Taiwan is an underrated budget destination in Asia, but thankfully, more visitors are considering visiting it. Taiwan feels like a mix of China and Japan, taking in all the good things from both countries. 

Taiwan also has everything a tourist would be interested in – towering cities with amazing nightlife, mesmerising nature with ample opportunities to hike the mountains, laze at the beaches or chase the waterfalls, as well as the amazing herald of seasons such as spring and autumn. The cherry blossoms here are worth comparing to the Sakura in Japan, and even cherry blossoms in South Korea, but at a much more affordable rate.

No matter your interests, Taiwan won’t disappoint — especially if you’re a foodie. The food here is delicious, even if you are a vegan or a vegetarian! 

Since I travelled from India, a lot of my information will be from India’s perspective. Please check the respective websites while travelling to Taiwan from your home country. Come delve into the details of this wonderful country with this Taiwan Travel Guide.

TRAVEL IN TAIWAN: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

TAIWAN VISA

So, the first thing to do when entering a new country is to get a visa! If you are from the United States or Schengen countries, you do not need a visa to travel to Taiwan, as you are eligible for visa-exempt entry for up to 90 days. This means you can visit Taiwan without applying for a visa. For more information, check the official website.

You can still apply for a sticker visa at the embassy if you do not have the above-mentioned visa or stamps. The general rules are 6 months of passport validity.

If you are from India wanting to visit Taiwan, you are eligible for an eVisa if you have a valid or expired visa and entry-exit stamps from any of these countries – USA, Schengen, Japan, South Korea and Australia in the last 10 years. Getting a visa is simpler if you are travelling in a group for tourism purposes with a travel agent. 

Costs for Taiwan Visa

As of 1st January 2025, a single-entry visitor visa is 50 USD and a multiple-entry visitor visa is 100 USD. 

The visa usually comes in 5-7 working days. The visa is valid for 90 days. 

FLIGHTS TO TAIWAN

Flights to Taiwan are decently priced from India. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Taiwan from India. The flight options are Thai Air (stopover in Bangkok), Cathay Pacific (stopover in Hong Kong), Singapore Airlines (stopover in Singapore), Malaysia Airlines (stopover in Kuala Lumpur and Vietjet Airlines (stopover in Hanoi). Most of these flights fly from metro cities in India. 

The cost of round-way flight tickets is approximately $400 – $500 (INR 34,000 – 45000), but depending upon the high footfall season and last-minute bookings, the charges may increase.

Visitors will likely fly into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport — also sometimes referred to as Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport — an international airport situated in Taoyuan City that serves northern Taiwan, including the capital city of Taipei. Many carriers fly from many countries to Taipei. Their national airline – China Airlines (CAL) is the national airline of Taiwan. It’s a state-owned airline that flies to many destinations in Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, and the Pacific.

How to get from Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei?

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the quickest way to reach Taipei, taking just 38 minutes to the city centre. A one-way ticket costs around TWD 160 (US$5), and services operate from 6:05 AM to 11:35 PM. There is signage in the arrival hall guiding you towards the MRT, so it is hard to miss!

Alternatively, shuttle buses offer a convenient option, with three routes available: 1819, 1960, and 1961. These buses run until 1:05 AM, making them a great choice for late-night arrivals. Fares range from TWD 90 (US$2.7) to TWD 150 (US$4.5).

For those who prefer a direct and hassle-free ride, Uber and local taxis are available 24/7. While they are the most expensive option, they are the most reliable, especially for early-morning arrivals. Expect to pay around TWD 1200 (US$36) for a trip to Taipei.

GETTING AROUND IN TAIWAN

There are many ways to get around Taiwan – train, bus, private taxi or flight. How to travel in Taiwan out of these options depends on your budget, where you want to go, and how much time you have. Trains are amazing in Taiwan, with the option of a bullet train, and its network is expanding.

Trains

Taiwan has an excellent transportation infrastructure, including trains that connect the far north to the south. All the major cities and towns are well connected. These trains are comfortable, mostly on time, and are a great way to explore the country. Trains are the primary mode of transportation between cities in Taiwan.

✦ Pro tip: Get a Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket in advance!

Zipping between Taipei and Kaohsiung (Zuoying station) in as fast as 90 minutes, the bullet service on Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) operates a single line along the west corridor that makes stops at 12 stations, including all major cities. Tickets are less than double the price of a standard train, but it takes less than half the time. You can buy high-speed rail tickets up to 29 days in advance. It is advisable to book ahead if you are travelling on a weekend or holiday. Booking is possible by physically collecting tickets or online.

