How long you wait for an AliExpress parcel is a question almost every new buyer asks. The answer depends mostly on the shipping method you choose - the gap between the cheapest and the most expensive option can be as much as 40 days. Below are realistic times based on buyers’ experiences in 2025.
Shipping options and approximate delivery times
- AliExpress Standard Shipping (CAINIAO)15–25 business days. The most popular option - a good balance of price and delivery time. Parcels can be tracked at 17track.net.
- Air mail (China Post Air Mail)25–45 days. The cheapest option, often free, but the slowest. Tracking works until the parcel enters your country, then it can get patchy.
- AliExpress Premium Shipping10–20 business days. Carriers like YunExpress or 4PX. Faster than standard, but costs a little more.
- DHL / UPS / FedEx5–10 business days. The express option, the most expensive (around 5–15 EUR per parcel). Ideal for more expensive or urgent orders.
- Ship from Europe3–7 business days. No waiting for customs clearance - the parcel arrives like from a local shop. A growing number of sellers stock goods within the EU.
How to track an AliExpress parcel
The tracking number usually appears on the order 3–5 days after you place it. You can track the parcel directly in the AliExpress app or on independent sites: 17track.net and parcelsapp.com support most carriers used by Chinese stores.
Note: when a parcel enters the EU or your country, the tracking status often "freezes" for a few days - that’s normal. The local postal service takes over and updates the status after customs clearance, which can take up to 5 business days.
Why an AliExpress parcel gets delayed
- Customs inspectionRandom customs checks can add 5–14 days to delivery. It most often affects parcels worth more than 150 EUR.
- Address errorA typo in the street name or a missing apartment number is the most common reason a parcel isn’t delivered. Always double-check the address before ordering.
- Long holidays in ChinaChinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (October) shut factories and warehouses for 1–2 weeks. Orders placed just before may wait longer.
- Logistics overloadAfter big sales (11.11, 12.12) shipping systems are overloaded - parcels placed then can wait up to 50 days.
The parcel didn’t arrive - what to do
If the parcel hasn’t shown up after the stated delivery time, you have the right to open a dispute with AliExpress. Do it via "My Orders" → the product → "Open Dispute" → choose the reason "Parcel not received".
Important: open the dispute before the buyer protection expiry date - it’s shown in the order details. After that date a refund is harder to get. AliExpress usually decides within 5–15 business days.
Important
Don’t confirm receipt of the order in the app if the parcel hasn’t arrived or the product is damaged. Confirming receipt closes the path to a full refund.
How to shorten the wait
- Filter products by "Ship from Europe" - you get the goods like from a local shop.
- Pick sellers that offer DHL or UPS as a shipping option - the surcharge is worth saving 2–3 weeks.
- Order with enough lead time - if you need the product by a specific date, add a 2–3 week buffer.
- Avoid ordering in November and December if you want the parcel before the holidays.
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