Why Travelers Ask: Where to Buy Necessities in Taiwan?
No matter how well you plan, every trip reaches a moment where you realize you forgot something.
Maybe it’s sunscreen. Maybe cold medicine. Maybe you ran out of skincare, baby supplies, contact lenses, or snacks. And suddenly, the question becomes very practical:
Where to buy necessities in Taiwan?
The good news is that Taiwan is one of the easiest countries in Asia to shop for daily necessities as a traveler. The challenge isn’t availability — it’s knowing which store to go to, because Taiwan has many options, each serving a slightly different purpose.
This guide explains where to buy necessities in Taiwan in the most straightforward way possible, so you don’t waste time wandering or overpaying.
What Counts as “Necessities” for Travelers in Taiwan?
When travelers search for where to buy necessities in Taiwan, they usually mean:
● Over-the-counter medicine
● Skincare & cosmetics
● Toiletries & hygiene products
● Baby supplies
● Snacks & drinks
● Groceries
● Daily-use items (masks, tissues, chargers, etc.)
Taiwan divides these needs across 4 main store types, each with its own strengths. Read more: 11 Must-Have Souvenirs That Capture the Essence of Taiwan.
Drugstores in Taiwan: Skincare, Cosmetics & Medicine
Drugstores are usually the first stop when figuring out where to buy necessities in Taiwan, especially for skincare and medicine.
Watsons
Watsons is the most recognizable drugstore chain in Taiwan, with hundreds of locations nationwide. Most stores are near MRT stations, making them extremely easy to access.
Watsons is best for:
● Skincare & cosmetics
● Personal care items
● Over-the-counter medicine
● Travel-size essentials
You’ll find international brands alongside Taiwanese favorites, and prices are generally fair. Some larger Watsons locations (especially in Taipei) have multiple floors and wide selections.
Cosmed
If you’re specifically interested in Taiwanese skincare, Cosmed is often the better choice.
Cosmed specializes in:
● Local skincare brands
● Sheet masks
● Dermatology-focused products
● Japanese & Taiwanese cosmetics
Many travelers asking where to buy necessities in Taiwan are surprised to discover that Cosmed often carries items not found at Watsons, especially in skincare.
POYA
POYA sits somewhere between a drugstore and a lifestyle shop.
POYA is ideal for:
● Beauty products
● Toiletries
● Small household items
● Snacks, drinks, stationery
If you need several different things at once, POYA is one of the most efficient answers to where to buy necessities in Taiwan. Read more about POYA Taiwan: Beauty & Lifestyle Store Like Korea’s Olive Young.
Convenience Stores: Taiwan’s Secret Weapon
Taiwan has over 13,000 convenience stores — which means you’re never far from basic necessities.
For travelers, convenience stores are often the fastest solution when something small is missing.
7‑Eleven
7-Eleven is everywhere. And unlike in many countries, prices are reasonable.
You can buy:
● Drinks & snacks
● Ready-to-eat meals
● Toiletries
● Masks, tissues, umbrellas
● Medicine (basic)
● Phone accessories
7-Eleven is often the first practical answer to where to buy necessities in Taiwan late at night or between sightseeing stops.
FamilyMart
FamilyMart offers a slightly different experience, with a strong focus on fresh food and drinks.
FamilyMart is known for:
● Seasonal Fami soft-serve ice cream
● Frappy frozen drinks
● Coffee & tea
● Toiletries & daily items
Many travelers end up preferring FamilyMart once they’ve tried both chains. Read more about FamilyMart vs 7-Eleven: A Surprisingly Fun Guide to Taiwan Convenience Stores.
Hi‑Life
Hi-Life is a local brand with strong neighborhood presence.
What makes Hi-Life useful:
● Daily necessities
● Pastries & snacks
● Payment services
● Pickup-later app features
OK Mart
OK Mart is smaller but still reliable for basics, especially in residential areas.
Supermarkets: Groceries & Better Prices
If convenience stores feel limited or expensive, supermarkets are the next level when deciding where to buy necessities in Taiwan.
PX Mart
PX Mart is the most popular supermarket in Taiwan.
PX Mart is ideal for:
● Groceries
● Snacks
● Fresh fruit
● Cooked meals
● Affordable daily supplies
Prices are lower than convenience stores, and it’s a great place to buy edible souvenirs.
Simple Mart
Simple Mart stores are smaller than PX Mart but larger than convenience stores.
Best for:
● Residential-area shopping
● Quick grocery stops
● Budget-conscious travelers
Carrefour Taiwan
Carrefour is the most comprehensive answer to where to buy necessities in Taiwan if you want everything in one place.
Carrefour offers:
● Groceries
● Imported goods
● Snacks & souvenirs
● Electronics
● Clothing & household items
Some locations are open 24 hours, including a well-known branch in Taipei.
Department Stores: Comfort & One-Stop Shopping
If you prefer air-conditioned comfort, department stores are surprisingly useful. If you love shopping. then you must read this next blog: Taipei’s Zhongshan: One of the City’s Coolest Corners!
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi
Shin Kong Mitsukoshi locations often include:
● Supermarkets
● Pharmacies
● Food courts
● Beauty counters
They are especially convenient near Taipei 101 and major MRT stations.
SOGO Taiwan
SOGO and Far Eastern Department Stores focus more on premium brands, but still include food halls and daily items.
Bookstores: An Unexpected Necessity Stop
Taiwan’s bookstores often double as lifestyle hubs.
Eslite Bookstore
Eslite bookstores sell:
● Books (multiple languages)
● Stationery
● Lifestyle goods
● Cafés
For long-stay travelers, Eslite often becomes part of daily life.
What Travelers Should Buy First in Taiwan (Quick Checklist)
If you’re short on time and wondering where to buy necessities in Taiwan, start with this list:
✔ EasyCard (transport card) – convenience store
✔ Sunscreen & skincare – Watsons / Cosmed
✔ Cold & flu medicine – drugstore
✔ Snacks & drinks – convenience store / PX Mart
✔ Umbrella – convenience store
✔ Masks & tissues – convenience store
Tax Refunds & Payments
● Tax refunds apply to purchases over NTD 3,000
● Passport required
● Most places accept credit cards
● Convenience stores are cash-friendly
Why This Matters for Travelers
Knowing where to buy necessities in Taiwan saves:
● Time
● Stress
● Money
● Energy
It allows you to focus on enjoying your trip instead of solving small problems.
Final Thoughts: Taiwan Is One of the Easiest Places to Shop While Traveling
Taiwan quietly excels at everyday convenience.
Once you understand where to buy necessities in Taiwan, you’ll realize how traveler-friendly the system is — from late-night convenience stores to well-stocked drugstores and affordable supermarkets.
You don’t need to plan everything in advance. Taiwan has you covered.
You might be interested in reading Where to Live in Taiwan: A Practical 2026 Guide to Choosing the Right City.