Conventional trains that connect other cities and towns are also convenient. Zìqiáng (also called Tze-chiang) express train, Taroko Express and Puyuma Express are some of the busiest routes. 

Flights

Despite being a small island country, Taiwan has a thriving network of domestic flights. The country has 8 mainland airports and 8 island archipelago airports. The distance between 2 cities is a maximum of 1 hour.

Taxis in Taiwan

Within cities, tourists can use local taxis or app-based taxis, Uber. Uber is useful as you don’t have to haggle with the taxi drivers regarding the fares and confusion regarding the destination – the accent makes it difficult to understand. Most cities have Uber, and payment is possible by QR code, cash or credit card.

Metro in Taiwan

Taiwan has metro systems in the cities of Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung. Taipei Metro has 117 stations and operates from 6 AM to midnight daily. It is the most convenient public transportation in Taipei City, with an average of 3–5 minutes between schedules, which is very comfortable and fast.

✦ Pro tip: Get an EasyCard Taiwan (Easy payment in over 100 stores, trains and MRT) or Taipei Fun Pass (Allows for entry into 30+ popular attractions)

For ease of visitors in Taiwan, Taipei Metro issues tickets (one-day passes, 24/48/72hr Taipei Metro Passes), Taipei Fun Passes (Transportation Passes and Unlimited Passes, Exploring Passes, Classic Version, 2-day THSR Holiday Tickets and 2-day THSR Joint Tickets).

Another option is a Stored Value card with EasyCards, iPASSes, iCASH. These stored value cards can be topped up and are accepted both for public transport and small payments.

TAIWAN ITINERARY

If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Taiwan, then it can be done within a few days or a few weeks. It is possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Taiwan within one week. However, if you want to hike, laze on the beach and also visit the cities, then you probably need 10 days in Taiwan or even more.

I spent a week in Taiwan and barely scratched the surface. However, it was a good orientation for me to explore more next time. 

1 week Taiwan itinerary

Day 1:  Taichung

Day 2-4: Nantou county, Sun Moon Lake and Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village

Day 5-7: Taipei

WHERE TO STAY IN TAIWAN

Even since the Covid pandemic, tourism is still recovering in Taiwan and is yet to reach its full potential. However, since most cities in Taiwan have business travellers there is no dearth of accommodation options in Taiwan. Business hotels, hot spring resorts, hostels and AirBnBs are also easily available.

Average price per night for stay:

Hostels: US$ 35-50

Hot spring resorts: US$ 200-300

Hotels: $150 – 500

Taipei

amba Taipei Songshan

When you’re looking at hotels in Taiwan, you probably already know that it’s worth spending a little extra money to get clean, comfortable, and convenient lodgings. The hotel is also worth the views – panoramic views of Taipei 101 and Keelung River. From the reception area and dining area, you can easily spend time plane spotting!

It’s close to transport as well as several top attractions and has a bar and restaurant on-site so that you can have a relaxing meal after a long day.

The hotel also has another hot location – near the ximending market making it convenient for late-night strolls and eating. 

amba Taipei Songshan can be booked here.

amba Taipei Ximending can be booked here.

OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel – Garden

This hostel in Taipei is located close to the main train station. The rooms are clean and welcoming, with lots of common areas so you can get to know your fellow travellers. The building is an old railway workers’ dorm that’s been renovated to modern standards and it offers dorm room accommodation.

OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel – Garden can be booked here.

Sunshine Apartment

The location here is spot on. You can walk to restaurants, the MRT station, a 24-hour convenience store, and a supermarket. The place is clean, spacious, and even has a private lift. With a quiet, bright, and cozy wooden interior, you might just want to spend all day chilling in this apartment.

Sunshine Apartment can be booked here. 

Taichung

The Place Taichung

One of the best business hotels I have stayed at, The Place Taichung is perfect to rest and spend the night. The hotel is themed as Fun, Fusion, Fashion, and is located along Calligraphy Greenway, the upscale shopping district of Taichung. The hotel blends Taichung’s local culture and charm and is a springboard to the surprising spots across this entertaining city – an out-of-the-box experience for the modern traveller.

The Place Taichung can be booked here.

Star Hostel Taichung Parklane

Star Hostel is located in a stunning Green building that’s filled with 14,000 plants as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. The hostel is made using local material that gives it a natural, relaxing feel. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also close to a night market and several museums and offers free Wi-Fi.

Star Hostel Taichung Parklane can be booked here.

Sun Moon Lake

Wyndham Sun Moon Lake

It has one of the best rooms and views. The hotel’s rooms are spacious and comfortable and have all the amenities. And the hotel is close enough to the Sun Moon Lake that you could walk there even on the warmest day!

