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What to Pack for Kaohsiung

What to Pack for Kaohsiung

Takao Taiwan Travel Guide

Summer Clothing June-September

Bring lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Shorts, t-shirts, and light dresses are suitable. A Light rain jacket or a strong umbrella is essential due to frequent heavy rainfall.

Summer Essentials

Autumn/Winter/Spring Clothing

Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May) have pleasant weather, with light long-sleeved shirts and light jackets for evenings. Winter (Dec-Feb) requires layering; pack sweaters and a medium-weight jacket. A compact umbrella remains useful for all these seasons.

Layering for Comfort

Footwear Guide

Walking Shoes

Bring Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers with good grip. Expect extensive walking.

Daily Sightseeing

Casual & Waterproof

Sandals or flip-flops are useful for casual wear and warmer months. Waterproof shoes can assist during the rainy season.

Beaches & Rainy Days

Dressier Options

Pack dressier shoes for evening outings if you plan to visit nicer restaurants or bars.

Evening Events

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Documents

Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents potential travel issues. Always carry both physical and digital copies.

  • Valid Passport & Visa Documentation (ensure AT least six months of validity).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information (policy number, emergency contacts).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country license (if behind the wheel).
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation.
  • Printed & Digital Copies of Reservations (flights, hotels, tours).
  • Emergency Contact Information (family, embassy/consulate).
  • Concession Cards (e.g., ISIC).
  • Keep copies of all documents separately.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Taiwan uses 110V/60Hz, with Type A/B plugs. An Universal travel adapter with Type A/B compatibility is a must. Bring an Unlocked phone for local SIM cards (Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, Taiwan Mobile). SIM cards are available at KHH airport or convenience stores.

Connectivity Essentials

Apps & Data Security

Google Maps excels for navigation. Google Translate (offline Mandarin pack) and Pleco assist with language. Taiwan Taxi and Line Taxi are local ride-sharing options. LINE is the popular local messaging app. For secure browsing, consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Airalo for eSIMs.

Digital Toolkit

  • Google Maps & Kaohsiung MRT app.
  • Google Translate (offline) & Pleco.
  • Cloud storage or External hard drive for backups.

Tech Gear Tips

Photography

Bring extra batteries and memory cards to avoid missing shots. Consider B&H Photo for camera gear.

Security

Utilize a VPN for public Wi-Fi. Backup important data to cloud storage or an external drive.

Availability

Most common electronics are available locally, but specialized items might be harder to find.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments. Include basics like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers like Ibuprofen. Specifically pack Anti-diarrhea medication. Carry medications in original packaging with a prescription a doctor's note.

Health Kit Essentials

  • Basic First aid kit with disinfectant wipes.
  • Prescription & common OTC medications.
  • Allergy medication.

Protection & Hygiene

Pack Insect repellent (DEET/Picaridin) for mosquito protection, especially for Dengue fever prevention. Bring High SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for strong sun. While common brands exist, specific personal care products may be harder to find locally.

Personal Care & Safety

  • Insect repellent & high SPF sunscreen.
  • Hat and sunglasses.
  • Travel-sized toiletries.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

  • Consider Motion sickness medication if sensitive to bus rides.
  • Useful for twisting mountain roads outside Kaohsiung.
  • Consult a doctor if you have severe motion sickness.

Altitude Sickness

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern within Kaohsiung city.
  • Only relevant for trips to Taiwan's very high mountain ranges.
  • Research specific conditions if planning high-altitude hikes.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For hiking, a Small backpack, a Reusable water bottle, and suitable footwear are helpful. Options for purifying water like a filter bottle can be considered for remote areas.

  • Small backpack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hiking shoes or boots
  • Water purification (optional)

Water Sports Equipment

For snorkeling or diving, you can rent gear locally. However, some travelers prefer to bring their own Mask and snorkel for comfort and fit. Surfboards are also readily available for rent.

  • Mask and snorkel (optional)
  • Swimming costume and beachwear
  • Sun hat
  • Waterproof bag

Rent vs. Bring

Surfboards, bicycles, and Snorkeling gear are readily available for rent in Kaohsiung and the vicinity. It is typically more practical to rent larger items except if you have specific high-quality requirements or prefer your own equipment.

  • Bicycles (rent locally)
  • Surfboards (rent locally)
  • Snorkeling gear (rent locally)
  • No distinct specialty items are strictly required.

Rent vs Buy Decision Matrix

Advantages of Renting

  • Avoids baggage fees and extra luggage.
  • No hassle of transporting large items.
  • Access to local, well-maintained equipment.
  • More economical for short-term use.

When to Bring Your Own

  • You require very specific high-quality gear.
  • Long-term stays where rental costs accumulate.
  • Personal items like masks/snorkels for sanitation/fit.
  • Specialized equipment for niche activities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items increase comfort, security, and convenience during your travels. Consider comfort items for transportation, like a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Reusable & Specialized Items

Bring a Reusable water bottle (refill stations are common). A Reusable shopping bag is useful as Taiwan charges for plastic bags. Reusable utensils assist in reducing waste when you are eating street food. No specific special items are strictly required for Kaohsiung.

Sustainable & Personal Gear

  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Reusable shopping bag.
  • Bring your own cutlery for street food.
  • Adequate supply of specialized personal care wares or medication brands.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Coffee Cup

Minimize single-use-use plastic cups.

Bamboo Toothbrush

Eco-friendly personal hygiene.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo/conditioner bars reduce plastic.

Solar Charger

Charge devices with renewable energy.

Destination-Specific Items

Urban Exploration

  • Small city map or reliable navigation app.
  • Camera for city scenes and art installations.
  • Foldable bag for night market souvenirs.

Nature & Outdoors

  • Binoculars for birdwatching at Lotus Pond.
  • Light mask for sporadic atmospheric quality concerns.
  • Headphones for public transport or tranquil moments.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and categorize items. Always weigh your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid excess baggage fees.

Consider a capsule wardrobe to maximize outfit combinations with fewer items. Don't forget a small daypack for daily excursions, allowing you to carry water, snacks, and essentials comfortably.

What to Pack for Kaohsiung. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials