Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Taiwan. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (新台幣) (NT$)
Best SIM Provider
Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信)
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
⚠️ Important Entry Restrictions
- Narcotics — severe penalties: Taiwan enforces strict anti-narcotics laws. Manufacturing, transporting, or trafficking Schedule 1 c...
- E-cigarettes and vaping products banned: Electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and vaping devices are banned in Taiwan. Do not brin...
View full entry requirements
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
Controlled substances — strict limits
Controlled substances (Schedule drugs) require a physician's prescription. Carry quantity must not exceed the prescription amount and is capped at a 6-month supply. A patient travel certificate ("病人隨身攜帶管制藥品入境出境中華民國證明書") from Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is available and recommended.
⚠️ Penalty: Excess quantities classified as prohibited drugs under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act; maximum penalty up to 10 years' imprisonment.
Apply for approvalPrescription medications — quantity limits
Without a physician's prescription or documented proof: carry limit is 2 months' supply. With a valid physician's prescription: up to 6 months' supply, not exceeding the prescribed amount. Medications must be in original packaging.
Non-prescription (OTC) medications
Limit: up to 12 bottles (boxes, cans, tubes, or sticks) per item type, with a combined total of no more than 36 units across all OTC items. This applies per person per entry. Exceeding limits requires a TFDA 'Personal Use Drug Import Permit' (個人自用藥品專案進口許可證).
Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine
Medications containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine (common in US cold/allergy products such as Sudafed) are subject to controlled-substance rules in Taiwan even if sold OTC in your home country. Carry only a personal-use supply within the prescription-drug quantity limits and keep original packaging with documentation. The exact classification tier isn't confirmed on a single official page, so verify with TFDA before travel.
Essential Apps
UberInstall this first. Most accessible ride-hailing option for foreign visitors — English interface, upfront pricing, foreign cards accepted. Works at both TPE (Taoyuan) and TSA (Songshan) airports. Set up account before departure. TPE pickup: numbered meeting-point columns, not the terminal exit — T1: 15/17/20/23, T2: 24/26/29; follow in-app directions as authoritative.
LINE GOSecond choice if Uber shows no cars nearby — common late at night or outside Taipei. Taxi booking integrated into LINE ecosystem — covers taxi, airport transfer, and shared scooter. Interface is partially Chinese. Best if you already have LINE installed. Foreign credit card accepted in-app. iOS link is the Taiwan App Store listing — search 'LINE GO' in the US App Store to confirm availability for your account.
55688 Taiwan TaxiWorth having as a backup for its coverage even though the interface is mostly Chinese — Taiwan's largest taxi fleet, island-wide, useful where Uber and LINE GO have thin coverage. Can also book by calling 55688. App payment may require a Taiwanese payment method; have cash as backup.
yoxiThe least necessary of the four for a short trip — only worth installing if Uber, LINE GO, and 55688 all fail to find you a ride. Taxi app from Taiwan Railways Administration, listed by Taiwan Tourism Administration as an official platform. Interface in Chinese, primarily for domestic users.
Notes for Visitors
- Get an EasyCard or iPass at the MRT service window in the arrivals hall at TPE — before anything else. It covers every transit mode (MRT, buses, YouBike) from your first minute, and works at convenience stores. Token tickets are a clunky alternative.
- LINE is not optional in practice. Many restaurants, tour operators, and small businesses communicate exclusively via LINE. Register with your home phone number before departure.
- Uber works at TPE airport, but pickup is not at the terminal exit. Once you have mobile data, open the app and follow the in-app directions to the numbered meeting-point columns (T1: 15/17/20/23; T2: 24/26/29). In-app directions take priority over these remembered column numbers.
- Buy a local SIM or eSIM as your first purchase after landing — you need mobile data for Maps, Uber, LINE, and transit apps to work in real time. Free wifi is not reliable enough to depend on for navigation.
- Food delivery apps (foodpanda, Uber Eats) work well in Taipei and major cities. Coverage drops significantly outside urban areas.
