How to Track an AliExpress Package: A Complete Guide

Did you buy something on AliExpress and now you're checking your phone every day to see where your package is? You're not alone. Tracking an AliExpress package is an integral part of the shopping experience, especially when it comes to a shipment arriving from the Far East. In this guide, you'll learn how to track your package step by step, where to find the tracking number, how to decode the various statuses, and what to do when your shipment is stuck in customs. By the end, you'll know exactly what every notification means and when it's worth starting to worry.

Where to Find the Tracking Number on AliExpress

The first step in tracking is obtaining the tracking number. This is a unique code that follows the package the entire way. Here's how to find it on AliExpress:

1. Log in to your account and click on "My Orders".
2. Find the relevant order and click on "View Detail" or "Order Details".
3. Look for the Tracking Number field - it usually appears after the seller has shipped the package.

Note: the tracking number doesn't appear immediately after payment. The seller needs time to prepare and ship the product, so sometimes it takes a few days before the number appears. If more than a week has passed and there's no number, it's worth contacting the seller through chat.

Common Types of Tracking Numbers

On AliExpress you'll encounter several types of shipping methods, each with its own tracking format. Among the most common: AliExpress Standard Shipping, Cainiao (AliExpress's logistics arm), as well as international services like China Post. A number that starts with letters and ends in CN usually belongs to China Post.

How to Actually Track Your Package

There are several ways to track a shipment from aliexpress, and it's worth knowing all of them:

• Within the AliExpress app or website - the simplest way. Under the order details you'll see a timeline with status updates.
• External tracking sites - sites like 17track let you enter a single tracking number and see the entire journey, including steps that don't always appear on the original site.
• The local postal service website - when the package arrives in your country, you can also track it through the local postal tracking system using the same number.

Important tip: sometimes the tracking number only becomes "active" after the package leaves China. Until then, you may see a message saying there's no information - this is normal in the early stages.

Decoding Statuses: What Each Message Really Means

One of the main causes of confusion is the English statuses that aren't always clear. Here's an explanation of the most common messages in AliExpress package tracking:

• Shipment information received - the seller created the shipment, but the package hasn't actually been handed over to the shipping company yet.
• Departed from facility / Departure from outward office - the package has left the sorting center in China and is on its way to you.
• Arrived at destination country - the package has arrived in your country. Now the customs and local postal handover stage begins.
• Customs clearance / Held by customs - the package is undergoing customs inspection. This usually resolves itself within a few days.
• Out for delivery - the package is out for delivery. You'll likely receive it today or tomorrow.
• Delivered - the package has been delivered. If you didn't receive it, check a nearby pickup point.

Why Doesn't the Status Update for a Long Time?

Packages from AliExpress pass through many stations, and not every station updates in real time. Peak periods like the 11.11 shopping festival or after Chinese holidays extend shipping times. If the status is stuck for a week or two but is still within the estimated delivery window - there's usually no reason to worry.

What to Do When Your Shipment Gets Stuck in Customs

A common situation for shoppers: the package has arrived in the country but the status has been stuck on "in customs" for several days. In most cases this is a routine delay, but here's what you should know:

1. Understand the exemption rules - there is usually a VAT and customs exemption threshold for personal imports. Beyond a certain amount, you may be required to pay taxes. Check the current rules on your local tax authority's website.
2. Wait patiently - random customs inspections can take a few business days. In most cases the package is released on its own.
3. Prepare documents - if a declaration is required, you may receive a notice from the courier company or postal service. Keep a screenshot of your order and the invoice from AliExpress.
4. Pay the charge if required - if there's a customs charge, you can pay it online through the relevant system to release the package.

If the package is stuck in customs beyond a reasonable time and you don't receive an explanation, contact the local shipping company or postal service directly with the tracking number.

What to Do If the Package Doesn't Arrive at All

AliExpress provides buyer protection through the Buyer Protection mechanism. Every order has an Order Protection Time. If the package hasn't arrived by this date, you're entitled to open a Dispute and request a refund. To increase your chances:

• Open a dispute before the protection expires - don't wait until the last moment.
• Attach screenshots of the tracking status showing the package wasn't delivered.
• Word your request matter-of-factly and detail the dates.

In many cases you can also extend the protection time through the "Extend Processing Time" button if the package is still on its way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an AliExpress package to arrive?

Shipping time depends on the method you chose. Standard AliExpress shipments usually arrive within a few weeks, while express services can arrive faster. During busy periods like Chinese holidays, times get longer. Always check the estimated time on the product page before buying.

Why doesn't the tracking number work on the tracking site?

In the early stages the tracking number isn't yet registered in the systems. Wait a few days after the seller ships the package and try again. If after two weeks the number still isn't active, contact the seller through AliExpress chat to inquire.

Will I have to pay customs on an AliExpress order?

It depends on the order's value. There is usually an exemption threshold for personal imports, above which VAT or customs charges may apply. To know for sure, check the current rules on your local tax authority's website according to the package's value and the type of product.

What do I do if the package is marked "delivered" but I didn't receive it?

First check whether the package is waiting in your mailbox, with a neighbor, or at a nearby pickup point. If you didn't find it, contact your local postal service with the tracking number, and at the same time consider opening a dispute on AliExpress while the protection is still valid.

Summary

Tracking a package from AliExpress is much simpler once you understand tracking numbers, know how to decode the statuses, and know what to do during a customs delay. Keep your tracking number, track through the website or an external tracking site, and use buyer protection if something goes wrong. Now that you know exactly how to track, you're ready for your next purchase with peace of mind - head to AliExpress, find the product you're looking for, and track it with full confidence until it arrives at your doorstep.