The best part? The rooms have in-room hot water spring making it a favourite amongst visitors.

Wyndham Sun Moon Lake can be booked here.

perBed Hostel-Sun Moon Lake Station

If you’re looking to stay near Sun Moon Lake on a budget, then this hotel is ideal. It offers lovely views because it’s surrounded by mountains and close to Sun Moon Lake. It’s also close to the local cable car which offers easy transport around the lake and beautiful views. The rooms are clean and cozy with bright and modern decorations.

perBed Hostel-Sun Moon Lake Station can be booked here.

BUDGET FOR TAIWAN TRAVEL

The amount of money you spend in a country completely depends on how soon you book your flight tickets, the number of days you plan to stay, the kind of hotels you stay in, the type of restaurants you visit, and the amount of shopping you do. 

Taiwan is not as cheap as other Asian countries like Vietnam or Laos but it is still affordable. You can find nice luxury hotels in the range of US$ 80-150 per night. Hostels are a great choice in Taiwan and are safe, comfortable and clean. 

Food options are great everywhere and very affordable. Vegan and vegetarian options are less. And even if you opt for vegetarian, most restaurants may use fish oil or shrimp paste in the preparation. So be careful with your instructions. You can get delicious street food for US$ 5-$10. Sit-down meals at nice restaurants cost approximately $50 – 100 per head.

I suggest keeping some money aside for the souvenirs from Taiwan because they are so charming and unique you would want to buy a lot!

On average, the per day budget would be around $70-100 excluding the flights, internal train transport and visa.

Currency in Taiwan

Taiwan Dollar (TWD), now officially known as New Taiwan dollar (NTD or NT) is the currency of Taiwan. Both the abbreviations used are acceptable and you are most likely to find them being used in shops.

The coins you will see and use on a daily basis in Taiwan are TWD 1, 5, 10, and 50. The three common banknotes you’ll handle in Taiwan are TWD 100, 500, and 1000.

For the best exchange rate, visit local banks with passport and you will get the TWD within 10 minutes. While currency exchange vending machines are across major tourist destinations, I found them non-functional or in some cases were accepting money in Japanese yen.

For currency exchange, strictly carry USD, Euro or Japanese Dollar to make your life easier. I found only these getting accepted at the airport.

Here’s a quick conversion rate as of January 01, 2025. For the latest currency conversion use this website.

INR 1 = TWD 0.38

USD 1 = TWD 32

Euro 1 = TWD 34

YEN 1 = TWD 0.21

TAIWAN FOOD GUIDE

Being a vegetarian, I was quite worried about getting vegetarian food in Taiwan. Most of the food is meat-heavy – pork, beef and seafood are very common.

However, the big cities have Indian restaurants which ensure food is strictly vegetarian and also take care of those masala cravings.

Taipei is home to a significant vegetarian population, estimated at nearly 2 million people, largely due to the city’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. While many follow a vegetarian diet year-round, others observe it on the 1st and 15th day of each lunar month.

The main challenge in finding vegetarian food isn’t availability but rather the language barrier. If you don’t speak or read Mandarin, identifying vegetarian street food stalls and communicating your dietary needs can be difficult.

If you are wondering what to eat in Taiwan or the best Taiwan food to try, then check out this list. I am sticking to the most popular vegetarian options since I am a vegetarian,n but there are many meat options too.

✦ Pro tip: For authentic food, check out some of the guided food tours in Taipei. I highly recommend Food Walking Tour at Yongkang Street in Taipei or the Taipei Food Tour.

Bubble Tea

Taiwan is the birthplace of the beloved bubble tea or boba tea that has taken the entire world by storm. This milk-based sugary drink with chewy tapioca pearls that snuggle at the bottom of the cup makes for a great drink.

And not to brag but out of all the boba tea I have had till now, the one I tried at Xing Fu Tang in Shilin market was the best ever!

Vegetarian Dumplings

These can be found as street food or even in Taiwanese restaurants. The filling is mostly made of mushrooms and there is a sauce to dip it in.

Hot pot

Hot pot is a hearty one-pot meal that has a variety of leafy green vegetables, mushrooms, meat & seafood, some root vegetables, and some rice or noodles to go with it. All of this is added as the light-flavoured broth keeps simmering on heat. There are special hot pot restaurants across the country.

Cold noodles

Being a warm country for most of the year, the locals enjoy having cold noodles for meals. Cold noodles are generally made from wheat and tossed with fresh carrots, cucumber and garlic. This is further topped with a delicious sesame sauce or peanut sauce along with tamarind vinegar. 

