Taiwan – Postal Service

Who operates the postal service in Taiwan, and who are the key providers?

The national postal operator of Taiwan is Chunghwa Post (中華郵政), formally designated as Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd. For much of its history, it functioned as a direct government agency under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, but in 2003 it was restructured into a government-owned corporation. Unlike Royal Mail or Australia Post, both of which have undergone varying degrees of privatisation, Chunghwa Post remains entirely state-owned and continues to command a dominant share of the postal market.

The organisation handles standard letters, registered mail, parcels, and express shipments throughout Taiwan, with operations overseen by twenty-three supervisory offices coordinating roughly 1,300 post office outlets. Its workforce numbers more than 23,000 employees spread across facilities throughout the island.

In recent decades, Chunghwa Post has undertaken substantial modernisation, channelling investment into digital infrastructure, automated mail sorting, and improved delivery tracking. The organisation has also expanded into e-commerce logistics, digital mailbox services, and a broadened range of financial products, evolving well beyond its origins as a purely postal enterprise.

Taiwan’s private courier sector is active and competitive, with global operators such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS all maintaining a presence alongside prominent domestic companies. For everyday domestic and international mail, however, Chunghwa Post remains the primary choice for most residents. The official website is post.gov.tw.

How fast and dependable is mail delivery in Taiwan?

In Taiwan’s principal cities, letters are collected from postboxes more than six times daily, enabling delivery within the same city within a matter of hours and to other cities by the following day. This performance compares favourably with many postal networks around the world and is aided by the relatively compact size of the main island. As of 2025, next-day domestic delivery between major urban areas is the standard for ordinary mail.

Chunghwa Post’s Express Mail Service (EMS) provides an accelerated option for both domestic and international shipments. For international EMS, transit times depend on the destination: Hong Kong and Macao are typically reached within one to two business days; other Asian destinations such as India and the UAE generally take two to ten business days; and European countries can expect arrivals within four to ten days, with nations such as France, Germany, and Sweden often receiving parcels in four to five days (as of 2025).

All EMS consignments dispatched through Chunghwa Post can be monitored via the official website using the assigned tracking number. These tracking numbers follow a standardised thirteen-character format: two letters, nine digits, and the two-letter country suffix “TW” — for instance, EE123456789TW. Tracking functionality also applies to registered mail and standard international parcels.

One important consideration is that Taiwan is not a member of the Universal Postal Union, meaning international mail cannot be exchanged directly and must instead be channelled through intermediary countries — Japan Post, for example, handles much of the mail arriving from the Americas. This arrangement can occasionally add to transit times for standard international post in comparison with EMS, which is worth keeping in mind when timing important deliveries. Always check the latest estimated delivery timeframes on the Chunghwa Post website before sending.

What extra services can you access at post offices in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s post offices are genuinely multi-purpose institutions — comparable in scope to Japan Post or France’s La Poste — serving as financial and administrative service hubs rather than mere mail counters. For expats newly arrived in Taiwan, this breadth of service is particularly valuable before a local bank account has been established or before familiarity with local billing processes has developed.

Alongside core postal functions, Chunghwa Post provides a diverse range of financial products including savings accounts, domestic and international remittances, and basic life insurance policies. Collectively these services process enormous transaction volumes annually. The postal savings arm functions as Taiwan’s largest deposit-taking institution, with balances reportedly exceeding NT$7 trillion in recent figures. Opening a Chunghwa Post savings account is frequently one of the first practical steps for arriving expats, as the documentation requirements tend to be less demanding than those of commercial banks and the account is compatible with salary transfers and utility direct debits.

The full spectrum of services extends to philatelic products, real estate leasing, and bill payment facilities for utilities and other regular charges — a feature many expats rely on before they have online banking configured. Currency exchange is offered at selected larger branches; it is advisable to confirm availability at your nearest office before making a special trip.

Most financial and payment services are uniformly available at all branches, but certain offerings such as foreign exchange or specialised insurance products may be restricted to larger urban locations. The Chunghwa Post website and its freephone number, 0800-700-365, can assist in identifying branches that provide particular services.

Does postal delivery reach every address in Taiwan, and what happens when it cannot?

Chunghwa Post provides delivery of standard letters, registered mail, parcels, and express items throughout Taiwan as a whole. This coverage extends to the outlying island groups of Kinmen, Matsu (Lienchiang), and Penghu — a meaningful practical consideration for expats contemplating a move to these more remote communities. Delivery frequencies and transit times to island destinations may differ from those on the main island, so it is sensible to check current schedules with Chunghwa Post in advance.

Across the rural and mountainous regions of the main island, delivery continues to all registered addresses, though collection and delivery intervals may be less frequent than in urban centres. In very remote locations or recently developed areas where address registration is uncertain, the six-digit postcode system (described below) assists accurate sorting and routing.

Where a parcel cannot be delivered — typically because no one is present at the time — Chunghwa Post leaves a collection notice card with instructions for arranging redelivery or picking up the item. Recipients can generally retrieve parcels from the designated local post office branch, submit an online or telephone redelivery request, or authorise another person to collect on their behalf. PO boxes are available for those who prefer to receive mail directly at a post office. An online redelivery request facility is provided for registered users on the Chunghwa Post website.