- Four ride-hailing apps, one clear order: install Uber first — English interface, upfront pricing, and it works at both airports. If Uber shows no cars nearby (common late at night or outside Taipei), try LINE GO next, since you likely already have LINE installed. 55688 has the largest taxi fleet island-wide, worth having as a backup even though its interface is mostly Chinese. yoxi is the least necessary for a short trip — skip it unless the others fail.
SIM Cards & Internet
Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport immediately on arrival. All three major carriers have counters at T1 and T2 at TPE. Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信) has the best nationwide coverage — the safest choice if you are going outside Taipei. Bring your passport for registration. Cash only at Chunghwa Telecom airport counters. Counters may close at 22:00 — pre-purchase an eSIM online if arriving late at night.
- As of mid-2026: Chunghwa Telecom tourist plans approximately NT$300 for 5 days, NT$500 for 7 days. Taiwan Mobile approximately NT$270–300 for 5 days, NT$405–500 for 7 days. FarEasTone has 7-day and 8–10 day options. Prices change — verify at the counter.
- All three carriers offer eSIM for tourist plans. Requires a compatible, unlocked phone. Can be purchased in advance online.
- iTaiwan free wifi is available at government offices, MRT stations, libraries, and some tourist sites. Registration required in advance via Taiwan Tourism Administration. Useful supplement — not a substitute for a data SIM.
WiFi Reliability
Excellent in hotels, major restaurants, and cafes in Taipei and large cities. Unreliable at markets, rural areas, and on trains. Do not depend on free wifi for real-time navigation.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Taiwan is more cash-dependent than most US visitors expect. Cards are accepted at larger hotels, chain restaurants, department stores, and many urban shops — but traditional restaurants, night markets, small local vendors, and rural areas are commonly cash-only. Do not rely solely on cards. Always carry NT$2,000–3,000 (approx. US$60–90) in small bills and coins.
ATM Tips
7-Eleven and FamilyMart ATMs are the most convenient option — widely available 24/7, and most accept foreign Visa and Mastercard (PLUS/Cirrus networks). Chunghwa Post (台灣郵政) ATMs are a reliable backup, found in most towns. Typical withdrawal limit: ~NT$20,000 per transaction (~US$600). ATM operators typically charge NT$50–100 per foreign-card transaction; your home bank adds its own fee. Always choose to be charged in TWD rather than your home currency — decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC). Verify Discover and Diners card acceptance before relying on them. Fees vary; confirm with your bank before travel.
Tipping Culture
Taiwan does not have a tipping culture. Do not add gratuity at restaurants, cafes, or taxis — it is not expected. Many upscale hotels and higher-end restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill; that is the only extra amount to expect. Optional: you may tip an exceptional private tour guide or personal driver, but confirm the service charge has not already been collected.
- EasyCard (悠遊卡) and iPass (一卡通) are stored-value transit cards that also work at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, Hi-Life, McDonald's, and thousands of other merchants. Get one at the MRT service window or convenience store as your first task on arrival. Card deposit ~NT$100 (refundable); load whatever cash you want. Both work island-wide for MRT, buses, YouBike, and the gondola — not valid for THSR standard fares.
- Night market shopping is nearly always cash-only.
- Coin denominations (NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$50) are needed for vending machines, lockers, and some bus routes — keep a supply.
- Exchange money at banks, airport exchange counters, or authorized exchange shops. Avoid street exchangers. Airport rates are acceptable for initial needs.
- Every VAT receipt carries a lottery number (統一發票, Uniform Invoice Lottery). Taiwan's Ministry of Finance runs a bi-monthly lottery — prizes range from NT$200 to NT$10 million. Don't discard receipts automatically.
Recommended Travel Cards
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Track your trip prep
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Getting Around
From the Airport
Express train (purple line) to Taipei Main Station: ~35–38 min. Commuter train (blue line): ~50 min with more stops. Hours approx. 06:00–23:30. Payment: EasyCard, iPass, contactless Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Apple Pay/Google Pay, or token ticket.
