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    How to Pay on Taobao with PayPal: A Complete Guide

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    Marcus
    ·August 23, 2025
    ·11 min read
    How to Pay on Taobao with PayPal: A Complete Guide
    Image Source: pexels

    You can't pay on Taobao with PayPal directly. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to shop safely and quickly from outside China. Many people love PayPal because it feels secure and works for international shopping. If you want to pay on Taobao and use PayPal, you might wonder if there is a way. Good news: there are some tricks you can try.

    Key Takeaways

    • You cannot use PayPal to pay on Taobao directly, but trusted agents like FISHGOO let you use PayPal in a safe way.

    • Third-party agents buy things for you on Taobao, talk to sellers for you, and help with checking quality and shipping.

    • Pick agents who have good reviews, clear prices, and helpful support so you do not get scammed or have problems.

    • Follow these steps: find your item, send your order to the agent, pay with PayPal, and watch your package as it ships.

    • Keep all your order details and use PayPal’s buyer protection to stay safe if something goes wrong when you buy.

    Can You Pay on Taobao with PayPal?

    If you want to pay on Taobao with PayPal, you might feel confused. Let’s look at what you can do and why PayPal is not a direct choice.

    Direct Payment Options

    When you try to pay on Taobao, you will see some official ways to pay. Here is a simple table of what you can use:

    Payment Method

    Service Fee

    Notes

    Credit/Debit Cards

    3%

    Visa, MasterCard, JCB; limits apply

    Malaysia eBanking

    1.5%

    Only for users in Malaysia

    Alipay Gift Cards

    0%

    Specific transaction limits

    You must set up an Alipay payment password for most payments. People from 15 countries can sign up and use these ways to pay. But you will not find PayPal as a direct way to pay. Some sellers may take PayPal, but only if you use a third-party gateway or agent.

    Tip: If you want to pay on Taobao with PayPal, you can use a Taobao agent like FISHGOO. Agents take PayPal and help you finish your order. This makes it easier for people shopping from other countries.

    Why PayPal Is Not Supported

    You might ask why Taobao does not let you use PayPal. Here are the main reasons:

    • Taobao uses Alipay, which is made for Chinese users.

    • It can be hard for foreigners to set up Alipay. You need extra checks.

    • The site is mostly for Chinese speakers and local buyers.

    • Taobao’s payment system does not work with international options like PayPal.

    • If you want a site that takes PayPal and has many languages, AliExpress is better.

    So, you cannot pay on Taobao with PayPal directly. But you can still shop by using agents who take PayPal. This way, you can buy what you want, even if you live outside China.

    Pay on Taobao with PayPal

    Pay on Taobao with PayPal
    Image Source: unsplash

    Using Third-Party Agents

    You can't pay on Taobao directly with PayPal, but you can still get what you want by using a third-party agent. These agents act as your helper. They buy the items for you on Taobao and let you pay them with PayPal. One of the most popular and reliable agents is FISHGOO. FISHGOO helps you pay on Taobao with PayPal, making the whole process much easier for international shoppers.

    When you choose a third-party agent, you want to make sure you pick a good one. Here are some things to look for:

    1. Experience and Reputation: Pick agents with a long history and lots of happy customers.

    2. Customer Support: Good agents answer your questions quickly and help you solve problems.

    3. Range of Services: Some agents, like FISHGOO, offer extra services such as package storage and quality checks.

    4. Transparent Fees: Trustworthy agents show you all their fees upfront, so there are no surprises.

    5. Reviews and Testimonials: Check what other buyers say about the agent on social media or review sites.

    Tip: FISHGOO stands out because it accepts PayPal, offers clear pricing, and provides strong customer support. This makes it a great choice if you want to pay on Taobao from outside China.

    Step-by-Step Guide

    Let’s walk through how you can pay on Taobao with PayPal using a third-party agent like FISHGOO:

    1. Find Your Product
      Search for the item you want on Taobao. Look at product details, reviews, and price history. Make sure you know the size, color, and quantity you want.

    2. Choose a Reliable Agent
      Go to the FISHGOO website or another trusted agent that accepts PayPal. Create an account if you don’t have one.

    3. Submit Your Order
      Copy the Taobao product link and paste it into the agent’s order form. Fill in the details like size, color, and quantity. Some agents let you upload a screenshot or image if you can’t find the link.

    4. Confirm Order Details
      Double-check everything: product options, price, shipping address, and contact info. Make sure it matches what you want.

