Taiwan Packing List: What I Brought (How to Prepare for a Trip)

My first trip to Taipei in 2012 solidified my love for this island nation: it is one with a subtropical climate, a cool mix of urban and natural environments and of course, night markets, mountain hikes and city exploration. What I packed in my bag was meant to handle the relatively constant humidity, night-time breezes, need for layers and expectation of some daytime sun.

Taiwan’s interesting conditions of humidity, temperature swings and the mix of city and outdoor activities makes packing actually kind of fun, as you visualize the things you can get into on a day to day!

For convenience, use our trip length selector here to adjust quantities based on how long your trip will be.

Essentials

These are the non-negotiable items you’ll need regardless of trip length. Think of this as your foundation. Everything else builds on having these basics covered.

Packing organization

These items will help you organize your bag and make packing more efficient. Good organization matters when you’re dealing with humidity, temperature swings and the mix of city and outdoor activities.

Clothing for humidity and temperature swings

Taiwan’s subtropical climate means humidity and temperature swings between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor areas. You’ll want lightweight, breathable fabrics that work for both city walks and mountain hikes. Layers help when moving between air-conditioned malls and humid outdoor markets.

Shoes and footwear

Taiwan is a walkable destination, especially in cities like Taipei with excellent public transit. You’ll want comfortable shoes for exploring night markets, walking city streets and hiking trails.

Toiletries and health

You can buy most things in major cities, but having these on hand saves time and stress. Mosquito repellent is especially important for hiking trails.

Electronics and tech

Stay connected and powered up while exploring Taiwan’s cities and using public transit like the Taipei MRT.

Sightseeing essentials

For exploring Taiwan’s night markets, temples, cafes and city attractions, these items will come in handy.

Hiking and outdoor gear

If you plan to hike Taiwan’s mountains like Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), Yangming Shan National Park or explore the island’s natural areas, you’ll want gear that handles humidity, elevation changes and varied terrain.