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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

East Coast, Taiwan

Warm Weather Attire

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or quick-drying synthetics. Daytime temperatures are pleasant. A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings is useful, especially near the coast or in higher elevations.

Spring & Autumn Essentials

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, quick-dry synthetics).
  • A Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.
  • A compact, lightweight Umbrella or a waterproof, Packable rain jacket is useful.

Summer & Winter Wear

For summer, focus on very lightweight, loose-fitting, and quick-drying clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, and light dresses are suitable. Humidity is high, so moisture-wicking materials provide comfort. Winter holds milder conditions, but cooler mornings and evenings exist.

Seasonal Attire Notes

  • Summer requires lightweight, loose-fitting attire. Swimwear is important for beach and water activities.
  • Winter calls for long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket.
  • A light thermal layer is useful for mountainous areas or Zhiben Hot Springs in the evening.

Footwear Recommendations

Comfortable Walking Shoes

These are highly advisable. Much walking occurs when exploring Taitung City, night markets, and various attractions.

Sandals/Flip-flops

These exist as useful options for casual wear, beach visits, and hot weather conditions.

Suitable for relaxed settings and hot climates.

Hiking/Waterproof Footwear

If serious hikes or rainy season visits are planned, Hiking shoes with good grip or waterproof footwear are useful.

Valuable for trails, Green Island, or Orchid Island.

Essential Documents

Documents for Travel

Keeping travel documents organized and secure holds high importance. Carry both physical and digital copies of the following items for a smooth journey.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid passport with at least six months' validity. Copy of approved visa (if applicable).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Printed and digital copies of policy details, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If car or scooter rental is planned, a valid IDP with national driving license is necessary.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Copy of vaccination records or doctor's note for medical conditions/prescriptions.
  • Reservation Copies: Printed and digital copies of flight tickets, hotel bookings, tour reservations, and ferry tickets.
  • Emergency Contact Information: List of important phone numbers (family, embassy, local emergency services: Police 110, Fire/Ambulance 119).
  • Discount IDs: Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts (if applicable) at attractions or museums.
  • Data Backup: Routinely back up photos and important documents to cloud storage or an external hard drive.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Taiwan uses 110V and 60Hz. Plug types are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin). A Universal travel adapter is advisable to fit local outlets. Most modern electronics are dual voltage (100-240V).

Mobile Phone & SIM Cards

  • Most modern smartphones are compatible with Taiwan's mobile networks. Check if your Phone is unlocked.
  • Local SIM cards exist for purchase upon arrival at TPE or at telecom stores in Taitung City (Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, Taiwan Mobile).
  • Pre-paid tourist SIM cards are convenient, offering unlimited data for a fixed number of days with calling credit. Passport presentation is for registration.

Cameras & Navigation Apps

Taitung presents incredible photographic opportunities. A Waterproof action camera (like a GoPro) is useful for water activities or rainy periods. Extra batteries and memory cards are advisable.

Recommended Apps

  • Google Maps for navigation, public transport routes, and locating places. Download offline maps.
  • Google Translate: Download the offline Mandarin Chinese language pack.
  • LINE: The most popular messaging app in Taiwan; many businesses use it. Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) App for train schedules.

Data Backup & Security

Photo Backup

Routinely back up photos to cloud storage (e.g., Google Photos, Dropbox) or an External hard drive. This guards memories.

Document Protection

Back up important documents digitally. This keeps information safe if physical copies are lost.

Power Banks

Long days of sightseeing and phone use deplete device batteries. Portable chargers and power banks allow on-the-go recharging.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

While Taiwan has excellent medical facilities and readily available pharmacies, bringing a personal supply of health and wellness items is advisable. Immediate access to what you need exists, avoiding language barriers.

Essential Kit Contents

Prescription & OTC Medications

Bring enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus a few extra days' supply. Keep medications in their original containers with clear labels. A doctor's note or a copy of your prescription is useful, especially for controlled substances.

Common Remedies & Protection

  • Over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu, stomach relief tablets or antacids.
  • Insect repellent (high-DEET content) for effective protection against mosquitoes.
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protection sunglasses.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Taitung itself holds no high altitude. For higher mountain areas in Taiwan, remedies for altitude sickness may apply.
  • A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter or Purification tablets reduces plastic waste and provides a backup for safe drinking water.
  • If specific preferences for brands, sensitive skin products, or specialty items exist, bringing them from home is advisable.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness pills are useful for bus rides on winding coastal roads or ferry crossings to offshore islands.
  • Reusable utensils/chopsticks reduce the need for disposable cutlery, especially for street food.
  • Small locks exist for luggage or hostel lockers. TSA-approved locks are suitable for checked baggage.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For serious hiking, a comfortable daypack for water, snacks, and extra layers is useful. Good Hiking socks prevent blisters.

Water Sports Equipment

While gear exists for rent on Green Island and Orchid Island, some travelers prefer to bring their own Mask and snorkel for hygiene or comfort.

Other Activities Gear

If camping is planned, bringing appropriate Camping gear (tent, Sleeping bag, cooking equipment) is useful, though official campgrounds have limitations.

  • Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag).
  • A good Pair of binoculars for Hot Air Balloon Festival.
  • Local guides usually supply technical gear for river tracing.
  • Consider renting larger, bulkier items (e.g., surfboards).

Gear Considerations

Bring Items Personal Preference

  • Your own comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Prescription mask for snorkeling/diving.
  • Personal hygiene products (specific brands, sensitive skin items).
  • Specific clothing sizes or dietary supplements.

Rent Items Local Availability

  • Scooters and bicycles are widely available in Taitung, Green, and Orchid Islands.
  • Standard snorkel gear is easily rented at coastal areas and islands.
  • Surfboards are available for rent from Dulan and Jinzun surf shops.
  • Camping equipment (official campgrounds have limitations; rental may be convenient).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort

Beyond the basics, a few miscellaneous items contribute to greater comfort and improved impact during travels in Taitung.

Personal Comfort Enhancers

Security & Essentials

Security items exist for a worry-free journey. Long days of sightseeing, phone navigation, and photo taking use device batteries. A Portable power bank allows on-the-go recharging.

Security & Carry-Ons

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Many places offer water refills.

Reusable Utensils

Reduces the need for disposable cutlery, especially for street food.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for purchases at markets and shops, supporting reduced plastic bag usage.

Mindful Choices

Minimizing environmental impact during travel remains an aim.

Destination-Specific Items

Coastal & Climate Essentials

  • Swimsuit and cover-up for beach or pool areas.
  • High-SPF Sunscreen due to intense sun.
  • Sturdy footwear for uneven coastal paths.

Cultural & Activity Gear

  • Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples or religious sites.
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics due to humidity.
  • Cycling gear (helmet, appropriate shoes) for Taitung's bike paths.

Packing Wisdom

Layering presents a smart strategy for comfort with Taitung's varied temperatures and humidity.

Consider activity-specific gear based on your plans, weighing rental vs. Personal items.