Postcard Getaway

Everything in My Taiwan Packing List: What I Used, Skipped, and Should Have Brought Instead

Written by Kaelie Piscitello

It has been just over a year since I learned I would live in Taiwan this year on a Fulbright scholarship. This whirlwind of a year has flown by, and as I’m circling in on my final three months, I am glad to return to the weather I planned for.

Packing my whole life away for a year felt difficult, especially when I only had two suitcases to do it with. If you recently received a Fulbright Taiwan acceptance letter (or if you plan to visit Taiwan at any point in your life), then this article is for you.

*Important note: I lived in Taipei this year, and some of my recommendations about weather and stores only apply to Taipei and Taiwan’s northern cities.*

Clothes

Last spring, when I read about Taiwan’s tropical climate, I thought, “wow, great; it’ll feel like summer all year long.” So, I packed many shorts, cute teaching dresses, skirts, flowy pants, and bathing suits. All of these were essentials during the hot summer months of August, September, and October. (Yes, October. Taiwan stays hot for a long time).

I’m glad I brought a one-piece bathing suit because my school asked me to teach a few swimming classes at the beginning of the year, and I needed something modest to wear in front of the students. Even if I didn’t teach swim class, Taiwanese people also cover-up at the beach, so I feel more comfortable wearing my one-piece than bikinis here.

I like to work out often, so I’m glad I brought workout clothes and leggings. I also packed hiking boots because Taiwan has wonderful hiking trails I knew I wanted to explore. I have used them several times, and though they felt hot on the plane, they were worth it! A good water bottle and small drawstring bag also made my hiking experiences more enjoyable here.

Unfortunately, I forgot rain boots, a huge necessity because of the rainy and humid weather. I also made the mistake of thinking Taipei stays warm year-round. In December, the temperature dropped to 50 degrees (at the lowest, still not too bad), and I needed my winter jacket. I also didn’t bring enough long-sleeved shirts, so I had to go shopping. If I could do it all over, I’d bring 5-6 long-sleeved shirts instead of two so I could wear warm clothes to school in the colder weather.

Please note, Southern Taiwan stays warm longer, but I still have worn jeans comfortably in places like Kaohsiung and Tainan. Bring layers for success.

Medications

I didn’t bring too many medications with me, but I am thankful I brought my cold and migraine essentials: Tylenol, Advil, and Nyquil. Taiwan’s pharmacies sell painkillers, of course, but I like having something on hand that I know and can take without running to the store and asking employees millions of questions every time I get sick. 

I also packed my contacts. I don’t wear them often, so I haven’t run out yet, but they have low prices here, so if I used them all, I could run to the nearest Family Mart for a pair. The stores here also sell them in fun colors, so I can change eye color for the day if I want.

Before coming to Fulbright, many of the girls felt worried about their birth control options, so I recommend bringing over what you can if you’re nervous. However, they have that here, too, just not in the American brands. 

For the Girls: Makeup and Toiletries

Before coming to Taiwan, I read articles about how Taiwan does not sell tampons. This is not true. Most convenience stores, including 7-11 and Family Mart, have them, and the cosmetics stores, like Watsons, have tampons. However, I recommend bringing your preferred brand of pads. The pads here are much thinner than the ones in the States. It all depends on personal preferences.

Taiwan has fantastic makeup at beauty stores like Poya. I love makeup and wanted to buy a ton once I arrived because Taiwan imports many products from Japan and Korea. I have had a hard time controlling myself in these places.

Of course, everyone has their favorite products, so I’d recommend bringing must-haves. If you have a favorite eyeliner, lipstick, or eyeshadow, then pack it. While they have classic American brands, such as Maybelline, they don’t have everything, so come with backups for when you run out.

School Supplies

Before coming to Taiwan, I took out two rolls of pennies for my students, but my middle schoolers didn’t show interest in them. (Elementary students might like them). I learned my kids had more interest in American candies such as Smarties and Skittles. So, I recommend bringing lots of candies and a cute stuffed animal to use as a classroom tool.

I also brought a ton of my favorite pencils, pens, and notebooks. Then, I got to Taipei, visited a stationery store, and regretted it. Each stationery store has eons of adorable and affordable products, and I wish I had just waited to buy them here.

Gifts for LETS

Taiwan has a gift-giving culture, so I prepared by bringing gifts from home for one LET (or co-teacher) and a principal. Then, i arrived and met so many people at school my first week. I also had several LETs, so I had to go back and shop for something from Taiwan. I wish I had brought several small items, like chocolates or pins, for more people, instead of one large gift for one person.

Other Essentials

I did not bring an umbrella, so I bought one on day one. It quickly became my best friend, especially in the summer, because it provides shade from the constant shift between pouring rain and beating sun. I recommend buying one with UV protection.

Outside of clothes and toiletries, my must-haves include my school tote bag, a camera, and a small notebook for stamps! Similar to Japan, Taiwan has stamps everywhere, and a stamp book makes a great, free souvenir and record of your time here.

I also brought a bunch of photo prints from home to hang around my room and desk. Every ETA gets a desk, and I loved decorating mine with pictures of my cats and family. Before you leave, pay attention to CVS and other drug stores. Most have cheap prints and will have sales.

If I Had More Room…

I would bring a pillow! I have acquired three pillows throughout the year, and none compare to my pillow at home. I miss it everyday, so please bring one if you have enough room.

I also recommend bringing a towel. I found one here easily, but it just added to the list of things I needed to buy once I arrived. If you pack one, it’ll save you money and make your first day easier. (Many of the Fulbrighters went shopping for towels and bedding their first night after a long day of paperwork. Yuck!)

Finally, leave as much space as you can in your luggage because you will buy lots of stuff throughout the year. I know it feels tempting to fill those bags, but a year is a long time and you will thank yourself later.

If you have any more questions about anything related to living in Taiwan, do not hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to answer questions. <3

*Please note that this article does not reflect the opinions or views of Fulbright Taiwan. This is all my work.*