Ray-Ban Aviator is USD$170 in the U.S. vs NT$6,500 in Taiwan, Oakley Holbrook is USD$130 vs NT$5,000 in Taiwan, and Maui Jim polarized models are USD$229-389 vs NT$10,500-18,000 in Taiwan. This guide explains 5 major brands.
Table of Contents
Why Forward Sunglasses from the United States?
- 30-50% price gaps: Ray-Ban Aviator is USD$170 in the U.S. vs NT$6,500 in Taiwan, saving NT$1,200+
- Limited colors and editions: Ray-Ban Reverse, Oakley X Series, Persol PO3019S
- Professional polarized models: Maui Jim PolarizedPlus2, Costa Del Mar 580G fishing lenses
- Prescription lenses: SmartBuyGlasses prescription sunglasses at USD$50-200, often 70% cheaper
- Sunglass Hut discounts: Black Friday / Cyber Monday can reach 30-50% off
- U.S. UV400 standard works globally: ultraviolet protection is usable directly in Taiwan
5 Major Product Categories
| Type | Price range | Main brands | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic fashion | USD$120-250 | Ray-Ban, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford | EMS air |
| Sports / racing | USD$140-300 | Oakley Holbrook, Oakley Sutro, Smith Optics, Tifosi | EMS air |
| Premium polarized | USD$229-450 | Maui Jim, Costa Del Mar, Revo | EMS air |
| Eco / design brands | USD$60-180 | Sunski, Warby Parker, Pala, Carve | EMS air |
| Prescription sunglasses | USD$50-300 | SmartBuyGlasses, Zenni Optical, EyeBuyDirect | EMS air |
5 Major Sunglasses Brands
1. Ray-Ban, Italy, Luxottica Group
Popular models: Aviator (RB3025), Wayfarer (RB2140), Clubmaster (RB3016), Round Metal
Price gap: Ray-Ban Aviator RB3025 is USD$170 in the U.S. (about NT$5,400) vs NT$6,500 in Taiwan
Notes: 1. under Italy's Luxottica Group 2. Aviator is the classic pilot frame 3. Reverse series is a 2024 limited line.
2. Oakley, U.S., Sports Leader
Popular models: Holbrook, Sutro, Frogskins, Flak 2.0, Radar EV
Price gap: Oakley Holbrook is USD$130 in the U.S. (about NT$4,100) vs NT$5,000 in Taiwan
Notes: 1. top U.S. sports eyewear brand 2. Prizm Lens enhances contrast 3. buy through Oakley.com / Sunglass Hut.
3. Maui Jim, Hawaii, Polarized Leader
Popular models: Cliff House, Banyans, Black Coral, Red Sands
Price gap: Maui Jim Cliff House is USD$249 in the U.S. (about NT$7,860) vs NT$13,000 in Taiwan
Notes: 1. Hawaii brand 2. PolarizedPlus2 polarized technology 3. ideal for beaches, fishing, and outdoor use.
4. Persol, Italy, Luxury
Popular models: PO3019S, PO0649, PO0714 Steve McQueen reissue
Price gap: Persol PO3019S is USD$239 in the U.S. (about NT$7,540) vs NT$11,500 in Taiwan
Notes: 1. founded in Italy in 1917 2. Steve McQueen classics 3. crystal lens options.
5. Sunski, U.S., Eco / Design
Popular models: Topeka, Headland, Yuba, Tera
Price gap: Sunski Topeka is USD$78 in the U.S. (about NT$2,460) vs NT$3,500 in Taiwan
Notes: 1. 100% recycled plastic 2. lifetime warranty 3. buy through Sunski.com / REI.
Lens Technology: Polarized vs Photochromic vs Branded Contrast Lenses
- Polarized: blocks reflected glare, best for driving, beaches, fishing, and skiing
- Photochromic: automatically darkens or lightens based on UV intensity, useful for day-to-night and driving use
- Prizm / 580G / PolarizedPlus2: proprietary contrast enhancement from Oakley / Costa / Maui Jim
3 Buying Recommendations
- Driving / beach: Maui Jim PolarizedPlus2 / Costa 580G polarized lenses
- Outdoor sports: Oakley Prizm Sutro / Holbrook for competition-level contrast
- Urban fashion: Ray-Ban Aviator / Wayfarer classics
5 Buying Platforms
1. Sunglass Hut, Global Chain
Advantages: 1. complete Ray-Ban / Oakley / Persol / Tom Ford selection 2. 30-50% off on Black Friday 3. under Luxottica
Drawbacks: 1. forwarding is required
2. Oakley.com / Ray-Ban.com U.S. Official Sites
Advantages: 1. custom engraving 2. limited Re/done colorways 3. new releases launch first
Drawbacks: 1. forwarding is required
3. SmartBuyGlasses, Prescription Lenses
Advantages: 1. prescription sunglasses at USD$50-200 2. Ray-Ban / Oakley prescription versions 3. global shipping
Drawbacks: 1. prescription details from an optometrist are needed
4. Maui Jim / Costa Del Mar U.S. Official Sites
Advantages: 1. complete polarized lineup 2. lifetime lens replacement programs 3. professional support
Drawbacks: 1. forwarding is required
5. Amazon US / REI
Advantages: 1. Lightning Deals 2. eco brands such as Sunski / Tifosi 3. REI member 10% benefit
Drawbacks: 1. choose Sold by Amazon carefully to avoid counterfeits
6 Steps for Sunglasses Forwarding
1Confirm Category and Lens
1. Classic / sports / polarized / eco / prescription. 2. Polarized / photochromic / Prizm / PolarizedPlus2. 3. Frame size and face shape.
2Choose a Platform
1. Mainstream -> Sunglass Hut / Oakley.com / Ray-Ban.com. 2. Polarized -> Maui Jim / Costa. 3. Prescription -> SmartBuyGlasses. 4. Eco -> Sunski / Warby Parker.
3Choose a Partner Warehouse
Use the U.S. Oregon warehouse with no sales tax, then consolidate multiple pairs to spread out EMS air shipping.
4Warehouse Arrival Check
1. Confirm outer box and frame condition with photos. 2. Add 5% insurance for high-value polarized models. 3. Keep case, cleaning cloth, and warranty card complete.
5Choose EMS Air Shipping
1. Small and light products are ideal for EMS air, about 5-10 days. 2. Multiple pairs can be consolidated with clothing or shoes.
6EZWay Declaration and Customs Clearance
1. Declare as "eyewear / personal apparel" with the correct value. 2. Duty is usually 5% plus 5% business tax. 3. See the EZWay tutorial.
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