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17 Top Taiwan Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Updated on August 09, 2023

You’re gearing up for an exciting trip to Taiwan. You’ve heard about top things to do like hiking, bike rides, night markets, tea houses, beaches, temples, festivals, and of course, exploring Taipei 101. I know you can’t wait to visit, but have you truly packed all the right essentials you’ll need to have a good time?

Well, maybe you have, but there’s always more to consider, right? So, let’s cross our T’s and dot our I’s. Check out this list of top items to pack for Taiwan, plus what to wear and what not to bring.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Taiwan – 17 Essentials

1. Universal Travel Adapter
Taiwan uses 110 voltage with Type A and B plugs and sockets, which is the same as the US, Canada, and Japan. But if you’re also considering country-hopping across East Asia while in the area, you’ll need this lightweight and compact universal travel adapter to meet the electrical needs of the various regions. Don’t leave home without it!

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2. Nikon D3500 Camera
Most amateur and professional photographers would agree that the Nikon D3500 is a fantastic DSLR camera to use on your trip to Taiwan. It’s easy to use, equipped with a 24.2 MP sensor that produces excellent image quality, and can record 1080p HD videos. If you’re a passionate photographer that’s looking to upgrade from your cell phone or pocket camera, Nikon’s D3500 is a highly favorable option.

View on Amazon.com ➜
3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Taiwan may be an administrative region of China, but its government is independently controlled, meaning popular social media apps and websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram aren’t blocked by China’s Great Firewall. Nevertheless, a good VPN can provide a secure and encrypted internet connection by blocking cyber threats and preventing people from tracking your data or find your location.

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4. Packing Cubes
Get organized and save space in your luggage by throwing in these premium quality packing cubes that come with 2 laundry bags to keep your dirty laundry separate from the pack. These will prove especially useful in Taiwan for when you’ll need to quick access to your must-have swimsuits and toiletries to electronics and heat protection accessories.

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5. Portable Charger
Don’t miss out on capturing beautiful moments in Taiwan or using an English to Mandarin translation app at a critical moment all because you’ve failed to bring a portable charger for your phone or camera. Luckily, this portable charger also fits into your pocket so charging on the go has never been easier.

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6. Waterproof Umbrella
Taiwan is generally warm all year round but receives occasional rain showers in the Summer and early Fall due to its location in a tropical zone. You can escape Taiwan’s heat and rain with this sturdy, lightweight, 12” umbrella that you can easily tuck into your luggage without taking up much space.

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7. Face Mask
Wearing a face mask has been a common personal care application across East Asia for decades. You’ll see people wearing face mask on the bus, trains, airplanes, in supermarkets, and parks. Help protect yourself and look fashionable at the same time by donning this breathable mask that’s made in the USA!

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8. Neck Wallet
Let this lightweight, heavy-duty neck wallet be the perfect way to secure your IDs, passport, cash, debit/credit cards, and even phones, as you explore Taiwan. Just throw it around your neck and you’ll never have to worry about losing your important personal items or theft from pickpockets

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9. Airborne Immunity Support Medicine
Traveling across the world can sometimes feel hard on the body. After all, you’re landing in an entirely different hemisphere where weather, smells, food, hygiene, cleanliness, and even elevation, aren’t familiar to your body’s system. Airborne Immunity provides antioxidant support to help your body fight off free radicals and general physical stress you may feel in a different region of the globe.

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10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel
Taiwan’s heat will keep you sweaty, and although it’s vital to stay cool under the sun, it’s also just as important to keep dry. Take this quick-dry microfiber towel with you to the mountains, beaches, landmarks, and city streets to wipe away the sweat and soak up water after a splash. Hey, you wouldn’t want to look sweaty and soaked in every picture, would you?

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11. Affordable Underwater Camera
Taiwan is surrounded by water, so there’s a 99.99% chance that you’ll end up on a beach. If and when that’s the case, take this affordable underwater camera with you to capture those sure-to-be unforgettable moments above and beneath the waves.

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12. Travel Pillow
For such a long international flight, let’s face it—comfort isn’t always there. One item I never like to travel without is this comfy, breathable neck support pillow that comes with earplugs and an eye mask for an even better restful sleep.

