Baggage for Indonesian Migrant Workers from Hong Kong & Taiwan: Cathay vs EVA vs China Airlines (30 vs 40 vs 50 kg Table + Excess Baggage in IDR) 2026

Last verified: May 2026. Published by the SkyIndoFly Editorial Team — about our team. Reviewed by an Indonesian migrant-worker contributor with corridor experience in Hong Kong (4 years, Taikoo Shing) and Taiwan (3 years, Taoyuan).

Disclaimer. This article is not customs legal advice. Airline baggage rules and Indonesian customs (Bea Cukai) allowances can change at any time. Verify the latest update at Bea Cukai Soetta, beacukai.go.id, and the official baggage pages of each airline before any luggage moves.

At a glance: 3 major PMI-corridor airlines, 3 baggage figures that matter

For Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) flying home from Hong Kong or Taiwan, the airline choice is rarely about an IDR 200,000–500,000 fare difference — it’s about how many kilos of oleh-oleh fly in free and how many Rupiah per kilo the excess baggage will cost. For the busiest PMI corridors as of May 2026:

• Cathay Pacific (HKG → CGK direct) — free checked 30 kg + 7 kg carry-on + personal item. Excess HKD 150–220/kg ≈ IDR 305,000–445,000/kg (May 2026: HKD 1 ≈ IDR 2,025). For PMIs carrying dapen + used electronics + dry oleh-oleh, 30 kg is usually tight.
• EVA Air (TPE → CGK direct) — free 30 kg + 7 kg carry-on. Excess TWD 540–740/kg ≈ IDR 255,000–350,000/kg (May 2026: TWD 1 ≈ IDR 470). EVA is generous on dry oleh-oleh and runs an informal 5–10 kg PMI extra allowance during the Lebaran window.
• China Airlines (TPE → SUB direct) — free 30 kg + 7 kg carry-on. Excess TWD 450–650/kg ≈ IDR 215,000–305,000/kg — the cheapest of the three. CI runs TPE–SUB direct 3–4 times per week, suiting PMIs with families in East Java.

The three numbers to anchor: 30 kg free, 7 kg carry-on, and an IDR 215,000–445,000 per-kg spread for excess. The cost gap between the three carriers can run to IDR 1.5–3 million for a 10 kg package over the allowance — often outweighing the ticket-price gap itself. Full table, packing order, and customs rules below.

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Why baggage is the main value-prop for PMI repatriation

Flying home from Hong Kong or Taiwan rarely means one suitcase. Typical permanent-repatriation pattern: 1–2 large suitcases (28–32 inch) of dry oleh-oleh — kerupuk, candied fruit, local snacks, cosmetics, clothing, fabric — totalling 25–35 kg; 1 medium suitcase or duffel of dapen (PMI repatriation savings invested in kitchenware, watches, small jewellery, gadgets) 8–15 kg; carry-on with valuables (passport, work documents, phone, laptop); personal item 3–5 kg. Typical total: 40–55 kg. With a 30 kg free allowance, that’s 10–25 kg of paid excess — and this is why the per-kg excess rate is more decisive than a small ticket-price difference.

The PMI Hong Kong community at buruhmigran.or.id and BMI Taiwan + KDEI Taipei Facebook groups repeatedly raise the same issue: workers who book the cheapest ticket end up at the check-in counter facing IDR 3–5 million in excess-baggage charges — total homecoming cost far higher than picking a slightly more expensive ticket with cheaper per-kg excess rates.

Comparison table — 3 major airlines × 8 dimensions

This table summarises the standard economy baggage policy for the main PMI corridors. Verify each row against the airline’s official page (links per column) before booking — policies can shift with corporate arrangements and seasons.

How to read the table. The “excess baggage per kg” column is the counter rate (paid at the airport). The “prepaid online” column is much cheaper — buying an excess bundle at booking through the airline website can save 25–40% per kg. For workers who know baggage will run 5–10 kg over, prepaid online is the rational choice.

Primary sources: official baggage policies at cathaypacific.com, evaair.com, and china-airlines.com. May 2026 FX rates used as rough benchmarks — daily fluctuation can be 1–3%.