This was my first meal after arriving at the airport and I picked it up from the 7-Eleven store.

Pumpkin soup

Pumpkin Sour is quite popular with the locals and is available in the restaurants. They are filling when consumed with a bread basket. It is not spicy and it is only lightly peppered. Sometimes they are served with a fried dumpling.

Shaved Ice

Shaved ice is a very popular dessert in Taiwan. It is basically as the name suggests – shaved ice which is topped with a choice of 3-5 ingredients such as beans, tapioca balls, jelly and topped with sugar syrup. Sometimes it may also have icecream and fruit pieces. 

Sugar-Glazed Fruit: You will have no issue spotting the many places selling sugar-glazed fruits. Kids in your group will likely be entirely more adventurous eaters if you promise them the chance to naw on one of these after you eat.

Tea

Every meal is incomplete without Taiwanese tea. Oolong tea is one of the most popular tea grown in Taiwan. Tea is so much part of the culture that most restaurants serve warm tea in a teapot which gets endlessly refilled instead of water. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT TAIWAN

Spring (March- May) is one of the best times to visit Taiwan when temperatures are mild, and cherry blossoms are in bloom. It’s the peak season for tourism. Shoulder season such as late summer to early autumn (August to October) is also considered a high season when the weather is warm and there’s less rainfall.

Winter (December to February) is extremely cold with chilly winds. While it doesn’t snow in the cities, the mountain towns do get snow. 

I visited in mid-December and the cold was bearable and since I went from India, I enjoyd the colder temperatures. 

WHAT TO PACK FOR TAIWAN

When planning a trip to Taiwan, it’s important to consider the customs and climate of the country. It is a moderately free country, however, it is best to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites such as temples.

When visiting religious sites, you need to cover your shoulders and knees. Outside of the religious sites, you can dress as per your comfort. 

Summers in Taiwan are extremely hot, so it’s essential to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Average temperatures are 28 °C but often hit 35°C during the day. Pack light, cotton and airy clothing that can help you to stay cool during the daytime. 

Always carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Banks, convenience stores, hotels and hotels have water dispensers with hot and cold water so fill the bottle before heading out.

LANGUAGE IN TAIWAN

The main language spoken in Taiwan is Mandarin language. It is spoken by the majority of the population and is used in official government and educational settings. In urban areas, English is widely understood by most people. However,  it is always handy to keep Google Translate with you. 

Key Phrases in Mandarin to get you by

Ni Hao – Hello

Xie Xie – Thank you

Zai Jian – Goodbye

FAQs – TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Taiwan worth visiting?

Yes! Taiwan is a great destination for tourists for many reasons – from tall buildings, incredible architecture, interesting culture, vibrant seasons and delicious cuisine. The accommodation, local travel and food is extremely affordable. 

With a daily average travel budget of around US$75 – 100 per day, travellers can enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking their savings. All of these factors combined make travel to Taiwan an excellent destination for tourists.

The country also has a fairly easy e-visa process available making it a hassle-free destination to visit. 

Is travel to Taiwan safe?

Yes! Taiwan is considered a safe destination for tourists. Incidents of violence against tourists are rare. There are police at every tourist site and a helpline number specially for tourists, which makes it very reassuring. 

In any case and any country, tourists must always be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their personal belongings, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. I walked alone in the alleys of cities and even took cabs at midnight, and I did not feel unsafe. 

How many days do you need to travel in Taiwan?

As mentioned in this Taiwan travel guide, when planning a trip to Taiwan, it’s important to consider how much time you have available and what you want to see and do. A typical itinerary for a first-time visitor should be 7 days in Taiwan, allowing you to see the main highlights of the country.

Buying a SIM card in Taiwan?

Although most hostels/hotels and restaurants, metro, malls, and shops in bigger cities offer free Wi-Fi. But if you want to be connected on the go, it is best to buy a prepaid SIM card with data. It will also be useful to make/receive calls from taxi drivers to coordinate the exact location. 

You can activate e-sim before your arrival and get connected right after landing. Or if you prefer a sim phone, then there are options to buy at the arrival counter at the airport.

Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEastone are the companies that operate in the country and most of them offer the same prices. They have 5G connectivity throughout the country. I bought a Chunghwa data card from the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport arrival. Getting into the city and then trying to find a store can get cumbersome.

Important: Before getting a sim card you will need to exchange local currency or pay with a travel/credit card as they accept payment only in Taiwanese Dollars.

✦ Pro tip: Skip the line and Pick-up SIM card from the Airport

Do you need a guide in Taiwan?

