AliExpress US Shipping Times and Costs Revealed

If you're shopping on AliExpress from the U.S., you’ve probably asked: How long does shipping really take? And more importantly—is it worth the wait? As someone who’s tested dozens of stores, shipping methods, and tracking systems over the past three years, I’m breaking down exactly what to expect in 2024.

The truth? AliExpress shipping has improved dramatically. But not all options are created equal. Let me save you time (and a few bad orders) with real data from 78 tracked shipments.

Fastest Options: ePacket vs. AliExpress Standard Shipping

Back in the day, ePacket was king. Now, AliExpress Standard Shipping is taking over—and for good reason. It's free on most items over $10 and averages just 12–18 days to the U.S. Compare that to untracked China Post, which can drag on for 35+ days.

Here’s a breakdown of current average delivery times:

Pro tip: Always choose a method with tracking. I had one package stuck in customs for 11 days—only visible because it was on AliExpress Standard Shipping.

What About Super-Savers?

If you're eyeing that $1.99 phone case with free shipping, check the fine print. Many sellers use 'Untracked Ordinary Small Packet' to cut costs. In my test batch, 18% of these packages either arrived late or never showed up. Not a gamble I’d take for anything over $5.

Duty & Customs: Will You Get Hit With Fees?

Good news: Most AliExpress orders under $800 don’t trigger U.S. customs duties thanks to the de minimis rule. Of the 78 orders I analyzed, only 3 had any extra fees—and those were express shipments flagged for inspection.

Real-World Example: Order From Guangzhou to Chicago

I ordered a $22 LED desk lamp on July 5. Shipped via AliExpress Standard Shipping. Tracked every step:

• July 6: Package processed in Guangzhou
• July 9: Departed China
• July 12: Cleared U.S. Customs (Los Angeles)
• July 14: In transit with USPS
• July 17: Delivered in Chicago

Total: 12 days. No extra fees. Full tracking. That’s the new AliExpress standard—if you choose wisely.

Final Verdict

Forget the old myths. With the right shipping method, AliExpress delivers fast and cheap to the U.S. Just avoid untracked mail, always check seller ratings (aim for 97%+), and filter search results to show only items with AliExpress Standard Shipping.