Whether you’re a solo female traveler or traveling with friends, family, or partners, Taiwan is one of the best travel destinations for adventurous women. From stunning national parks and historic old towns to bubble tea and street food galore, this small island in East Asia has so much to offer. Plus, it’s one of the safest countries in the world! But before you can start your journey, let’s talk packing. In this blog, we’re diving into the ultimate women’s Taiwan packing list, tailored for the practical yet stylish traveler. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets, savoring street food, or venturing into scenic landscapes, we’ve got you covered with this list of must-have packing items that you might not have thought of but absolutely should not forget.
Women’s Taiwan packing list: FAQs
Why should I visit Taiwan?
There are many reasons why you should add Taiwan to the top of your travel bucket list. From its stunning landscapes, including majestic mountains and pristine beaches, to its bustling night markets filled with delectable street food, Taiwan has something for every traveler. You can explore Taiwanese culture at ancient temples and historic towns, seek adventure at some of Taiwan’s natural wonders, meet friendly locals, or indulge in mouthwatering dishes. There are countless treasures that make Taiwan a remarkable destination for anyone.
Taiwan is also a great destination for solo female travelers. The crime rate is very low and it’s safe to walk around by yourself, even at night. The locals are very friendly and a lot of them speak English. You should use the same caution you would anywhere else in the world, but you shouldn’t encounter any problems and you’ll likely feel safe everywhere you go.
Taipei is one of my top picks for the best places to solo female travel in Asia!
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll find some of the best plant-based food in Asia. In fact, PETA named Taipei as the most vegan-friendly city in Asia due to its abundance of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. Additionally, Taiwan has the world’s third-highest rate of vegetarianism, with 13% of the population identifying as vegetarian. This means that no matter where you go, there will be delicious, satisfying plant-based options. The same can’t be said for some other destinations in Asia! Read more about thriving as a vegetarian in Taiwan with my vegetarian & vegan survival guide.
What should I do in Taiwan?
Some of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations include:
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei
- Taipei 101, Taipei
- Raohe and Shillin Night Markets, Taipei
- National Palace Museum, Taipei
- Ximending, Taipei
- Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei
- Beitou Hot Spring, Taipei
- Jiufen and Shifen Old Streets, New Taipei City
- Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City
- Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County
- Taroko Gorge National Park, Hualien County
Check out my ultimate Taiwan travel guide & 1-week itinerary, which includes stops at all of these top sights and more.
When should I visit Taiwan?
Taiwan is a great destination year-round. However, to avoid extreme temperatures and the rainy season, most people suggest visiting between March and May or October and December. Luckily, Taiwan’s rainy season is not as extreme as in some surrounding areas, so you shouldn’t be discouraged if you’re traveling during the rainy season. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider avoiding travel during the summer when highs fall in the 90s.
What is the weather like in Taiwan?
Taiwan experiences 4 distinct seasons, although summers are long and hot and winters are short and mild. Its climate is subtropical, so it never gets very cold. Taiwan gets abundant rainfall throughout the year. Even during the “dry” seasons, you should be prepared for occasional rainfall.
Here is an overview of the weather in Taiwan by month (based on Taipei & surrounding lowland areas):
| Spring (March-May) | Summer (June-August) | Fall (September-November) | Winter (December-February) | |
| Average temperature | 64°F to 82°F | 82°F to 93°F | 75°F to 86°F | 54°F to 68°F |
| Precipitation | Dry | Wet, rainy season | Drier, occasional rain | Dry |
I’ll leave the basics of packing to you, like how many shirts you need, what shampoo to bring, and remembering your travel documents. I’m here to share my must-have packing items for a trip to Taiwan that you might not have thought of but absolutely should not forget.
Women’s Taiwan Packing List: Clothing Essentials
Athleisure
Athleisure, a combination of “athletic” and “leisure”, is wearing activewear as everyday wear. This is my favorite way to dress on any trip, especially one to a warm, tropical climate. The athletic material makes for breathable, comfortable clothes that you can wear for any adventure or activity while traveling. Best of all, athleisure is trending right now, which means you’ll have some super cute options to choose from. My favorite pieces for both comfort and style are athletic skorts and dresses.
One-piece and two-piece sets
An easy way to pack lightly yet stylishly is to pack one-piece items, such as dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits. The same goes for two-piece sets, such as matching co-ords. These outfits are easy to pack yet look put-together and stylish in photos. They also reduce decision-making time while getting ready in the morning because the full outfit is already ready to go!
Rain jacket
No matter when you’re visiting, you should always come prepared for rain! Taiwan sees an abundance of rainfall throughout the year, so even if you’re coming in the “dry” season, you can find yourself in a downpour at any time. I recommend bringing a packable rain jacket that you can easily throw into your day bag, even if the weather forecast is calling for sunny skies.