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13. Life Straw Water Bottle
Carrying a refillable water bottle will keep you hydrated under the Taiwanese sun. Plus, it’s equipped with an advanced water filter in case you’re worried about the drinking water when traveling abroad.

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14. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can provide great peace of mind for any unexpected situations that could occur on your trip to Taiwan, and TravelInsurance.com offers great travel policies that can provide 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide, coverage for emergency medical expenses, and coverage for the costs of your valuable luggage if it’s lost or stolen in Taiwan.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜
15. Cooling Towel
Let these premium microfiber cooling towels relieve you from Taiwan’s heat while you’re cycling, hiking, camping, at the beach, or exploring the region’s endless attractions. All you’ll need to do is dip the towel into water and vwalah—you’ve got 30-60 minutes of cooling relief for your head and neck. Plus, the microfiber material is chemical-free!

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16. Bluetooth Earphones
It’s always good to bring a good pair of Bluetooth earphones when traveling to any part of the world where subways, buses, and trains are the norm for getting around town. How great would it be to vibe out to your favorite music while riding to the next attraction, landmark, or activity?

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17. Portable Hard Drive
Taiwan is beautiful all around, which means you’re your camera and/or phone will be flooded with pics of its incredible architecture, cuisine, beaches, historical landmarks, cultural events, people, and more. Do yourself a favor and transfer your images to this portable hard drive so you won’t lose anything if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

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What to Wear in Taiwan

Taiwan is situated in a tropical climate zone, so it’s usually warm to hot year throughout the year. You’ll want to protect your eyes with a quality pair of UV protection sunglasses or sun visor, and your head with a breathable bucket or trucker hat. A colorful short sleeve dry performance T-shirt, drawstring shorts, and comfortable walking shoes should have you feeling loose and relaxed in the heat.

And because Taiwan is an island, you can expect—no, you should plan to visit a beach or two on your trip, which means don’t forget to bring along a pair of flip flops or quick dry water shoes. For the wet months—July through September—make sure to pack a lightweight rain jacket.

What WOMEN should wear in Taiwan – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

The average annual temperature in Taiwan is about 70 degrees, so don’t hesitate to pull out a crop top to go along with a gorgeous midi skirt or waist dress that can take you to lunch, the beach, and dinner in the same day. If you prefer to show off more of your legs, that’s perfectly fine; Taiwanese women tend to flaunt their legs versus their upper body. You’ll fit right in with a pair of high waist denim or fleece shorts.

If you’re planning to explore any one of Taiwan’s endless mountains, throw on a great pair of hiking boots, cargo pants or shorts, with a breathable bucket hat. And you absolutely cannot leave Taiwan without catching up on some R & R at a hot spring, so prep a sexy swimsuit and sandals or crocs.

What MEN should wear in Taiwan – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Unless you’re young, Taiwanese men generally do not dress flashy or flaunt their wealth. You’ll find that a casual and business casual approach is the best way to blend in. With that, you can’t go wrong tossing on a colorful Polo T-shirt and jeans when exploring tourist attractions and cultural landmarks. Should you want to feel looser and more comfortable while on the go, throw on some drawstring walking shorts and a breathable short sleeve button down t-shirt. You’ll also need to prepare a lightweight rain jacket to keep you dry during the occasional rain showers in the summer.

Packing for the Seasons in Taiwan

Winter – December, January, February

Taiwan’s winters are never a freezing cold. Temperatures typically range between 50-65 degrees, which is still enjoyable enough to do most activities. The best traditional activity to experience in winter is Chinese New Year, which is held in late January or February. Bring jeans, long sleeve T-shirts, and a thin jacket. You’ll also want to include some button down shirts for the business casual look when you’re celebrating with locals.

Spring – March, April, May

Spring in Taiwan sees a gradual increase from cooler temperatures in the low 60s to an enjoyable mid-70s by May. You’ll have a chance to experience cherry blossoms and attend popular annual events like the Spring Scream Music Festival and Penshu Fireworks Festival. Prep some cargo pants and your favorite floral midi skirts to match the season.

