Online Shopping

Taiwan has access to a wide variety of international products, but local merchants also offer convenient and competitive options. Prices on imported products often carry a premium due to factors such as import duties and shipping costs, while some seemingly domestic items, like computer components, can be surprisingly expensive.

More Expensive Items:

• Imported luxury goods (fashion, accessories)
• European or American cosmetics
• Imported health supplements
• High-end foreign electronics (e.g., some brands of laptops, cameras)
• Imported cars

Less Expensive Items:

• Local food and beverages (especially Taiwanese brands)
• Local electronics (smartphones, home appliances)
• Taiwanese fashion brands
• Local skincare products
• Domestic motorbikes and scooters

International Platforms

Taobao (China)

• Taobao: offers an extensive range of goods at affordable prices. However, it doesn't ship directly to Taiwan, so using a Taobao agent(e.g., Superbuy, 42Agent) is necessary.
• Shipping Costs: Forwarding services can help you buy from Taobao and ship to Taiwan, but they add a fee.

Amazon Global

• Amazon: ships directly to Taiwan for many products, including those from Amazon U.S., Japan, and the UK.
• Import Duties: Amazon often includes import duties in the price, simplifying the process.
• Free Shipping: Look for "free international shipping" promotions.

AliExpress

• AliExpressis popular for low-cost items with direct international shipping to Taiwan.
• Shipping: Offers cheaper options like ePacketand AliExpress Standard Shippingfor tracking and faster delivery.

eBay

• eBayallows you to purchase items from international sellers who offer worldwide shipping to Taiwan.
• Customs: Be mindful of potential customs fees for higher-value items.

Local Platforms

While international platforms offer convenience, local Taiwanese merchants provide fast delivery, local customer support, and competitive pricing. Here are some of the most popular online stores in Taiwan:

PC Home

PChome offers a diverse range of electronics, gadgets, books, clothing, and home goods. It provides fast delivery options, with same-day delivery available for select products in major cities. The site features regular sales, promotions, and is known for its excellent customer service.

Momo

Momo's online platform provides an extensive range of products including electronics, home appliances, clothing, and beauty items. It supports various shipping options, such as express delivery within Taiwan. Shoppers can enjoy frequent discounts, live-streamed shopping events, and loyalty programs.

Shopee Taiwan

Shopee is a prominent e-commerce platform in Taiwan offering a vast selection of products from local and regional sellers, including tech gadgets and fashion. Many items feature free shipping, with sellers often providing expedited delivery options. Key highlights include seasonal sales, live shopping features, and competitive pricing.

Yahoo Taiwan

Yahoo Taiwan delivers a variety of products ranging from electronics to groceries. Customers benefit from free shipping promotions and speedy delivery services within Taiwan. Regular sales events and exclusive deals enhance the shopping experience.

Eslite

Known for its curated selection of books and lifestyle goods, Eslite also offers electronics and home products. With fast delivery options across Taiwan, the platform is renowned for its high-quality merchandise and excellent customer service.

Rakuten Taiwan

Rakuten Taiwan features a wide array of products including electronics, beauty items, fashion, and food. The platform ensures fast delivery services, with same-day options in select locations. Shoppers can take advantage of discount coupons and a points-based loyalty system.

FriDay Shopping

FriDay Shopping specializes in electronics, home goods, and fashion, with many items offering free shipping and competitive delivery times across Taiwan. Regular promotions and flash sales make it an attractive choice for online shoppers.

Price Differences

When shopping internationally, prices can vary widely based on the product type:

• Electronics: Items like smartphones, laptops, and cameras often cost the same or slightly more in Taiwan compared to Western countries due to import duties, taxes, and shipping costs. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony are priced similarly or higher in Taiwan.
• Fashion and Beauty: Clothing, shoes, and beauty products are often cheaper in Taiwan compared to the West, especially for local brands or products from countries in Asia (e.g., Korea, Japan, and China).
• Home Goods: Items such as furniture, kitchenware, and decor can also be more affordable in Taiwan, especially from local merchants like PC Homeand Momo, where Taiwanese-made or Asian-style products are common and priced competitively.
• Food and Groceries: Many international food products are available in Taiwan but may be marked up compared to prices in the West, especially for imported goods. However, local Taiwanese food and groceries tend to be cheaper.
• Toys and Games: Video games, toys, and other entertainment products can often be found at lower prices in Taiwan, especially local or regional brands. However, imported or Western brands (e.g., LEGO) may carry a higher price tag.

Shipping and Delivery

Courier Services

• DHL, FedEx, UPS: Known for fast delivery but higher fees. Ideal for urgent shipments.
• Taiwan Post (Chunghwa Post): Offers reliable services for domestic and international shipments.
  • EMS: Faster international delivery.
  • Airmail: More affordable, but slower.

Freight Forwarding Services

• Shipito, MyUS, Stackry: These services give you a U.S. or other country-based address and forward your packages to Taiwan.
• Consolidation: Ideal for combining multiple shipments from different stores into one package to save on shipping fees.

Customs and Duties

• Duty-Free Allowance: Goods valued underNT$3,000(about US$100) are exempt from import duties.
• Customs Duties: For items over NT$3,000, expect duties ranging from 5%-10% of the product value.
• VAT: The standard VAT rate is5%for most goods, and it's usually included in the purchase price on platforms like Amazon.

Tracking Shipments

• Tracking: Use tracking numbers from your courier service (DHL, FedEx, Chunghwa Post) to monitor your packages.
• Chunghwa Post: Track international shipments sent via EMS or Airmail using their online tracking tool.

Handling Returns and Issues

• Return Policies: Ensure you understand return policies before purchasing, especially for high-ticket items. Amazon, Shopee, and Momo typically offer free or easy returns.
• Customs Fees on Returns: You may be liable for customs fees when returning high-value goods, depending on the seller's policy.

Saving on Shipping Costs

• Consolidate Shipments: Use freight forwarders to combine multiple items into one package to reduce shipping costs.
• Sales Events: Take advantage of global sales (e.g.,11.11 Singles' Day) for discounts and free shipping deals. Black Friday has also become increasingly popular in Taiwan, with many retailers offering significant savings during this time. However, be aware that merchants often apply significant markups to prices before offering holiday discounts, which can diminish the overall benefit for consumers. That said, store-wide vouchers and coupons can still make these sales events worthwhile, offering additional savings on top of the advertised discounts.
• Free Shipping Offers: Look for free or discounted shipping on international platforms and local sites like Momo and Shopee.