the available payment options.
You should see the PayPal logo button.
Step 6: Review order details Check the order summary on the right side of the screen:
- Item list
- Total price
- Shipping cost
- Any discounts applied
Step 7: Click “Confirm and Pay” This button is usually at the bottom right of the checkout page.
Step 8: PayPal popup or redirect One of two things happens:
- A PayPal popup window opens (most common)
- You’re redirected to PayPal’s website in the same tab
Step 9: Log into PayPal In the PayPal window:
- Enter your email address
- Enter your password
- Complete 2FA if enabled
Step 10: Review payment details PayPal displays:
- Payment amount
- Currency
- Recipient (AliExpress)
- Which card/account will be charged
Step 11: Select payment source (optional) If you want to use a different card or bank account:
- Click on the payment method dropdown
- Choose your preferred option
- It becomes the funding source for this transaction
Step 12: Click “Pay Now” Review everything one final time, then click the confirmation button.
Step 13: Processing Wait 3-5 seconds while PayPal processes the payment.
Step 14: Return to AliExpress The popup closes (or page redirects back) to AliExpress.
Step 15: Order confirmation You’ll see:
- Confirmation page with order number
- Payment success message
- Order details and tracking information access
Confirmation emails arrive from both AliExpress and PayPal within minutes.
Why PayPal Might Not Appear as an Option
If you don’t see PayPal at checkout, common reasons include:
Reason 1: Seller doesn’t accept PayPal Some individual sellers opt out of PayPal.
Solution: Look for “Accepted payment methods” on the product page before buying. Choose sellers who accept PayPal.
Reason 2: Your country doesn’t support PayPal on AliExpress PayPal availability varies by country.
Solution: Check if PayPal operates in your country generally. If PayPal doesn’t work in your region, it won’t work on AliExpress either.
Reason 3: Order value outside acceptable range Some payment methods have minimum or maximum transaction limits.
Solution: Check PayPal’s transaction limits for your country. Try splitting large orders into smaller purchases.
Reason 4: Your PayPal account isn’t properly set up PayPal requires a verified account with at least one payment method linked.
Solution:
- Log into PayPal directly
- Verify your email address
- Add and verify a credit card, debit card, or bank account
- Ensure your account is in good standing (no limitations)
Reason 5: Browser or app issues Cache or cookie problems can prevent payment options from displaying.
Solution:
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Update AliExpress app to latest version
- Try a different browser
- Switch between desktop and mobile
Reason 6: Currency conflicts Some PayPal accounts have currency restrictions.
Solution: Check your PayPal account’s accepted currencies. AliExpress typically charges in USD.
Currency Selection Strategy (Important)
When PayPal processes your payment, you’ll sometimes see a currency conversion option. This choice affects how much you actually pay.
Two options appear:
Option 1: Pay in seller’s currency (usually USD)
- PayPal charges you in USD
- Your credit card or bank converts USD to your local currency
- Your bank/card’s exchange rate applies
Option 2: Pay in your home currency (PayPal converts)
- PayPal converts USD to your currency before charging
- PayPal’s exchange rate applies (usually 3-4% worse than bank rates)
- You see the exact amount in your currency
Which to choose:
Always choose Option 1 (seller’s currency/USD) if possible.
Why: PayPal’s currency conversion rates are significantly worse than most banks’ rates. You’ll pay 3-4% more if you let PayPal convert.
Example: Order total: $100 USD
Option 1 (your bank converts):
- Charged $100 USD
- Bank converts at market rate + ~1% fee
- You pay approximately $101 equivalent
Option 2 (PayPal converts):
- PayPal converts at market rate + 3-4% fee
- You pay approximately $104 equivalent
How to select: When reviewing payment in PayPal, look for currency options. Select “Pay in [seller’s currency]” or decline PayPal’s conversion offer.
Not all transactions show this option, but when it appears, always choose to pay in the original currency.
Troubleshooting Common PayPal Issues
Problem: “Payment declined” error
Possible causes:
- Insufficient funds or credit limit
- PayPal account limitations
- Security hold by PayPal
- Card expired or invalid
Solutions:
- Log into PayPal directly and check for any alerts or limitations
- Verify your payment methods are valid and have sufficient funds
- Try a different payment method within PayPal
- Contact PayPal support if your account has limitations
- Wait 30 minutes and try again
Problem: Stuck on PayPal login screen
Possible causes:
- Pop-up blocker preventing PayPal window
- Browser compatibility issue
- Session timeout
Solutions:
- Disable pop-up blocker for AliExpress
- Try a different browser (Chrome works best)
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try mobile app instead of website
- Restart checkout process
Problem: Payment processed but order not confirmed
Possible causes:
- Technical delay between PayPal and AliExpress
- Connection interrupted after payment
Solutions:
- Wait 10-15 minutes and check your “My Orders” page
- Check email for confirmation from AliExpress
- Log into PayPal to verify the charge went through
- If charge appears in PayPal but no order shows after 1 hour, contact AliExpress customer service with PayPal transaction ID
Problem: Redirected to PayPal but can’t log in
Possible causes:
- Incorrect password
- Account locked or limited
- Two-factor authentication issues
Solutions:
- Use “Forgot password” to reset
- Check email for PayPal security alerts
- Verify two-factor authentication is working
- Log into PayPal directly (not through AliExpress) to check account status
Problem: “This payment method is not available”
Possible causes:
- Seller restrictions
- Geographic limitations
- Technical issue
Solutions:
- Try a different seller
- Verify PayPal is available in your country for AliExpress
- Clear app/browser cache
- Update app to latest version
- Try desktop if using mobile (or vice versa)
PayPal vs. Direct Card Payment: Why Choose PayPal?
