AliExpress Spain Guide: Customs, Delivery & Smart Shopping Hacks

Shopping on AliExpress from Spain used to be a gamble. You would order a phone case, wait two months, and pray the aduanas (customs) officers didn’t hold your package hostage. That era is largely over. In late 2025, AliExpress acts less like a distant Chinese bazaar and more like a local logistics powerhouse, sitting comfortably as the 5th most visited e-commerce site in Spain.

However, the rules have changed. New VAT regulations, the integration with Correos, and the rise of “AliExpress Plaza” have shifted the landscape. If you are buying without knowing the current tax thresholds or how the “Choice” algorithm works, you are likely overpaying or waiting too long. This guide cuts through the noise to tell you exactly how to shop smart, avoid hidden fees, and handle returns like a pro.

The “Plaza” Advantage: Speed vs. Patience

The biggest mistake new users make is ignoring the origin of the shipment. While Amazon.es currently dominates the Spanish market with over 15% of traffic, AliExpress creates friction by forcing you to choose between speed and price. You have two distinct options:

1. AliExpress Plaza (The Local Option)

This is inventory physically stored in Spanish warehouses. If you live in major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Sevilla, verified data from December 2025 confirms that many Plaza items now offer next business-day delivery. For the rest of the peninsula, the standard is a reliable 3 days. If you need electronics or home goods fast, filter strictly for “Plaza.”

2. The “Choice” Program (The Hybrid)

AliExpress has heavily invested in its “Choice” logistics. These are shipments from China, but they are pre sorted in Cainiao hubs. While standard shipping can still take up to 60 days, “Choice” items reliably land in Spain within 10 to 15 days. If you aren’t in a rush, this is where the deep discounts live.

Editor’s Tip: If you are looking for vintage or second-hand treasures, AliExpress is not the place. You are better off exploring the best flea markets in Spain for authentic finds.

The Tax Reality: IVA and Customs in 2025

This is the number one source of confusion. Since the removal of the low value exemption, the math is strict but simple. Here is what you need to know to avoid surprises at the post office:

• Orders Under €150: You pay the 21% IVA (VAT) directly at the AliExpress checkout. This is processed via the IOSS system. When the package arrives in Spain, it flows through the “Green Channel” at customs. You should not pay anything extra upon delivery.
• Orders Over €150: The platform will usually remove the VAT from your total at checkout (an “adjustment”). Why? Because you are legally required to pay the VAT plus tariffs (averaging 2.5%) when the package hits Spanish customs. The carrier (usually Correos or ADT Postales) will contact you to pay these fees before release.

Warning: Be aware that a European reform is looming to remove the €150 duty free threshold starting July 2026. For now, however, the €150 mark is your safety line.

Returns and Refunds: The “Free Return” System

The fear of returning items to China is outdated. AliExpress now integrates directly with Correos for domestic returns on items labeled “Free Returns.”

You have 15 days from receipt to initiate a return. The process is digital: you generate a label in the app and drop the package at any of the 2,400+ Correos offices or 5,000 CityPaq lockers across the country. Refunds are typically processed within 1 to 10 days after the warehouse verifies the item.

If you prefer a physical retail experience where you can try before you buy, you might want to visit the best malls in Valencia or Madrid instead. But for pure convenience, the CityPaq integration makes online returns painless.

How to Get Real Support (Bypassing “Eva”)

Customer service on AliExpress is handled primarily through chat. The frustration usually begins with “Eva,” the virtual assistant. Eva is designed to deflect tickets, not solve complex problems.

The Practitioner’s Hack: To speak to a human, open the Help Center chat and type “agente humano” (human agent) repeatedly or select “Payment Failed” options, which often trigger faster escalation. Note that there is no general support phone number for online orders in Spain, despite what some forums claim.

Seasonal Discounts: When to Buy

Timing is everything. In December 2025, the platform is running the “Promo de Los Reyes Magos” (until Dec 21st) and the “New Year Liquidation” (last week of December). Keep an eye out for specific codes like BDES04 (€4 off €35) or MES15 for larger orders. Always check the “Coins” section in the app before checkout for extra stacked discounts.

While AliExpress covers a broad range of goods, for specific categories like high-end fashion, you might want to consult our Zalando Guide for a better fit. Similarly, for specialized electronics, checking local competitors is wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay customs for a €50 order?

No extra fees at delivery. You will pay the 21% VAT at checkout, and the package should arrive without any further payments required.

Is AliExpress Plaza reliable?

Yes. Plaza items are shipped from Spain, meaning no customs delays and verified 3-day delivery. It is arguably the safest way to use the platform.

Can I pay with Bizum?

AliExpress has been rolling out various local payment methods. While credit cards and PayPal remain the standard, look for local options at checkout as they update frequently to match Spanish habits.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

AliExpress in 2026 is no longer just about cheap novelties; it is a legitimate competitor to Amazon for electronics, accessories, and home goods, provided you stick to “Choice” and “Plaza” listings. By understanding the €150 VAT threshold and utilizing the Correos return network, you can strip away the risk and focus on the savings.