Toiletries/Medicine

• Toiletries

  • If you are picky about particular hygiene products and brands, be prepared to bring your own. Although prescriptions are not required to purchase pharmaceuticals in Taiwan, they may come in handy for examiners to review your record. Also, please pack personal medication that may not be easily found in Taiwan. Additionally, mosquitoes are especially rampant during Taiwan’s summer; consider packing anti-itch crème, though these are also available in Taiwan. Lastly, the UV rays in Taiwan are very strong and most Taiwanese brand sunscreens are very watery. American brand sunscreens are available, but can be expensive. Consider bringing a few bottles of your favorite sunscreen.

• Feminine products/birth control

  • Taiwan has an ample supply of sanitary napkins for women, but is significantly lacking in tampons, which are also constructed differently. It is advised that if you are particular about this to bring as many as you can. If you have a specific birth control that you are using/works well for you, it’s also suggested you bring a year’s supply. It is of course possible to get many kinds of birth control in Taiwan, but some ETAs have struggled to find specific brands, so if consistency is important/necessary for you, stocking up is advisable.

• Headache medicine

  • Although Taiwan has some painkillers available, it is suggested that you bring Advil or Motrin with you as they do not sell it here. Please note: Taiwan, while not lacking in Ibuprofen type painkillers (Advil, Motrin), does have acetaminophen type painkillers, which function exactly the same as Tylenol/Excedrin/etc because they have the same active ingredient. You can get these for free with your health insurance card and a trip to the clinic.

• Vitamins

  • You will be able to find whatever vitamins/supplements you need here, but they may be more expensive than their American counterparts.