    5. Pay with PayPal
      Select PayPal as your payment method. The agent will show you the total cost, including service fees and shipping. Log in to your PayPal account and complete the payment.

    6. Agent Purchases the Item
      The agent buys the product from Taobao for you. They handle all the communication with the seller and make sure your order is correct.

    7. Quality Check and Storage
      When your item arrives at the agent’s warehouse, they check it for quality. FISHGOO, for example, provides photos so you can see your product before shipping.

    8. Arrange International Shipping
      Choose your preferred shipping method. Pay for international shipping using PayPal or another method the agent accepts.

    9. Track Your Parcel
      The agent gives you a tracking number. You can follow your package until it arrives at your door.

    Note: Agents like FISHGOO make it possible for you to pay on Taobao with PayPal, even if you don’t speak Chinese or have a Chinese bank account.

    Tips and Warnings

    When you use a third-party agent to pay on Taobao with PayPal, keep these important tips in mind:

    • Check Service Fees: Agents charge a service fee for helping you. Always look for a clear fee table before you pay.

    • Read Reviews: Look for recent customer reviews about the agent’s reliability and support.

    • Ask About Support: Good agents answer questions quickly and help if something goes wrong.

    • Understand Buyer Protection: PayPal gives you buyer protection. If there’s a problem, you can open a dispute within 180 days. Keep all your order records and communication with the agent.

    • Know the Limits: Chinese law requires real-name verification and has rules about sending money out of the country. That’s why you need an agent to pay on Taobao with PayPal.

    • Be Careful with Refunds: If you need a refund, contact the agent first. If they don’t help, you can start a dispute through PayPal. Always follow PayPal’s official steps and keep your messages as proof.

    • Watch for Scams: Only use agents with a good reputation. Never send money to someone you don’t trust.

    🛡️ Safety Reminder: Using a reputable agent like FISHGOO helps you follow the rules and avoid scams. You get the extra safety of PayPal’s buyer protection, which is not always available if you pay directly on Taobao.

    Table: What to Check Before You Pay on Taobao with PayPal

    What to Check

    Why It Matters

    Agent’s Reputation

    Avoid scams and get better service

    Service Fees

    Know the real cost before you pay

    Customer Support

    Get help fast if you have a problem

    Buyer Protection

    Stay safe if something goes wrong

    Shipping Options

    Choose the best way to get your parcel

    If you follow these steps and tips, you can pay on Taobao with PayPal safely and easily. FISHGOO and other trusted agents make the process smooth, even if you live outside China.

    Other Payment Methods

    Other Payment Methods
    Image Source: pexels

    Taobao lets you pay in different ways. You can't use PayPal right on Taobao. But you still have choices. Here are the main ways to pay:

    • Alipay is Taobao’s main payment system.

    • International Credit/Debit Cards like Visa and MasterCard work.

    • Bank Transfer lets you send money from your bank.

    • Taobao Agents such as FISHGOO help you pay with PayPal or other ways.

    💡 Tip: FISHGOO helps you buy from Taobao. You can use your favorite way to pay, even if you live in another country.

    Alipay

    Most people in China use Alipay to pay on Taobao. You can use Alipay too, even if you are not from China. Here is some quick info about Alipay:

    Aspect

    Details

    Market Share in China

    54% (most Taobao payments use Alipay)

    Global Users

    1.3 billion people use it (300 million outside China)

    International Accessibility

    You can use Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club cards

    Currency Support

    Alipay works with 27 different currencies

    Retail Acceptance

    Over 80 million stores take Alipay worldwide

    Bar chart comparing Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay market share in China

    How to Set Up and Use Alipay as a Foreigner:

    1. Get the Alipay app from Google Play, Apple App Store, or the Alipay website.

    2. Sign up with your phone number. Enter the code you get.

    3. Make a password and a payment PIN.

    4. Prove who you are. Upload your passport and visa or permit. Wait for approval.

    5. Add your bank card. You can use foreign cards like Visa or MasterCard.

    6. (Optional) Put money in your Alipay account or ask a friend to send you some.

    7. When you shop on Taobao, pick Alipay at checkout and follow the steps.

    📝 Note: Alipay works in many places, like the US, UK, Japan, and Canada. You can pay in your own currency.

    International Cards

    You can use credit or debit cards from other countries on Taobao. Visa, MasterCard, and JCB are accepted for most things. Taobao charges a 3% fee when you use these cards. You can buy clothes, electronics, and tickets with them. Some items, like used goods or pre-sale items, may not let you use foreign cards.