I feel you can explore a country better if there is a guide with you. Although tourists can hire local guides at each tourist destination who offer services in many languages, I suggest that having a guide on the entire trip is beneficial, as one can visit some offbeat spots. The guides also know good places to eat and stay.

Is travel to Taiwan cheap?

I would say it is decently affordable. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE

In conclusion, Taiwan is a wonderful destination and a great introduction to Chinese culture. With many heritage sites to explore and adventure options, there is something for every kind of traveller. Being affordable, it can be easily added to bucket-list destinations, especially if you would like to experience cherry blossoms in less touristy destinations.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO TAIWAN

• Carry your refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless necessary.
• Do not trash tourist destinations and mass transit systems with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully, especially in temples.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archaeological sites and monuments.

I hope this Taiwan travel guide helps you plan a trip to this beautiful and underrated country. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Disclosure: I was invited by Taiwan Tourism Administration to explore Taiwan in December 2024. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own. Special thanks to the team for taking take of everything during this trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

The post Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide – Everything you need to know appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.

No matter how short or long my trip is, I ensure to purchase something from the trip to make for great memories. Since I have reduced collecting too many items and trying to live in a minimalistic (read sustainable) way, my go-to souvenirs are refrigerator magnets and snacks and beverages.

However, as a tourist, I understand you also need to purchase items for gifting and sometimes also for personal use. No matter what your reason is, check out these souvenirs to buy from Taiwan.

SOUVENIRS FROM TAIWAN 

Let’s get straight to the options as well as where to buy them and the approximate cost!

Gaji Bags | Taiwanese Tote Bags

First things first! You are likely to want to purchase something while visiting a temple, a natural site or a market. You may not have a bag to carry your shopping. This is where the Gaji bags come in handy. Literally sold everywhere, Gaji bags are very popular and one of the cheap souvenirs from Taiwan.

Gaji bags, also known as Taiwanese Tote Bags, are traditional bags typically made from plastic mesh and characterized by colourful stripes in red, green, and blue. 

Originally crafted during the Japanese era using locally grown rush grass, modern Gaji bags are now made from durable nylon fabric, resembling fishing nets in texture and construction. This material is ideal for agricultural, rural, and market use, as it is robust, easy to clean with water, and air-dries quickly.

Many brands and shops add their logos to Gaji Bags for sale. I saw Gaji bags in the Starbucks store too!

Cost of Gaji Bags: TWD 10 – 50 (US$0.30 – 1.5)

Ceramic Tea Set

Taiwan is famous for its tea, so it’s no surprise that it also produces accessories to pour that tea. Tea is a ritual and is served in beautiful ceramics, pottery, and tea sets. 

You can find a variety of hand-crafted and hand-painted tea brewing mugs, as well as elaborate tea sets designed for gongfu-style tea preparation. Gongfu is a traditional Chinese tea-brewing method that emphasizes bringing out the finest qualities of high-quality loose-leaf tea by using a much higher leaf-to-water ratio than standard brewing.

A typical Taiwanese tea set includes a teapot and small bowls instead of the conventional tea cups and saucers. Since tea is enjoyed without sugar or milk, there’s no need for milk jugs or sugar bowls. The number of tea bowls in a set can vary, typically ranging from 2 to 8, as there is no fixed standard.

These ceramic tea sets make thoughtful and elegant gifts, particularly for someone who enjoys savouring tea in a tranquil setting. I found a stunning tea set at the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market at an amazing bargain!

If you are a ceramics fanatic and have spare time, you can visit the Yingge Ceramics Street in New Taipei City. With over 100 shops, this area offers an incredible variety of pottery, ceramics, and teaware to suit all budgets. The area also houses the Yingge Ceramics Museum.

Cost of Ceramic Tea Set: TWD 500 – 5000 (US$15 – 150) 

T-shirts

T-shirts are also an affordable way to remember a trip and also a perfect souvenir to boast to your family and friends. T-shirts are mostly sold everywhere – in a bustling city market, a mall or sometimes as landmark souvenirs. They often feature iconic landmarks, cultural symbols, local artwork, or catchy slogans representing the place.

In Taiwan, you will most likely find T-shirts showcasing cartoon characters, anime characters, Taipei 101 designs and boba tea.

T-shirts are lightweight, easy to pack, and come in various sizes and styles, making them ideal for travellers looking for affordable yet meaningful souvenirs. 