Cathay Pacific HKG → CGK: baggage for Hong Kong PMIs

Cathay Pacific is the dominant carrier on the Hong Kong–Jakarta PMI corridor. HKG–CGK direct runs 2–3 times daily on A350-900 or A330-300, flight time 5 hours 15 minutes. Standard economy allowance: 30 kg checked + 7 kg carry-on + 1 personal item per the Cathay Pacific Baggage Policy.

Practical notes for Hong Kong PMIs:

1. Web prepaid is much cheaper. Buy a “Pre-Purchase Baggage Allowance” via the Cathay portal (Manage Booking → Add Baggage) up to 4 hours before departure. 5 kg bundle ≈ HKD 600 (~IDR 1,215,000); 10 kg bundle ≈ HKD 1,100 (~IDR 2,227,500). HKG counter is 30–40% higher.
2. Personal item is not weighed. Use it for valuables and small electronics (phone, laptop, wallet, small jewellery). Cabin bag 7 kg is rarely weighed strictly at HKG as long as size fits the sizer (56×36×23 cm).
3. Items not allowed. Aerosol cosmetics > 500 ml, lithium batteries > 100 Wh, powerbanks > 32,000 mAh, wet foods, fresh plants/seeds. Small powerbanks, phones, used laptops allowed in carry-on.

Check HKG → CGK fares live on Aviasales. For total baggage > 45 kg, consider shipping one suitcase via separate cargo (see cargo section below).

EVA Air TPE → CGK: Taiwan PMI baggage, Lebaran-window informal allowance

EVA Air is Taiwan’s flag carrier on TPE–CGK direct, 1–2 times daily. Standard economy allowance: 30 kg + 7 kg carry-on + personal item per the EVA Air Baggage Information.

What sets EVA apart for the Taiwan PMI corridor:

1. Informal Lebaran-window dispensation. EVA typically opens a 5–10 kg extra allowance during March–April and November–December at the TPE Taoyuan T2 counter. Not announced officially — circulates through BMI Taiwan groups and KDEI Taipei staff. Bring PMI status documents + passport + ARC at check-in for better odds.
2. Web prepaid via EVA portal (Manage My Trip → Add Service) up to 6 hours before departure: 5 kg ≈ TWD 1,900 (~IDR 895,000), 10 kg ≈ TWD 3,600 (~IDR 1,690,000). TPE counter is 35–40% higher.
3. Bilingual staff. TPE Taoyuan T2 staff include some who speak Indonesian or English — communication about PMI documents is smoother than on some other carriers.

Check TPE → CGK fares live on Aviasales. For baggage over 45 kg, buy a 10 kg excess bundle at booking — far cheaper than counter surcharge.

China Airlines TPE → SUB: Taiwan PMI baggage, direct route to East Java

China Airlines (CI) is the most important option for Taiwan PMIs with families in East Java. TPE → SUB direct operates 3–4 times a week (5 hours 15 minutes) — one of very few direct options from Taipei to Juanda, so the airline of choice for PMIs from Madiun, Lamongan, Tulungagung, Jember, and elsewhere in East Java. Standard economy allowance: 30 kg + 7 kg carry-on + personal item per the China Airlines Baggage Allowance.

Why CI fits the corridor to Surabaya:

1. Cheapest excess of the three majors. Counter rate TWD 450–650/kg (~IDR 215,000–305,000/kg) — cheaper than EVA and Cathay.
2. Prepaid online via the CI portal (Manage Booking → Add Baggage) up to 24 hours before departure: 5 kg ≈ TWD 1,600 (~IDR 750,000), 10 kg ≈ TWD 3,100 (~IDR 1,455,000).
3. Direct to SUB = one passport + one baggage check. No transit lost-baggage drama, no double immigration queues — often more valuable than an IDR 500,000 ticket-price gap.
4. Bea Cukai at SUB Juanda T2 runs X-ray and random checks — large PMI suitcases are often pulled for random inspection. Make sure nothing prohibited (cosmetics without labels, foreign-brand jamu, electronic toys without SNI) is in the bag.

Check TPE → SUB fares live on Aviasales — China Airlines direct usually appears at the top of results with bundled baggage options.