24-hour service to Taipei Main Station area — useful for late-night arrivals after MRT closes. 50–70 minutes, traffic-dependent. Departs ground floor of T1 and T2.
Fully operational at TPE. Once you have mobile data, open the app and follow directions to numbered meeting-point columns on the Arrivals curbside — not the terminal exit door. T1: columns 15, 17, 20, or 23. T2: columns 24, 26, or 29. Match driver name, photo, and plate before entering.
Available 24/7 outside arrival halls. Most drivers have limited English — show your destination in Traditional Chinese. Pre-paid counters are available inside the terminal for a fixed rate.
THSR does not stop at the airport terminal. Take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station (A18, ~NT$35, ~20 min), then board the High Speed Rail to other western cities.
Local Transport
Clean, frequent, and reliable metro system covering most of Taipei. EasyCard or contactless bank card accepted at gates. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum inside stations or on trains — fine is NT$1,500–7,500 and is enforced.
Extensive network throughout Taipei and other cities. EasyCard accepted. Google Maps routes buses accurately. Free transfer zones apply within time windows.
Dock-based bike share throughout Taipei. Requires EasyCard or credit card registration. No separate app needed for EasyCard users. Good for short urban trips.
Available throughout Taiwan. Metered taxis are plentiful as well — meters are required. App-based rides eliminate meter concerns.
TSA is in central Taipei — a 10–20 minute taxi or Uber ride to most central hotels. Uber pickup is a 1–2 min walk from curbside. The nearby Songshan MRT station connects to the broader network.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Taiwan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Right turns on red are illegal nationwide (unlike the US) — a fine even at an empty intersection.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 100 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Taiwan
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Taiwan across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Taiwan is very safe for solo women travelers. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
- Use Uber or LINE GO after dark rather than walking alone in unfamiliar areas or accepting rides from strangers — basic precaution, not a response to elevated risk.
- In nightlife settings, apply standard drink-watching precautions. The nightclub billing scam disproportionately targets people invited in by street touts.
- Keep your phone charged and share your live location with someone at home for the first few days.
- Hospitals and police in major cities are accessible; hospital staff in Taipei often speak some English.
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage on May 24, 2019 — the first jurisdiction in Asia to do so. Same-sex marriages conducted abroad are recognized in Taiwan. Laws prohibit discrimination in education and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. No legal restrictions on same-sex relations or LGBTQ+ events.
- Taipei Pride (Taiwan LGBT Pride) is held annually in October and is the largest Pride parade in Asia.
- Taipei is the most visible and welcoming area. Some rural and traditional communities may be more conservative socially, though there are no safety concerns.
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Taipei MRT is notably accessible — elevators at all stations, tactile paving, priority seating. Major tourist attractions in Taipei are increasingly accessible. Traditional night markets, older city neighborhoods, mountainous areas, and rural regions are often not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Taipei MRT has elevators at every station
- Tactile paving and priority seating throughout the MRT system
- Check specific attractions in advance — accessibility in Taipei is improving but uneven outside the MRT network
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Crowded night markets (Shilin, Raohe) — apply usual awareness, not alarm
- Major transport hubs during rush hour
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Online fake massage / advance-payment fraud
Fake LINE or Instagram accounts advertise massage or service businesses, request advance payment via gift cards or bank transfer, then disappear. Taiwan's National Police Agency recorded 5,620 massage-related scam cases in the first half of 2025 — this is the most significant tourist-adjacent fraud pattern in the country.
Prevention: Book massage and service businesses only at established physical locations with storefront signage and real reviews. Never pay in advance via gift card or app transfer to an unknown business.
Nightclub bill inflation
Touts outside some Taipei nightclubs invite visitors in with 'free entry' or 'one free drink,' then present bills with unordered drinks, table fees, and entertainment charges totaling NT$5,000–15,000+.
Prevention: Go only to established, well-reviewed venues. Confirm all costs before ordering. Never enter a private room at an unsolicited invitation. If prevented from leaving, call police (110).
Souvenir shop overcharging
Occasional reports of tourists being charged substantially more than the labeled price at souvenir shops in high-traffic tour group areas.
