CONTENTS

    Can’t Use Alipay? How Overseas Buyers Can Pay for Taobao with PayPal

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    Marcus
    ·August 19, 2025
    ·9 min read
    Can’t Use Alipay? How Overseas Buyers Can Pay for Taobao with PayPal
    Image Source: pexels

    You want to shop on Taobao, but you find that PayPal is not an option. Alipay stands as the main payment method, but signing up can be hard for many overseas buyers. This problem can make you feel stuck. FISHGOO gives you a way out. With a trusted third-party agent, you can use PayPal and still get the products you want from China. Many overseas buyers choose this path for its ease and safety.

    Key Takeaways

    • Taobao only takes Alipay and Chinese payment ways, so it is hard for people in other countries to pay.

    • If you use a trusted third-party agent like FISHGOO, you can pay with PayPal. They will pay the sellers in China for you.

    • FISHGOO gives clear prices, protects buyers, and helps you in your language. This makes shopping safer and easier.

    • With FISHGOO, you send product links, get a price, pay with PayPal, and watch your order.

    • Pick a good agent and check all costs. This helps you stay safe from scams and have a good Taobao shopping time.

    Why Taobao Blocks PayPal

    Alipay vs. PayPal

    You may ask why Taobao does not let you use PayPal. Taobao wants more control and makes things easier for Chinese sellers. Taobao uses Alipay as its main way to pay. Alipay helps Taobao manage payments in Chinese Yuan (RMB). This is good for people in China. It is not easy for buyers from other countries.

    Alipay has a 3% fee for international credit card payments on Taobao and Tmall. You can only use some cards like Visa, MasterCard, or JCB. These cards work only for buying things or some services. Alipay does not have many choices for sending money from other countries. You need a verified Alipay account. Getting one is hard if you do not live in China. People who are not Chinese have even more trouble. PayPal is used all over the world. But it does not work with Taobao’s payment system.

    Aspect

    Alipay Details

    PayPal Details

    Transaction Fees

    3% service fee on international credit card purchases (Visa, MasterCard, JCB)

    Not supported on Taobao

    Processing Times

    Varies by banking partner; limited international transfers

    Not supported on Taobao

    Account Requirements

    Real-name verification, Chinese phone number

    Not supported on Taobao

    Currency Supported

    Chinese Yuan (RMB) only

    Not supported on Taobao

    Tip: FISHGOO lets you pay with PayPal. They handle the rest for you.

    Payment Restrictions

    Taobao blocks PayPal and other ways to pay from outside China. Here are the problems you face as a buyer from another country:

    • Taobao only lets you use Alipay, Chinese bank cards, and WeChat Pay.

    • Most sellers do not take PayPal, international Visa/MasterCard, or Western Union.

    • Alipay needs real-name checks with a Chinese ID and phone number.

    • Overseas phone numbers cannot get the SMS codes for Alipay setup.

    • Foreign credit cards often do not work because of currency or fraud issues.

    • Taobao only uses RMB, so your card must work with this money.

    These rules make it very hard for you to pay on Taobao. That is why using a trusted agent like FISHGOO is the best way. You pay with PayPal. The agent pays the seller in RMB. This lets you shop on Taobao without payment problems.

    Options for Overseas Buyers

    Options for Overseas Buyers
    Image Source: pexels

    Third-Party Agents

    You want to shop on Taobao, but you cannot use PayPal directly. Third-party agents give you a way to solve this problem. These agents act as a bridge between you and Taobao sellers. You pay the agent with PayPal. The agent then pays the seller in Chinese Yuan (RMB) using Alipay or another local method. This process makes shopping on Taobao possible for overseas buyers.

    FISHGOO is a popular third-party agent. You send your order details and payment to FISHGOO. They buy the items for you and handle the payment with the seller. FISHGOO also helps with shipping and tracking. You get updates at each step. This service removes the stress of dealing with payment problems and language barriers.

    Tip: Using a trusted agent like FISHGOO lets you shop on Taobao with PayPal, even if you live outside China.