How should you format a postal address in Taiwan?

Taiwanese addresses written in Chinese proceed from the broadest administrative unit down to the most specific, which is the reverse of the order commonly used in English. In Chinese convention, the postcode and city appear first, followed by district, road, lane, alley, and finally the building or floor number. For international mail addressed in English to Taiwan, most postal systems accept the familiar Western sequence with the recipient’s name at the top.

A standard Taiwanese address in Chinese/local format for domestic mail is structured as follows:

• Postcode (six digits, placed before the city name)
• City or county (e.g. Taipei City / 台北市)
• District (e.g. Da-an District / 大安區)
• Road/Street (e.g. Xinyi Road / 信義路)
• Section number (Sections, abbreviated “Sec.”, are commonly found on major thoroughfares)
• Lane (巷, xiàng) and Alley (弄, nòng) where applicable
• Building number and floor (e.g. No. 12, 3F)
• Recipient name

A practical example of a domestic address written in English format suitable for senders based overseas:

Frequent errors to avoid include omitting the section number on roads that use them — a single road may span several kilometres across multiple sections — and leaving out the district name. Taiwanese addresses commonly incorporate floor numbers (1F, 2F, B1, etc.) as a distinct address component, and these should always be included for multi-storey buildings. Village and neighbourhood elements are optional and can typically be omitted without affecting successful delivery.

How do you search for a postcode or ZIP code in Taiwan?

Taiwan operates a three-plus-three (3+3) numeric postcode system administered by Chunghwa Post. This six-digit format was introduced on 3 March 2020 to enable more precise delivery zoning, replacing the earlier five-digit (3+2) format that some older residents and legacy systems continue to use. The current official format has six digits — for example, 106011. While both three-digit and five-digit systems existed historically, the six-digit code is now the official standard for all addresses.

The opening three digits of any postcode correspond primarily to Taiwan’s 368 townships, county-administered cities, and districts. The initial digit identifies a broader postal zone, while the full three-digit group maps to a specific township, county-administered city, or district. The trailing three digits refine the code to a particular street section or delivery zone. For everyday purposes, omitting the supplementary three digits is generally acceptable, whereas the complete six-digit code is expected by corporate clients dispatching high-volume mail.

The most accurate and current method of looking up a postcode is through the Chunghwa Post ZIP code quick search tool at post.gov.tw. The search tool accepts address input in Mandarin phonetic script (Zhuyin), Hanyu Pinyin, or Tongyong Pinyin romanisation, and returns both the three-digit and six-digit codes. This resource is the most reliable source, given that codes may be updated following changes to administrative boundaries.

Taiwan’s six-digit postcodes consist entirely of numerals — comparable to US ZIP codes in that respect, though with six digits rather than five. No letters or separators appear in the code. All regularly inhabited areas of Taiwan, including the offshore island groups, carry assigned postcodes. Three additional codes are designated for disputed island territories: Tiaoyutai (290), Tungsha (817), and Nansha (819).

What do expats need to know about collecting parcels and international mail in Taiwan?

Receiving parcels from overseas is broadly uncomplicated in Taiwan, but there are customs regulations and practical procedures that are worth understanding in advance. When a tracked parcel arrives, Chunghwa Post will attempt delivery to the address shown on the package. If no one is available to receive it, a collection notice is left and the item is held at the relevant local post office — ordinarily for fifteen days. Redelivery can be arranged via the Chunghwa Post website, by telephone, or in person at the counter.

Regarding customs, Taiwan applies a clearly defined threshold: under Article 7 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance Procedures for Importing and Exporting Postal Parcels, the tax-exemption level for imported postal parcels is currently NT$2,000 CIF (as of 2025). Where the cost, insurance, and freight value of a parcel does not exceed this figure, no taxes or duty will be levied. This threshold is comparatively modest — approximately US$60–65 — meaning that overseas purchases frequently attract duty.

For parcels with a CIF value between NT$2,000 and USD$5,000, customs duty is typically collected by the post office on behalf of customs at the point of delivery, using a “Duty Memo for Foreign Imports by Parcel Post.” Where a parcel’s FOB value exceeds USD$5,000, the recipient must complete import declaration procedures and settle taxes directly with the customs authority.

Taiwan’s customs duty rates range from 0% to 30% with an average of around 6.25%, and a standard VAT rate of 5% applies to imported goods valued above NT$2,000 (as of 2025). It is always advisable to verify current rates with the Taiwan Customs Administration, as these figures are subject to change. Food items, agricultural produce, and regulated goods carry additional restrictions, and certain products are prohibited outright. Customs may confiscate parcels where the description, quantity, weight, or declared value is inaccurate or incomplete.

It is also worth noting that the international postal landscape shifted notably in 2025. In August of that year, Chunghwa Post suspended acceptance of small parcels, ePackets, and EMS shipments to the United States following the expiration of US de minimis exemptions for low-value imports under revised tariff rules. Service was subsequently partially reinstated, with Chunghwa Post confirming resumed acceptance of small parcels containing non-commercial gifts or books valued under US$100 in line with US government guidance. This episode underscores that international postal arrangements can change rapidly — checking the latest service notices on the Chunghwa Post website before dispatching or expecting time-sensitive parcels is always prudent.