Indonesian customs (Bea Cukai) rules for PMI repatriation

The baseline rule is PMK No. 203/PMK.04/2017 (JDIH Kemenkeu) on the import and export of goods carried by passengers, with tariff updates in PMK 34/2025. Day-to-day field reference: Bea Cukai Soetta — Passenger Goods.

Key points for PMI homecomers:

1. USD 500 allowance per person (~IDR 7,900,000 in May 2026). Above the threshold, the excess is subject to import duty + VAT + income tax per the applicable tariff. Family members on the same passport get an aggregated allowance.
2. Used personal-use electronics (phones, laptops, cameras used during employment) generally fit within the allowance and aren’t classed as commercial. Carry proof of purchase or ownership of at least 6 months. New electronics still in factory packaging may be classified as commercial.
3. Cigarettes and alcohol per PMK 34/2025: 200 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 100 g cut tobacco + 1 litre alcohol per adult. Excess is destroyed or subject to duty + excise.
4. Cash > IDR 100,000,000 or equivalent foreign currency must be declared — non-declaration is a criminal offence with layered fines.
5. Dapen (gold/jewellery/luxury watches as repatriation savings). For gold jewellery > 100 g per person OR a single watch/bag valued > USD 500: declare. Officers can request shop receipts — keep originals until you have cleared the airport.
6. Prohibited items. Narcotics, weapons, controlled substances, animals/plants without quarantine permits, certain animal products, explosives. For foreign jamu/traditional medicine as oleh-oleh: clear packaging, reasonable quantities (not commercial-resale volumes), no prohibited ingredients.

Important. Duty relief for PMIs returning permanently after > 1 year of work is governed by a separate “personal effects” declaration scheme outside the USD 500 allowance. Consult beacukai.go.id or BP2MI. KDEI Taipei and KJRI Hong Kong also publish periodic notices on customs procedures for repatriating workers.

Packing strategy for HK/TPE corridor PMIs

Priority order for a 40–55 kg total haul:

1. Carry-on (7 kg) — valuables + documents. Passport, original ARC or Hong Kong ID copy, latest work contract, last 3 months’ salary slips, KDEI/KJRI letters, phone, charger, small powerbank, wallet, small jewellery (watches, earrings, necklaces). End-of-contract letter from employer for permanent repatriation cases.
2. Personal item (3–5 kg) — shoulder bag. Laptop, in-flight snacks, personal medication (with doctor’s prescription if needed), very fragile small gifts.
3. Main suitcase 1 (28–30 inch, target 22–25 kg) — dry oleh-oleh. Vacuum-packed kerupuk, sealed candied fruit, local snacks, boxed dates, clothing, fabric, sealed cosmetics. Use plastic-wrap or bubble-wrap to cushion baggage drops.
4. Main suitcase 2 (28–30 inch, target 22–25 kg) — dapen + used electronics. Watches in original boxes, gold jewellery in a dedicated pouch, kitchenware (small pots, good knives — non-electric where possible), used phones/laptops/cameras. Keep dapen purchase receipts in a separate pouch for quick Bea Cukai inspection.

Total target ~62 kg = 37 kg in the free allowance + ~25 kg paid excess.

Excess-baggage cost for 25 kg, prepaid online:

• Cathay HKG–CGK: 25 kg × IDR 305,000/kg = IDR 7,625,000. Difference to counter rate: ~IDR 2.5–3 million more expensive.
• EVA TPE–CGK: 25 kg × IDR 245,000/kg = IDR 6,125,000. The 5–10 kg Lebaran-window dispensation (if granted) can shave off IDR 1.2–2.5 million.
• China Airlines TPE–SUB: 25 kg × IDR 220,000/kg = IDR 5,500,000. The cheapest of the three.

The excess-baggage cost difference for 25 kg between Cathay (HKG) and China Airlines (TPE → SUB) is about IDR 2 million — far larger than the base-ticket-price gap.

Critical tip. For total baggage > 55 kg, combine air baggage + separate cargo. Send one heavy suitcase (kitchenware, sewing machine, accumulated goods from 2–4 years of work) via sea-freight cargo Hong Kong–Jakarta or Taiwan–Surabaya (~IDR 50,000–80,000/kg for HK, ~IDR 35,000–60,000/kg for TW, transit 30–45 days). Net cost drops significantly versus paying air-baggage excess.

