As the crow flies, 1,711 miles separate the islands of Taiwan and Guam.i If you’re moving between these two areas, you might take some comfort in the fact that you’re just making a hop across the Philippine Sea. However, these two island destinations will offer you quite a different experience, even when it comes to the basics—size, population, and density. 

Guam & Taiwan by the Numbers 

Land Area

Taiwan – 13,826 mi²
Guam – 212 mi² 

The island of Taiwan is much more expansive than Guam—more than 65 times its size. (!) While that means plenty of room to live and explore, the eastern side of Taiwan is largely mountainous, with peaks reaching up to 12,966 ft. As a result, the majority of the population lives in the western third of the island.  

Population

Taiwan – 23,570,000 
Guam – 168,801 

The population of Taiwan is also considerably larger than that of Guam, almost 140 times larger, in fact. Now, when we put these two numbers together, you’ll get a better sense of how these two destinations compare. 

Population Density

Taiwan – 1,683.5 people / mi² 
Guam – 774.4 people / mi² 

You’ll find more than twice as many people per square mile on Taiwan as on Guam. In fact, Taiwan is the 20th most dense country in the world, just behind the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin and the island of Barbados.ii 

If a relocation between these two contrasting islands is in your future, you’ve come to the right place. We’d love to help you make a simple move between Taiwan and Guam. After relocating thousands upon thousands of individuals and families between Guam and destinations all over the world, we’ve collected a ton of experience. We’re well-versed in the paperwork, procedures—and all the small details that make for a smooth relocation.  

We’ll show you exactly what you need to know when moving between these two destinations, starting with moves from Guam to Taiwan. 

What You Need to Know When Moving to Taiwan from Guam 

If you’re headed to Taiwan, you have plenty of unique cultural experiences waiting for you. Adventurous eaters will be thrilled to discover that the island is well known for its street food, which you can sample during Taiwan’s equally famous night markets. Additionally, if you’ve been craving big city life, you’ll love Taipei, the island’s capital. With more than 2.6 million inhabitants in the city and 7 million in the metro area, iii Taipei offers all of the fast-paced excitement of a modern city. Between shopping, museums, history, hiking, hot springs, and many more activities, you’ll find it easy to stay busy. 

Here’s what you need to know about making your move to Taiwan. 

You'll Need to Pass Through the Red Channel

Within the customs area of the airport, you’ll see both a green channel (nothing to declare) and a red channel (items to declare/customs services). Choose the red channel and share your Inbound Passengers Declaration Form with Customs officials, along with any other paperwork your moving company has given you to accompany it. If you have any questions about documentation, you’re always welcome to drop us a line! 

Note: Your household goods shipment needs to arrive within six months from your date of entry in order to qualify for the duty exemption. Your moving company should take care of this timing for you. 

Scheduling Delivery of Household Goods

Before your goods can clear Customs in Taiwan, you must be physically present. 

Taiwan Customs Fees

If you have all your documentation in order, your personal household goods and effects will be duty-free up to a customs value of NT$20,000 per person.v However, any goods for business or commercial use or controlled goods (like tobacco and alcohol) are subject to duty. 

Your Possessions Will NOT Arrive in the Same Container

Remember that container that got packed full of your most prized possessions in Guam? That’s not how your items will arrive in Taiwan—and that’s completely normal. Taiwan Customs officials will unpack your container in a bonded warehouse for inspection. Then, your shipment will be loaded into a van for delivery. This is standard procedure, so don’t be concerned when your items arrive in this manner. 

You'll Need to Follow Taiwan's Pet Import Procedures

Like Guam, Taiwan has very specific procedures for importing dogs and cats to the island. In 2012, Taiwan recognized Guam as a rabies-free territory,iv so your import procedures will be fairly straightforward. However, the earlier you get started, the better. 

Your vet will be able to assist you in preparing the correct documentation and following the right procedures for rabies vaccination. You can review the regulations yourself on the Taiwan Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine website. 

Documents Needed for Moving Your Goods to Taiwan:

For national citizens: A scanned copy, front and back, of the owner’s Taiwan ID

For foreign citizens: A scanned copy, front and back, of the owner’s Alien Resident Certificate or work permit

  • A scanned copy of passport photograph and signature pages 
  • A scanned copy of the entry stamp, dated within the last 6 months before shipment’s arrival date 
  • Owner of the goods’ arrival flight details matching entry stamp into Taiwan 
  • Copy of bill of lading (BL) or air waybill (AWB)
  • Inventory list/packing list in English
  • Original signed Customs entrusting letter
  • Customs Inbound Passengers Declaration Form 

  • Firearms, swords, long knives, and ammunition
  • Narcotics and non-branded drugs

Only one of the following items may be imported per family:

  • Stove and refrigerator
  • Washer and dryer
  • Air conditioner and dehumidifier
  • Television set, stereo, amplifier, turn table, speaker, tape deck, receiver, and video player
  • Shipments with animal fur—including lion skin, leopard skin, or ivory—require a CITES approval ahead of time
  • Non-perishable food items can be imported in small amounts in sea shipments only. Additionally, food cannot be sent by air

For more information about customs rules and procedures, talk to your moving company or refer to the Taiwan Customs website.  You’re also welcome to ask one of our experts! We would be happy to get you the info you need.  Now, if you’re headed the other way, let’s talk about moving to Guam from Taiwan. 

