Honest Guide to Shopping on AliExpress: Bargain Heaven or Scam Trap?
Have you ever been scrolling social media and spotted a super quirky product—like a cat-shaped automatic onion chopper—priced ridiculously cheap? Chances are, clicking it leads you straight to AliExpress.
Our first reaction is usually a mix of excitement and worry: “I need this!” but also “Is it safe? Will it actually arrive? What about taxes?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Having spent years shopping on AliExpress—from phone cases costing just $0.70 to drone spare parts that are nearly impossible to find locally—I’ve experienced all the highs and lows. This article isn’t a robot-generated sales pitch; it’s a human-to-human guide on how to shop safely, survive long shipping times, and navigate customs drama.
What Exactly is AliExpress?
Think of AliExpress as a massive global marketplace where thousands of sellers, mostly from China, sell directly to consumers around the world, including Indonesia.
AliExpress is part of the Alibaba Group, but unlike Alibaba.com, which focuses on B2B wholesale, AliExpress is B2C. You can buy one single screw for just $0.35 and they’ll still ship it.
SEO note: People often search for “difference between Alibaba and AliExpress” or “AliExpress in Indonesia”.
Why Do We Go Crazy Shopping on AliExpress?
If local marketplaces exist, why bother buying from overseas? The answer lies in Price and Unique Items.
Unbeatable Low Prices
AliExpress cuts out many layers of distribution, so prices can be astonishingly low. Items sold for $10 locally might cost $3 on AliExpress, sometimes even with free shipping (though this is less common now).
Unique and Niche Products
Love building mechanical keyboards? Need rare switches? Or searching for kitchen gadgets only seen on TikTok? AliExpress is a treasure chest for niche products often unavailable in your country.
The Bitter-Sweet Reality #1: The Waiting Game
If you’re the type who orders today and expects the package tomorrow, AliExpress is not for you.
Fastest shipping can take around 2 weeks, while the longest may stretch to nearly 2 months. Average delivery currently hovers around 3–4 weeks. Why the delay?
- Long Journey: Packages travel from China, sometimes via Singapore, before reaching Indonesia.
- Customs: Shipments may be held for days or even weeks for inspection and tax processing.
Tip: After clicking pay, forget about it. Think of it as sending a surprise gift to your future self. Receiving it later feels like a birthday present.
The Bitter-Sweet Reality #2: Customs and Taxes
This is often the main reason international shoppers hesitate. Previously, a duty-free threshold of USD 75 existed, but now it’s virtually gone (PMK No. 199/PMK.010/2019). Almost all purchases are potentially taxed.
What you might pay: Import duty (~7.5%), VAT (11%), and sometimes income tax if you have a taxpayer ID.
Good news: AliExpress often includes estimated taxes during checkout, helping packages clear customs faster. Still, occasional discrepancies can occur, and packages may be held for additional payment.
How to Shop Safely and Avoid Scams
Ever bought shoes that fit a doll? A “1TB” flash drive that was actually 8GB? That’s what we call a scam.
Check Seller Ratings
Avoid new stores with no history. Look for shops that have been active for at least 1–2 years with ratings above 95% or 4.7 stars.
Read Reviews with Photos
Product descriptions can be misleading, but reviews with real customer photos tell the truth.
Check Order Volume
Products with thousands of orders are usually safe. Items with zero orders? Proceed with caution.
Use Secure Payment Methods
AliExpress payments are secure. You can use debit/credit cards like Visa/Mastercard or local payment methods such as Doku or convenience store options.
Products Worth Buying vs. What to Avoid
Green Light (Go Ahead!)
- Gadget accessories (cases, chargers, tempered glass)
- Niche hobby items (RC car parts, electronics DIY)
- Unique kitchen gadgets (baking molds, automatic onion peelers)
- Replacement parts (phone buttons, batteries for specific devices)
Red Light (Think Twice)
- Clothing and shoes (Asian sizes can differ significantly)
- Expensive gadgets (flagship phones, laptops)
- Cosmetics and skincare (safety standards uncertain)
Additional Tips for Beginners
Use Filters Wisely
Filter by price, rating, and order count to minimize risks.
Take Advantage of Coupons and Promotions
AliExpress frequently offers store coupons, product coupons, and seasonal promotions to get the best deals.
Handle Fragile Items Carefully
If buying fragile products, choose shops that use extra packaging or insured shipping.
Price Comparison: AliExpress vs Local Marketplaces
- Fun phone case: $1.10 on AliExpress vs $5 locally
- Unique baking mold: $1.80 on AliExpress vs $8 locally
Useful Links for Financial Tips & Product Picks
Conclusion: Is AliExpress Worth It?
Absolutely, as long as you understand how it works.
AliExpress isn’t for urgent shopping. It’s a place to hunt for unique bargains while practicing patience with customs and shipping times.
If you can wait 3 weeks for a $1.10 phone case that costs $5 locally, welcome to the AliExpress addicts club. If you need it tomorrow, stick to local marketplaces.
👉 Click here to view the latest offersHappy hunting (and waiting)!
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