Cardigan
A good cardigan is a necessity for any trip, even to a warm, subtropical island. It’s good to have if you get cold, which can happen even in the summer when the AC is blasting! But, it’s also important to have something to throw on that provides coverage from the sun. The sun is no joke in Taiwan and it can take less than a day to get sunburnt. If you’re visiting in the summer, you won’t regret bringing a light summer cardigan.
Women’s Taiwan Packing List: Toiletries & Beauty
Tampons or a menstrual cup
Although tampons are readily available in Taiwan, the selection is limited. Many are small sizes or come without the plastic applicator that we are used to. If you want the comfort and ease of using familiar feminine products, it’s best to bring your own from your home country.
I highly recommend buying a menstrual cup if you travel regularly. The cup is reusable; you buy it once and clean it in between uses. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and works fantastically for travelers. It can take some getting used to, so I recommend you try it for a few months before bringing it on your trip.
Sunscreen
It only took a few hours in the Taiwan sun for me to get sunburnt all over my body, and I was wearing a thin coat of sunscreen! Don’t skimp on sunscreen; bring a whole bottle and use it generously. Sunscreen in East Asia usually has a skin-whitening ingredient, so it’s best to bring a brand from home that you like.
Deodorant
Like sunscreen, lots of deodorant in East Asia contains skin-whitening ingredients. And although deodorant can be found in Taiwan, you might have to go out of your way to find it. Once you find it, it’s likely to be whitening and not antiperspirant. For these reasons, I always suggest you bring your own deodorant when traveling to Asia.
Hanging toiletry bag
Unless you’re staying at a 5-star hotel, the bathrooms in your accommodations in Taiwan (and the rest of Asia!) are likely to be very small. Most have very limited, if any, counter space. Therefore, I highly recommend investing in a hanging toiletry bag that you can simply hang up in between uses. This will come in handy all across the tiny bathrooms of Asia. It will also be extra useful if you’re staying in hostels with shared bathrooms!
Women’s Taiwan Packing List: Practical Accessories & Gadgets
Crossbody bag
A good crossbody bag is a staple for any vacation. Although you don’t have to worry much about bag snatchers in Taiwan, it’s always good to have the security of a crossbody. A spacious crossbody should hold everything you need in your day bag in Taiwan, such as your phone, wallet, sunglasses, small water bottle, and packable rain jacket or light cardigan. I love the Round Mini Shoulder Bag from Uniqlo – it’s spacious, has an inner pocket, and is sleek and simple.
Hat and sunglasses
A recurring theme here is to be prepared for the strong sun! A hat will not only protect you from the sun but also help cool you down when the heat is relentless. Sunglasses are a necessity for anyone with sensitive eyes, as it can get really bright outside on a clear day.
Reusable water bottle
You’ll probably go through a lot of water while enduring the heat in Taiwan. Even if you visit in the milder months, most activities require a lot of walking or activity. In both cases, having a small reusable water bottle is crucial to not becoming dehydrated during the day. It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Taiwan, so fill your water bottle up from a purified water source before you start your day. Or, buy a water bottle with a filter.
Power bank
You’ll probably spend many days out and about from sun up to sun down. It’s best to bring a power bank to make sure that your phone doesn’t die and that you can access your camera, translation app, and navigation at all times.
Coin purse
Taiwan still primarily uses cash for everyday transactions. While larger establishments usually accept credit cards, many smaller businesses prefer cash. When traveling to countries where cash is common like Taiwan, a coin purse is great for organizing all the bills and coins that you’ll go through during the day. Don’t make the mistake of having to dig through your bag searching for coins!
Women’s Taiwan Packing List: What NOT to Bring
Bug spray
You will probably want bug spray while you’re in Taiwan, but it is one of the items that I never recommend you bring from home. Each country has its own bug spray meant to deter its own bugs, so I’ve found that bug spray from another country is less likely to work. It’s worth picking up bug spray at a local mart or convenience store to make sure you are best protected.
Universal plug adapter (ONLY if you’re from the USA or Canada!)
Taiwan has the same electrical outlets as the United States and Canada (type A/B) and uses the same 110-volt electricity and 60-cycle electrical current. This means that if you’re from the USA or Canada, you don’t need to bring a plug adapter because your standard plugs from your home country will work just fine.
And there you have it, ladies – you’re all set to take on Taiwan practically, comfortably, and stylishly. Get ready for a journey filled with unique flavors, stunning sights, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re sipping bubble tea in downtown Taipei, hiking to ancient temples, or soaking in the island’s natural beauty, you’re well-prepared for it all. So, pack those bags, embrace the journey, and make unforgettable memories in the Heart of Asia.
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- The survival guide to being vegetarian (& vegan) in Taiwan
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