Prevention: Verify the labeled price before purchasing. Always get a receipt. Prices should be posted.
Unsolicited 'friendly guide' leading to overpriced venue
In some tourist areas, a stranger offers to show you around before steering you to a restaurant or shop where prices are inflated. Less common in Taiwan than in many other Asian destinations.
Prevention: Politely decline unsolicited guide offers. Use official tour operators for activities.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Taiwan's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
15-19°C (59-66°F)
Medium-High rainfall
Still frequently grey and drizzly; early February is often the coolest stretch, warming slightly toward month-end.
Mar – May
20-24°C (68-75°F)
Medium rainfall
One of the most pleasant months — relatively low rainfall, warm but not humid, comfortable for walking. Taipei's best weather overall.
Jun – Aug
28-32°C (82-90°F)
Medium-High rainfall
Hottest month. Typhoon season is in peak period. Hot and humid even at night. Afternoon thunderstorms. Monitor the Central Weather Administration (CWA) daily.
Sep – Nov
22-25°C (72-77°F)
High rainfall
Northeast monsoon returns, making Taipei rainy again. Temperatures are now comfortable — pleasant when dry. Can be one of the wettest months.
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
In Taiwan
Municipal water is treated, but older building pipes are a concern and most locals and experienced travelers drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water. Hotels provide electric kettles; MRT stations have filtered water refill stations. The US CDC does not provide a specific 'safe to drink' endorsement for Taiwan tap water, so 'not-recommended' is the conservative and common-practice position here.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
110V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, B
Taiwan uses 110V/60Hz with Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + round grounding pin) — the same system as the United States and Canada. US and Canadian plugs fit directly with no adapter and no converter needed. UK, Australian, and European travelers need a plug adapter but not a voltage converter, provided their appliances are dual-voltage (100–240V, 50/60 Hz — check the label). Most modern laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage; older single-voltage appliances (e.g., some hair dryers marked '120V only') are fine on Taiwan's 110V but would need a converter in 220V countries. Note: some buildings have 220V outlets for air-conditioning equipment — do not plug standard appliances into these.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
Commonly Spoken
English Proficiency
Good English availability at airports, major hotels, and tourist attractions in Taipei and other major cities. Younger urban professionals generally have good English. Basic to limited English at convenience stores, small local restaurants, traditional markets, and rural areas. Older generations may have very limited English. Strategy: use Google Translate camera for menus, and have your destination written in Traditional Chinese to show drivers — most people will make an effort to help even without a shared language. Note: Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese characters (繁體字), not the Simplified characters used in mainland China.
Essential Phrases
你好
Hello
nǐ hǎo (knee how)
謝謝
Thank you
xiè xiè (shyeh shyeh)
不好意思
Excuse me / Sorry to bother you
bù hǎo yì si (boo how ee suh)
廁所在哪裡？
Where is the toilet?
cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ? (tseh swoh dzai nah lee?)
多少錢？
How much does it cost?
duō shǎo qián? (dwoh shaow chyen?)
你會說英文嗎？
Do you speak English?
nǐ huì shuō yīng wén ma? (knee hway shwoh ying wen mah?)
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Outstanding for vegans, particularly in cities. Taiwan's Buddhist vegetarian tradition aligns closely with veganism. Look for 全素 or 純素 (quánsù / chúnsù) signage. Important: Buddhist-style 全素 excludes the Five Pungent Spices (alliums — onion, garlic, chives, scallions, leeks). If you want garlic and onion in your dishes, ask for 植物五辛素 (zhíwù wǔxīn sù). HappyCow listed ~370 vegetarian restaurants in Taipei alone as of July 2025.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
One of the strongest vegetarian dining scenes in Asia, rooted in a large Buddhist population. Hundreds of dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Taipei. Key term: 素食 / 蔬食 (sùshí / shūshí) means vegetarian — show this to restaurant staff and it will be recognized. Dànnǎi sù (蛋奶素) is ovo-lacto vegetarian (includes egg and dairy). Specify if you need vegan.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Requires vigilance. Standard soy sauce (醬油) contains wheat and appears in a vast range of Taiwanese dishes — marinades, dipping sauces, stir-fries, braised meats, noodle soups. Vegetarian mock-meat products frequently use wheat gluten (麩質). Tamari may or may not be wheat-free — check labels every time. The label 無麩質 (wú fùzhí) means gluten-free. Dedicated gluten-free restaurants exist in Taipei. Cross-contamination via shared woks and oil is common — ask explicitly: 會不會和含麩質的食物共用鍋具？
Traveling with a Pet
Pet-friendliness information coming soon for Taiwan.
