AliExpress is not worth it for anything priced above R1000

****mers! I purchased something for R5500 in January 2026 to be delivered on February 10, 2026. The parcel was never delivered. They said I must contact Mailamericas, which is close to impossible to reach, as they also couldn't reach them. But I found them via email. I also realized there's a part about SkyNet.

I searched for their contacts on Google and called. I found out the parcel appears to be at Johannesburg Airport but can't proceed to customs due to unfinished documentation. To fix this, I had to contact AliExpress, according to SkyNet. Mailamericas also advised me to contact AliExpress.

From my understanding, I dealt with AliExpress, so if I have problems, I have to deal with AliExpress. The only times I need to intervene are when I have to pay customs duties or when they need help with delivery.

After contacting AliExpress, the status on their website changed. Now it looks like they're waiting for custom clearance fees, but a link was never sent. According to SkyNet, the customs department link can only be generated after document finalization.

Another thing: the seller sent me invoices for the item I bought, costing $170 USD, and now I'm wondering if shipping could cost +$160 USD.