This guide will recommend what souvenirs to buy at Don Don Donki in any of Taiwan’s 5 locations. Keep reading to learn more.
I’ve visited Don Quijote (known as Don Don Donki in Taiwan) throughout Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore and want to share my recommendations for souvenirs in Taiwan. It’s not that long of a post, but it would have been too much information to add to my other souvenir guides.
Table of Contents
Important Information for Tourists
| Ways You Can Pay | Cash, Google Pay (now Google Wallet), Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and more), LINE Pay |
| Hours | Varies by location |
How to Claim Taiwan’s Tourist Tax Refund
Don Don Donki is a part of Taiwan’s Tax Refund Shopping Program. However, the following products are ineligible to receive a tax refund:
- Vegetables
- Wagyu beef
- Fruits
Taiwan offers a 5% Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund to foreign tourists who purchase goods worth NT$2,000 or more in a day from authorized shops displaying the “Tax Refund Shopping” logo.
To claim the refund, you must present your passport and the purchase invoice at the airport or designated refund counters before departure. Then you’ll have to take the goods out of Taiwan within 90 days of purchase.
There are several ways to claim the refund, including at the airport, designated counters in the city, or through an online platform. I explain the process of claiming and where to claim your refund in a separate guide.
9+ Best Souvenirs at Don Don Donki (Don Quijote) in Taiwan
| Items Only Found in Taiwan | Japanese KitKat Flavors |
| Unique Pocky Flavors | Cold Body Towels |
| Reusable Shopping Bags | Tiny Beers |
| Other Small and Cute Items | Beef Tail Soup |
| Contacts | Bubble Tea |
Don Don Donki also has many ready-to-eat meals that my wife always buys. I don’t recommend anything in particular, and I can’t find any vloggers and bloggers who are as passionate about their meals as I’ve seen with Singapore bloggers.
1. Taiwan Exclusives
At some locations you’ll see giant signs with “獨家優惠” on it. This means “exclusive to.” The sign in the picture below says “Exclusive to Ximending.” Thus, I obviously couldn’t find this particular item at any other Don Don Donki.
Keep an eye out for these items.
I can’t recommend any item in particular because they’ll frequently rotate exclusives. And I don’t want to risk misinforming you.
2. Japanese KitKat
If you’re going to Japan before or after visiting Taiwan, skip this section. Otherwise, you’ll want to try some unique KitKat flavors. If you look at the pictures below, one of the flavors you’ll see is “wasabi.”
I bought this specific flavor from an airport in Osaka and regret it. It wasn’t spicy and nearly made me throw up. Taste is subjective, though. I recommend getting it for any wasabi lovers you know (or for yourself).
Taiwan’s Don Don Donki locations may not have this flavor when you visit. As they typically rotate the various KitKat flavors they have. Just buy what looks tasty.
3. Pocky You Won’t See Elsewhere
Most convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Taiwan have “boring” Pocky flavors like chocolate and almond. But I found more unique flavors at Don Don Donki.
For instance, baked cheesecake.
I don’t like cheesecake, but you might. Thus, it’s an option.
4. “Cold” Body Towels
You’ll typically find items like these everywhere in Taiwan, particularly at convenience stores. However, they’re excellent to buy to tackle a hot day, which you’ll likely encounter in Taiwan.
These towels will make you “feel” cold.
5. Shopping Bags
Don Don Donki locations throughout Asia will also have reusable shopping bags, but they won’t have Taiwan-specific bags. For instance, if you look at the picture, you’ll see a “Taichung” bag.
You could also use these when buying other things in Taiwan. NT$169 for a neat bag isn’t that bad.
6. Tiny Beers
I haven’t seen tiny beers anywhere else in Taiwan other than Don Quijote. Thus, if you want something you can finish in a single sip, then this is the place.
7. Other Cute (Small) Items
I’ve seen most of the items in the pictures below at Don Quijote locations outside Taiwan, but if Taiwan’s your only destination, I recommend snagging some of these souvenirs if they catch your eye.
They’re cheap and small enough not to make a difference in your luggage.
8. Instant Beef Tail Soup
- Where the Beef is From: Taiwan
- MSG-free
- Price: NT$199
- 1 serving
Don Don Donki did a collaboration with A Cun Beef Soup (台南阿村第二代牛肉湯) shop in Tainan, a renowned beef soup shop that’s been around since 1968, to produce instant beef tail soup (清燉牛肉湯).
It’s simmered with half beef and half tendon while the broth is slowly cooked in a vegetable base. I haven’t tried it, but my wife, a local, said that Taiwanese love it.
As for whether this is allowed on a plane. This is technically considered a dry product. Dry food items are generally allowed on planes. This should be allowed on a plane as long as it is unopened and in its original packaging.
It’s important to be aware that some countries have restrictions on bringing meat products in, even if they are dried or processed. It’s recommended to check the specific regulations of your destination country before traveling to avoid any issues at customs.
9. Contacts
I honestly don’t know anything about contacts, but my wife highly recommends getting them and says that tourists often get them from Don Don Donki because they’re cheap.
I, nor my wife, is a medical specialist. And I recommend that you don’t wear contacts without a prescription. However, I’m listing these as an option and you could talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist about these.
Instant Bubble Tea
Of course, I’m going to recommend something with bubble tea. It’s Taiwan. Anyway, it’s instant bubble tea and not really special. However, if you don’t have instant bubble tea in your home country, consider this.
What is Don Don Donki?
Don Don Donki (also known as Don Quijote in Japan) is a popular Japanese discount store chain that has expanded to Taiwan. It is known for its bright yellow branding, a wide variety of products, and the catchy Don Don Donki jingle that plays in stores.
In Taiwan, Don Don Donki offers a diverse range of items, including:
- Japanese groceries and snacks: A vast selection of Japanese snacks, sweets, instant noodles, sauces, and other unique food items that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Fresh produce: Imported fruits, vegetables, and seafood from Japan, known for their high quality and freshness.
- Cosmetics and skincare: Beauty products, makeup, skincare items, and hair care products are popular among shoppers.
- Household goods and appliances: Household items, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, and small appliances.
- Apparel and accessories: Trendy clothing, accessories, and character goods.
- Toys and games: Toys, anime merchandise, manga, and other collectibles.
Don Don Donki has gained popularity in Taiwan due to its unique shopping experience, offering a taste of Japan to Taiwanese consumers. The chain has expanded to 5 locations throughout the country, providing convenient access to its diverse product offerings for locals and tourists alike.
The Don Don Donki locations in Taiwan are:
- Ximending Store (Taipei): No. 56號, Section 2, Wuchang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 108
- Zhongxiao Xinsheng Store (Taipei City) 100, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Section 1, Bade Rd, 55號B
- This is adjacent to the Guanghua Digital Plaza and Syntrend
- CITYLINK Nangang Store (Taipei): 115, Taipei City, Nangang District, Section 7, Zhongxiao E Rd, 359號B棟3樓
- TIGER CITY Store (Taichung): 407, Taichung City, Xitun District, Section 3, Henan Rd, 120號B1．最後入場時間22:00
- Talee Department Store (Kaohsiung): 801, Kaohsiung City, Qianjin District, Wufu 3rd Rd, 57號A館與59號B館B1．最後入場時間22:30
These stores in Taiwan don’t come close to the ones in Japan, though. For instance, one location that I visited in Osaka has at least 7 floors and way more of a variety of goods. Moreover, the prices were lower.
But if you can’t make it to Japan, this is your next best option.