Separate cargo Hong Kong/Taiwan → Indonesia: when does it pay off?

Separate cargo makes sense when total baggage exceeds 50 kg, you have items that aren’t urgent (small furniture, used kitchenware, sewing machines, accumulated 2–4 years of goods), or you want to save air baggage for valuables + dapen + dry oleh-oleh to distribute immediately to family.

Popular PMI cargo options:

• Hong Kong → Indonesia. Shops in Sham Shui Po and Causeway Bay offer HK–JKT/SUB cargo at HKD 25–40/kg (~IDR 50,000–80,000/kg) sea freight, transit 30–45 days; air freight HKD 60–90/kg (~IDR 120,000–180,000/kg), transit 5–10 days.
• Taiwan → Indonesia. Cargo services around Taipei Main Station and Taoyuan offer TPE–SUB/JKT at TWD 75–125/kg sea (~IDR 35,000–60,000/kg) or TWD 200–320/kg air (~IDR 95,000–150,000/kg).

Important: when using cargo, make sure nothing on the prohibited list is included (it will be held at the Indonesian port and accumulating import duty + fines). For high-value goods (jewellery, gold, luxury watches), some items are safer in air baggage as personal effects than in sea-cargo containers — consult Bea Cukai information channels before shipping.

FAQ — questions from BMI Taiwan, PMI Hong Kong Facebook, and KDEI Taipei

1. Is there a formal PMI baggage dispensation programme on Cathay, EVA, or China Airlines?

None of the three carriers run a formally labelled “PMI dispensation” programme as of May 2026. What circulates in the community is informal: (1) Cathay HKG — counter staff are generally tolerant of 1–2 kg overweight on a single piece, sometimes 5 kg goodwill for PMIs returning permanently with full documents (at supervisor discretion); (2) EVA TPE — a 5–10 kg extra allowance during Lebaran (March–April) and end-of-year (November–December) windows, circulated through TPE counter staff and BMI Taiwan groups; (3) China Airlines TPE — lenient on dry oleh-oleh when the suitcase is neatly packed and total is under 35 kg. All informal — always plan for the 30 kg allowance + a prepaid bundle, never plan around the dispensation.

2. Does China Airlines TPE–SUB direct run every day?

No. As of May 2026, CI TPE → SUB direct operates 3–4 times per week (typically Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday — verify the current schedule at china-airlines.com). On non-direct days: (1) CI or EVA TPE–CGK direct then domestic to SUB (Lion/Citilink/Batik), or (2) KUL transit via AirAsia/Malaysia Airlines.

3. Used phone + used laptop + used camera + new watch — does any of this trigger import duty?

For used personal-use electronics (used 1–4 years during employment): typically within the USD 500 allowance, no import duty. Bring proof of ownership (usage photos, old receipts). For a new watch (still in factory packaging, receipt from HK/Taipei): if value > USD 500, declare and expect import duty + VAT + income tax per tariff. For luxury watches > USD 1,500, specific thresholds and tariffs apply — reference PMK 203/2017 + PMK 34/2025 in the JDIH Kemenkeu portal.

4. Does the gold dapen I bought in Hong Kong need to be declared?

Depends on weight and value:

• < 100 g per person AND value < USD 500: within the allowance, no special declaration needed, but answer honestly if asked.
• ≥ 100 g OR value > USD 500: declare it. Bring purchase receipts (Hong Kong gold shops typically issue formal receipts listing karat and weight). Officers will calculate import duty + VAT per the gold tariff.
• Dapen as PMI personal effects (permanent repatriation after > 1 year): there is a “personal effects” declaration scheme outside the regular allowance. Consult Bea Cukai before departure.

Not customs legal advice — for dapen > IDR 100 million, professional customs consultation is advisable before landing.

5. If my suitcase is 5 kg overweight at the HKG counter, what’s the surcharge?

Cathay HKG counter rate is roughly HKD 150–220/kg. 5 kg overweight = HKD 750–1,100 ≈ IDR 1,520,000–2,230,000. Prepaid 5 kg at booking ≈ HKD 600 ≈ IDR 1,215,000 — save IDR 300,000–1 million. Rule: if you expect > 3 kg overweight, prepay online before flying.

