DHgate is a China-based marketplace that sells millions of products both wholesale and retail. But just like with other ecommerce sites, many people wonder whether DHgate is trustworthy or not. The simple answer: your experience depends on whom you buy from and how clearly you understand the product you choose.

In this guide, you’ll also see what buyer protections DHgate offers and where their limits are. We also cover common risks, a step-by-step to shop with more control, and how to track your order.

DHgate Is Trustworthy: A Guide to Buying Safely in Mexico (and How to Track Your Order)

Is DHgate Trustworthy or a Scam?

DHgate is a legitimate ecommerce platform that has operated as a marketplace since 2005. Saying whether DHgate is trustworthy depends on the seller you choose. That’s why you’ll find very positive reviews and very negative ones as well.

What should you check before buying?

• The seller’s rating.

• Whether they have thousands of orders or accumulated sales.

• How long they’ve been selling.

• Whether they maintain a stable reputation.

• Recent comments and reviews that include real product photos.

You can usually see there whether the product matches what’s promised.

It’s also a good idea to check opinions on external sites like Trustpilot to get the big picture.

DHgate Is Safe: Protections and Limits

When buying from China or the United States, you have a certain level of protection—but with conditions and deadlines.

In DHgate’s case, it offers a degree of protection for:

• Making payments within the platform. The payment is tied to the order, and communication with the seller is too. The platform also supports several payment methods.

• Dispute system. If the product doesn’t match the description, arrives incomplete/damaged, or a conflict arises with the order, you can file a claim from the website.

• Refunds and solutions. When you open a dispute on DHgate, you have three paths: return the items, request a refund, or request a replacement.

Discover everything about DHgate’s buyer protection system for international customers.

There are also limits you should be clear on:

• Deadline to file. Disputes and refunds have a permitted period for submission, which may vary depending on the reason.

• Protection only within DHgate. If you negotiate or pay outside the platform, those protections do not apply because DHgate can’t back up a transaction that didn’t occur in its system.

In short, DHgate can give you support, but it doesn’t remove risk entirely.

Common Risks When Buying on DHgate and How to Avoid Them

The risks of buying on DHgate generally revolve around two points: irregular sellers or expectations that don’t align with what you’re actually buying.

To reduce the likelihood of a bad experience, follow this checklist and act accordingly:

• Counterfeit products. Be suspicious of unreal prices and focus on reviews with photos as well as the seller’s number of sales.

• Payment or deals outside DHgate. Don’t accept transfers outside the platform, external links, or WhatsApp; keep everything inside the platform.

• Ambiguous product description. If measurements, materials, and variations aren’t clear, switch to another seller.

• Long shipping and irregular tracking. For international purchases, tracking may take time to activate or update in stages. Avoid issues by checking the estimated time before paying and remember that tracking won’t always be linear.

• Costly international returns. Sometimes returning an item is expensive or takes longer than you want, and it’s not always worth it. Read the seller’s return conditions before buying.

Most bad experiences can be prevented by checking these points and choosing a solid seller.

How to Buy on DHgate Safely: Step by Step

Here are the steps to buy on DHgate safely:

1. Start with the seller, not the price. If you see filters like “Top/Trusted,” use them as a starting point. Then confirm with accumulated sales and rating consistency.

2. Confirm with reviews that include real photos. Look for comments from buyers who uploaded images to check quality, materials, variations, and how the product arrives.

3. Review the seller’s policies before paying. Especially returns, conditions, and time frames.

4. Pay within DHgate. This way your order is recorded and supported within the system.

5. Document with an unboxing video. Recording a short clip showing packaging and product serves as proof if something arrives incomplete, damaged, or different from the description.

6. Don’t confirm receipt without checking carefully. Verify quantity, functionality, size/measurements, and details match the listing.

7. If something goes wrong, act. Contact the seller within the platform and keep everything in writing. If it’s not resolved, open a dispute within the permitted period.

