How To Pack Like A Pro For Taiwan

Follow these two golden rules when you’re packing for Taiwan.

Planning a trip to Taiwan but don’t know much about the country? Good news: packing for this trip is easy as long as you’ve got two golden rules down: expect a really hot summer, and always carry an umbrella for unpredictable rain showers especially during spring and autumn. Winters aren’t harsh, and there won’t be any snow.

If you’re only spending a few days in Taipei, remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the city all day. But if you’ll be traveling to mountainous regions where temperatures will drop a few degrees or planning to stay by the beach in the south for a few days, then pack accordingly. In general, follow the list below and you’ll be prepped for a fantastic trip that is completely underrated!

Here’s a list of must-pack items for every season:

• For going out drinking or dancing at night: Women – dresses and heels. Men – button-up shirt, slacks and nice shoes.
• Umbrella: prep for spontaneous rain
• For walking all day: 1 pair of comfortable shoes.
• Swimwear: for the hotel pool or laying out in lawns and gardens during summertime.
• Shampoo
• Soap/shower gel
• Toothpaste + toothbrush
• Razor + shaving cream
• Comb or brush
• Underwear (Ladies: + bras)
• Socks
• If necessary: voltage converter (electrical voltage in Taiwan is the same as the U.S./Canada 110-120 Volts volts)
• Computer/phone chargers
• External battery
• Hard drive: if you want to backup your images
• Money
• Passport
• Sunglasses
• Camera

In addition, here’s what else you’ll need:

Spring & Autumn:

Spring and autumn seasons in Taiwan are the best times to visit as the weather is pleasant and lovely. During springtime, the low and high temperature average is around 14 °C (58 °F) and 18 °C (65 °F) with many rain showers so bring an umbrella at all times. Same as during autumn, average low and high temperatures are 23 °C (74 °F) and 26 °C (79 °F), but recent autumns in Taiwan have been hotter than usual, still feeling the heat from summertime.

During both seasons, early morning and late evenings can be cold, so remember to bring extra sweaters or jackets. Here are some things to pack specifically for either spring or autumn:

• Lightweight scarfs (men & women)
• 1 lightweight coat (men  & women)
• 1-2 sweaters (men & women)
• Long dresses and skirts (women)
• Jeans (men & women)
• Walkable flats or sandals (women)
• 1 pair of dress shoes & 1 pair of sneakers (men)
• 2-3 short sleeves (men & women)

Summer:

Summers in Taiwan are famously hot. Taiwan is a tropical island, and summer season is humid with high temperature. Think of an outside oven, literally. You’ll fall in love with air conditioning and want to stay indoor as much as possible due to unbearable heat. With heat and humidity comes stormy weather, so expect occasional typhoons and thunderstorms. Average low and high temperatures are 26 °C (78 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F).

Highly recommended is filling up your suitcase with shorts, t-shirts, skirts, sunblock, hats and an umbrella if you don’t shy away from carrying umbrellas in the sun. Though if you’re hiking in the mountains, an extra jacket or sweater might be needed.

• Sunscreen (men & women)
• A pair of walkable flats or sneakers (men & women)
• T-shirts & tanks (men & women)
• Shorts (men & women)
• Skirts (women)
• Hats (men & women)
• Sandals or flip flops (men & women)
• An extra jacket if you’re heading to the mountains

Winter:

There won’t be snow, let’s start with that. Winters in Taiwan typically involve mild temperatures, averaging at 13 °C (55 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F.) There will be showers at times and strong winds. But Taiwan’s bearable winter weather is still perfect for sightseeing and traveling outdoors.

If you’re staying in Taipei, prepare 1-2 winter jackets. But if you’ll be hiking or visiting mountainous regions, then pack an additional waterproof coat and thick sweaters.

• 1-2 winter coats (men & women)
• 1 pair of black tights (women)
• 2-3 Long-sleeved shirts (men & women)
• 2-3 sweaters (men & women)
• Jeans & pants (men & women)
• 1 hat/beanie (men & women)
• 1 pair of boots (men & women)
• 1 waterproof coat if you’re visiting mountainous areas (men & women)
• 1 pair of sneakers (men & women)