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how to buy on aliexpress mx
Sofia Santos

Sofia Santos

6/19/2024

If you're wondering how to shop on AliExpress in Mexico, you're not alone.

This massive online retailer offers a vast selection of products at tempting prices, but how safe is it to shop on AliExpress?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: navigating the site, how to shop, and useful tips to make the most of AliExpress in Mexico.

Is AliExpress Mexico Reliable? Your Step-by-Step Tutorial

What is AliExpress, and how does it work?

AliExpress Mexico is a Chinese online retailer, with a vast selection of products at budget-friendly prices, specializing in technology and electronics, but also offering fashion, homeware, gifts — everything!

While savings are a major draw, there are some things to consider before you hit "buy":

Pros:

  • Competitive prices: AliExpress's prices are generally lower compared to other online retailers.

  • Impressive selection: Chances are, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it on AliExpress!

Cons:

  • Shipping times: Be prepared to wait! Since most products ship from China, delivery times can take weeks or even months.

  • Variation in quality: While great deals exist, you might find some items are low-quality. Careful research and seller reviews are essential.

  • Counterfeit products: Like any large online marketplace, there's a chance of encountering replicas or inauthentic products. Knowing how to identify reputable sellers is key.

So, is AliExpress right for you? Absolutely, if you're a patient shopper who prioritizes value and enjoys browsing a wide variety. Just be prepared to invest some time in research to ensure a smooth and satisfying shopping experience.

How to shop on AliExpress Mexico

Getting started on AliExpress Mexico is simple — just create an account and start browsing their products. With their vast range of categories, you can find almost anything you’re looking for, at a reduced price.

But with so many products, it can be overwhelming to search for what you want, so here are our tips for shopping on AliExpress in Mexico:

  • Use the platform's search engine and enter the name of the product you want

  • Sort the results by applying filters — by category, price, discounts, delivery time, and where the product is shipping from

  • You can select sellers with 4 stars or more, for a higher chance of getting a genuine product

Once you’ve found what you want, click “Buy now”, “Add to cart” or the add to cart icon, then click on your cart in the top right-hand corner to checkout. Then, all you have to do is wait for it to arrive!

How are payments made for purchases on AliExpress?

Paying safely is key — this is true for for any online store, and AliExpress Mexico is no different.

The good news is that payments made on AliExpress are secure, and you can choose from different payment methods, whatever suits you best, like PayPal and Mercado Pago.

Plus, you can view prices in Mexican pesos or U.S. dollars, whichever you prefer, but if you’re looking for an alternative to save on the exchange rate, DolarApp is your best choice.

Whichever payment method you choose, it’s always recommended to place orders with a tracking number — that way, if the package doesn’t arrive or gets lost, you can use your tracking number to find it or claim it back.

Is it safe to shop on AliExpress?

As with shopping on any online marketplace, safety is key on AliExpress, but there are precautions you can take so you don’t get caught out:

  • Buy from sellers with good reviews

  • Get a tracking number for shipping

  • Opt for products with a money-back guarantee

This way, if something isn't as it should be, you could claim with AliExpress Mexico, and you'd be covered, with their buyer protection policies. But these usually cover those cases of undelivered products or products that don’t match their description — unfortunately, both of those can happen on AliExpress, which is why it’s important to be cautious.

Ultimately, shopping on AliExpress Mexico is just as safe as shopping with its competitor, Amazon.

Just keep in mind that, no matter the online store, even with seller verification systems, there can be some variation in trustworthiness. That's why it's important to do your research and choose sellers with good reviews before making a purchase, whether you’re shopping on AliExpress, eBay USA, Etsy, or sites like Best Buy.

How long do AliExpress shipments take to arrive?

Shipping times can vary on AliExpress Mexico, but they've gotten a lot faster recently. You can choose fast delivery within 15 days, but generally, the default is up to a month.

Sellers will include information about their shipping options on the product information, but if there’s a product without clear shipping information, it’s best to avoid it, just in case.

Keep an eye out for free shipping, too — another way to save money!

If I buy on AliExpress, do I have to pay customs duties?

Generally, low-cost items or those not found in Mexico have a lower chance of being flagged by customs. But all goods are subject to being stopped by customs, so there is still a chance.

If your AliExpress Mexico order gets stopped by customs, you could be charged customs tax, which is typically 16% of the cost of the item, but only for purchases over 8,600 pesos (around 500 U.S. dollars).

If you find an item in Mexico that's significantly cheaper when shipped from China, bear in mind that customs might hold it for tax payment, especially for high-end electronics like laptops or expensive phones.

Keep track of your spending on each order to avoid exceeding the 8,600 peso (500 USD) threshold to minimize your chance of customs delays and extra fees.

How to search for products on AliExpress from Mexico

Since the AliExpress website can geolocate the user, you often don’t need to configure your location and currency, unless you’re shopping on an incognito browser or using a VPN to hide your location.

But if you want to change your location or currency, you can easily do that on the language selector in the top righthand menu of the site.

How to shop with a secure seller on AliExpress from Mexico

The key to shopping securely on AliExpress Mexico lies in applying the right filters and being selective — if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Here are some tips of what to look for:

  • The seller has a profile with a lot of positive, recent reviews

  • They have detailed shipping policies, with options for tracking and refunds

  • For greater security, make a small first purchase (if possible)

Consider using secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, like PayPal or Mercado Pago. These services act as a safety net in case you encounter issues with your order, like a missing item or something different than what was described, so you can shop on AliExpress with confidence.

Offers, discounts, and promotions on AliExpress from Mexico

AliExpress Mexico is known for its amazing offers, discounts, and promotions. Here are our tips to get the best deals:

  • Check for deals regularly: New deals and promotions pop up regularly, so checking in often increases your chances of finding a great price.

  • Look out for flash sales: These are limited-time offers that disappear after a certain amount of time.

  • Bundle products: Sometimes, sellers offer discounts when you buy multiple items at once. This is because they can combine shipping, making it cheaper for everyone.

Remember, prioritizing safe shopping practices like seller reviews, tracking numbers, and secure payment methods goes a long way.

With a little research and these valuable tips in mind, you can shop on AliExpress Mexico safely and securely, while getting a great deal.

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