Cost of T-shirts from Taiwan: TWD 200 – 500 (US$6 – 15)

Name stamps

Name stamps in the digital age are as unique as they can get. I have seen characters in Chinese dramas with these seals, so if offbeat souvenirs from Taiwan attract you, then this is a must! 

It’s easy and cheap to have a local stamp maker to custom-create a name stamp for you and it gets made within a few hours. There are a variety of designs and materials to choose from.

If you don’t have a Chinese name already, you can ask the vendor to transliterate your name based on how it sounds. This is a great place to get a name stamp in Taiwan.

Depending upon the material of the name stamp and characters, the costs of stamps will vary. Stamp material includes rosewood, jade as well as copper. 

Cost of Name Stamps: TWD 800 – 150000 (US$50 – 500)

Artificial flowers

During my visit to Taiwan, I saw Orchids everywhere! On-street trees, public bathrooms, mall lobbies, restaurants and even locals carrying them. The colours, shades and types made me yearn for them and I wanted to take them back home.

While it is not allowed to carry seeds and roots of native plant species, you can settle for artificial plants. They are long-lasting, washable and look almost real. I found them at Jianguo Flower Market

Cost of Artificial Flowers: TWD 300 – 1000 (US$10 – 30)

Chinese decoration items

Go to any flea market, and it will be filled with trinkets, threads, amulets and charms. Their use in traditional temples and homes is fixed but they also make for beautiful and exotic decoration items. They are affordable and look incredibly beautiful as souvenirs from Taiwan.

Cost of Decoration items: TWD 10 – 200 (US$0.3 – 6)

Mochi 

Mochi is super popular in Japan and reels of Mochi being made always garner a lot of views. Mochi are small chewy balls of glutinous rice that contain a wide variety of fillings. They pounded a lot of times and there were always 2 people, one pounding it and the other one shifting the mochi in between the pounds. The rhythmic pounding makes watching Mochi’s preparation amazing!

While you may not easily find Mochi making in Taiwan, the snack is equally popular in Taiwan. Taiwanese mochi comes in a wide range of fillings, including red bean paste, peanut, black sesame, taro, matcha, chocolate and fruit-flavoured fillings. 

Mochi is carefully packaged in individual plastic packs and then in a box. They are beautifully packaged in pairs of twos, fours or eights or sixteens. It has a low shelf life so it’s best to purchase vacuum-packed options to carry back home.

Cost of Taiwanese Mochi: TDW 120 – 500 (US$3.6 – 15)

Taro Pastry and Chips

Taro is a purple-coloured tropical root vegetable that has a starchy flesh with a nutty and sweet flavour. Taro is a beloved ingredient in Taiwanese cuisine and is widely used in sweet and savoury dishes.

Taro pastries, or taro-flavored mooncakes, are delicate and flaky treats filled with sweet taro paste. The outer layer is typically made from thin, buttery pastry, while the inside is packed with smooth, creamy taro filling. The pastries are enjoyed with tea.

Taro chips are to Taiwan and Tapioca chips are to Kerala, India. Taro chips are crunchy chips that are made by slicing taro into thin pieces and frying, air-frying or baking them. These chips retain the root vegetable’s subtle sweetness and earthy flavour and may or may not be salted or flavoured with other spices before packaging. 

Both Taro Pastry and Chips make for a delicious Taiwan Souvenir!

Cost of Taro Pastry: TWD 200 – 500 (US$6 – 15)

Cost of Taro Chips: TWD 50 – 150 (US$1.5 – 4.5)

Freeze-dried Fruits

Taiwan’s sub-tropical climate produces an array of high-quality fruits, and the freeze-drying process captures their natural sweetness, intense flavours, and nutritional benefits. Freeze-drying of fruits ensures they can be enjoyed non-seasonally making up for one of the healthy souvenirs from Taiwan. 

These fruits are light to carry and make up for on-the-go, guilt-free snacks. Additionally, the compact and resealable packaging makes freeze-dried fruits convenient for travellers.

Strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, dragon fruit and guavas are some of the fruits that are freeze-dried, packaged and sold in supermarkets.

Cost of Freeze Dried Fruits in Taiwan: TWD 150 – 300 (US$4.5 – $10)

Incense sticks

Just like in India, Chinese temples also burn incense sticks in their temples. 

While some may find it odd to carry incense sticks as souvenirs back home, incense burning is not necessarily for temples, it is known to have many therapeutic benefits for the mind. So carry a piece of good-smelling sticks for air purifications, warding off evil energies and also peaceful sleep.

