My math on why importing Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day to Taiwan is so much cheaper than local shops

February 04, 2026

As someone living in Taiwan, I have always struggled to find high-potency multivitamins that actually meet the standards I want. After a lot of research, I realized that Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is basically the gold standard for fitness enthusiasts here. It is not just about the brand name; it is about the bioavailability of the ingredients. Most of the stuff I find in local pharmacies just doesn't compare to the formula Thorne offers.

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We have seen a massive spike in interest for this specific product lately. Why? Because the 2026 wellness community in Taipei and Kaohsiung has become much more educated about sourcing. We want the full US product range, not the limited selection often found in local distribution channels. Check our guide on Read more: The 48-Hour Shortcut: Why is Everyone in Taiwan Suddenly Importing Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day? to see why this trend is moving so fast.

The price gap between Taiwan and the US stores

I did some quick math last week. If I buy Thorne from a local specialty importer in Taiwan, I am often paying a 40% to 60% markup. That is wild. By choosing to shop US store sites directly, I found that I could get two bottles for almost the price of one locally. Even after adding the cost of international shipping, the savings are significant.

I always suggest using a shipping calculator before you hit the checkout button. It helps me visualize the total cost so there are no surprises. When I buy from the US, I also get the peace of mind that I am getting the freshest batch directly from the source, rather than something that has been sitting in a warehouse in Asia for months.

How I used a freight forwarder to handle my Taiwan delivery

The biggest hurdle for me was that many US supplement sites do not offer direct Taiwan delivery, or if they do, the shipping rates are astronomical. This is where I started using a freight forwarder. Basically, I get a tax-free US address to send my packages to, and then they bundle everything and ship it to my door in Taiwan.

Using comGateway has been a smooth experience for me. They provide a reliable parcel forwarding service that makes me feel like I am just shopping locally in the States. I simply order my Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day, have it sent to my US suite, and then forward packages to Taiwan once they arrive.

What to do when US stores block your credit card

I have run into a frustrating problem more than once: some of the best US stores (like certain high-end supplement retailers or even big names like Nike and Sephora) often block international credit cards. Even if you have a US address, they might decline your order because your billing address is in Taiwan. It is a major headache when you are trying to get the best deals.

The BuyForMe solution for difficult checkouts

When this happens, I use the BuyForMe service. This is an assisted purchase program where the comGateway team actually buys the items on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. It completely bypasses the "blocked card" or "declined order" issue that many of us face in Taiwan. If you are worried about your order being cancelled by a strict US retailer, this proxy shopping method is the safest way to guarantee your Thorne supplements actually ship. You might also like to Read more: Your Thorne Orders Are Being Cancelled: The Reality of Importing to Taiwan in 2026.

Navigating Taiwan import rules and the EZ WAY app

Importing supplements into Taiwan in 2026 requires a bit of knowledge about the local regulations. We have to deal with the EZ WAY app for real-name authentication. My experience has been that as long as I stay under the quantity limits for personal use (usually 12 bottles of a single supplement and 36 bottles total per shipment), things go smoothly.

I always make sure my international shipping service provides the necessary tracking so I can link it to my EZ WAY account. This prevents my Thorne order from getting stuck at customs. If you are unsure about the current 2026 duties, checking the buy from US ship to Taiwan landing page usually gives a good overview of what to expect for our region.

Is it actually worth it? My final cost breakdown

Let's look at the numbers for my last haul. I ordered four bottles of Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day.

Item US Price (Estimated) Taiwan Local Price
4x Thorne 2/Day $120 USD $210 USD
Shipping to Taiwan $25 USD $0 (Included)
Total $145 USD $210 USD

Even with the shop us ship international costs, I saved about $65 USD. That is more than enough to cover another whole bottle or two! For me, the choice is clear. Using comGateway as my freight forwarder has turned a "luxury" supplement into something that fits much better into my monthly budget. If you are tired of the local markups in Taipei, I highly recommend trying this route.

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