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What to Bring

What to Bring

Taipei, Taiwan

Attire for Varied Climates

Spring/Autumn (March-May, September-November): Layers are useful. Pack light Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and a Light jacket or fleece. A waterproof and windproof Rain jacket is useful. Weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains.

Recommended Fabrics

  • Moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort
  • Waterproof outer layers for rain
  • Windproof layers for higher elevations

Activity-Specific Wardrobe

Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable clothing. Pack cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable. A light jacket for air-conditioned indoor spaces or sudden heavy showers. Humidity means clothes feel damp.

Special Occasion Wear

  • Hiking: Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts, moisture-wicking t-shirts, layers. A reliable Rain jacket protects against sudden downpours.
  • Hot Springs (Beitou): A Swimsuit is common. Bring a towel.
  • Religious Sites: Comfortable, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.

Footwear Choices

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, comfortable Hiking shoes or boots with good grip are suggested for varied park terrain. Trails feel slippery when wet.

Waterproof footwear presents an advantage.

Walking Shoes

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are needed for city exploration, as walking extensively is common.

Urban exploration comfort.

Sandals/Flip-flops

These are useful for casual wear, especially in hot weather, and for use around hot springs.

Relaxed footwear.

Travel Papers

Documentation Checklist

Preparedness for your journey includes having both physical and digital copies of papers. This helps prevent delays.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Carry your valid passport. If a visa was necessary, bring visa documentation. Keep physical copies separate from originals and digital backups (USB drive, cloud, email).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Print and keep digital copies of policy details, including emergency contact numbers. Knowing policy numbers and contact information saves time in emergencies. Affiliate: World Nomads, SafetyWing, Insubuy.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): For car or scooter rental, an International Driving Permit (IDP) complements your national driver's license. Obtain before departure.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Carry a copy of your vaccination record. If taking prescription medications, bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note, especially for controlled substances.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Have copies of your hotel, flight, and any pre-booked tour reservations. This streamlines check-ins.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family and friends at home. Include local emergency numbers (police, ambulance) and your country's embassy or representative office in Taipei.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts: Bring any relevant identification cards, like an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or senior citizen cards, if you qualify for discounts at attractions.
  • Medication Containers: Keep medications in their original containers to avoid issues at customs.

Tech & Connectivity

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up simplifies travel.

Essential Devices

  • Power Adapter and Voltage: Taiwan uses 110V, 60Hz. Plug types are Type A and B. A universal Travel adapter provides compatibility.
  • Mobile Phone & SIM Card Options: Most modern smartphones work with Taiwan’s mobile networks. SIM cards are easy to purchase upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or in city centers.
  • Portable Chargers and Power Banks: A Portable power bank is a strong recommendation. It keeps phones and cameras charged during long days in the park, where outlets are limited.

Digital Tools

Consider your electronic needs for navigation, communication, and photography.

Photography & Digital Safety

  • Camera Equipment: Pack standard camera gear. A Wide-angle lens captures Yangmingshan landscapes. A Waterproof case is useful for wet conditions. A compact GoPro is suitable for outdoor activities. Affiliate: B&H Photo.
  • Recommended Apps: Navigation: Google Maps. Public Transport: Taipei Metro (MRT) app. Translation: Google Translate (offline Mandarin Chinese pack). Messaging: Line. Weather: Local weather app.
  • Backup Solutions: Utilize cloud storage services for backing up photos and copies of important documents.

Digital Safety & Security

VPN Services

Consider a VPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi. Affiliate: NordVPN, ExpressVPN.

RFID Protection

Wallets or pouches with RFID blocking protect credit card information. Affiliate: Pacsafe.

Device Security

Password-protect your devices and enable remote wiping features.

Health & Wellbeing

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit promotes comfort and addresses minor ailments that may arise.

Medication & Protection

Water & Hygiene

Prevention is for common health concerns.

Hydration & Hygiene

  • Insect Repellent: Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin protects against mosquitoes, especially in humid or forested areas. Affiliate: Amazon.
  • Water Purification: A personal Water filter bottle could serve for refilling from streams during extended remote hikes. Affiliate: LifeStraw.
  • Personal Hygiene: Most common personal hygiene products are available. Bring preferred brands if you have specific requirements.

Comfort & Safety on the Go

Altitude Concerns

  • Yangmingshan’s elevations are not extreme.
  • Altitude sickness is not a typical concern for visitors.
  • Enjoy the park without specific altitude preparations.

Motion Sickness Remedies

  • If you are prone to motion sickness on winding bus rides.
  • Consider bringing appropriate remedies.
  • This applies to bus routes within and around the park.

Activity Gear

Hiking Essentials

A Daypack for water, snacks, and layers. Hiking poles are optional but useful on steep or slippery trails, especially if you have knee issues.

Hot Spring Attire

A Small towel and Swimsuit are useful for hot spring visits.

  • Bring these if planning to visit public hot springs in Beitou.
  • Also useful for facilities within Yangmingshan National Park, like the Lengshuikeng bathhouse.
  • Many public hot springs are communal and require swimsuits.
  • For private hot spring rooms, swimwear may be optional.

General Preparedness

A Small umbrella or Packable rain poncho for sudden showers.

  • Sudden showers are common in the mountains, even on otherwise sunny days.
  • Layers are beneficial. Even on sunny days, mountain weather changes quickly.
  • Be prepared for temperature drops or increased wind.
  • Most travel items are available in Taiwan, but specific brands or specialized products may appear harder to find or be more expensive.

Equipment Rental vs. Purchase

Consider Renting If:

  • Travel is infrequent.
  • Storage space is limited.
  • Specialized gear is for one-time use.
  • Budget constraints on a purchase exist.

Consider Buying If:

  • Frequent travel for specific activities is common.
  • High-quality equipment is a preference.
  • Personal fit and comfort are important.
  • Long-term savings on repeated rentals are a priority.

Travel Essentials

Comfort & Security

These items facilitate comfort, security, and convenience.

On the Go Comfort

  • Comfort Items: Neck pillow, Eye mask. Useful for long flights or bus journeys.
  • Security Items: A Money belt or hidden pouch protects documents and cash. Taiwan is very safe, but basic precautions are wise. Small locks for luggage.
  • Reusable Items: Reusable water bottle, Shopping bag, utensils. A Reusable shopping bag is useful as many shops charge for plastic bags.
  • Personal Utensils: Carrying your own utensils (e.g., a spork) helps reduce single-use plastic.

Park-Specific Items

Region-specific essentials for Yangmingshan.

Essential for Yangmingshan

  • Small Umbrella/Poncho: A Small umbrella or Packable rain poncho. Sudden showers are common in the mountains.
  • Layers: Even on sunny days, mountain weather changes quickly. Be prepared for temperature drops or increased wind.
  • Local Purchases: Most items are available in Taiwan, but specific brands or specialized products may appear harder to find. Consider bringing these from home.
  • Health Supplies: Over-the-counter medications for common issues, like cold and flu remedies, antacids, and motion sickness pills.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste and saves money.

Eco-friendly Toiletries

Minimizes environmental footprint during your travels.

Local Market Bag

Avoids single-use plastic bags when shopping.

Portable Solar Charger

Powers devices with clean energy during outdoor activities.

Specialized Items

Packing Smart

Utilize packing cubes to organize clothing and maximize space. Roll clothes to minimize wrinkles. Keep a small bag accessible for daily excursions.

Place heavy items at the bottom of your luggage. Distribute weight evenly across multiple bags. Bring a foldable bag for souvenirs or extra purchases.