Summer – June, July, August

These are the hottest months in Taiwan with average temperatures falling between 80-90 degrees. And due to its tropical climate, typhoons and rain fall are much more prevalent during this time of year. Bring your drawstring walking shorts and breathable T-shirts. Throw on a pair of UV protection sunglasses and a trucker hat. Have your swimsuit or trunks ready and pack a lightweight rain jacket as well.

Fall – September, October, November

Fall is the most pleasant time to visit Taiwan. Temperatures usually fall within the 70s, making way for the best time to partake in outdoor activities like hikes, bike rides, and shopping at night markets. Pack some lightweight jogger pants and casual t-shirts for fun activities during the day. At night, throw on your coordinated pieces and button-down t-shirts that can take you to dinner, shopping, and a nightlife venue or two.

Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)

Beaches: You’ve got plenty of beach options to choose from in Taiwan, so make sure you pack your best swimsuits and trunks. For men, speedos are very common in Taiwan, so if that’s your comfort choice then don’t hesitate to toss a pair into your luggage. Furthermore, pools, hot springs, hot tubs, and even sauna rooms in Taiwan require that you wear a swim cap.

Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year tradition calls for red to be worn—a symbol of good luck and prosperity—and to avoid wearing black or white as it represents mourning. Men should consider packing a business casual type red sweater, and for women, a bright red dress that’s not too revealing.

Festivals: There are tons of festivals that take place annually in Taiwan, from internationally known lantern festivals to the Song Jiang Battle Array, a large-scale martial arts showcase, held in Neimen. I’d say casual and business casual are the appropriate approaches to be mindful and respectful of the cultural event. You just can’t go wrong with a pair of Khakis and a nice button up shirt.

What NOT to Bring to Taiwan

1.DON'T BRING a Closed Mind
There are just some regions of the world where food, hygiene, politics, lifestyle, cityscape, and traditions are completely different from what you’ve grown up in. In Taiwan, for instance, rice is a common staple food eaten with nearly every meal. Pork, not beef, is consumed regularly. Toilet paper is not always flushed down the toilet—it’s folded and put in the trash. Be open to new experiences, even if they’re not something you weren’t accustomed to growing up.
2.DON'T PACK Just 1 Pair of Shoes
It’s awfully hard to find a pair of shoes larger than size 10 in Taiwan. You won’t want to have damaged your sole pair and spend your vacation browsing shopping sites and store hopping. That gives me a headache just thinking about it!
3.DON'T BRING a Debate Over China vs. Taiwan vs. Hong Kong
In China, many expats know not to openly discuss the three T’s: Taiwan, Tiananmen Square, and Tibet, due to their sensitive political nature. Taiwan, for example, along with Hong Kong, is a special administrative region of China that is independently governed from the ROC. Because of this, many Taiwanese argue for separation from China while many Chinese mainland citizens hold firm beliefs that Taiwan unquestionably belongs to China.
4.Just Your Original Travel Documents (Bring Copies)
Anytime you travel abroad it’s important to bring copies of all your important travel documents, like your passport, IDs, visa, debit/credit cards, and hotel reservations. If your luggage is lost or stolen in Taiwan, you can at least use the copies to apply for any replacements you’ll need to get back home.

What NOT to wear in Taiwan – (Click to expand)

There’s no need for heavy jackets, thermals, scarfs, and other winter-related clothing in Taiwan—it stays relatively warm all year round. You’ll also find that most Taiwanese refrain from dressing flamboyantly and wearing flashy jewelry to show off their wealth. For women, leave your heels at home—you’ll be doing entirely too much walking. Tank tops aren’t common amongst local Taiwanese women; after all, showing too much of your shoulders is considered a sort of … cultural taboo. And, in Taiwan, the number “4” is associated with death (death and four sound almost the same in Mandarin), so leave any T-shirts or jerseys with the number 4 at home.