Cost of incense sticks: TWD 150 – 500 (US$4.5 – 15)

Pineapple cake

Pineapple cakes are one of Taiwan’s most beloved and widely available sweet treats. These cakes feature a buttery, crumbly exterior filled with a luscious, sweet pineapple jam at the center. Typically sold in airtight packaging, they are perfect for taking home as a souvenir, ensuring they stay fresh during your journey.

While there are many brands selling pineapple cake all over Taiwan, Chia Te is a bakery in Taipei City that makes the most delicious and hence the most popular pineapple cakes in the country. It is so popular that that there are long waiting lines of tourists and locals who want to purchase this as a post-dinner dessert or take it back home. It is best to go to the Chia Te bakery on a weekday morning to avoid long queues.

While pineapple filling is the most popular and associated with Taiwan, other fruit-filling options in the cake are mango, strawberry, melon and cranberry, amongst others.

Cost of Pineapple Cake in Taiwan: TWD 370 – 700 (US$11 – 21) depending on number of pieces in the box. 

Tea

Tea is an important beverage in Taiwan. Most restaurants will have a teapot filled with subtle flavoured warm tea that is refilled unlimited times on your table. It is like an alternative to water.

And it is fair to have a free-flowing supply of tea since Taiwan is known for producing some of the world’s finest tea. The weather and altitudes in Taiwan ensure to production of some of the most loved flavours of tea. The Oolong tea is the most famous tea flavour globally.

Tea is found as tea sachets or loose leaves. Other than oolong tea, black tea, green tea and white tea are readily available in the market. 

Cost of tea in Taiwan: TWD 100 – 3000 (US$3 – 90) depending upon type, quality and quantity.

Socks 

Socks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about souvenirs from Taiwan, they are a surprisingly popular and unique choice. They are affordable, found everywhere and have great utility. 

Socks sold in Taiwan have vibrant designs and playful patterns, that often feature anime characters, cartoon characters and cultural icons, making them a fun way to take a piece of Taiwan home with you. There are options for warm socks as well for winter months.

Cost of Socks: TWD 100 – 300 (US$3 – 10).

Jade jewellery

I always thought Jade was found and important in Mainland China thanks to all the cartoon movies and their references – Jade Palace in Kung Fu Panda!

But only after visiting Taiwan, I came to know that the country has some of the best Jade deposits due to the variety in colour, texture and transparency. No wonder there is an entire section dedicated to Jade in the National Palace Museum. 

In case you want to purchase jade in the form of jewellery it is possible to do so at the Jianguo Jade Market. The multiple stalls over there are known to sell authentic jade stuff ranging from statues, pendants, jewellery, decorations, etc.

It is difficult to know the difference between real and fake jade as the fake ones are made so well these days. So practice caution while making a big purchase.

Cost of Jade in Taiwan: TWD 300 – 30,000 (US$10 – 1000).

Millet wine or Mijiu

Millet wine also known as Mijiu is a traditional alcoholic beverage made by the indigenous tribes of Taiwan. It holds deep cultural and ceremonial significance, often used in rituals, celebrations, and as an offering to ancestral spirits. The wine is crafted from millet, a staple crop among these communities, symbolising sustenance and connection to the land.

Mijiu has a mildly sweet and earthy flavour with hints of nuttiness and is served in traditional ceremonies serving roasted or grilled meats. The sweetness is natural and balanced, often complemented by a slightly tangy or sour undertone from fermentation.

This wine is especially popular in Nantou County and is sold around the Sun Moon Lake markets. You can taste and then proceed to purchase.

Cost of Millet Wine in Taiwan: NTD 400 – 1000 (US$ 12 – 30) 

Postcards

Postcards are the lightest souvenirs you could pack and take home for your family, friends, and colleagues. The best part? There are postcards available at most tourist places – Taipei 101, Formosan Aboriginal Village or even Songbolin Tea Centre. 

There are post offices at a lot of tourist places from where you can send this to yourself back home or your friends.

Cost of postcards: TWD 50 – 100 (US$1.5 – 3)

Skincare and Cosmetics

Unlike huge stores in Bangkok or Seoul, I found the number of shops for skincare and cosmetics was less. The number of Watsons stores was also less as compared to Bangkok. I wanted to pick some sheet masks like I always do from Watsons but I had only 1 option in one aisle.

Poya is another skincare shop, however, in my 6 days in Taiwan, I did not have the time to explore it so I cannot comment on the availability of products.

Refrigerator magnets & Keychains

I love displaying the country-specific refrigerator magnet. I pick up magnets that either have the most famous landmarks or food or culture.

You can find location-specific magnets at tourist attractions across Taiwan – temples, observatories, landmarks, the airport and even Family Marts and 7-Elevens! But the best options I found were in the night markets. No matter which night market you visit, there are ample options to choose from!