Are there dependable alternatives to the national postal service in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s private courier market is well established, and for many expat requirements — particularly time-critical documents or valuable items destined for overseas — private operators represent a strong alternative to Chunghwa Post. The leading international carriers all maintain operations in Taiwan, offering fully tracked door-to-door services backed by defined service guarantees.

DHL and FedEx both run commercial express services from Taiwan, and arrangements for these can even be made at Chunghwa Post counters. In practice, this means that at your local post office you may already be able to access private courier options alongside standard postal services — a convenient aspect of how the system is organised. UPS is similarly active for international shipments.

Within Taiwan itself, several home-grown logistics and courier companies operate in parallel with Chunghwa Post. These include Black Cat (Yamato Transport Taiwan) and Mailing Service (宅配通). These domestic networks are heavily used by e-commerce platforms and offer reliable next-day delivery throughout the island, often complemented by convenient parcel pickup options at convenience store chains such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.

As a general guide, private couriers are worth considering when you require guaranteed time-definite delivery internationally; when you are sending high-value or delicate goods and want greater liability protection; or when you need customs clearance assistance for commercial consignments. Chunghwa Post EMS remains highly competitive on price for standard international parcels, and its service quality is broadly well regarded. Comparing current rates directly with providers before each shipment is advisable, as pricing fluctuates regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I redirect mail when I move address in Taiwan?

Chunghwa Post operates a mail redirection (forwarding) service that can be set up at your local post office branch. You will need to complete a change-of-address form and present identification. The service runs for a defined period and forwards mail sent to your previous address on to your new one. It is advisable to update your address directly with banks, government offices, and subscription services as well, since redirection applies only to postal deliveries and does not cover courier consignments.

Will my rental property in Taiwan have a mailbox?

Apartment buildings and managed residential complexes in Taiwan almost universally feature communal mailboxes in the lobby or ground-floor entrance area. Standalone houses typically have an individual letterbox at the gate or front door. In older urban buildings or less formally managed properties, arrangements can be more variable. Before finalising a tenancy agreement, it is worth asking how mail and parcel deliveries are managed — especially for larger parcels that won’t fit in a standard letterbox slot.

How long does an ordinary international letter take to arrive in Taiwan?

Because Taiwan is not a member of the Universal Postal Union and mail must be routed through intermediary countries, transit times for standard airmail letters depend on the routing involved. In general, airmail from major economies in Europe, North America, or East Asia reaches Taiwan within one to three weeks, though this can vary by season and routing. For correspondence where timing matters, EMS or a private courier service will be considerably quicker and more predictable.

Can I send valuables or cash through the post in Taiwan?

Chunghwa Post provides insured mail and registered mail options that offer a measure of protection for valuable items. With insured parcels, you can declare the item’s value and seek compensation should it be lost or damaged in transit. Sending banknotes or physical currency through the post is generally inadvisable and may be subject to restrictions; jewellery and precious items should always be declared accurately. For high-value goods, a private courier offering explicit liability coverage is typically the more secure choice. Check the current terms and compensation limits directly with Chunghwa Post before sending.

What happens if a parcel from abroad is held by Taiwan Customs?

When a parcel is subject to customs assessment, duty is normally collected by the post office on behalf of customs at the time of delivery via a “Duty Memo for Foreign Imports by Parcel Post.” If you disagree with the valuation applied, you may submit a written objection within thirty days of receiving the duty memo. For parcels detained pending inspection of restricted or controlled contents, you will be contacted and asked to present yourself at the customs office with the appropriate documentation. The Taiwan Customs Administration website contains detailed procedural guidance.

Is it easy to open a postal savings account at Chunghwa Post as a foreigner?

Chunghwa Post savings accounts are open to foreign nationals residing in Taiwan and are frequently among the most straightforward accounts to establish upon arrival. You will generally need to present your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or passport and may be asked for proof of address. The account supports bill payments, salary deposits, and electronic transfers. As requirements can differ slightly by branch, visiting your nearest outlet with your identity documents is the most reliable starting point.

Do convenience stores in Taiwan accept parcel collection and drop-off?

Yes — Taiwan’s exceptionally dense convenience store network is tightly integrated with the parcel delivery ecosystem. Major chains including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart function as parcel collection and drop-off points for a number of courier providers, and many also handle cash-on-delivery transactions for online shopping orders. This makes receiving parcels highly practical even when you are unavailable at home during standard delivery windows, and the service is widely used by residents across the island.

Are there any known problems sending mail to Taiwan’s offshore islands?

Chunghwa Post covers Taiwan’s offshore island groups — including Kinmen, Penghu, and the Matsu islands — as part of its universal service obligation. That said, geographic distance means delivery frequencies may be lower than on the main island and transit times are generally longer. Severe weather can cause periodic disruptions to island routes. For anything time-sensitive destined for or originating from the offshore islands, EMS is preferable to standard mail, and checking current service schedules with Chunghwa Post before dispatching is strongly recommended.