    Choosing a Trusted Agent

    You must pick a reliable agent to protect your money and your order. Not all agents are safe. Some may charge high fees or even scam you. Here are some tips to help you choose:

    • Check online reviews and ratings from other overseas buyers.

    • Look for clear contact information and customer support.

    • Ask about service fees and shipping costs before you pay.

    • Make sure the agent accepts PayPal and offers buyer protection.

    • Avoid agents who ask for payment outside secure platforms.

    A good agent will answer your questions and explain the process. They will keep you updated and handle problems quickly. When you choose wisely, you can shop on Taobao with confidence.

    Using PayPal

    Step-by-Step Process

    You want to buy from Taobao, but PayPal does not work there. FISHGOO gives you a way to fix this problem. You can follow these easy steps to finish your order:

    1. Find Your Product
      Look for the item you want on Taobao. Copy the link for the product. This helps FISHGOO know what you want to buy.

    2. Contact FISHGOO
      Send the link and details to FISHGOO. You can use their website or talk to customer service. FISHGOO checks the item and tells you the price.

    3. Get a Quote
      FISHGOO looks at your request. They send you a quote with all costs. The quote shows the item price, service fee, and shipping. You see every cost before you pay.

    4. Pay with PayPal
      Use PayPal to pay FISHGOO. You do not need a Chinese bank or Alipay. PayPal keeps your money safe and helps you feel secure.

    5. FISHGOO Buys the Item
      FISHGOO uses your money to buy the item on Taobao. They pay in RMB and talk to the seller for you.

    6. Order Tracking and Shipping
      FISHGOO tells you about your order status. They set up shipping to your country. You get tracking so you know where your package is.

    Note: FISHGOO makes things simple for Overseas Buyers. You do not have to set up Alipay or worry about payment problems.

    What to Expect

    When you use PayPal with FISHGOO, the process is different from using Alipay. You get some good things and some changes:

    • No Need for Chinese Documents
      You do not need a Chinese phone or ID. FISHGOO takes care of local rules.

    • Clear Communication
      FISHGOO talks to you in your language. They help with product info, payment, and shipping. You do not have to worry about talking to Taobao sellers.

    • Transparent Fees
      You see all costs before you pay. FISHGOO tells you about their fee and shipping. You can plan your spending.

    • Extra Buyer Protection
      PayPal lets you open a dispute if there is a problem. FISHGOO also helps if your order has issues.

    • Longer Processing Time
      This way can take more time than using Alipay. FISHGOO needs time to buy, check, and ship your item. You get updates at each step.

    Feature

    PayPal via FISHGOO

    Direct Alipay Payment

    Account Requirements

    No Chinese ID or phone needed

    Chinese ID and phone needed

    Payment Security

    PayPal buyer protection

    Alipay protection

    Communication

    English support

    Mostly Chinese

    Processing Time

    2-5 days longer

    Immediate

    Fee Transparency

    Full quote before payment

    Some hidden fees

    Tip: You get more help and safety when you use PayPal with FISHGOO. This way is best for Overseas Buyers who want shopping to be easy and safe.

    Fees & Security

    Fees & Security
    Image Source: pexels

    Service Fees

    You want to know why you pay service fees when you use FISHGOO or other agents. These fees cover the extra work agents do for you. Agents handle your payment, talk to sellers, and arrange shipping. They also help you solve problems. You pay for their time and effort. FISHGOO shows you all costs before you pay. You see the item price, shipping, and service fee in one quote.

    Fee Type

    What It Covers

    Why It Matters

    Service Fee

    Agent’s help and support

    Makes shopping possible

    Shipping Fee

    Delivery to your country

    Gets your item to you

    PayPal Fee

    PayPal transaction cost

    Keeps payment secure

    Tip: Always check the full quote from FISHGOO. You avoid surprise charges and plan your budget.

    Buyer Protection

    You want to feel safe when you shop online. FISHGOO gives you extra protection. PayPal also protects your money. If something goes wrong, you can open a dispute. FISHGOO helps you solve problems with sellers. You get support in your language. You do not need to worry about losing your money.

    • PayPal lets you file a claim if you do not get your item.

    • FISHGOO helps you talk to sellers and fix issues.

