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The Complete Taiwan Packing List

From Taipei night markets to Taroko Gorge trails, here's everything you need for one of Asia's safest and easiest destinations.

Updated Apr 2026
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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Overview
  3. Country essentials
  4. Cultural notes
  5. Taipei and Northern Taiwan
  6. Central and Southern Taiwan (Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung)
  7. East Coast and Mountains (Hualien, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake)
  8. Seasonal guide
  9. Packing Tips
  10. FAQ

Quick answer

Regions

3 regions covered

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Plug type

Type A, Type B / 110V

Language

Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese Hokkien

US plugs work without an adapter (110V, Type A/B), so leave the converter home. Pack breathable clothes, a compact umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes. Tap water isn't drinkable, so bring a filtered bottle. Load an EasyCard for transit and keep 1,000 to 2,000 TWD in small bills for night markets.

For US travelers, Taiwan might be the easiest country in Asia to pack for. The outlets are Type A and Type B at 110V/60Hz, identical to the US, so your chargers work without any adapter. Leave the converter home. The country is compact and stitched together by high-speed rail, and a convenience store on every block covers whatever you forgot. The subtropical climate is the one thing that needs real thought.

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The weather splits in two: a hot, humid season from May through October, and a mild, drier stretch from November through April. Taipei and the north get steady rain all year, with winter dropping to 50-55F. Down south, Kaohsiung stays warm and dry through most of the winter. Typhoon season runs June through October and can shut down transit or close trails with little warning. That's why a packable rain jacket and a waterproof phone pouch earn their luggage space.

A few practical things. Tap water isn't safe to drink anywhere on the island, so pack a filtered bottle or buy bottled water and use the hot/cold dispensers you'll find in every hotel and convenience store. Load an EasyCard at any MRT station or 7-Eleven and it pays for trains, buses, and YouBike rentals. Carry small bills too, the 100 and 500 TWD notes, for night markets and smaller restaurants. Cards work at department stores and hotels. But cash still runs street-level Taiwan.

Country essentials

Plug type

Type A, Type B · 110V, 60Hz

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Language

Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese Hokkien

Visa

US citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and proof of an onward or return ticket. No pre-arrival registration or health declaration is required as of 2026.

SIM / data

Grab a prepaid tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport arrivals hall from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, or FarEasTone. A 15-day unlimited data SIM runs 500 to 700 TWD (roughly 16 to 22 USD). eSIMs from Airalo or Ubigi work well too. Coverage is excellent. You'll hold a signal even in remote mountains and along the east coast.

Tipping

Tipping is not part of Taiwanese culture and is not expected at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or bars. Higher-end restaurants include a 10 percent service charge on the bill automatically. Leaving extra cash on the table will likely confuse your server.

Driving side

right

Tap water

Bottled or filtered only

Emergency #

110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance

Cultural notes and dress codes

  • Remove your hat and avoid pointing at deity statues inside temples. Walk around incense burners clockwise. If you are unsure about etiquette, watch what locals do for 30 seconds before entering.
  • Night markets are cash-first. Bring small bills (100 and 500 TWD notes) and coins. Most stalls do not accept cards or mobile payment. Carry a small bag for food since many vendors hand you items without packaging.
  • Scooters dominate the roads and often ride through crosswalks during turns. Look both ways even on green pedestrian signals, and stay alert on sidewalks near intersections.
  • Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This resembles incense offerings for the dead and is considered deeply disrespectful.
  • Taiwan's convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life) do far more than sell snacks. You can pay bills, pick up packages, print documents, buy train tickets, and top up your EasyCard. They are open 24 hours and are on nearly every city block.
  • Trash sorting is strict. Public bins are labeled for recycling, compost, and general waste. Many cities use the pay-per-bag system for household trash, and hotels handle sorting for you.
  • Taiwanese people queue politely and give up MRT priority seats for elderly, pregnant, and disabled riders. Using a priority seat when the car is crowded will draw visible disapproval.
  • Loud phone calls and eating on the MRT are prohibited. Fines range from 1,500 to 7,500 TWD.

The capital and its surroundings: Jiufen, Beitou hot springs, Yangmingshan National Park, and Keelung. You'll do dense city walking, temple visits, and some of Asia's best night markets. Expect humid air and long days on foot. And rain, plenty of it.

Climate: Subtropical and humid year-round. Summers (June to September) average 90-95F with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (December to February) are cool and damp at 50-65F under persistent overcast skies. Rain falls 150+ days a year here, so plan around the wet, not the sun. Spring and fall are the most comfortable at 70-85F.

