Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Berthing issues at some ports may delay some shipments. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
Shipping luggage to Taiwan: what you need to know
With a rich history and miles of sandy beaches, the island of Taiwan is a must-visit. Whether you're backpacking, studying abroad, starting a job or moving permanently, you'll want to bring your belongings with you on the trip. Luckily, Seven Seas Worldwide's international shipping services are here to help.
Trusted by thousands of customers every year, we ship boxes, bags, and suitcases overseas stress-free and cheaply. Our expert team even ship oversized luggage like bicycles, surfboards, golf clubs and musical instruments! Plus, we cover all major cities in Taiwan, including Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Keelung and Banqiao. Discover how easy international luggage shipping can be by getting a free instant quote.
Experts in international shipping for over 25 years
Shipping to Taiwan doesn't need to be difficult. Our global network of depots allows us to offer a seamless service, supporting you from start to finish. With Seven Seas Worldwide, the whole process is incredibly simple! Here are just a few benefits of sending your luggage with us:
- Collection from your door: ditch dragging your belongings to a distant location. Instead, we deliver empty boxes to your door, collect them once packed, and ship them to their destination.
- No nasty hidden fees: we promise 100% transparency. That's why our free online quote tool clearly itemises every step of our shipping services, including warehouse handling and customs clearance.
- Free secure storage: we offer two weeks of free storage in both the origin and destination countries, giving you more time to make your journey.
- Track your shipment online: for extra peace of mind, use our handy online tracking tool to keep an eye on your shipment during its journey.
- We handle customs clearance: thanks to our in-depth local knowledge, you don't have to worry about anything. We'll collect your belongings from your door, deal with customs paperwork in the destination country and transport your shipment to your chosen address.
How our shipping services work in 5 easy steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
What boxes and packaging should you use for overseas shipping?
At Seven Seas Worldwide, our mission is to make international shipping smooth sailing. One of the ways we achieve this is by providing you with plenty of durable shipping boxes and packing materials, so you can securely pack your personal effects. The two most common box sizes we offer are Large and Standard (see below for dimensions). Both are made from chemically-hardened cardboard and double-walled for extra strength and protection.
Plus, we have a wide range of bespoke boxes for unusually-shaped items like golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles and suitcases. We even have a sizeable weight allowance of 30kg/66lbs per box. But, please weigh your containers before handing them to our driver, as you will need to split contents over the limit between several boxes.
Want to ship furniture or larger items overseas? Take a look at our International MoveCube® service.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
How we make the Taiwanese customs process easy
With over 25 years of shipping experience, we know how to ship luggage to Taiwan from South Africa with little effort on your part. We even handle quarantine and customs inspections to ensure your shipment is granted entry into the destination country.
However, there are a few customs regulations you need to be aware of when importing personal effects into Taiwan:
- Before we begin the shipping process, you'll need to log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account. Then, complete the online documentation, including:
- An inventory detailing the contents of your shipment
- Scans of your passport pages and, if required, visa.
Don't worry — our multilingual customer support team are always available to answer questions.
- Upon arrival, go through the red gate and complete the declaration form. Contact our Taiwanese agent and provide copies of the following:
- Flight booking
- Entry pass
- Work permit
- ARC/Residence Certificate for expats, or Residence ID for citizens.
- Avoid customs duties by owning the items for at least six months before shipping, importing them within six months of your arrival and ensuring your inventory is accurate.
For more customs advice, read our Importing into Taiwan page.
FAQs about our shipping services
Here's how our international shipping services work in 5 simple steps:
- Get a free online quote, place your order and pay the security deposit.
- Select a convenient date for us to deliver your packing materials and empty boxes.
- Securely pack your boxes, bags and suitcases, and complete the online documentation.
- We'll collect your shipment, and once we receive payment of the Shipping and Transportation charge, ship them to Taiwan.
- Upon arrival, log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account. Then, pay the destination charge, and arrange the delivery of your boxes.
We ship luggage to Taiwan by sea. Sea shipping takes 98 days to arrive and is also better for the planet as it produces less CO2!
Shipping bags and boxes to Taiwan doesn't need to break the bank. To see how cheap Seven Seas Worldwide's services are, simply enter your details into our free instant quote tool. It only takes a moment!
Unlike other international shipping companies, we break down all the charges involved to offer total clarity, so don't worry about hidden fees!
If you want to send oversized goods to Taiwan, use our International MoveCube®.
Designed to provide your belongings with utmost protection, our MoveCube® is unique to our company. Essentially it's your own dedicated shipping container we deliver to your door for you to pack. It comes in three sizes, Large, Medium and Small. You can fill it with everything from clothes and bedding to furniture and domestic appliances.
With Seven Seas Worldwide, you can ship all the belongings you typically find in a holiday suitcase. However, certain items are banned from importation for security and customs reasons. These restrictions vary depending on the country, so read our Prohibited Goods page before packing.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
Transit times for shipping to Taiwan from South Africa*
By sea
98 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
How to pack boxes and bags for international shipping
While it might take a little extra effort, correctly packing your belongings is the best way to ensure they arrive in one piece. Become a packing expert by following these 4 simple steps. Don't forget to check out our Insurance Policies for added protection!:
Don’t skimp on quality packing materials:
Firstly, gather suitable supplies. You can use your own containers, although please no plastic storage tubs, bin liners or laundry bags. They're prone to breaking.
But, for top security, we recommend using the materials we provide. Our cardboard boxes are specially designed to protect personal belongings during bumpy overseas journeys.