The key is to filter sellers well, buy under clear conditions, and respond in time if a problem arises.

DHgate Tracking: How to Track Your Order

Tracking on DHgate works with a tracking number, just like AliExpress or eBaytracking.

Where do you find that number?

In “My Orders” → “shipping details”—the tracking number appears there when the seller generates it.

You can also find it in the shipping confirmation email.

How do you track a DHgate order?

There are two common ways:

1. Within DHgate: using the tracking inside the order details.

2. Outside DHgate: pasting the number into an external platform like 17TRACK.

17TRACK is a package-tracking website that can track shipments from Shopee and other international marketplaces if you have a valid tracking number.

• Note: the tracking number is alphanumeric (numbers only, or letters+numbers) with variable lengths.

What if tracking doesn’t update?

Sometimes tracking takes time to activate after shipping, so it may show no information at first. If it still doesn’t update after a while, message the seller within DHgate to confirm dispatch or update the number. If they don’t respond or nothing moves, open a dispute within the allowed period.

DHgate Mexico: Shipping, Customs, and Taxes

International purchases may be subject to charges such as VAT, import duties, and/or customs handling fees. This depends on the type of product, its declaration, and the carrier’s process.

In addition, Mexico’s 2025–2026 customs and tariff reform points to greater control requirements and documentation in foreign trade operations.

With that in mind, we suggest:

• Keep order records (confirmation, payment, and product details).

• Have your tracking number and purchase confirmation handy in case the carrier or customs requests verification.

• Consider potential extra costs for taxes or customs handling.

With these precautions, it’s easier to respond if the carrier or customs asks for information and to avoid surprises in the final cost.

Alternatives to DHgate

If you’re still not convinced about buying on DHgate, you have other options—potentially lower risk:

• AliExpress: may be easier to compare sellers and reviews, with relatively clear disputes.

• Alibaba: a good option if your idea is buying wholesale and dealing directly with suppliers, similar to DHgate’s approach.

• Amazon (including international sellers): often offers faster deliveries and simpler returns, depending on the product and seller.

• Mercado Libre: local purchases with shorter delivery times and more accessible support/returns.

• 1688: also good if you’re hunting for low prices, though the process is more complex (suppliers, logistics, and order management).

Choose the alternative based on your goal, but only buy when the seller has a clear history and well-defined terms.

Lastly, try paying for your DHgate orders and similar international marketplaces with DolarCard, DolarApp’s virtual card. On many of these platforms it often works because it’s designed specifically for online payments.

DolarCard is part of the Mastercard network and operates with USDc/EURc. Request it from DolarApp and take advantage of fair exchange rates when converting pesos to digital dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DHgate trustworthy in Mexico?

It depends on the seller. DHgate is a legitimate marketplace, but like any other platform, there are good and bad experiences. To minimize risk, check reputation, sales, and photo reviews before paying.

Is DHgate safe for card payments?

It can be safe if you pay within the platform and complete any necessary verification (if applicable). Security drops if you accept arrangements outside the platform.

How does DHgate tracking work?

Tracking works with a number that activates when the seller dispatches the package. Since it’s international shipping, tracking can update in stages and with gaps.

Where do I see my DHgate tracking number?

Find it in your account by opening the order and checking the shipping details section. If it isn’t there yet, it may be because the seller hasn’t uploaded it or the package hasn’t been dispatched.

What if my order doesn’t arrive or arrives different?

First, review your order details and contact the seller within the platform. If it isn’t resolved, open a dispute and attach evidence (photos/video) to request a refund, return, or replacement.

How long does DHgate take to deliver to Mexico?

There’s no single timeline: it depends on the shipping method, seller, season, and customs. As a reference, it ranges from a few to several weeks. Check the estimate when buying and monitor tracking.

Sources:

DHgate

Trustpilot

How to open a dispute on DHgate

DHgate’s buyer protection system

17TRACK

Mexico’s 2025–2026 customs and tariff reform