AliExpress offers a world of products at competitive prices, making it a go-to platform for shoppers around the globe. For customers in Portugal, it presents an amazing opportunity to find everything from cutting-edge electronics to unique fashion items. However, navigating an international marketplace can sometimes feel daunting, especially with questions about shipping, payments, and customs.
This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to shop on AliExpress from Portugal safely and confidently. From setting up your account and finding the best deals to understanding shipping times and handling any potential issues, consider this your complete resource for a great shopping experience.
First Step: Register and Get Your Welcome Coupon
Before you start adding items to your cart, you need to create an account. AliExpress doesn’t allow guest checkout, but registration is quick and comes with a perk. New users often receive a welcome coupon, giving you an instant discount on your first purchase.
You can sign up using your email address, which we recommend so you can receive order notifications directly. Alternatively, you can use your Google or Facebook account for an even faster process. Once registered, make sure to add your shipping address in Portugal. You can use your home or work address, but avoid using a post office box, as packages cannot be delivered there.
Find Products with Shipping to Portugal
To ensure you only see items available to you, it’s crucial to set your location correctly. On the top right corner of the AliExpress website or in the app settings, you can select your “Ship to” country as Portugal and your currency as Euros (EUR).
Once this is set, all your searches will automatically filter for products that can be delivered to Portugal. You can start searching using keywords in the main search bar or by browsing the categories. For best results, use broad keywords first and then use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options by brand, price, color, and more.
Read Descriptions and Check Seller Reputation
A key to successful shopping on AliExpress is to look beyond the main product image. Always take the time to read the full product description and its specifications. This section contains vital information, including:
- More detailed photos of the item.
- Sizing guides and material composition for clothing.
- A list of what’s included in the package.
Equally important is the seller’s reputation. Before buying, scroll down to the “Feedback” or “Reviews” section. Here, you can read comments from other buyers, many of whom upload their own photos of the product. This gives you a real-world look at the item’s quality.
Pay close attention to the seller’s overall rating and how long their store has been open. A store with a high positive feedback score (95% or higher) and several years of history is a much safer bet. Avoid buying from sellers with poor ratings to prevent potential disappointment.
Accepted Payment Methods in Portugal
AliExpress offers a variety of secure payment methods for customers in Portugal. When you’re ready to check out, you can choose from the following options:
- Credit or Debit Card: This is the most common and recommended payment method. AliExpress accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and American Express.
- Virtual Prepaid Cards: Many Portuguese banks offer virtual cards specifically for online shopping. These work like a debit card but add an extra layer of security, as you can load them with just the amount needed for your purchase.
- Other Electronic Payments: You can also use services like Webmoney, iDeal, and others. Bank transfers are an option but are generally not recommended as they are slower and can complicate the refund process if an issue arises.
All transactions on AliExpress are protected by an escrow system. This means your payment is held by AliExpress and is only released to the seller after you confirm that you have received your order and are satisfied with it. The platform also uses SSL encryption to protect your data, making payments safe.
Navigating Shipping and Customs
One of the biggest advantages of AliExpress is the free or low-cost shipping. However, it’s important to understand how shipping times and customs work for orders sent to Portugal.
Shipping Times and Methods
Most free or low-cost shipping options, such as AliExpress Standard Shipping or Cainiao, are handled by the national postal service (CTT Correios de Portugal) upon arrival. The typical delivery time for these methods is between 20 and 38 days. While your buyer protection period lasts for 60 days, most packages arrive well within this window.
Some sellers offer faster shipping via private couriers like DHL or FedEx, but these options are significantly more expensive. We generally advise against them unless you need an item urgently, as they also increase the likelihood of your package being stopped at customs for inspection.
A great feature to look for is sellers with warehouses in the EU. Ordering from a warehouse in Spain, Poland, or France can reduce shipping time to just a few days.
How Customs Work for Portugal
When you order from a country outside the European Union, your package is subject to customs clearance. Here’s what you need to know:
- VAT (IVA): As of July 2021, all goods imported into the EU are subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT), regardless of their value. For most products, AliExpress collects this tax at checkout, so you won’t have to pay anything extra upon delivery.
- Customs Duties: If the total value of your goods (excluding shipping and VAT) is over €150, you may also have to pay customs duties.
- Items from EU Warehouses: If you order from a seller’s warehouse within the EU, your package will not be subject to VAT or customs duties upon arrival, as it’s already within the single market.
If your package does require additional payment, CTT or the courier service will contact you with instructions on how to proceed.
How to Open a Dispute for a Problem Order
AliExpress offers robust buyer protection. If your order doesn’t arrive, is damaged, or is not as described, you can open a dispute to request a refund.
Your purchase is protected for 60 days from the shipment date. To open a dispute, go to your “My Orders” page, find the relevant item, and click the “Open Dispute” button. You will need to explain the issue and provide evidence, such as photos or videos of the problem. AliExpress will then mediate between you and the seller to find a solution.
Frequently Asked Questions on AliExpress Portugal Shopping
1. Is it safe to shop on AliExpress from Portugal?
Yes, AliExpress is a secure platform that uses an escrow system to protect your payments. Your money is only released to the seller after you confirm that the order has been received and is satisfactory. Additionally, all transactions are encrypted with SSL for added security.
2. How can I avoid customs fees when shopping on AliExpress from Portugal?
To avoid customs fees, consider ordering from sellers with warehouses in the European Union. Products shipped from EU warehouses are not subject to customs duties or VAT upon arrival in Portugal. For items shipped from outside the EU, keep the total value under €150 to avoid customs duties, though VAT may still apply.
3. What should I check before buying a product on AliExpress?
Always read the product description carefully to ensure it meets your expectations. Check the s
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