The 2026 Bad Blood Phenomenon: Why Everyone is Obsessed
As we move through January 2026, the "Bad Blood" trend has taken the United States by storm. Whether it’s the limited-edition anniversary vinyl, the high-end streetwear collaboration, or the exclusive tech accessories associated with the brand, the demand is unprecedented. In the US, fans are lining up both physically and digitally to get their hands on these items. However, for those of us living in Taiwan, the struggle is real: many of these official stores do not offer direct international shipping, or if they do, the costs are prohibitive.
Where to Find Official Bad Blood Merchandise
To ensure you are getting authentic gear, you should stick to major US retailers. Currently, the biggest drops are happening on official artist websites, boutique fashion platforms, and major retailers like Target and Amazon US. Because these items often sell out in minutes, having a strategy is essential. This is where your US-based shopping strategy begins. To get started, you'll need a US address from a reliable package forwarder like comGateway, which allows you to shop just like a US resident.
The Logistics: How to Get US-Only Items to Taiwan
The primary hurdle for Taiwan shoppers is the "US-only shipping" restriction. Many retailers will cancel orders that use international credit cards or non-US addresses. By using a freight forwarding service, you receive a tax-free US shipping address (typically in Oregon). This not only bypasses shipping restrictions but also saves you from paying US sales tax, which can be as high as 10% in other states.
Before you commit to a purchase, it is wise to estimate your total landing cost. You can use the shipping calculator to see how much it will cost to bring your Bad Blood haul from the warehouse to your doorstep in Taipei, Kaohsiung, or anywhere else in Taiwan. If you are a frequent shopper, you might want to look into Prime membership benefits, which offer discounted shipping rates and extended storage times for consolidating multiple packages.
Taiwan Import Rules and Customs Cheat Sheet
Importing goods into Taiwan in 2026 requires a bit of local knowledge to avoid delays. Here are the key points for your reference:
- EZ WAY App: You must have the EZ WAY (易利委) app installed and your identity verified. This is mandatory for customs clearance in Taiwan.
- Duty-Free Limit: Currently, the de minimis value is NT$2,000. If your Bad Blood merchandise (including shipping) exceeds this, you may be subject to import duties and 5% VAT.
- Frequency Limit: You are allowed 6 duty-free shipments every half-year (January-June and July-December).
If you are unsure about whether your specific item can be shipped, the FAQ section on the forwarder's site provides a comprehensive list of restricted items and Taiwan-specific shipping advice.
Maximizing Your Savings
Shipping costs can add up, especially for heavy or bulky items. To keep your expenses low, always check the international shipping rates before choosing a shipping speed. Consolidating multiple orders into one box is the most effective way to reduce the "first half-kilogram" base fee that most carriers charge. Most forwarders offer a repackaging service that removes unnecessary retail packaging to reduce the volumetric weight of your parcel.
The Bad Blood Buyer’s Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action Item | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get a US Address | Register at comGateway for a tax-free Oregon address. |
| 2 | Shop US Stores | Use a credit card that supports international transactions. |
| 3 | Track Shipments | Upload your tracking number to the forwarder's portal immediately. |
| 4 | Consolidate | Wait for all your Bad Blood items to arrive at the warehouse before shipping to Taiwan. |
| 5 | Clear Customs | Monitor the EZ WAY app for the "Real-name Authentication" notification. |
Final Thoughts for Taiwan Shoppers
The Bad Blood trend isn't slowing down anytime soon in 2026. By using a dedicated forwarding service and following the customs guidelines for Taiwan, you can stay ahead of the curve and own the most sought-after US exclusives without the headache of restricted shipping. Happy shopping!