Make parcel tape your best friend:
Before filling, give your boxes extra strength by reinforcing the bottom with parcel tape. Ordinary sticky tape just won't do the job! Then, cover each item in bubble wrap and secure it with more tape.
Lastly, stuff crumpled newspaper or towels into any gaps to stop your valuables from bumping into each other. Check everything fits snugly and close the lid, sealing it tightly with, you guessed it, even more tape.
Complete the inventory as you pack:
For another time-saving hack, log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account and fill in your online inventory as you pack. Remember, we give this document to customs officials in Taiwan to help with inspections, so accuracy is critical.
Next, use a marker pen to label at least two sides of each box with your name, the box number, job number and destination country and city.
Pack your boxes before collection:
Once you've arranged for your shipment to be collected, weigh each container on bathroom scales to check they are within the 30kg/66lbs limit. Split heavier contents between several boxes.
Keep the process running smoothly by packing your boxes, bags and suitcases and bringing them to the entrance of your building before our driver arrives to collect them.
The services Seven Seas Worldwide provided were excellent, and the charge was reasonable. All procedures could be done online, and when I needed help, I could easily get in touch with customer services through email and/or phone. Every step was smooth. I worried that during such a tough time of sea shipping, my luggage would be severely late. But the luggage was sent to me in an acceptable time span. This was my first time shipping luggage from Hong Kong to Taiwan. It was a very good experience.
Kin Leung Ngai
Travel guide: where to visit in Taiwan
When Portuguese sailors first laid eyes on Taiwan in the 1500s, they dubbed it "Ilha Formosa", translating to beautiful island. A perfect description of this stunning East Asian country! From lush jungle trails to bustling street markets, rocking karaoke bars to endless beaches, Taiwan has something for everyone. Here are four must-visit destinations:
Taipei
Taiwan's capital city is an exciting mix of cultures. Enjoy getting lost in its sprawling maze of lantern-stringed streets. Just look out for whizzing motorbikes!
Best time to visit: as June to August is the height of typhoon season, aim to visit Taipei between late October and March when the weather is dryer.
How to get around: Getting around the city is convenient and easy. The subway and buses are most popular, but the taxis and rideshares are also plentiful.
Neighbourhoods to know: Ximending is the heart of Taipai. You'll find everything from cute cosplay cafes to five-star hotels in this busy commercial area. But if you want some fresh air, visit Beitou, the city's northernmost district, at the edge of Yangmingshan National Park.
Things to do: For the best view, take a trip to the top of Taipei 101, an iconic structure shaped like a bamboo stalk. You can even grab a coffee at the world's highest Starbucks. Or haggle for a bargain at Snake Alley Night Market, famous for pickled python and other exotic delicacies.
Taroko National Park
Dramatic cliff-faces. Emerald-green mountains. Secret waterfalls. Besides being blown away by this area's natural beauty, Taroko National Park also has a long list of attractions and activities to keep you busy.
Best time to visit: The park typically enjoys a humid yet pleasant climate, especially between January and April. But, the weather can be erratic, so check the conditions before setting off.
How to get around: While there are regular buses, renting a motorbike allows you to explore the park at your own pace.
Neighbourhoods to know: Hualien is the main gateway to Taroko National Park and Taiwan's largest East Coast city. Be sure to spot whales and dolphins in the harbour, relax on Qixingtan Beach and climb Cow Mountain before leaving.
Things to do: From light treks to serious climbs, Taroko National Park has plenty of hiking options. The park's crown jewel, though, is the Taroko Gorge. Created by the Liwu River, carving a path through marble mountains, there's plenty to discover. On your wanders, look out for caves, waterfalls and shrines.
Jiufen
Hidden in the mountains, Jiufen was once a gold-mining town. But it has since become famous due to its similarity to the village in the hit animated fantasy film, Spirited Away. Expect winding streets, scenic teahouses and breathtaking views at every turn.
Best time to visit: Avoid the crowds and humidity by visiting Jiufen between October and February, when temperatures are at their lowest.
How to get around: Luckily, this pretty little town is small enough to explore on foot. However, the roads are narrow and hilly, so wear your comfiest shoes!
Neighbourhoods to know: Old Street is at the centre of Jiufen, a narrow alleyway lined with tiny food stalls and pottery shops. To escape the tourists, climb Tea Pot Mountain and enjoy the views.
Things to do: Treat yourself to dessert at one of Jiufen's beautifully kept teahouses. Explore the old mining tunnels at the Gold Ecological Park. Or, snap pictures of the many twinkling lanterns.
Kaohsiung City
Known as Taiwan's Harbour Capital, Kaohsiung mixes buzzing city life with a laidback vibe. Its historical attractions, leafy riverside parks, and colourful street art make it a must for your itinerary.
Best time to visit: For cooler temperatures and less rain, aim to visit Kaohsiung between mid-November and the first week of April.
How to get around: Kaohsiung is one of Taiwan's most bicycle-friendly cities and has a well-connected metro system. Stop at Formosa Boulevard to admire the station's impressive stained-glass installation!
Neighbourhoods to know: Downtown is the Xinxing District, a perfect spot to indulge in the city's exhilarating nightlife. However, if you're looking for a more authentic experience, visit the quieter Sanmin.
Things to do: Enter through the Dragon Pagoda and exit out of the Tiger to reverse your fortunes. Take in the colourful murals and quirky installations at the Pier 2 Art Center. Or, hop on a ferry over to Qijin Island, famous for its black sand beach.