Cultural Tips
No eating or drinking on the Taipei MRT — and the fine is real. Eating, drinking, or chewing gum inside Taipei MRT stations or on trains is prohibited under the Mass Rapid Transit Act: NT$1,500–7,500 fine, enforced. Finish your food and drink before entering the fare gates. This applies to stations, not only train cars.
Queue properly at MRT platform lines, escalators (stand right, walk left), and taxi stands. Pushing in is considered very rude. Taiwan has a strong queuing culture.
Remove shoes before entering a Taiwanese person's home — slippers are usually provided. This may also apply at some traditional guesthouses and certain temples but not at restaurants, shops, or MRT stations.
Never stand chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice — this resembles incense at a funeral and is considered deeply inauspicious. Rest them horizontally across the bowl rim or use a chopstick rest. When sharing from a communal plate, use serving utensils or the clean end of your chopsticks.
At temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), be quiet near worshippers, avoid touching offerings or statues. Photography is generally permitted but avoid photographing people in prayer.
If someone hands you a business card, receive it with both hands and spend a moment looking at it. Pocketing it immediately is considered dismissive in formal settings.
Night markets: browse freely without pressure to buy. Wait in line at popular stalls. Payment is nearly always cash only. Don't block narrow walkways.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
7-Eleven and FamilyMart in Taiwan are extraordinary — hot food, ATMs, coffee, bill payments, printing, package pickup, event tickets, EasyCard top-up, and clean toilets, all in one place. There are roughly 6,000+ 7-Elevens in Taiwan, one of the highest densities in the world.
Bubble tea (珍珠奶茶, boba) was invented in Taiwan. Ordering it correctly — specifying sweetness (0–100%) and ice (0–100%) — is part of the experience. Most shops offer English options or picture menus.
Taiwan's receipt lottery (統一發票): every VAT receipt has a lottery number. The Ministry of Finance runs a bi-monthly draw with prizes up to NT$10 million. Foreign visitors can win and claim prizes in Taiwan within the redemption window.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming card payment works everywhere. Many traditional restaurants, local markets, and night market stalls are cash-only — even in Taipei. Always have NT$ cash on hand.
Skipping the EasyCard or iPass at the airport. Without one, your first day involves token tickets and exact change. Pick one up at the MRT service window in the arrivals hall on the way out.
Drinking tap water directly from the tap. Municipal water is treated, but older building pipes are a concern. The consistent local practice is to drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water. Hotels provide kettles; MRT stations have filtered water refill stations.
Eating or drinking on the Taipei MRT. Even a sealed water bottle is technically prohibited past the fare gates. The NT$1,500–7,500 fine is real and enforced.
Ignoring typhoon and earthquake warnings. Taiwan has genuine natural disaster risk. During typhoon season (approximately July–October), monitor the Central Weather Administration (CWA) at cwa.gov.tw before outdoor activities. If a Typhoon Warning is issued, flights cancel and businesses close — build schedule flexibility if visiting this period. On hotel check-in, locate the earthquake procedure and identify safe spots in your room away from windows.
Confusing THSR and TRA. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR / 高鐵) is the fast bullet train serving major western cities only — not the east coast. Taiwan Railways (TRA / 台鐵) is the slower, older network that goes around the entire island including the scenic east coast (Hualien, Taitung). If you want to reach Hualien, you need TRA, not THSR.
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Taiwan
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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