    • You get updates at every step.

    Note: You get more peace of mind with FISHGOO and PayPal than with direct Alipay.

    Minimizing Risks

    You want to avoid scams and problems. FISHGOO checks sellers before buying. They use safe payment methods. You get clear updates and tracking. You do not send money to strangers. You use PayPal, which adds another layer of safety.

    How to stay safe:

    1. Use trusted agents like FISHGOO.

    2. Pay only through secure platforms.

    3. Check all fees before you pay.

    4. Keep your payment records.

    You protect yourself when you choose FISHGOO. You shop with confidence and enjoy your Taobao experience.

    PayPal or Alipay?

    Pros & Cons

    You want to know which payment method works best for you on Taobao. Both PayPal and Alipay have their strengths and weaknesses, especially for overseas buyers. Here is a simple breakdown:

    • Alipay Pros:

      • You get access to the huge Chinese market on Taobao.

      • Alipay holds your payment until you confirm you received your item, so you feel safe.

      • You pay lower foreign exchange fees than PayPal.

      • Alipay works smoothly with Taobao, making checkout fast.

      • You can use other financial services in the Alipay ecosystem.

    • Alipay Cons:

      • You pay a 3% fee when using an international credit card.

      • You face technical problems if you do not live in China.

      • You may worry about privacy and rules.

      • Sometimes, payments get delayed.

    • PayPal Pros:

      • You use a payment method you already know and trust.

      • PayPal keeps things simple and easy for you.

    • PayPal Cons:

      • You pay higher foreign exchange fees.

      • PayPal does not connect directly to Taobao, so you need an agent like FISHGOO.

    Tip: If you want a smooth and safe experience, FISHGOO lets you use PayPal and handles the rest for you.

    Best Choice for Overseas Buyers

    You want to shop on Taobao without stress. Alipay gives you strong buyer protection and lower fees, but it is hard to set up if you live outside China. You need a Chinese phone number and ID, which most overseas buyers do not have. PayPal feels familiar and safe, but you cannot use it directly on Taobao.

    FISHGOO solves this problem for you. You pay with PayPal, and FISHGOO takes care of the payment in China. You get clear updates, buyer protection, and support in your language. You avoid the hassle of setting up Alipay. For most overseas buyers, using PayPal through FISHGOO is the smartest and safest way to shop on Taobao.

    Payment Method

    Easy Setup

    Buyer Protection

    Works for Overseas Buyers

    Extra Fees

    Alipay

    No

    Yes

    No

    3%

    PayPal+FISHGOO

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Service fee + FX fee

    🛒 Choose FISHGOO with PayPal if you want a simple, safe, and reliable way to buy from Taobao.

    You want a simple way to shop on Taobao. FISHGOO lets you pay with PayPal and skip the stress of Alipay. You stay safe when you pick a trusted agent and check all fees before you pay.

    • Always read reviews before you choose an agent.

    • Ask questions if you feel unsure.

    • Keep your payment records.

    Tip: You get a smooth shopping experience when you use FISHGOO. This is why many Overseas Buyers trust this method.

    FAQ

    Why should you use FISHGOO instead of trying to set up Alipay yourself?

    You save time and avoid stress. FISHGOO handles all payments for you. You do not need a Chinese phone or ID. You get clear updates and support in your language.

    Why does FISHGOO charge a service fee?

    FISHGOO works hard to make your shopping easy. The service fee covers order handling, payment, and support. You pay for safety, speed, and peace of mind.

    Why is PayPal safer for overseas buyers?

    PayPal gives you buyer protection. You can open a dispute if something goes wrong. FISHGOO adds another layer of safety by checking sellers and handling problems for you.

    Why can’t you pay Taobao sellers directly with PayPal?

    Taobao does not accept PayPal. The platform only uses Alipay and local payment methods. FISHGOO bridges this gap so you can shop with PayPal.

    Why do overseas buyers trust FISHGOO?

    FISHGOO has strong reviews and clear service. You get honest quotes, fast support, and safe payments. Many buyers choose FISHGOO for a worry-free Taobao experience.