Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Taobao Account from Abroad

So you've heard about Taobao—China’s Amazon-meets-Etsy mega marketplace—and you’re ready to dive in. Whether you're hunting for ultra-cheap electronics, custom fashion, or rare collectibles, Taobao is the ultimate shopping playground. But here's the catch: if you're outside China, creating an account isn’t as simple as clicking 'Sign Up.' Don't sweat it—we’ve got your back.

Why Taobao?

Over 800 million active users and millions of sellers make Taobao the go-to platform for affordable, unique goods. From $2 phone cases to handcrafted qipaos, the inventory is mind-blowing. But to access it, you’ll need a local-style account—even from abroad.

What You’ll Need

• A working email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
• A phone number that can receive SMS (can be non-Chinese)
• A translation tool (Google Translate works fine)
• Patient energy (the interface is in Chinese!)

Step 1: Access the Right Website

Head to www.taobao.com. Ignore any third-party resellers. Use Chrome for auto-translate features—it’ll save your sanity.

Step 2: Sign Up (It’s Tricky!)

Click on '免费注册' (Free Registration) at the top right. You’ll be prompted for a phone number. While Taobao prefers Chinese numbers, many international numbers (like US, UK, Canada) do work.

If SMS fails, try using an Alibaba account instead—same parent company, easier global access.

Step 3: Verify & Set Up

Enter the verification code sent via SMS. Then create a password (12+ characters recommended). After that, you'll be asked to set up security questions—use memorable answers (in Pinyin or English).

Step 4: Link a Payment Method

This is where most foreigners hit a wall. Taobao defaults to Alipay. Good news? Alipay now supports international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard).

Go to Alipay.com, log in with your Taobao credentials, and bind your card under 'Payment Methods.'

Shipping: The Real Challenge

Most Taobao sellers don’t ship overseas. That’s where forwarding services come in. Companies like Superbuy, Basetao, or Pandabuy act as your China-based warehouse.

You buy items and have them shipped to the forwarder’s warehouse. They then repackage and ship globally—door to door!

Pro Tips

• Use Chrome’s right-click translate feature.
• Search with Chinese keywords for better results.
• Check seller ratings—aim for ≥98% positive feedback.
• Always message the seller before buying to confirm they’ll accept your forwarder’s address.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Taobao account from abroad takes patience, but once you're in, the savings and selection are unreal. With the right tools and a solid forwarding partner, you can shop Taobao like a local—no passport needed.

Happy shopping, bargain hunter!