WHERE TO PURCHASE SOUVENIRS FROM TAIWAN

This is not an exhaustive list but a recommendation based on where I went during my very short time in Taiwan.

Shopping in Taipei

Ximending Night Market and Shilin Night Market are treasure troves for picking up souvenirs in Taipei. These bustling markets feature shops offering a wide range of items, from quirky finds to branded products for anything you might need.

I also discovered beautiful souvenirs on the 4th floor of Taipei 101, where tickets are sold, and entry to the observatory begins. These souvenirs are primarily themed around the iconic landmark, with options ranging from landmark-shaped cookies to coasters and stationery—offering endless choices for visitors.

Another great spot for souvenirs is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. Alongside the usual items like coffee mugs, t-shirts, and magnets, I found adorable utility products featuring cartoon characters, adding a unique and playful touch to the collection.

The National Palace Museum Gift Shop also has lovely souvenirs replicating the exhibits. This includes ceramics, jade, lacquerware, books, fans, coins, etc.

Shopping in Taichung

Although Taichung has fewer tourist attractions, the souvenir shops at Taichung Railway Station are fantastic! I especially enjoyed exploring the wide variety of products dedicated to the Taiwan Bullet Train. The collection of plushies, keychains made from old tickets, tote bags, and magnets featuring the bullet train and other railway themes was fascinating.

Shopping near Sun Moon Lake, Nantou

Nantou County has legends related to owls so you will find many shops dedicated to selling only owl-related souvenirs – jewellery, bags, display items and everything in between. Since it is a region rich in growing tea, millet and other fruits, you will find shops selling the same. 

Loose tea leaves, millet wine and dried fruits are sold as souvenirs from Taiwan.

SOUVENIRS FROM TAIWAN: TIPS & TRICKS TO BUY

No matter where you travel, the rules of shopping and bargaining remain the same. Here are some of the tips and tricks to remember for souvenir shopping in Taiwan.

Buy Local

Make sure that the product you like and buy is locally made. Don’t buy something that you would get in your country for the same or cheaper price! I assumed the electronics in the electronic city of Taipei would be cheap but it was almost the same cost as India!

The bargain game

The shopkeepers know tourists are going to bargain so the prices are anyway increased by 50%. So slash the prices by 50% and agree to pay 60-70% of the price. Negotiate hard by simply walking away. If the price is possible for them, they will call you back and give you a counteroffer. 

If you buy in bulk, they will give you a better discount.

Beware of custom restrictions

Meat (and dry meat) and seeds from Taiwan are highly restricted due to potential plant diseases and animal health concerns. It is best not to carry them.

Timing is Key

Know the timings on night markets! I was told the night markets are open till 2 am but 50% of shops were shut by 11:30 pm in Ximending. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore the shops and make purchases. 

SOUVENIRS FROM TAIWAN FAQs

What to buy at Taiwan Airport? Taipei Airport Shopping

All the international airports in Taiwan are convenient for purchasing food souvenirs, and that last-minute shopping for friends. Travelers can find a variety of popular Taiwanese treats, including pineapple cakes, mochi, and dried fruits, along with Oolong tea and tea-related products like tea sets.

What are the must-buy souvenirs in Taiwan?

Taiwan boasts an incredible variety of must-buy souvenirs. For food lovers, the top picks include taro cakes, pineapple cakes, mochi, and brown sugar ginger tea cubes—delicious treats that are quintessentially Taiwanese. These food souvenirs can be found in many shops across Taiwan, making them a perfect choice for travellers. Traditional handicrafts, such as jade ornaments and pottery, are timeless and iconic keepsakes. 

Where is the best place to buy souvenirs in Taiwan?

Night markets and airports!

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN TAIWAN

• Avoid buying leather bags and artefacts. Try to buy textile-based local products.
• Carry a bag while shopping and avoid plastic bags.
• Encourage shopkeepers to pack fragile items in a newspaper instead of bubble wrap.
• Be polite to the shop owners. In case you don’t buy anything from there, smile at them and say ‘ Xie Xie’ (thank you) before leaving.

Read More posts about Souvenirs from around the world

• Souvenirs from Kutch, Gujarat
• Souvenirs from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
• Food souvenirs from Tokyo, Japan
• Souvenirs from Vietnam
• Souvenirs from Uzbekistan
• Souvenirs from Kenya
• Souvenirs from South Korea

I hope this shopping guide on Souvenirs from Taiwan is helpful to you. If you found this blog helpful, leave a comment to let me know what you purchased.

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