Your Packing Guide: Taichung

Warm Weather Attire

Summer (June-August): This season is hot and humid. Pack lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics. Cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetic materials work well. Think shorts, t-shirts, and dresses.

Essential Summer Clothing

Lightweight tops and shorts.
A Light jacket or cardigan for air-conditioned indoor spaces.
A Lightweight, packable rain jacket and a Compact travel umbrella are advisable year-round for sudden downpours.

Cool Weather Clothing

Autumn (September-November): Light layers are ideal for autumn. Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, jeans, or comfortable trousers. Winter (December-February): Layers are useful. Pack long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket.

Autumn & Winter Essentials

Layering for varied temperatures.
A Scarf and light Gloves for colder winter days.
Spring (March-May): Similar to autumn; focus on light layers for day-to-day changes.

Footwear Essentials

City Walking

Prioritize comfort. Comfortable walking shoes or Athletic sneakers are best for extensive walking. You will do a lot of walking, especially when exploring night markets, museums, and city parks.

Ideal for urban exploration

Hiking

If your itinerary includes hiking trails, bring Trail shoes or Light hiking boots. These provide better grip and support on varied terrains. If hiking, pack moisture-wicking tops and comfortable Hiking pants or shorts.

Grip and support for trails

General & Casual Use

Sandals or flip-flops work well for casual wear, especially useful in the summer months or for relaxing in your accommodation. Cultural Dress Code: Taiwan has a relaxed approach. When visiting temples, cover shoulders and knees.

Relaxed wear, useful in summer

Travel Papers

Document Checklist

Have everything ready.

Passport: Original, valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Carry a photocopy and digital copy.
Visa Documentation: If a visa was needed, bring printed copies of your e-visa or physical visa.
Travel Insurance Policy: Print a copy and store a digital copy. Include emergency contact numbers.
International Driving Permit (IDP): If driving, required with your national driving license.

Vaccination Records/Health Docs: For personal recommendations, carry documentation for prescribed medications.
Reservation Copies: Print and store digital copies of flight tickets, accommodation, and tours.
Emergency Contact Information: List family, friends, and your country's embassy/consulate. Keep it separate.
Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts at attractions.

Tech for Your Journey

Power Needs

Taiwan uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins with a round grounding pin) electrical outlets. The voltage is 110V at 60Hz.

Power Essentials

A Universal travel adapter if your devices use different voltage or plug type.
Portable chargers and power banks are useful for keeping devices charged while exploring.
A power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity is recommended.

Mobile Connectivity

Most modern smartphones work in Taiwan. SIM cards are readily available upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Taichung International Airport (RMQ).

Staying Connected

Buy SIM cards from convenience stores or official telecom providers (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone).
Consider ESIM options from some providers for convenience. Ensure your phone is unlocked.
A Compact mirrorless camera or a high-quality Smartphone. Consider an extra battery or memory card.

Data Backup & App Recommendations

Recommended Apps

Google Maps for navigation, Google Translate (offline Mandarin pack), Taiwan Railway (TRA) app, HSR T Express app, Uber, WhatsApp, and LINE.

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and copies of important documents. This protects your memories and information in case of device loss.

VPN Services

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Staying Healthy on the Go

Basic Medical Supplies

Pack a Basic first aid kit and any personal medications. A small, pre-packed Travel first aid kit is practical.

First Aid Kit Contents

Standard items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen).
Allergy medication, diarrhea relief, antacids, cold/flu remedies.
Motion sickness medication (if needed for bus or train).

Personal Medications & Hygiene

Bring enough prescription medications for your trip duration, plus a few extra days. Carry a doctor's note or prescription with generic names. Keep medications in original containers.

Hygiene & Other Needs

Most common hygiene items are available locally.
Consider bringing your preferred brand of deodorant, specific dental products, or feminine hygiene products.
A Water filter bottle can be useful for refilling from filtered sources.

Sun & Insect Protection

Insect Repellent

Essential, especially in warmer months and near green spaces or wetlands like Gaomei.
Look for products with DEET or picaridin for effective protection against mosquitoes.
Consider packing it if you're sensitive to bites.

Sun Protection

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) is highly recommended.
A Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses are useful.
UV rays are strong, even on cloudy days.

Gear for Your Adventures

Hiking Essentials

A Small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers when hiking in areas like Dakeng.

Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners.
Moisture-wicking clothing.
Water bottle or hydration pack.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).

Cycling Needs

YouBike, the public bicycle sharing system, makes renting bicycles easy and inexpensive. Renting locally means you do not need to transport your own bike.

EasyCard/iPASS (for YouBike rental).
Comfortable attire for cycling.
Optional: Padded shorts for longer rides.
Hydration.

Water Activities

If visiting coastal areas or hot springs, pack quick-dry clothing or Swimwear. No specifically unique items require bringing from home for typical Taichung experiences.

Swimsuit/swim shorts.
Quick-dry towel.
Water shoes (optional, for rocky areas).
Sun protection.

Rent or Buy Decisions

Items to Rent Locally

Bicycles: YouBike makes renting easy and inexpensive for short trips.
Scooters: Rentals are available but require a valid international motorcycle driving permit. Not for inexperienced riders due to traffic.
Cars: Rental companies available for longer day trips outside the city. Requires IDP.
Specialty Items: Most tourist activities do not require bringing specialized gear from home.

Items to Bring From Home

Power Adapter: Taiwan uses 110V. A universal adapter is helpful.
Portable Chargers: Essential for mobile devices.
Personal First Aid Kit/Meds: Basic kit and prescriptions.
Compact Umbrella: Useful year-round for sudden showers.

Extra Travel Conveniences

Comfort & Security

These items help improve comfort, security, and convenience during your Taichung travels.

Travel Comfort & Safety

A Travel neck pillow and Eye mask for long journeys.
An RFID-blocking wallet for passport and credit cards.
A Small padlock for hostel lockers or luggage.
If you have specific dietary needs (e.g., protein bars, Allergy-friendly snacks), consider bringing a supply.

Reusable Items

Embrace sustainable travel by bringing reusable items, reducing waste during your trip.

Eco-Friendly Packing

Reusable Water Bottle: Taiwan has many water refill stations.
Reusable Shopping Bag: For markets and general shopping.
Reusable Utensils: A Travel utensil set for street food reduces disposable waste.
Compact Travel Umbrella: Useful year-round due to sudden downpours.

Sustainable Travel Choices

Reduced Plastic

Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags.

Eco-Friendly Transport

Utilize YouBike and public transit.

Support Local

Shop at local markets and small businesses.

Mindful Consumption

Be conscious of your waste and resource use.

Destination-Specific Tips

Comfort First

Comfortable walking shoes are paramount for city exploration.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions with layers and rain gear.
Carry small bills and coins for street vendors and local shops.

Local distinctions

A face mask can be useful for air quality or crowded areas.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
Download offline maps for navigation without internet.

Packing Pro Tip

Pack for comfort and versatility. Less is often more, leaving room for souvenirs and making transit easier.

Consider rolling your clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization.

Your Packing Guide