  • Rain gear every single day, no exceptions
  • Breathable layers for humidity and aggressive AC indoors
  • Comfortable shoes for MRT transfers and steep hillside towns
  • Night market cash kit: small bills, wet wipes, and a bag for food
  • Compact umbrella as your most-used item

👕Clothing

Essentials

  • Lightweight moisture-wicking tops x5 (Synthetic or merino handles Taipei humidity better than cotton)
  • Quick-dry pants or shorts x3
  • Light cardigan or hoodie (MRT stations, malls, and restaurants blast AC to 65F even in summer)
  • Packable rain jacket
  • Compact umbrella (You can buy transparent ones at any convenience store for 100 TWD)

Nice to Have

  • Light fleece or warm layer for winter visits (December to February only. Taipei winters rarely dip below 45F but feel colder due to damp air.)
  • Swimsuit for Beitou hot springs

👟Shoes

Essentials

  • Comfortable walking shoes with grip (Jiufen's hillside streets and Taipei's wet sidewalks are slippery)
  • Moisture-wicking socks x5

Nice to Have

  • Waterproof sandals or flip-flops (Useful for hot springs, hostel showers, and rainy days)
  • Dressier shoes for nicer restaurants

🔌Electronics

Essentials

  • US chargers (no adapter needed) x2 (Taiwan uses Type A/B at 110V, identical to US outlets)
  • Portable battery (10,000 mAh+) (A full day of maps and photos drains your phone fast)
  • Travel eSIM or airport SIM card

Nice to Have

  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Waterproof phone pouch (Protects against sudden downpours and night market splashes)

📄Paperwork and Money

Essentials

  • Passport with 6+ months validity
  • Proof of onward/return ticket
  • TWD cash (3,000-5,000 TWD to start) (Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs or exchange at the airport. Night markets and small restaurants are cash-only.)
  • Credit card with no foreign transaction fees x2
  • EasyCard (buy at airport MRT station) (100 TWD for the card plus whatever you load. Works on MRT, buses, YouBike, and convenience stores.)

Nice to Have

  • Travel insurance confirmation

🍜Night Market Kit

Essentials

  • Wet wipes or hand towels (Most stalls have no napkins)
  • Small reusable bag for food containers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cash in 100 TWD and 50 TWD denominations (Most items cost 50 to 150 TWD. Breaking a 1,000 note at a small stall is difficult.)
  • Tissues or small napkin pack

🎒Daypack Essentials

Essentials

  • Small daypack or crossbody bag
  • Reusable water bottle with filter (Tap water is not drinkable. Refill at hotel or station dispensers.)
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV index in Taiwan frequently exceeds 10 in summer)

Nice to Have

  • Insect repellent (Mosquitoes are active in parks and near rivers April through October)
  • Packable tote for temple purchases and souvenirs

When to visit and what changes by season

Spring (Comfortable and Green)

March, April, May · 65-85F across most of Taiwan; cooler in mountains at 50-70F°F

The north and east see plenty of rain, especially through March and April, but the temperatures stay pleasant before the full summer heat lands. Pack for both. Cherry blossoms bloom up in the mountains, around Alishan and Yangmingshan, from late February through March. By May the south is heating up fast.

  • Light layers for 15-degree daily temperature swings
  • Rain jacket and compact umbrella (essential in Taipei)
  • Comfortable walking shoes with grip for wet trails
  • Allergy medication if sensitive to subtropical pollen
  • Sunscreen for increasingly strong UV

Summer (Hot, Humid, Typhoon Season)

June, July, August · 85-100F with humidity regularly above 80 percent; mountains 70-85F°F

The hottest, most humid months. Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily, arriving on a schedule you can almost set your watch by. Typhoon season peaks from July through September, and a single storm can cancel flights and halt rail service for 1-3 days. Still, this is mango season, with Dragon Boat races in June.

  • Lightest possible moisture-wicking fabrics
  • Waterproof rain jacket and waterproof phone pouch
  • Wide-brim hat and strong sunscreen
  • Electrolyte tablets for heat and humidity
  • Flexible itinerary plans in case of typhoon delays

Fall (Best Travel Weather)

September, October, November · 70-90F in September, cooling to 60-75F by November; mountains 45-65F°F

September still carries typhoon risk and summer heat. Then it turns. October and November are widely considered the best months to visit Taiwan, with comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain in the south. Taipei stays cloudier than the rest of the island. Fall foliage appears in mountain areas by late November.

  • Versatile layers for warm days and cool evenings
  • Light jacket or fleece for mountain trips
  • Rain gear for northern Taiwan (Taipei stays wet)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for extended day trips
  • Camera gear for clear-sky mountain views

Winter (Mild South, Cool North)

December, January, February · 50-65F in Taipei, 60-75F in Kaohsiung, 35-50F in high mountains°F

Taipei winters are overcast and damp, chilly but rarely freezing. The south is the better call: it stays warm and dry while the north sulks under cloud. High mountains like Alishan and Hehuanshan occasionally see snow. Hot spring season peaks now. Beitou, Jiaoxi, and Zhiben fill up.

  • Warm layers for Taipei (fleece, light jacket, scarf)
  • Lighter clothing for southern Taiwan trips
  • Waterproof shoes for rainy Taipei streets
  • Hot spring swimsuit or towel
  • Moisturizer and lip balm for cool dry mountain air

Packing tips for Taiwan

  1. 1Buy an EasyCard at any MRT station or convenience store for 100 TWD. It works on the MRT, all city buses, YouBike bikes, convenience stores, and many vending machines. Top it up at any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.
  2. 2Do not drink the tap water. Every hotel, hostel, and train station has a hot/cold water dispenser. Pack a filtered bottle (like a LifeStraw Go) or buy bottled water at convenience stores for 20 to 30 TWD.
  3. 3Download the Google Maps offline map for Taiwan before you leave. It is accurate for transit directions, walking routes, and restaurant hours. Buses and MRT are well-integrated.
  4. 4The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes. Book early-bird tickets on the THSR app for up to 35 percent off. Standard fare Taipei to Kaohsiung runs about 1,490 TWD (47 USD).
  5. 5Carry a compact umbrella every day regardless of the forecast. Rain in Taipei is frequent and arrives without much warning, especially between October and March.
  6. 6Pack wet wipes and hand sanitizer for night markets. Most stalls do not have napkins or hand-washing stations, and you will eat with your hands more than you expect.
  7. 7Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and petty theft is uncommon compared to most of Southeast Asia. Still, watch your belongings in a crowded night market.
  8. 8If you plan to hike in Taroko Gorge or high mountain areas, check for trail closures after typhoons or heavy rain. Landslides close trails regularly from June through October. The Taroko National Park website posts daily status updates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a travel adapter for Taiwan?
No adapter needed. Taiwan uses Type A and Type B outlets at 110V and 60Hz, effectively identical to the United States, so your US phone chargers, laptop chargers, and camera batteries plug straight in and charge at full speed. Even a high-wattage hair dryer runs normally, because the voltage matches. Leave the converter home.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Taiwan?
No. Don't drink it unboiled. Locals boil their water or use filtered dispensers, which you'll find in every hotel, hostel, convenience store, and most public buildings like train stations, parks, and schools. Bottled water runs 20 to 30 TWD at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. A bottle with a built-in filter saves the plastic and pays for itself fast on a long trip.
How much cash do I need in Taiwan?
Cash rules the street. Carry 1,000 to 3,000 TWD per day in small bills, roughly 30 to 95 USD, because night markets, street food vendors, local restaurants, temples, and taxis mostly take nothing else. Hotels, department stores, and big chains take cards. ATMs inside 7-Eleven accept international cards around the clock. The exchange rate sits near 32 TWD per 1 USD.
What is the best time to visit Taiwan?
October and November. That stretch gives you the best combination of comfortable weather, lower humidity, and minimal typhoon risk, which is why most seasoned visitors aim for it. March and April are pleasant too, before the summer heat. Skip July and August if you wilt in extreme heat and humidity. Winter (December to February) is fine for the south, though Taipei stays overcast and damp.
How do I get around Taiwan without a car?
Easily, and cheaply. The Taipei MRT handles the capital, THSR high-speed rail connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes, and local trains run the scenic east coast. YouBike bike-share covers most cities. Load an EasyCard at any convenience store and one tap pays for MRT, buses, trains, and bikes. For remote mountain areas, rent a scooter (international driving permit required) or hire a driver for the day.
What should I wear to temples in Taiwan?
Temples here are less strict than those in Southeast Asia, but basic respect still matters. Cover your shoulders and wear at least knee-length shorts or a skirt. Take your hat off inside temple halls, and don't point at deity statues. At a big temple like Longshan in Taipei, casual clothes are fine. Beachwear and tank tops will draw looks.
Is Taiwan safe for solo travelers?
Very. Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia and ranks among the safest in the world for solo travelers of any gender. Violent crime is extremely rare. The MRT runs until midnight, convenience stores never close, and well-lit streets make late-night walking comfortable in most neighborhoods. The usual precautions apply in a crowded night market, where the occasional pickpocket works.
Should I learn any Mandarin before visiting Taiwan?
A few phrases help. Basic greetings, 'thank you' (xie xie), and numbers make interactions smoother, especially outside Taipei. English signage is common in Taipei's MRT and tourist areas, but decreases significantly in rural towns, night markets, and the east coast. Download Google Translate with the offline Chinese pack and use the camera feature to read menus and signs.
What happens if a typhoon hits during my trip?
The government declares typhoon days that close offices, schools, and transit systems. Flights may be canceled or delayed for 1 to 3 days, and mountain trails and east coast roads close for landslide risk. Stay indoors. Stock up on food and water before the storm hits, and follow the Central Weather Administration at cwa.gov.tw. For a summer trip, insurance that covers weather disruptions is worth the cost.
How much does a trip to Taiwan cost in 2026?
It's affordable by East Asian standards. Mid-range travelers spend roughly 80 to 150 USD per person per day, covering a decent hotel, three meals, transit, and one paid attraction. On hostels and night market food you can stay under 50 USD a day. A night market meal costs 100 to 300 TWD (3 to 10 USD). THSR tickets run 700 to 1,490 TWD per leg (22 to 47 USD). A quality hotel in Taipei averages 2,500 to 5,000 TWD a night (80 to 155 USD).

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