How to Shop Cheaper on AliExpress: Ultimate Guide

1. Bulk Discounts (Multi-Item Savings)

Many AliExpress sellers offer automatic discounts when you buy multiple items:

• How it works: Add 2+ items from the same store to cart – discounts appear at checkout (e.g., "€5 off for 3 items").
• Pro tip: Combine low-cost accessories (e.g., bike tools, phone cases) to maximize savings.
• Best for: Small, lightweight items with high seller margins.

2. Coupons & Sales Events

Time your purchases with these major discount periods:

• Choice Days (Monthly): Extra coupons + "Spend & Save" deals (e.g., "€10 off €100").
• 11.11 Sale (Nov 11): AliExpress' biggest event – store-wide discounts up to 60%.
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Stackable coupons (check "Coupon Center" in app).
• How to maximize:
  • Collect limited-time "Red Coupons" (click banners daily).
  • Use "Coin Discounts" (earn coins via check-ins).

3. Maximize Savings with AliExpress Coins

Earning Coins:

a. Daily Check-In

• Open AliExpress app → "Account" → "Coins Center"
• Daily rewards increase consecutively (Day 1: 10 coins → Day 7: 70 coins)

b. Complete Tasks

• Watch product videos (+5 coins each)
• Write reviews (+30 coins per verified purchase)
• Play "Coin Spin" mini-game (up to 100 coins/day)

c. Purchase Bonuses

• Earn 1-3% back in coins on every order
• Extra coins during sales (e.g., 11.11 gives 5x coins)

Using Coins Strategically:

• Discount Conversion:
  100 coins = $1 discount (max 10% of order value)
  Example: 300 coins → $3 off $30+ purchase

• Stack with Other Deals:
  Combine with coupons, Choice discounts, and USD trick for maximum savings

• Best Uses:

  • Top up small orders (e.g., $10 item + 100 coins = $9)
  • Discount high-margin items (cables, accessories)

Pro Tips:

🔹 Save coins for big sales (like 11.11) when discounts multiply
🔹 Check "Coin Offers" tab for exclusive coin-only deals
🔹 Expiry Warning: Coins vanish after 1 year of inactivity

Example Savings:
Collect 500 coins/month → $60/year in free discounts!

(Works globally - even if using the USD payment trick!)

4. Pay in USD for Better Exchange Rates

Why This Works:

When you pay in your local currency on AliExpress, PayPal or AliExpress applies their own (often unfavorable) exchange rate with hidden fees (typically 3-4% markup). By paying in USD instead, you can:

• Get your bank's/card's better exchange rate
• Avoid PayPal's currency conversion fee
• Save 2-5% on every purchase

Step-by-Step Instructions:

a. Change AliExpress Display Currency to USD

• On Desktop:
  1. Click the country flag icon in top toolbar
  2. Select "United States" and "USD"
• On Mobile App:
  1. Go to "Account" tab
  2. Tap "Settings" → "Currency"
  3. Select "USD - US Dollar"

b. Add Items to Cart Normally

• Prices will now show in USD
• Note: Some items may appear slightly more/less expensive due to currency fluctuations

c. Proceed to Checkout

• Select PayPal as payment method
• Important: Do NOT proceed yet

d. Crucial PayPal Settings

• Before final payment, look for:
  • "See exchange rate" or "Payment options" link
  • Select "Pay in US Dollars" (not your local currency)
• This ensures PayPal won't convert the currency

e. Let Your Bank/Card Handle Conversion

• Your credit card will automatically convert USD to your local currency
• Conversion happens at your bank's rate (usually better)

Important Warnings:

⚠️ Never use these payment methods:

• PayPal's currency conversion (3-4% fee)
• Debit cards with high FX fees
• Bank transfers in local currency

⚠️ Check these first:

1. Your card's foreign transaction fee policy
2. If your bank adds any hidden markups
3. Current exchange rates on XE.com

Example Savings:

Item Price: $100 USD

• PayPal Conversion (EUR): €95 (with 3.5% fee)
• Bank Conversion (EUR): €91 (0% fee)
  → You save €4 (4.2%)

Pro Tips:

1. For large purchases (>$300), compare:
   • Your bank's USD rate vs AliExpress local price
2. Some banks offer better rates on weekends
3. Set up rate alerts on XE.com for optimal timing

When NOT to Use This Method:

• If your bank charges >2% FX fees
• During major sales when local currency discounts exist

Remember: This trick works because AliExpress's USD prices are fixed, while conversion rates vary. By controlling who does the conversion, you get the best deal!

Bonus Tips

• Price Tracking: Use extensions like "AliHelper" to monitor price drops.
• Negotiate: Message sellers for discounts on orders over €50 (works best pre-sale).
• Combine with Cashback: Sites like Cashback Monitor list AliExpress cashback offers.

Example: A €200 power meter (P505) could cost €160 with coupons + €8 cashback + €5 saved via USD trick = €173 total (13.5% off).

Happy (and smarter) shopping! 🛒💸