Shopping in Taiwan

Taiwan’s a good place to shop- for virtually anything, from traditional handicrafts to electronic goods and electrical gadgetry. Although you’ll find good shopping in almost all the large towns and cities of the country, the best bargains- and the best range- is definitely in the capital, Taipei. The city has a number of department stores and smaller shops (many of which accept international credit cards) where there’s an entire array of things to buy. In addition, you’ll find shopping arcades, boutiques and night markets -lower-priced than department stores, and where bargaining is acceptable. Some of Taipei’s main shopping districts are Hsimenting, the Chinese Handicraft Mart, northern areas of Shihlin and Tienmu for souvenirs and local crafts, Dinghao for export garments, jewellery and art, and the Weekend Jade Market for jade and other artefacts. Keep in mind the fact that you aren’t allowed to export anything more than 100 years old- but fairly good reproductions of antiques can be bought, so you might like to look out for those. Actually in Taipei one can shop at anytime of day or night – besides the shops that are open during the day, the concept of night markets are popular with the Shihlin Night Market, being the most famous. Shop here for good-value trendy clothing and food. And remember to bargain!