Everything you need to know about ordering from AliExpress to Saudi Arabia. In this comprehensive guide we cover all available shipping options, expected delivery times, customs duties and taxes, and the best tips for getting your packages faster and cheaper.
AliExpress offers several shipping options to Saudi Arabia ranging from free economy shipping to express delivery via DHL and FedEx. Choosing the right shipping method depends on your budget and how urgently you need your order.
Delivery Times to المملكة العربية السعودية
Delivery times for AliExpress orders to المملكة العربية السعودية depend on the product, the store, the shipping method you choose and the warehouse it ships from. In general, shipments from distant warehouses take longer than those from closer ones. During major sales events (like 11.11), deliveries may be delayed by high shipping volume.
We don't publish fixed delivery windows because there aren't any: AliExpress shows the estimated delivery time and shipping cost for each product before you pay, and they vary by product, store and shipping method. Check them on the product page and in the order summary before you buy.
| Shipping Method | What It Is | Time & Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AliExpress Standard Shipping | The common AliExpress shipping option, offered free or at low cost on many products, and usually comes with a tracking number. | Shown on the product page before payment |
| AliExpress Direct | An AliExpress-run option that consolidates parcels before sending them; available for some countries and products only. | Shown on the product page before payment |
| AliExpress Choice | A badge AliExpress puts on selected products. They have their own shipping terms shown on the product page, and free shipping may need a minimum order. | Shown on the product page before payment |
| DHL / FedEx / UPS | International express couriers some sellers offer at extra cost; usually faster than economy options. | Shown on the product page before payment |
| Cainiao Economy | Economy options that are usually cheaper and slower, and tracking may be limited. | Shown on the product page before payment |
Shipping Options in Detail
AliExpress Standard Shipping
One of the most common and affordable options. Tracking updates may sometimes lag. Suits non-urgent orders, and some sellers offer it free on certain items or above an order threshold, as shown on the product page.
AliExpress Direct
An AliExpress-run service that consolidates parcels before shipping. If it appears as an option for shipping to المملكة العربية السعودية, compare its displayed time and cost with the other options on the product page.
AliExpress Choice
Products carrying AliExpress's Choice badge. Their shipping and return terms are shown on each product page and can differ by country, and free shipping may need a minimum order. Read these terms before paying rather than assuming they're the same for every product.
DHL / FedEx / UPS
International express couriers are usually the fastest and provide detailed tracking, but they cost considerably more. They may suit valuable or urgent items. Check the displayed price and time before choosing them.
Customs Duties & Taxes
Shipments into Saudi Arabia are subject to the rules of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). VAT at 15% applies to imported goods, and customs duties may also apply depending on the product type and value under the rules in force.
On many orders AliExpress collects the tax at checkout, in which case it appears in the payment summary. Check the summary before buying to know the total cost: product price + shipping + tax where shown. If it isn't collected upfront, the carrier may ask you to pay it before delivery.
Some products such as food, medicines, cosmetics and certain devices may need special approvals or be restricted from import into Saudi Arabia. Check the rules of the relevant authorities before ordering them.
How to Track Your Order Step by Step
Get your tracking number
After the seller ships your order, you'll find the tracking number on the "My Orders" page in the AliExpress app or website. The number or its first update may not appear right after shipping is confirmed, so don't worry if it takes a little while.
Track your shipment
Use your tracking number on the AliExpress app or websites like 17track.net and parcelsapp.com. You'll see updates such as "Picked up from seller," "In transit to destination country," and "Arrived at customs."
Customs clearance
When your shipment reaches customs in المملكة العربية السعودية it goes through clearance, which takes a different amount of time for each shipment. If any charges weren't collected at checkout, the carrier may notify you to pay them before delivery.
Local delivery
After customs clearance, the parcel is handed to a local courier such as SMSA, Aramex or Saudi Post (SPL). Make sure your phone number and national address are correct so you receive the delivery notice.
What to Do If Your Order Is Late
If your order has passed the expected delivery date shown on the order page, start by checking the tracking status. Tracking updates are sometimes delayed by carrier backlogs, especially in peak seasons. If tracking has stalled for a long time and the parcel hasn't moved, message the seller through AliExpress and ask about the shipment.
If the seller doesn't respond or doesn't offer a satisfactory solution, you can open a dispute from the order page on AliExpress and select "I didn't receive the product" as the reason. The AliExpress team reviews the dispute and decides the outcome, and you can follow its status from the order page.
Important tip: the Buyer Protection period for each order is shown on the order page. Don't wait for it to run out; if it's nearly over and your order still hasn't arrived, ask the seller to extend it or open a dispute before it ends.