Understanding when PayPal is the better choice:
PayPal advantages:
1. Payment details hidden from AliExpress Your card number never reaches AliExpress. PayPal acts as intermediary.
2. Dual buyer protection You get both AliExpress buyer protection AND PayPal buyer protection. Two chances at disputes.
3. Easier refund process Refunds go to PayPal balance (accessible immediately) rather than waiting 5-10 days for card credit.
4. One-click repeat purchases After first use, PayPal saves on your AliExpress account for faster future checkouts.
5. No need to enter card details repeatedly Convenient if you shop on AliExpress frequently.
PayPal disadvantages:
1. Extra redirect step Takes 10-20 seconds longer than direct card payment.
2. Poor currency conversion rates If you let PayPal convert currency, you pay 3-4% more.
3. Requires separate account Need to maintain PayPal account login credentials.
When to use PayPal:
- You want extra buyer protection
- You don’t want to share card details with AliExpress
- You’re buying from uncertain sellers
- You already use PayPal regularly
When direct card is fine:
- You trust the seller completely
- You want the fastest checkout
- You’re using a credit card with good protection already
After Payment: What to Expect
Immediately after completing PayPal payment:
You’ll see:
- AliExpress confirmation screen
- Order number displayed
- Estimated delivery date
- Option to view order details
You’ll receive emails:
- AliExpress order confirmation (within 5 minutes)
- PayPal payment receipt (within 5 minutes)
- Shipping confirmation when seller ships (usually 1-3 days)
In your AliExpress account:
- Order appears in “My Orders” section
- Payment status shows “Paid”
- Waiting for shipment status displayed
In your PayPal account:
- Transaction appears in activity
- Shows as “Completed”
- Receipt available for download
Next steps:
- Wait for seller to ship (1-5 days typically)
- Track shipping through AliExpress
- Inspect item when it arrives
- Confirm receipt or open dispute if there’s a problem
Security: Is PayPal Safe on AliExpress?
Yes, PayPal is one of the safest payment methods for AliExpress.
Security features:
Payment information protection:
- AliExpress never sees your card or bank details
- PayPal uses encryption for all transactions
- Your payment information stays with PayPal only
Buyer protection:
- PayPal’s purchase protection covers items that don’t arrive or don’t match descriptions
- Works independently from AliExpress protection
- Claim window extends to 180 days
Fraud monitoring:
- PayPal monitors for suspicious activity
- Security alerts for unusual purchases
- Account protection against unauthorized access
Two-factor authentication:
- Optional but recommended
- Adds extra security layer
- Requires phone or authenticator app verification
Best practices:
- Use strong, unique password for PayPal
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Monitor transactions regularly
- Never share PayPal login details
- Use official AliExpress website/app only
Tips for Smooth PayPal Transactions
Before checkout:
- Verify PayPal account has no limitations
- Check payment methods are valid and funded
- Update AliExpress shipping address to match PayPal (reduces fraud flags)
- Have PayPal login credentials ready
During checkout:
- Review order details carefully before clicking Pay
- Don’t navigate away during payment processing
- Keep AliExpress tab/app open until confirmation appears
- Choose to pay in seller’s currency (avoid PayPal conversion)
After purchase:
- Screenshot confirmation page
- Save both AliExpress and PayPal confirmation emails
- Note order number for tracking
- Check “My Orders” to verify order registered
For expensive purchases:
- Double-check all details before confirming
- Verify seller ratings one final time
- Take screenshots of product listing
- Document everything for potential disputes
Fees and Costs
PayPal fees on AliExpress: AliExpress doesn’t charge extra for using PayPal. The price you see is what you pay (same as using a credit card).
Hidden costs to watch:
Currency conversion (if you let PayPal convert): PayPal adds 3-4% markup on exchange rates. Always decline PayPal conversion and let your bank handle it.
Your bank’s fees: Some banks charge foreign transaction fees (1-3%) on international purchases, even when using PayPal.
PayPal account fees: No fees for standard purchases. PayPal makes money from merchants, not buyers.
How to minimize costs:
- Always pay in seller’s currency (USD typically)
- Use credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Decline all currency conversion offers
- Check total carefully before confirming
Quick Reference: Complete Process
For quick reference, here’s the entire PayPal payment flow:
- Add items to AliExpress cart
- Go to checkout
- Verify shipping address
- Select “PayPal” as payment method
- Review order total
- Click “Pay Now”
- Redirected to PayPal
- Log into PayPal account
- Review payment details
- Select payment source (if changing default)
- Choose currency option (pay in USD/seller’s currency)
- Click “Pay Now” in PayPal
- Wait for processing (3-5 seconds)
- Redirected back to AliExpress
- See confirmation screen
- Receive email confirmations
Total time: 2-4 minutes from checkout to confirmation.
Takeaway
Using PayPal on AliExpress is straightforward once you understand the redirect flow. The key steps are: select PayPal at checkout, log into your PayPal account when redirected, confirm the payment, and return to AliExpress for order confirmation. The main advantages are additional buyer protection and keeping your card details private from AliExpress. Just remember to decline PayPal’s currency conversion to avoid paying 3-4% extra in fees.