Shopping in Taiwan: Markets, Malls & Online Shopping Guide (2026)

Where to Shop in Taiwan

Taiwan offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from bustling night markets to modern malls. Here's your guide to each type:

Night Markets (夜市)

Night markets are Taiwan's most iconic shopping experience. They're not just about food — you can find clothing, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, and more.

Shopping tips for night markets:

• Prices are generally low (NT$100~500 for clothing/accessories)
• Quality varies widely — inspect before buying
• Cash is king, though some vendors accept LINE Pay
• Bargaining is acceptable (see bargaining tips below)

Department Stores (百貨公司)

For brand-name shopping with air conditioning and reliable quality:

Tip: Department stores have major sales events twice a year (around May and November). Prices can drop 20-50%, and there are additional cash rebates and gifts.

Electronics Districts

For electronics: Prices are competitive but not always cheaper than online. The advantage is you can test products in person and get same-day service/repairs.

Outlet Malls

Outlets typically offer 30-70% off retail prices year-round.

Online Shopping Platforms

Online shopping in Taiwan is extremely convenient, with most platforms offering next-day or even same-day delivery.

Major Platforms Comparison

How to Set Up an Account

Most platforms require:

1. A Taiwan phone number for verification
2. A delivery address in Chinese (use Google Translate if needed)
3. A payment method — credit card or ATM transfer

Shopee is the easiest for foreigners — the app has partial English support and is the most widely used platform. Download the app and sign up with your phone number.

Delivery Options

Convenience store pickup is incredibly popular in Taiwan. You order online, choose a nearby 7-11 or FamilyMart, and pick up your package when it arrives (you'll get an SMS notification).

Convenience Store Shopping

Taiwan's convenience stores (mainly 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, with over 13,000 locations combined) are far more than just snack shops. Here's what you can do:

Beyond Snacks and Drinks

Loyalty Programs

• 7-Eleven: OPEN POINT app — earn points on purchases, redeem for products
• FamilyMart: FamilyMart app — similar points program
• Both accept credit cards, LINE Pay, Apple Pay, and their own payment systems

Tax Refund for Tourists (TRS)

If you're a tourist (not an ARC holder), you can get a 5% VAT refund on purchases.

Eligibility

How to Get Your Refund

Method 1: In-Store Refund (即時退稅)

Available at stores displaying the "Tax Refund" sign:

1. Show your passport at the time of purchase
2. The store deducts 5% from your bill on the spot
3. Done! (easiest method)

Method 2: Airport Refund

1. Keep your receipts and the Tax Refund Form from the store
2. At the airport, go to the Tax Refund Counter (before or after immigration, depending on the airport)
3. Show your passport, receipts, and purchased goods (customs may inspect)
4. Receive refund in cash (TWD) or credit card refund

TRS-Participating Stores

Look for the TRS (Tax Refund Shopping) logo. Most department stores, brand stores, and large retailers participate. Night market vendors and small shops generally do not participate.

Payment Methods

Cash

Cash is still widely used in Taiwan, especially at:

• Night markets and street food vendors
• Small restaurants and shops
• Traditional markets
• Taxis (though many now accept cards)

ATMs are everywhere (convenience stores, banks, MRT stations). Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Withdrawal fees vary by your home bank.

Electronic Payments

Tip: Get an EasyCard as soon as you arrive. Load it with NT$500~1,000 and use it for MRT, buses, YouBike, and convenience store purchases. It's the easiest non-cash payment method for foreigners.

Bargaining Tips

Where You CAN Bargain

• Night markets — clothing, accessories, souvenirs (not food)
• Jade/flower markets — expected to negotiate
• Electronics markets — Guanghua, especially for bulk purchases
• Traditional markets — when buying in quantity
• Furniture/appliance shops — independent stores

Where You Should NOT Bargain

• Department stores — fixed prices (wait for sales events instead)
• Convenience stores — never
• Chain restaurants — never
• Branded stores — fixed prices
• Supermarkets — fixed prices

Bargaining Etiquette

1. Ask the price first (多少錢？/ duō shǎo qián?)
2. Counter-offer at about 70-80% of the asking price
3. Be friendly and smile — aggressive bargaining is considered rude
4. Be willing to walk away — the vendor may call you back with a lower price
5. Buying multiple items gives you more negotiating power
6. Don't bargain on food — food prices are almost always fixed and already very affordable

Useful phrases:

• 可以便宜一點嗎？(kě yǐ pián yí yī diǎn ma?) — Can you make it cheaper?
• 買兩個算便宜？(mǎi liǎng gè suàn pián yí?) — Discount for buying two?
• 太貴了 (tài guì le) — Too expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Taiwan's standard store hours?

• Convenience stores: 24/7
• Department stores: 11:00 AM ~ 9:30 PM (10:00 PM on weekends)
• Night markets: 5:00 PM ~ midnight (some start at 4:00 PM)
• Traditional markets: 6:00 AM ~ noon
• Electronics stores: 10:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM

Can I ship purchases back to my home country?

Yes. Options include:

• Post office (中華郵政): Cheapest for packages under 20 kg
• DHL/FedEx/UPS: Faster but more expensive
• 7-11 international shipping: Available for some destinations
• Shopee/PChome: Some sellers offer international shipping

Are there fake products in Taiwan?

Counterfeit goods exist mainly in night markets (especially branded bags, watches, and clothing). Taiwan has strict intellectual property laws, so large stores and department stores only sell authentic products. When in doubt, buy from established retailers.

What's the return policy for in-store purchases?

There's no legal requirement for in-store return policies (unlike online purchases with the 7-day rule). However:

• Department stores typically allow returns within 7-15 days with receipt
• Chain electronics stores (e.g., Tsann Kuen) have their own return policies
• Small independent shops generally do not accept returns

Always ask about the return policy before purchasing.

Do I need to tip in Taiwan?

No. Tipping is not customary and not expected in Taiwan — not at restaurants, not for taxis, not for delivery. Some high-end restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically, but additional tipping is not necessary.

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