How to Buy from Temu in South Africa Without Getting Scammed

What is Temu and How Does It Work?

Temu is a Chinese-owned online marketplace (run by PDD Holdings, the parent of Pinduoduo) that sells discounted goods worldwide. It launched globally in 2022 and entered South Africa in early 2024, quickly becoming one of the most downloaded shopping apps. Like AliExpress or Shein, Temu connects South African buyers directly with sellers and manufacturers in China. By cutting out middlemen, it offers very low prices on electronics, clothing, homeware, and more. Buyers pay in rand and either wait for international shipping or, increasingly, select items from Temu’s local warehouse for faster delivery.

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Risks for South African Shoppers

• Customs charges and import taxes. Since mid-2024, SARS applies full import duty and 15% VAT on Temu orders. An R120 item that used to cost R144 (duty only) now costs about R166 after VAT. Couriers may also add handling fees. Expect 20–40% extra in total charges.
• Counterfeit or poor-quality goods. Temu hosts thousands of sellers, some of whom supply counterfeit or low-quality items. Branded electronics, cosmetics, or fashion are especially high-risk. Check reviews carefully before buying.
• Refund and return challenges. Temu promises a 90-day refund guarantee if items are damaged, lost, or not as described. However, returning goods internationally can be expensive and impractical. Refunds are more reliable than physical returns.
• Shipping delays. International shipping can take 2–4 weeks. Local warehouse items, however, may arrive within 1–2 days.
• Scams and phishing. Scammers impersonate Temu via fake ads, WhatsApp groups, or emails. Always use the official app or website and never share your personal details outside of these.

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Step-by-Step: How to Shop Safely on Temu

1. Choose trusted sellers. Stick to verified sellers with strong positive reviews.
2. Pay securely. Use PayPal, credit cards, or virtual cards with buyer protection. Avoid EFTs or gift cards.
3. Watch customs and shipping. Select “local warehouse” items when available. Otherwise, budget for import taxes and clearance fees.
4. Inspect on arrival. Check parcels immediately. Submit refund claims within the app if items are missing, damaged, or incorrect.
5. Track carefully. Monitor your parcel’s movement through the Temu app or courier system to avoid customs delays.

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SARS Import Duties, VAT and Fees

• VAT: 15% applied to the customs value (item + shipping + 10% uplift).
• Import duty: Varies by product (commonly ~20% on clothes and electronics).
• Courier fees: R100–R300 clearance fees, plus VAT.

Example: A R500 gadget + R100 shipping could attract R120 duty + R108 VAT = R228 tax, plus courier fees.

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How Temu Compares to Other Platforms

Platform	Delivery Time	Reliability	Price	Notes
Temu	1–2 days (local) / 2–4 weeks (international)	Mixed seller quality	Very low	Beware counterfeits, import tax
Shein	2–4 weeks	Better established	Low	Same VAT rules as Temu
AliExpress	1–2 months	Widely variable sellers	Low–mid	High counterfeit risk
Takealot	1–3 days	Very reliable	Higher	Full local protections

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Best and Worst Products to Buy on Temu

• Best: Cheap, generic items like stationery, craft supplies, kitchenware, basic clothing.
• Worst: Branded electronics, luxury fashion, premium cosmetics, safety products, or items for babies/pets.

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FAQs

Is Temu safe in South Africa? Yes, Temu is legitimate, but product quality varies and scams exist. Always pay securely.

How much are customs charges? Expect roughly 30–40% extra (VAT + duty + fees).

How long does delivery take? Local stock: 1–2 days. International stock: 2–4 weeks.

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By shopping wisely—using secure payments, prioritising verified sellers, and budgeting for taxes—you can enjoy Temu’s bargains without falling victim to scams or hidden costs.