Buying on AliExpress from Belgium : Complete Guide and Tips

Do you live in Belgium and wonder if AliExpress is worth it? The answer is yes. More and more Belgians are ordering from this platform for a simple reason: very low prices and a huge selection not always found in stores.

Whether you're looking for a handy gadget, fashion accessories, or even DIY equipment, AliExpress offers a massive selection, often at unbeatable prices. As a bonus, shipping is often free, even for small items.

Of course, you might still have a few doubts: How does it work? Is it reliable? What are the delivery times for Belgium? Will I have to pay customs fees?

In this guide, I’ll explain everything step by step. The idea is to help you shop on AliExpress from Belgium stress-free and enjoy great deals without bad surprises.

How to access AliExpress in Belgium?

French or English site: which one to choose?

When you connect to AliExpress from Belgium, you can choose between the French, Dutch, or English site. If you're more comfortable in French, you’ll likely prefer that version. It’s easier to use, especially for a first order.

However, keep in mind that automatic translation isn't always perfect. Some texts may be a bit unclear. On the other hand, the English site is often clearer, better updated, and richer in product details.

If you understand some English, I recommend using that version. You’ll avoid translation errors and get a better shopping experience. But if that’s not your thing, no worries: the French version works well too.

Create an AliExpress account from Belgium

Before buying anything, you’ll need an AliExpress account. Don’t worry, registration is quick and free:

1. Go to the site: Visit AliExpress.com.
2. Sign up: Click on “Sign Up” at the top right.
3. Form: Enter your email address and choose a secure password.
4. Confirmation: Click the link in the confirmation email from AliExpress.
5. Profile: Fill in your personal details and add your delivery address in Belgium.

And that’s it, your account is ready! You can now start ordering, track your packages, manage your payment methods, and enjoy everything AliExpress offers.

Payment Methods

What payment options are available in Belgium?

Good news: if you're ordering from Belgium, AliExpress offers several secure payment methods. You can pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard…), PayPal, or certain e-wallets.

Just pick what suits you best. If you’re already used to PayPal, it’s often the most reassuring option for first-time buyers.

Note that not all sellers on AliExpress accept it. PayPal availability depends on the seller and the country. In Belgium, most sellers offer PayPal, but not all.

For more info, check out our article on AliExpress payment methods.

Are payments really secure?

Yes, AliExpress has a strong security system for all transactions. Your bank data is protected by advanced encryption, and you automatically benefit from the buyer protection program.

If you don’t receive your order or the product doesn't match, you can request a refund. AliExpress acts as a middleman and only releases the money to the seller once everything is confirmed.

How to pay with PayPal on AliExpress?

If you prefer using PayPal for added security, here’s how to do it:

1. Add items to your cart.
2. Go to checkout by clicking “Proceed to Checkout”.
3. Select PayPal as your payment method.
4. Log into your PayPal account.
5. Confirm your order after reviewing the order details.

In addition to AliExpress protection, PayPal also lets you open a dispute directly from your account if something goes wrong. It’s real peace of mind for online purchases.

How to choose the right products and reliable sellers?

How to spot quality products?

On AliExpress, it’s all about filtering. To avoid bad surprises, use precise keywords and filter results (minimum rating, number of orders, etc.).

Take time to read the full descriptions and check the photos provided by the seller. These are good indicators of listing quality.

My tip: go for items rated above 4.8/5 with at least 500 orders. That’s usually a sign of quality.

👉 See my detailed tips here

How to choose a reliable seller?

A good product is great. But a good seller is even better. Here are key points to check before buying:

• Ratings and reviews: The higher the score, the better.
• Response rate: A responsive seller is reassuring.
• History: Check how long they’ve been active and their sales volume.
• Certification: Some sellers are “certified” by AliExpress. That’s a good sign.

👉 Learn how to spot a reliable seller

Should you read reviews? Always.

Other buyers’ reviews are a goldmine. Read the comments, especially the longer ones. You’ll see what real customers think.

Also check the photos and videos in the reviews. They often say more than official photos. And don’t ignore negative reviews — they help you anticipate issues.

My seller recommendations by category

Here are some trustworthy sellers I recommend by product type:

• Smartphones: Xiaomi Official Store, Huawei Authorized Store.
• Men’s clothing: Trendy Men's Fashion, Urban Style.
• Women’s clothing: Fashion Women's Boutique, Elegant Dresses Store.
• Accessories: Accessory Kingdom, Jewel Paradise.
• Electronics: Tech Gadgets Hub, Smart Device Central.

👉 See the full list of best sellers

Shipping and delivery fees in Belgium

What delivery options are available for Belgium?

When you order on AliExpress from Belgium, several shipping methods are available. Most often, you can choose between China Post, DHL, FedEx, or other services like Singapore Post or Sweden Post.

Each option has its advantages. It depends on your budget and how urgent your order is. The faster the delivery, the more expensive — and sometimes with customs fees.

