Traveling to Taiwan?

Are you moving or traveling to Taiwan? If you plan to travel for a short or long-term period, you are most likely wondering what you need to bring and, what is available in Taiwan. What is available in Taiwan depends on the area you live in. In most big cities, such as Taipei, Kaohsiung or Taichung, you can find what you need in local stores. However, here are answers to questions you might have.

Medicine and vitamins

If you plan to stay temporarily in Taiwan, I highly recommend you bring your own medication. Vitamins are more commonly available but tend to be more expensive. If vitamin C or pain reliever is all you need then you will find it at a local drugstore. However, you may not find the brand you are accustomed to in your own country.

Beauty products

Watson, which is somewhat the equivalent to Shopper's Drug Mart from the West, offers a variety of beauty and home products. You will find everything from earplugs to hair color kits such as L'Oreal or Garnier on the shelves. Deodorant, shaving creams, cosmetics from local to foreign brands are also available.

Clothes

Taiwan has a profusion of clothing available in shops, markets, boutiques and department stores. Remember that clothing sizes are different in Taiwan than in the West. I bought an XL top for a friend as a souvenir, she is a size 10(US) and it was a perfect fit! Finding plus size clothing is problematic. If you are a plus size, bring all the clothes you need for your stay. Buying plus size clothing is almost impossible. In bigger cities, Costco (US) and Carrefour (Europe) offer a variety of clothing with regular US/European sizes.

Shoes

Shoes are widely available. However, a woman wearing size 10(USA) will not find shoes to buy. Forget buying a nice pair of pumps or stiletto here! However, you will find your size in athletic shoes for men. You might have to try a few pairs for the right fit. The same goes for men with a size over 10(USA). Bring your own shoes if you intend to stay a while.

Food

Taiwan offers a wide variety of imported food. You can find almost everything. Still, if you are a cheese lover, you might not find your favorite in local supermarkets. Carrefour or Costco offers a variety of cheese. Although sliced processed cheese is widely available in supermarkets and 7-11.

Health food stores are scarce but are available in bigger cities. However, they do not offer the same variety as in the West.

Bread is a common food in Taiwan, but do not expect to find a whole alley devoted to different kinds of bread in the local supermarket. White sliced bread is the most common bread available. You can buy whole-wheat specialty breads in bakeries. Still, you will not find 5 grains loaves, Ezekiel, or kamut breads in local bakeries. However, Costco might be an option if you are looking for a different variety of bread.