Guides & help
Everything you need to buy from China with confidence, from your first order to Kosovo customs.
Beginner guide
New to package forwarding? Here is the short version: buy your items on a Chinese shop, send them to our warehouse in China using your order number, and we ship them to Kosovo. You pay for the products at the shop and pay us for shipping.
Using the warehouse address
After you confirm your order with us on WhatsApp, we send you our China warehouse address privately. At checkout you enter that address as the receiver and add your PADOBUY order number so we can match the parcel to you. We share the address on request only, so it always stays current.
How long does delivery take?
Air economy is usually 8 to 12 days from China to Kosovo. Sea freight is cheaper but takes several weeks.
Can you buy the items for me?
Yes. Send us the product links on WhatsApp and we can place the order on your behalf (purchase service).
Can you combine several parcels?
Yes. We consolidate multiple parcels into one shipment where possible to reduce your shipping cost.
Taobao & 1688
Taobao is the largest consumer marketplace, great for one-off items. 1688 is the wholesale side, cheaper per unit but usually in larger quantities. Both use a Chinese checkout, so if you get stuck, send us the product link and we can order for you.
Ordering step by step
- Find your item on the shop and copy the product link.
- Send it to us on WhatsApp with the size, colour and quantity.
- We confirm the product price and give you an order number.
- You (or we) place the order to our China warehouse address.
Size guide (China → EU)
Chinese sizes usually run one to two sizes smaller than EU sizes, especially for shoes and fitted clothing. When in doubt, size up, and always check the seller's own measurements in centimetres.
Clothing (tops)
| China | EU | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| M | S (44) | 96–100 |
| L | M (46) | 100–104 |
| XL | L (48) | 104–110 |
| 2XL | XL (50) | 110–116 |
| 3XL | XXL (52) | 116–122 |
Shoes
| China | EU | Foot (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 39 | 24.0 |
| 39 | 40 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 41 | 25.0 |
| 41 | 42 | 25.5 |
| 42 | 43 | 26.5 |
| 43 | 44 | 27.0 |
Customs in Kosovo
When a parcel enters Kosovo it can be subject to import duty and VAT (18%), calculated on the customs value — usually the price of the goods plus shipping. The duty rate depends on the product category, and low-value shipments may be exempt.
How we handle it
- We keep the shop invoice / order screenshot as proof of value.
- Before your order ships, we tell you whether duty or VAT is expected.
- Any customs charges are paid by the customer and are separate from our shipping fee.
Prohibited & restricted items
Some goods cannot be shipped by air, need special handling, or are not allowed at all. If your item might be on this list, ask us before you buy.
Not shippable / air-restricted
- Pure lithium batteries and power banks (strict air limits)
- Flammable liquids, aerosols, perfumes, lighters
- Weapons, replicas, and any part of them
- Drugs, medicines and controlled substances
Restricted / ask first
- Devices with built-in batteries (phones, earbuds, toys)
- Brand replicas and counterfeit goods
- Food, seeds, plants and cosmetics
- Large magnets, oversized or very heavy items