Job Discussion Forums

[DirtGuy]

I will be teaching in Taipei during January and I need to bring over some gifts. On previous trips I have always brought over various types of alcohol. I've never had a problem walking through customs but carrying multiple bottles of booze is a hassle.

What I am wondering is whether or not the price difference is worth bringing over the stuff or should I buy it there? For example:

Johny Walker Red Label: $20.00 US for 750 ml.
Johny Walker Black Label: 26.00 " "

decent California champagne: $12-15

I assume you can buy this stuff in Taiwan but what about the retail price? Does anyone have any idea of the current cost? What about the shops in CKS? Are they duty free and are the prices reasonable?

I realize this is not exactly a "hot" issue on a job forum but I do appreciate any help you can give me.

DirtGuy

[TaoyuanSteve]

I'd say the price difference makes it not worth while bringing labels such as Johnny Walker" with you. These major brands can be bought out of even the 7-11 stores here at very reasonable prices. I'm not a consumer of spirits, but my feeling is their prices in stores here is very similar to what you quote. In a pub here is another matter. I've never figured out why pubs here are as expensive as they are. If you wanted to bring booze as a gift, I'd say bring something unusual, like a micro-brew beer or small vineyard wine from your region--something you're unlikely to find outside of your area, much less in Taiwan. Otherwise, the price and availablilty difference won't be signifigant, and the recipient here may think you simply bought it at the local 7-11.

[izzyismydog]

You can get good wine here for about $300-400NT.

Decent champaign a little bit more... but maybe not from California.

There is very little selection of Liquor in the Duty Free here, at least not compared to most other airports... I'd buy some stuff in Duty Free elsewhere just because of that, and because some of the good things are expensive or hard to find here, ie some liqueurs or a good vodka (though whiskey, scotch and bourbon all seem to have a wide selection for a reasonable price).

[DirtGuy]

Hey, guys, thanks for the info. You have made my back feel oh so much better knowing it will not be subjected to previous indignities:-) Last time I came to Taiwan I had about 4 gallons in my ruck sack and that really hurt! I really like the idea of bringing in an unusual wine. Being close to Napa Valley and other wine growing regions, I can get stuff locally that could never be purchased outside of California.

DirtGuy