What You Need to Know When Moving Guam from Taiwan 

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the beautiful Pacific island that we call home! If you’d like to know more about what it’s like to live on Guam, check out a few of our recent blog posts: 

By the way, as you make the journey to Guam, know that you’ll be tracing a similar path to that of the CHamoru people, the original inhabitants of Guam. (Although they took a slightly different route!) Archaeological studies have suggested that, thousands of years ago, people who lived on Taiwan migrated to the northern Philippines, then sailed to the Mariana Islands. In other words, the CHamoru are believed to have made their ancestral home on the very island you’re coming from.vi 

Now that you’ve discovered a little about the island of Guam, let’s get into what you can expect when making the move. 

Your Possessions Will Clear Guam Customs

Every household goods shipment must be cleared through Guam’s Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA). Do not expect to encounter US Customs.  The island of Guam has it’s own agency  

Your Shipment Can Clear Without You

Although several international countries require the owner of the shipment to be physically present for clearance, that’s not the case in Guam. As long as you have all of your documentation in place, your moving company can clear your shipment on your behalf. 

Inspections Are Completely Normal

In our experience, household goods shipments from abroad are more likely to go through an X-ray or physical exam by Guam’s CQA. This is perfectly normal, and not a cause for concern. 

You May Need to Pay Duty on Your Shipment

If your household goods arrive to Guam via ocean freight, there’s a flat fee of $125 for the first 4,000 pounds and $0.0012 for every pound thereafter.  

Guam Customs Fees:  The fees charged by the Guam CQA differ, depending on whether you ship everything via ocean freight or some of your goods via air freight.  

  • For ocean freight: The first 4,000 lbs. are assessed a $125.00 for international shipments. A $0.0012 fee will be charged for every pound thereafter.  
  • For air freight: The first 100 lbs. of air cargo will be assessed a $125.00 fee. A $0.0012 fee will be charged for every pound thereafter.  

Documents Needed:

  • The original bill of lading (OBL), copy of telex release or air waybill (AWB)  
  • A clear copy of the owner’s passport, including the signature and picture page 
  • A detailed inventory, signed by the owner
  • Full contact information for the owner
  • Full employment information for the owner  

Additional Possible Fees:

  • Inspections: Shipments held for a physical exam may be charged a fee of $75/hour for loose-loaded shipments or $50/crate for liftvan-loaded shipments.  
  • Firearms: If your shipment contains firearms, it will be held in a certified Container Freight Station for inspection prior to release. A fee of $1.00 per cubic foot will be assessed for the entire shipment.
  • Motorcycles / Scooters / Mopeds / ATVs / Trailers / Watercraft : These items must be held in a certified Container Freight Station for inspection prior to release. A fee of $1.00 per cubic foot will be assessed.  

  • All food items, including things like dried food, spices, perishables, meats, and liquids  
  • Narcotics and dangerous drugs  
  • Pornography
  • Misbranded articles
  • Hazardous articles, including fireworks
  • Toxic and poisonous substances
  • Endangered species and artifacts
  • Rooted plants, flowers, soil, and fruits
  • Non-DOT approved tires  

  • Guam law allows the import of up to four legally authorized firearms for personal use. Ammunition is strictly prohibited. Documentation is required.  
  • An individual 21 years and older can bring in one gallon (3.8 liters) of alcoholic beverages. Any amount in excess will result in a 4% duty based on the value of the alcohol and the cost of the ocean freight of the entire shipment.  
  • Only normal required quantities of medicines and narcotics are acceptable for import, provided they are supported by a prescription or statement from a personal physician. They must also be properly identified. Narcotics listed under Schedule I, II and III of the Controlled Substance Act are generally prohibited. Severe penalties will be imposed if these substances are improperly imported. 

Have questions about what you can bring to Guam? Ask upfront. Your moving company would be happy to clarify for you—and help prevent customs problems before they happen. We’d also be happy to help! Just reach out to us and download our handy PDF to help you prepare for a seamless and successful move. 

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Your Taiwan⇔Guam Move, Made Easy 

On a map, the move from Taiwan to Guam looks like a quick hop from one island to another. However, as with any international move, there are a number of details involved, including customs procedures. Now that you’ve got the goods on both locations, though, you’re that much more prepared to make your transition with ease. 

Moving between Guam and Taiwan? We’d love to put our international experience to work for you. Just reach out to one of our relocation experts for a complimentary quote. 

Tell us about your move!