Comparison of main shipping options

• China Post: Free, but slow (3 to 4 weeks). Perfect if you're not in a rush.
• DHL: Super fast (about 5 days), but very expensive and always subject to customs.
• FedEx: Same as DHL. Fast and reliable, but costly and often with extra fees.
• Singapore Post / Hong Kong Post: 12 to 20 days, often no customs fees. A good compromise.
• Sweden Post: 15 to 20 days, with a low risk of customs charges.

How to get free shipping?

Good news: you can often avoid paying shipping fees. Here are a few simple tricks:

1. Choose China Post: It's the most commonly offered free option.
2. Look for free shipping promotions: Some sellers highlight them.
3. Order several items from the same seller to combine shipping.
4. Use filters on AliExpress to show only items with free shipping.
5. Ask the seller: Some will offer free shipping if you kindly ask!

How to track your order from Belgium?

Tracking your AliExpress package is very easy:

1. Log in to your AliExpress account.
2. Go to “My Orders” and find the relevant item.
3. Click “Track” to follow delivery status step-by-step.

👉 See the full guide to tracking your order

Customs and VAT in Belgium

Should you worry about customs when ordering from AliExpress?

When you buy on AliExpress from Belgium, imported products sometimes go through customs. It depends on the carrier, parcel value, and sometimes… a bit of luck!

In theory, any order can be checked and additional fees may apply. It’s rare for small items, but not impossible.

VAT in Belgium: how does it work?

In Belgium, VAT is 21% and applies to your total order: product + shipping. Here’s how to calculate it:

Example: For a €100 order, you must add €21 VAT.

In practice, VAT is sometimes already included when you pay on AliExpress. Be sure to check the order summary before confirming.

How to reduce the risk of customs fees?

Here are a few tips to minimize customs fees when ordering:

1. Choose small packages: They pass more easily unnoticed.
2. Ask for a reduced invoice: Some sellers declare a lower value (note: not guaranteed).
3. Avoid very expensive products: The cheaper the item, the lower the chances of being taxed.

Tips to avoid customs checks

Some simple habits to reduce inspections on your orders:

1. Choose China Post or Singapore Post: These carriers are less scrutinized.
2. Avoid DHL or FedEx: They’re fast, but heavily monitored.
3. Order in small quantities: The bigger the package, the more it stands out.
4. Read seller reviews: Experienced sellers often know how to ship smoothly.

How to avoid scams and fraud?

Spotting unreliable sellers

To get great deals on AliExpress, it's best to avoid nasty surprises. First reflex: always check customer reviews and seller ratings.

Be wary of stores with very few sales, negative feedback, or unclear product descriptions. On the flip side, favor sellers with over 95% ratings and positive comments.

What protections does AliExpress offer?

AliExpress takes buyer safety very seriously. Here’s what you should always do:

• Pay with a secure method like PayPal or credit card.
• Check return policies before ordering.
• Don’t confirm receipt unless everything is okay.

If there’s a problem, you’re covered: if the product doesn’t arrive or is not as described, you can request a refund thanks to buyer protection.

How to open a dispute and get a refund

If an item causes issues, here’s how to file a complaint on AliExpress:

1. Contact the seller first: Explain the issue. That’s often enough.
2. Open a dispute in your “My Orders” section.
3. Add proof: Photos, screenshots, messages… the clearer, the better.
4. Wait for AliExpress’s decision: They will review your case and make a ruling.

👉 Full guide to avoiding scams

Returns and refunds

What is AliExpress’s return policy?

AliExpress allows returns on some products under certain conditions. But be careful: each seller has their own policy, so it’s important to check the return policy on the product page before ordering.

Some items aren’t eligible (discounted products, hygiene goods, etc.), so it's best to check before buying.

How to return a product from Belgium?

Here are the steps if you need to return an item:

1. Contact the seller: Tell them you want to return the item.
2. Get the return address: They’ll tell you where to ship it (often to China).
3. Pack carefully: To prevent damage during transport.
4. Ship with tracking: Always use tracked shipping for proof.

How to get a refund on AliExpress?

If you can’t reach an agreement with the seller, you can open a dispute. Here’s how:

1. Open a dispute in the “My Orders” section on AliExpress.
2. Add evidence: Photos, screenshots, conversations with the seller.
3. Be patient: AliExpress will review your case.
4. Receive your refund to your original payment method if approved.

👉 Full guide to AliExpress refunds

Conclusion

Ordering from AliExpress in Belgium is a real opportunity to save money and access a wide range of products you won’t always find in stores.

Yes, there are a few downsides: sometimes long delivery times, possible customs fees, and sizes to check carefully. But with a little method, you can easily avoid them.

Here are my final tips for a successful shopping experience:

1. Read reviews: They’re your best source for assessing product quality.
2. Choose highly rated sellers: The more experienced they are, the fewer issues you'll face.
3. Pay with PayPal: For maximum protection in case of a problem.
4. Check sizes: Especially for clothes, take time to check the sizing charts.
5. Contact sellers if in doubt. It’s better to ask than to guess wrong.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to make the most of AliExpress while avoiding the pitfalls. Happy shopping!