1.Key Differences Between Taobao and Amazon Registration

Taobao Requirements

Phone Number: While Taobao originally required a Chinese phone number, it now supports U.S. phone numbers for verification . However, some users report occasional issues receiving SMS codes.

Email: Required for account creation. Unlike Amazon, Taobao does not automatically link your email to a payment method.

ID Verification: Mandatory for purchases over ¥1,000 (~$140). You’ll need a passport or driver’s license.

Amazon Comparison

Phone Number: U.S. numbers work seamlessly.

Email: Directly linked to your Amazon account and payment methods.

ID Verification: Optional unless selling products.

2. Registration Process

Step 1: Create a Taobao Account

Download the App: Search “Taobao” in the App Store/Google Play.

Open the App: Tap “Register” (注册) on the login page.

Choose Language: Switch to “English” via the globe icon in the top-right corner .

Enter Details:

Email: Your U.S. email address.

Password: 6–20 characters with letters and numbers.

Phone Number: Enter your U.S. number (e.g., +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX).

Verify via SMS:

If you receive a code, enter it.

If not, use Google Voice or a virtual SIM card (e.g., 263 Yunka or Langma Mobile) .

Step 2: Real-Name Authentication (实名认证)

Access Settings: Tap “My Taobao” (bottom-right) → “Settings” (top-right).

Verify Identity:Select “Account & Security” → “Real-Name Authentication”.

Upload a clear photo of your passport or driver’s license.

Fill in your legal name and date of birth.

Wait for Approval: Typically takes 1–3 business days.

Step 3: Add Payment Methods

Option 1: International Credit/Debit Card

Link to Alipay:Open Alipay → “My Alipay” → “Bank Cards”.

Tap “Add Card” and enter your Visa/MasterCard details.

Pay via Alipay on Taobao:At checkout, select “Alipay” → choose your card.

Note: Alipay charges a 3% foreign transaction fee .

Option 2: PayPal (Limited Support)

Use Alipay’s PayPal Integration:Link your PayPal to Alipay.

Select “Alipay” at checkout → choose “PayPal”.

Note: PayPal is not directly supported on Taobao but works via Alipay .

3. Troubleshooting: U.S. Phone Number Issues

Problem: No SMS Code Received

Check Spam: Verify the code didn’t go to your spam folder.

Retry Later: Taobao’s SMS system may lag.

Use Google Voice:Create a Google Voice account → link your U.S. number.

Use the Google Voice number for Taobao registration.

Virtual SIM Cards:Purchase a temporary Chinese number (e.g., 263 Yunka) .

Follow the provider’s instructions to receive the code.

4. Common Issue: Region Restrictions

How to Switch to the “U.S. Version”

Change Region in Settings:Go to “Settings” → “Country/Region”.

Select “United States” (if available) or “Singapore” (for English interface) .

Use Taobao Global:Visit global.taobao.com for a simplified international version.

5. Final Tips

Language: Use Google Translate to navigate Chinese pages.

Shipping: Check if sellers offer international shipping (look for the “Global Shipping” badge).

Scams: Only buy from sellers with high ratings and English reviews.

By following these steps, you’ll unlock access to Taobao’s vast marketplace while avoiding common pitfalls. Happy shopping! 🛍️