Taipei Packing List 2026: 8 Essential Items

'Things You'll Regret Not Packing'

Recommended Taipei, Taiwan Packing List

Written & Photographed by ©Hi-Bubu

If you are planning a trip to Taipei, Taiwan,

you're probably busy packing your bags right now.

Aside from the basic essentials,

there are quite a few extra items

that are easy to forget but absolutely necessary.

Today, I’m sharing eight essential packing items

to bring on your Taipei trip

that will make your journey so much easier and more convenient!

1. Personal Toiletries

📍 First up is personal toiletries.

"Wait, doesn't my hotel provide amenities?"

You might think so, but...

Since early last year, hotels in Taiwan

have stopped providing single-use amenities.

Therefore, you must bring your own

toothbrush, razor, and other basic toiletries.

Of course, you can buy them there,

but having to head out to a convenience store

just to grab a toothbrush after check-in is such a hassle!

2. Foldable Travel Bag

📍 The second item is a foldable travel bag.

When you visit Taipei, you'll likely do a lot of shopping

for souvenirs, local snacks, and Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor.

But after a fun shopping spree, you might return to your hotel

only to find that everything is too bulky

to fit into your suitcase.

That's when a foldable bag

comes in incredibly handy.

By packing bulky snacks or clothing into the foldable bag,

and keeping heavy items in your suitcase, you can easily split

your luggage between checked and carry-on bags!

Especially if you plan on doing some heavy shopping,

I highly recommend packing a foldable travel bag.

3. Taiwan EasyCard

📍 The third essential item is the Taiwan EasyCard.

The EasyCard is a rechargeable transit card.

You can use it for public transportation like the MRT and buses,

as well as at convenience stores and more.

Simply top it up at a convenience store

and tap it like a regular card

wherever accepted. It's incredibly convenient!

While you can purchase an EasyCard in Taiwan,

you can also book yours in advance below!

>> Book Your Taiwan EasyCard Here <<

4. Taipei Fun Pass

📍 The fourth essential is the Taipei Fun Pass.

The Fun Pass allows you to enjoy entry tickets to downtown and suburban attractions,

as well as unlimited transport in and around the city

within your selected number of days.

(Note: Available routes and attractions are pre-designated.)

However, because public transportation is so cheap in Taiwan,

many travelers say the Fun Pass can be tricky to use

and hard to get your money's worth.

But I believe the true advantage of the Fun Pass

👉🏻 lies in 'travel convenience' rather than just saving money.

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From public transit to attraction entry fees,

there's so much to plan before you even leave.

But with the Fun Pass, you can skip all that worry!

And from my personal experience using it,

I didn't even need to use my regular EasyCard.

The Fun Pass was incredibly useful,

and it easily paid for itself!

If you value travel convenience over counting pennies,

I highly recommend grabbing a Fun Pass for your trip!

> Book Your Taipei Fun Pass Here <

Taipei, Taiwan Travel: 3-Day Fun Pass Exchange & Honest Review

5. Taiwan eSIM

📍 Our fifth travel essential is a Taiwan eSIM.

One of the most important things when traveling abroad

is having reliable phone data.

These days, eSIMs have become super popular

as an incredibly easy and convenient way to stay connected.

However, some Taiwan eSIMs come with a bit of a hassle.

Certain eSIMs require you to install them at home

and then complete an activation process once you arrive in Taiwan.

Trying to activate it using airport Wi-Fi can be a pain,

and if you didn't know this beforehand, you might end up in a panic.

If you want to skip all that hassle,

I highly recommend the eSIM below!

It works right away without any local activation process,

so you'll be online the second your plane touches down!

>> Book Your Taiwan eSIM Here <<

6. Taiwan Online Arrival Card

📍 Our sixth essential is the Online Arrival Card.

Starting October 1, 2025,

Taiwan has made the Online Arrival Card mandatory.

(The old paper arrival cards have been phased out.)

You can register starting 3 days before your arrival,

and for families or group travelers, one representative

can register everyone together, making it incredibly convenient.

This online card is an absolute must for entering Taiwan,

so be sure to check out the post below

and fill it out ahead of time!

How to Fill Out the Taiwan Online Arrival Card (TWAC) & Visa Types Guide

7. Cash (New Taiwan Dollars)

📍 Our seventh essential is cash in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD).

Taiwan is still a very cash-dominated society.

Especially at local diners and night markets,

you'll find that cash is often the only option.

So, even if it feels a bit old-school, I recommend exchanging money beforehand

or using a travel card to withdraw some cash

at a local ATM when you arrive.

8. Umbrella / Parasol

📍 Finally, our eighth essential is a dual-use umbrella/parasol.

Taiwan is known for being humid, with plenty of overcast days

and frequent rain showers.

One minute it's pouring, and the next, the sun is blazing,

making the weather quite unpredictable.

That's why I highly recommend packing a lightweight umbrella

that also provides UV protection.

You'll be surprised by how often you'll reach for it!

These eight travel essentials I shared today

are game-changing items curated to make your Taipei trip

as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Aside from the Online Arrival Card and TWD cash,

none of these are strictly mandatory—but without them,

you might find yourself in some inconvenient spots.

Plus, once you try them, you'll definitely wonder,

"Why didn't I travel like this sooner?"

If you're busy packing your bags and getting ready,

I hope this checklist and packing guide comes in handy!

Have an absolutely amazing and stress-free adventure!

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