Am I covered by Paypal Buyer Protection if I buy something from China?
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I am looking at buying some things from China for $640 and they said they would take paypal. I live in the US if it matters.
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If the item meets the requirements outlined in the Use Agreement, then "yes".
See the documentation here: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/useragreement-full
However, you can run in various issues, mostly the time it takes to receive the item and/or communicate with the seller or merchant as you're dealing with an overseas transaction. The seller can simply stall for time for various reasons and provide fake shipping info as overseas or international orders are more difficult to track (scammers and not so honest sellers know this). Should something go wrong with the transaction, you have 45 days from the date of the transaction purchase to open a dispute requesting a refund.
Additionally, you have 20 days from the date you opened the dispute to escalate it to a claim if you and the seller or merchant cannot come to an agreement. Even if you do settle on a refund before going to a claim, there's no guarantee the money will ever be refunded.
If you don't escalate the dispute to a claim within the 20 day window, PayPal will simply close your dispute. Once a dispute is closed, you cannot open it. Based on the fact that you are dealing with an overseas merchant or seller and the time involved for shipping and communication, the chances of everything going in your favor are reduced.
Do your homework, check out the seller or merchant before purchasing. If you find negative info on the net, that should give you something to think about. Bottom line, only you can make the purchase decision.
Last thought, pay with a regular "credit card" thru your PayPal Account or use your card and pay as a guest. If things do go wrong and/or PayPal decides not in your favor, you can then contact your card issuer for assistance. They may be able to do a chargeback on your behalf.

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