    Alternative Payment Method

    Description & Conditions

    International Credit/Debit Cards

    Visa and MasterCard work with fees (about 3%) and limits.

    Malaysian E-banking

    Only for people in Malaysia; lower fees (about 1.5%).

    Alipay Gift Cards

    You can use these with daily limits; only in some countries.

    On-your-behalf Payment

    Someone with Alipay can pay for you if you give their account details.

    ⚠️ Tip: Sometimes, foreign cards do not work for every order. If you have problems, you can use FISHGOO or another agent to help you pay.

    Bank Transfer

    Bank transfer is another way to pay, but it is slower and costs more. Sending money by wire transfer takes 3 to 7 business days. Fees are usually $20 to $80 for each transfer, depending on your bank. Some banks let you send money online in 1 to 2 days for a fixed fee (about $15). You might also pay extra for changing your money to another currency.

    💡 Note: Bank transfers are good for big orders. For small buys, Alipay or international cards are faster and easier.

    If you want things to go smoothly, try Alipay or use a trusted agent like FISHGOO. These choices help you shop on Taobao without worry, even if you live in another country.

    Choosing the Best Way to Pay on Taobao

    Security and Fees

    When you pick how to pay on Taobao, you want your money to be safe. You also want to avoid paying extra fees. Every payment method has its own safety tools and costs. Let’s look at each one so you can choose the best.

    • Alipay keeps your details safe with strong encryption. It holds your money until you say you got your order. This helps protect buyers. Alipay checks who you are with digital IDs. It also watches for risks and gives insurance for transactions. Many people trust Alipay because Ant Group owns it. Ant Group is part of Alibaba.

    • International credit cards like Visa and MasterCard work for lots of people. These cards help protect you from fraud. But they do not have escrow like Alipay. You may need to pay a 3% fee each time you use them.

    • PayPal is a favorite for shopping from other countries. It gives you buyer protection and lets you start a dispute if there is a problem. But you cannot use PayPal right on Taobao. You must use a third-party agent, like FISHGOO, to pay with PayPal.

    Here is a simple table showing the usual fees for each main payment method:

    Payment Method

    Average Transaction Fee

    Notes

    Alipay

    1.8% - 2.2%

    Fee depends on monthly transaction volume

    TenPay (WeChat Pay)

    1.0% - 2.0%

    Commission on all transactions

    UnionPay

    Varies

    No fixed rate disclosed

    International Cards

    About 3%

    May have extra limits or restrictions

    🛡️ Tip: Alipay is special because it uses escrow and has strong security. PayPal is safe too, but you need an agent to use it on Taobao.

    You have several ways to pay on Taobao, even if PayPal isn’t built in. Here’s what matters most:

    • PayPal gives you buyer protection and dispute help.

    • Many agents, like FISHGOO, accept PayPal and handle your Taobao orders.

    • Agents help with translation, quality checks, and shipping.

    • Always pick agents with good reviews for trust and clear communication.

    Stay safe by checking seller feedback, keeping all your records, and following customs rules. With the right agent, you can shop on Taobao with confidence and enjoy a smooth experience!

    FAQ

    Can I pay on Taobao with PayPal directly?

    No, you can't pay on Taobao with PayPal directly. You need to use a third-party agent like FISHGOO. They accept PayPal and help you buy from Taobao easily.

    Is FISHGOO safe for Taobao shopping?

    Yes! FISHGOO is a trusted Taobao agent. You get buyer protection, clear fees, and helpful customer support. Many international shoppers use FISHGOO for safe and smooth purchases.

    How much are the service fees when using an agent?

    Service fees vary by agent. FISHGOO shows all fees upfront. You usually pay a small percentage of your order plus shipping. Always check the fee table before you pay.

    What if I need a refund after using PayPal?

    If you need a refund, contact FISHGOO first. If you can't solve it, open a PayPal dispute. Keep all your order details and messages for proof.

    Can I track my Taobao order with FISHGOO?

    Absolutely! FISHGOO gives you a tracking number after shipping your parcel. You can follow your package until it arrives at your door.

    💡 Tip: Using FISHGOO makes Taobao shopping with PayPal simple and stress-free!

    See Also

    PayPal Payment Options For International Taobao Shoppers

    Complete Guide To Shopping Taobao Globally Using FISHGOO

    How Fishgoo Simplifies Shipping Taobao Orders To Your Home

    Taobao Shopping Tips For International Students Using One Agent

    Top Taobao Agents In 2025 Helping Overseas Buyers Effortlessly