Thursday, December 09, 2010

What to bring, what to buy there

A few people have asked me about this. You can get most things you need in Taiwan, between regular department stores like Carrefour and occasional trips to foreigner-catering places. But a few things you either can't get or would have to look really hard for during your first few weeks: ~ a flat sheet. They just don't use them and you just can't buy them. Don't bother bringing a whole set of sheets, as they won't fit, but you'll be happy to have a flat sheet. ~ cold medicine. You will get sick, and cold medicine technology in Taiwan is kind of stuck in the 80s. So bring your Nyquil and Aleve Cold & Sinus.
~ Reese's PB cups, York Peppermint Patties. If you like them, bring a bag. They're tough to find. Snickers, Twix, M&Ms and Doritos are all at your local 7-11.
~ an electric blanket if you like them and you're going to be there during the winter. I didn't have one but there were nights I wished I did.
For the ladies:
~ All the shoes you'll need, if you wear anything bigger than an 8. You can buy Birkenstocks and there are a few specialty shops for shoes but they're expensive. And bring comfortable shoes.
~ All the clothes you'll need, if you wear anything bigger than an 8, or are above maybe 5'6". I'm 5'8" and a 10 (US) and I just barely didn't fit into the biggest size in stores. There are big-ladies shops but tend to fit an Asian body, and are usually too short or just awkward-looking.
~ "feminine hygiene" these products are also stuck in the 80s. You'll be able to find good ones after you've shopped around but it's nice to have a supply when you first get here.
What to buy here:
~ A puffer jacket. When it's 50 degrees and drizzling you will want to be bundled up. These are easy to buy in any size.
~ Glasses. Relatively cheap and easy to get, and there are eyeglasses stores everywhere.
~ Prescription medicine. Bring a month's supply to tide you over, but even without health insurance, it's easy to get at pharmacies. You can't get everything at every pharmacy but ask around and you can find a place to buy everything from allergy medicine to birth control pills to Xanax over the counter, probably cheaper than you paid for a co-pay in the US.
~ vitamins, shampoo, soap, face wash, toothpaste, makeup.... Basic recognizable brands (Colgate, Dove, Pantene, Cover Girl) are all here and there's usually enough English that you know what you're getting. Department stores like Sogo have all the expensive brands and Body Shop. There's also a few brands I didn't know of in the US that are natural and sulphate-free, readily available at Carrefour and Watsons.

6 comments:

jenny said...

I've been seeing electric blankets lately -- possibly at Costco. Still, the quality and selection of the ones back in the West is by far higher.

York PM Patties are also at Costco (or at least they were last week, AFAIR). As for the pb cups, I've almost mastered the art of making them myself. :+)

Maria said...

Hello,

I recently compiled a list of the Top 50 Blogs for those interested in teaching abroad, and I just
wanted to let you know that you made the list! We are promoting the list to college students looking to
learn more about teaching or living in a foreign culture. The list is published online at
http://www.onlinedegrees.org/top-50-blogs-for-those-interested-in-teaching-abroad/

Thanks so much, and if you think your audience would find useful
information in the list or on the site, please feel free to share the
link. You can also use the button we've created for the
list, which I can e-mail you. We always appreciate a link
back as we're trying to increase readership.

Thanks again, and have a great day!

Maria

Anonymous said...

Just read your blog about things to bring to Taiwans and was so happy that you mentioned reese and peppermint patties...my 2 faves that I cannot find here...your list was perfect!!! it's all soooo true!!!

Unknown said...

well written, well designed, inspiring, informative and entertaining. Keep it up.

Anonymous said...

you said you could get xanax is taiwan is that correct? i do not have my script in taiwan and is currently needing one

Christina said...

Yeah, not at every pharmacy but I don't think it was terribly hard to find. I would just get a couple of xanax for my flights when I went home so I could sleep through them and I think I had to ask around at a couple of pharmacies. Didn't need a prescription. I think it might be easier to find in an area that caters to foreigners?