FAQs About Taiwan Travel

1. When’s the best time of the year visit Taiwan?
The best time to visit Taiwan is in the fall, from September to November, or during Spring, March through May. Temperatures are cool to warm/hot during these months (60-80 degrees), while summer is scorching hot and winter averages 50-65 degrees.
2. What are the top things to do in Taiwan?
Taiwan is loaded with experiences, activities, attractions, landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery at every turn. Here’s a general list of top things to do in Taiwan, with a few specific locations to experience them:

Hot Springs
Yangmingshan National Park, Beitou Hot Spring

Night Markets/Local Foods
Raohe Night Market, Liuhe Night Market, Shilin Market, Feng Chia Night Market

Hiking/Natural Scenery
Alishan Mountain, Maokong, Huandao, Qinjing Farm, Taroko National Park

Scenic Bike Rides
Sun Moon Lake Loop, Riverside Bikeway, Siang Shan Bikeway

Beach
Qixing Tan Beach, Baishawan Beach, Kenting Baishawan

Teahouse
Jiufen, Yao Yue, 1000 People Brew Tea

Cultural Sites
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Rainbow Village, Dr. Sun Ya-Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei Confucius Temple, Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Taiwan Indigenous Culture Park

Architecture
Taipei 101, 85 Sky Tower, National Taichung Theatre

Festivals
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Spring Scream Music Festival, Taiwan International Balloon Festival
3. Is English used in Taiwan? If not, how can I prepare for my trip?
Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan. English is not commonly spoken in Taiwan, but you can find more English speakers in the capitol, Taipei. You can prepare for your trip to Taiwan by downloading English translation apps like Google Translate and purchasing pocket dictionary and phrases books for Mandarin.
4. What’s Taiwan famous for?
Taiwan is famous for Taipei 101, hiking, bike rides, bubble tea, beef noodles, street snacks, seafood, night markets, hot springs, temples, and beaches, and is the home base for Acer and Asus computers and bike manufacturers Giant and Merida.
5. What kind of transportation does Taiwan have?
You can get around Taiwan by taxi, bus, subway (some cities), railway, scooter, car rental, bike, and boat.
6. Where can I go shopping in Taiwan?
Night markets like Shilin and Yizhong Street are great places to go shopping in Taiwan. However, if you’re looking for more high-end stores or something specific, Taiwan is jam-packed with shopping streets/districts, department stores, commercial outlets, and malls. You can also find more local goodies at traditional markets.
7. What are the most popular festivals in Taiwan?
Taiwan hosts a number of festivals annually, from music and culture to historical and food. Some popular festivals to attend in Taiwan are:
- Chinese New Year
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Taiwan Lantern Festival
- Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
- Zhongyuan festival
- Yenshui Fireworks Festival
- Launching of the Water Lanterns
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- Grappling with the Ghost
- Mazu Birthday and Pilgrimage

What to Pack for Taiwan – 17 Essentials

1. Universal Travel Adapter

2. Nikon D3500 Camera

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

4. Packing Cubes

5. Portable Charger

6. Waterproof Umbrella

7. Face Mask

8. Neck Wallet

9. Airborne Immunity Support Medicine

10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

11. Affordable Underwater Camera

12. Travel Pillow

13. Life Straw Water Bottle

14. Travel Insurance

15. Cooling Towel

16. Bluetooth Earphones

17. Portable Hard Drive

Other Taiwan Packing List Items Not to Forget

What to Wear in Taiwan

Packing for the Seasons in Taiwan

Winter – December, January, February

Spring – March, April, May

Summer – June, July, August

Fall – September, October, November

What NOT to Bring to Taiwan

1.DON'T BRING a Closed Mind

2.DON'T PACK Just 1 Pair of Shoes

3.DON'T BRING a Debate Over China vs. Taiwan vs. Hong Kong

4.Just Your Original Travel Documents (Bring Copies)

FAQs About Taiwan Travel

1. When’s the best time of the year visit Taiwan?

2. What are the top things to do in Taiwan?

3. Is English used in Taiwan? If not, how can I prepare for my trip?

4. What’s Taiwan famous for?

5. What kind of transportation does Taiwan have?

6. Where can I go shopping in Taiwan?

7. What are the most popular festivals in Taiwan?