Mail/Postage Basics

Taiwan's postal service is rapid and reliable. Delivery island-wide is almost always within 2 days. International mail also takes about 7 days or less to most developed countries around the world.

NOTE: If you use the wrong slot/box, no problem, it will be delivered but will take longer than normal

Post Offices

Open hours: Mon - Fri 8am-5pm

Note: also open 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, but always closed Sundays & public holidays

Most large post offices offer a convenient packing service (for a small fee)

Bring your own padding though...(newspaper or old cloth)

Parcels must be sealed and only using string (no tape), most hardware/convenience stores sell plastic string for this type of use.

Rates - Domestic & International

Domestic express mail - usually delivered within 24hrs.

'Prompt delivery' - 2x faster than regular mail

Super-express mail - guaranteed to be delivered within a few hours to anywhere island-wide (except remote mountainous areas)

International Express Mail Service (EMS) - carries a min. charge of NT$300

Registered mail - international/domestic availability (express w/return receipt)

Printed items/photographs can be sent more inexpensively than letters.

It is cheaper to send photos via a stamped, separate envelope 'printed matter' *yinshua pin) (also write 'airmail')

NOTE: Printed items cannot be sealed with glue, only staples (for inspectors to check if you put a letter inside, if you sneak a letter in it will be returned or sent by ground delivery which could take months to arrive...)

Small items can be sent as 'small parcel', and is much cheaper than normal letters. It can be stapled or fastened with string, but not taped shut.

Postcards - the least expensive is NT$2 and can be bought at the post office counter

Private Couriers

Fast international delivery is also available by several US-based express companies, both  headquartered in the same Taipei building. View drop-off locations in major Taiwan cities on their respective websites:

UPS (United Parcel Service)

361 Ta'nan Rd, Shihlin district, Taipei 111

(02) 2883 3868

080-291-300

www.ups.com

Fedex

361 Ta'nan Rd, Shihlin district, Taipei 111

02-2536-9300

080-075-075

www.fedex.com