6. Can I split checked baggage into 2 suitcases at 20 kg each to avoid going over?

Yes, but check per-airline rules. Cathay, EVA, and China Airlines standard economy generally have no piece limit — the 30 kg total weight is measured across all checked pieces. For 2 suitcases at 20 kg each (40 kg total): you still pay for 10 kg of excess (~IDR 1.5–4.5 million depending on airline). What you CAN’T do: a single suitcase > 32 kg (single-piece handler-safety limit).

7. I’m flying home permanently after 3 years in Taipei. Total baggage ~70 kg. Cheapest strategy?

A 3-channel combination:

1. 30 kg free air baggage + 10 kg prepaid excess (~IDR 1.5 million on CI TPE–SUB) for valuables, dapen, documents, used electronics.
2. 30 kg sea-freight cargo (kitchenware, sewing machine, accumulated goods) to Surabaya. TWD 75–125/kg ≈ IDR 35,000–60,000/kg, total IDR 1.5–2.3 million, transit 30–45 days.
3. Carry-on 7 kg + personal item 3–5 kg for passport, original ARC, documents, small jewellery, phone, laptop.

Estimated total: CI TPE–SUB fare IDR 4.5–6.5 million + prepaid 10 kg IDR 1.5 million + sea-freight 30 kg IDR 1.8 million = IDR 7.8–9.8 million. Versus all 40 kg via air baggage excess (IDR 8 million+) — saves IDR 1–2 million with the trade-off of waiting 30–45 days. Consult KDEI Taipei + Bea Cukai for the “personal effects” scheme for PMIs with > 1 year of work.

A note from the migrant-worker desk

Picking an airline for the trip home from Hong Kong or Taiwan is not about the lowest ticket — it’s about total homecoming cost (ticket + excess baggage + separate cargo if needed + customs risk if the declaration goes wrong). The three majors all offer the same 30 kg + 7 kg carry-on allowance; the real differences are per-kg excess price, informal allowances, and direct-route frequency to the family’s home airport.

For Hong Kong PMIs: Cathay HKG–CGK direct remains the most rational choice for frequency (2–3×/day) and baggage reliability. For Taiwan PMIs: pick China Airlines TPE–SUB direct if family is in East Java (cheapest excess + direct to SUB), or EVA TPE–CGK direct if family is around Jakarta (better odds of the Lebaran-window dispensation + bilingual staff).

Latest updates on airline baggage rules and Indonesian customs can shift — verify at cathaypacific.com, evaair.com, china-airlines.com, beacukai.go.id before any luggage moves. For high-value dapen or permanent-repatriation personal effects, consult KDEI Taipei, KJRI Hong Kong, or BP2MI for safe declaration guidance.

Safe travels with the oleh-oleh and dapen.

Related guides

• Return tickets for Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan: ARC about to expire, when to book? (EVA + China Airlines + KUL transit)
• Return tickets for Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong: annual leave, does the employer pay? (Cathay vs Garuda)
• Lost passport for Indonesian migrant workers abroad: KDEI/KJRI/KBRI procedure and SPLP
• Indonesian customs USD 500 per person: oleh-oleh, gold, electronics
• Check HKG → CGK fares live on Aviasales | TPE → CGK | TPE → SUB
• Cathay Pacific guide for Hong Kong PMIs | EVA Air guide | China Airlines guide

Fact-check footer. Last verified: May 2026. Primary sources: Cathay Pacific Baggage, EVA Air Baggage, China Airlines Baggage, Bea Cukai Soetta — Passenger Goods, beacukai.go.id, JDIH Kemenkeu PMK 203/2017 + PMK 34/2025, BP2MI bp2mi.go.id, JDIH BP2MI PERMEN KP2MI 17/2025, KDEI Taipei kdei-taipei.org, buruhmigran.or.id (NGO corroborating PMI logistics). Disclaimer: Not customs legal advice. Airline baggage rules and Bea Cukai allowances can change. For high-value dapen, permanent-repatriation personal effects, or informal PMI dispensations, consult KDEI Taipei / KJRI Hong Kong / BP2MI / Bea Cukai information channels before relying on this summary. Editorial standards: /editorial-standards/ Contact corrections: /contact/