The Cheapest Way to Ship a Package to Taiwan in 2026

Taiwan is an efficient and relatively easy international shipping destination. The customs system is fast, the postal infrastructure is excellent, and delivery reliability is high. Whether you're sending personal packages or e-commerce orders, Taiwan is straightforward.

Rate Comparison: US to Taiwan

Rates from Los Angeles to Taipei. West Coast origins are cheaper.

Best Options

Small & Light (Under 4 lbs)

USPS First-Class Package International at $15–$25. Delivery takes 1–3 weeks.

Medium (4–15 lbs)

USPS Flat Rate Boxes or compare commercial UPS/FedEx rates through atoship.

Heavy (15+ lbs)

UPS or FedEx commercial rates through atoship — faster and often cheaper than USPS for heavy international packages.

Taiwan Customs

Duty-Free Threshold

• Goods valued under NT$2,000 (~$62 USD): Exempt from customs duty and business tax
• Above NT$2,000: Subject to customs duty (varies by category) + 5% business tax
• Frequently shipped items: May lose duty-free status if the same recipient receives too many shipments

Documentation

• Customs Declaration (CN 22/23 for USPS)
• Commercial Invoice (UPS/FedEx)
• Recipient's phone number (required)
• Recipient's ID number (may be needed for customs clearance on higher-value items)
• Item descriptions in English

Restricted Items

• Fresh food and animal products require permits
• Supplements/vitamins: generally allowed in personal quantities
• Electronics: most consumer items are fine
• Tobacco and alcohol: limited quantities for personal use

Address Format

Taiwanese addresses can be written in English (romanized) or Chinese:

[Name]
[Floor/Room], No. [Number], [Lane], [Street]
[District], [City] [Postal Code]
TAIWAN (R.O.C.)

Taiwanese postal codes are 3 or 5 digits. Including the district helps with accurate delivery.

Delivery in Taiwan

• Chunghwa Post: Handles USPS last-mile delivery — very reliable across the entire island
• T-Cat (黑貓宅急便) and Kerry TJ: Handle many private carrier deliveries
• Convenience store pickup: Taiwan has 13,000+ convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) with package pickup — very popular
• Delivery speed: After customs clearance, domestic delivery is typically next-day
• Tracking: Full tracking for Priority Mail and all express services

Saving Money

1. Ship from the West Coast

Rates from California are $8–$15 cheaper than from the East Coast.

2. Use atoship

atoship compares all carriers with commercial discounts — savings of $15–$30 per international package.

3. USPS Flat Rate for Heavy Items

The Small Flat Rate Box at ~$40 is excellent value for dense items to Taiwan.

4. Keep Value Under NT$2,000 (~$62)

Staying under the duty-free threshold saves the recipient from customs charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS take to Taiwan?

USPS Priority Mail International takes 6–10 business days. First-Class takes 7–21 days. UPS and FedEx deliver in 2–6 days.

Does Taiwan charge customs duties?

No duties on goods valued under NT$2,000 (~$62 USD). Above that threshold, customs duty (varies by item) plus 5% business tax apply.

Can I ship food to Taiwan?

Packaged, shelf-stable foods are generally fine. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy require import permits. Check Taiwan FDA regulations for specific items.

Is it cheaper to ship to Taiwan from the West Coast?

Yes, significantly. Shipping from California can be $8–$15 cheaper than from the East Coast due to shorter distance and direct trans-Pacific routes.