Souvenirs To Buy in Taiwan

I’ve learned some of what makes this country special. To help share a bit of Taiwan with family, friends, and acquaintances, I wrote a list of the best things to buy.

Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or just someone who watered your plants, this guide rounds up the best Taiwanese souvenirs to pack in your luggage.

From award-winning whiskey to handmade crafts, iconic snacks, and thoughtful trinkets, I’ve curated a list that covers both practical gifts and pasalubong — the Filipino tradition of bringing home treats for loved ones after a trip.

If you’re looking for mitbringsel (souvenirs or small gifts) from Taiwan, this guide has you covered — whether you’re shopping for friends, family, coworkers, or just yourself.

One of these picks is from a sponsor who reached out, but honestly, I’m a fan and would’ve included it anyway if I’d found it myself.

Keep reading for where to buy, prices, and pro tips!

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20+ Taiwan Finds That Are Worth the Money

Whether you’re hunting for edible delights, cultural gems, or self-care treats, this guide breaks everything down by category so you can shop smart and bring home gifts people will actually love.

Have questions? FAQs are at the end.

🍱 Food & Drink Souvenirs

Whether you’re after the best snacks from Taiwan or edible souvenirs with serious gift appeal, this section covers delicious finds you can bring home for friends, family, or just your future self.

Don’t miss these food-focused souvenir guides:

• 🍘 Best Taiwanese Snack Souvenirs – A deep dive into crunchy, chewy, sweet, and savory local favorites
• 🛒 What to Buy at Don Don Donki Taiwan – I’ve found some great Taiwan exclusives here.
• 🧂 Taiwan Supermarket Souvenir Guide – Everyday gems you can grab at Carrefour, PX Mart, or Wellcome.

Let’s find some snacks.

1. Nougat Candy

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$150 per box (depends on weight/brand)
• 🎁 Best For: Coworkers, snack lovers, and anyone who appreciates a not-too-sweet gift that feels just a little fancy
• 🧠 Tips: Buy cheaper nougats from supermarkets.

Nougats are a traditional Taiwanese candy made with peanuts and milk, which means they’re not for folks who are allergic to nuts and or are vegan. These candies strike a balance between chewy and crisp — think of a soft candy that finishes with a nutty snap. I typically hate crunchy, but I’ve made an exception for nougats. As I’ve finished a whole bag in a night.

Peanut crisp was my favorite. If you want a stereotypical “Taiwanese” flavor, then get the bubble tea one.

While many travelers rave about 73 Candy in Hualien City, it’s a bit out of the way unless you’re already visiting the east coast. For something easier to find (and still high-quality), go for Salico Foods — their nougats are rich, balanced, and better than most of the budget brands I’ve tried.

Nougats have long been a Lunar New Year staple in Taiwan.

Or get it online

2. Tea-Flavored Popcorn

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$139 – NT$190 per bag (depends on weight/brand)
• 🎁 Best For: Tea lovers, those who want ‘safe’ souvenirs, an unexpected souvenir that isn’t pineapple cake, gamers, office workers
• 🧠 Tips: The Roselle Floral Tea flavor is the only flavor without caffeine.

Hearties reached out to me and had me try some of their tea-flavored popcorn — and I’ve gotta say, I liked it way more than I expected. What they do is coat popcorn with a fine powder made from real, naturally farmed tea leaves, sourced from different regions throughout Taiwan.

My favorite flavor was Roselle Floral Tea followed by Jasmine Green Tea. They may have more or less flavors by the time you read this guide.

That warning being said, the Roselle Floral Tea flavor is fine for kids. So long as they don’t have issues with butter or soy.

I’ve realized that the caffeinated flavors are a great snack for gamers. If you’re buying for someone who games or works long hours, this popcorn gives a gentle energy boost without the crash of an energy drink.

It’s much healthier than the energy drinks they’re likely drinking

As a kid in the United States I’d always get those giant tins that have different flavors of popcorn, that’s what this popcorn reminded me of, but they had a much cleaner flavor — and WAY less sugar. They also have no preservatives.

None of their flavors are vegan. It seems as if they don’t have the Vegan Cheese Green Tea flavor, anymore.

If you’re buying a souvenir for someone who doesn’t want anything too ‘weird from Asia’, this popcorn strikes a perfect balance. It weaves in Taiwanese culture through local tea varieties, but the format — popcorn — is something most Westerners already know and love. It’s familiar, but with a twist.

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3. Pineapple Cakes

• 🛒 Avg. Price:
  • NT$38 per cake (price varies by flavor)
  • NT$200 – NT$500 per box (depending on brand and quantity)
• 🎁Best for: Anyone with a sweet tooth, first-time visitors, coworkers, family
• 🧠 Notes: If you want to try Chia Te but don’t want to stand in line, you can order their pineapple cakes online and have them delivered straight to your hotel.

Pineapple cakes are the most iconic edible souvenir you can bring back from Taiwan — and they’re everywhere. These dense, buttery pastries with a sweet-tart pineapple filling have become a symbol of Taiwanese hospitality and gifting culture.

If you only bring home one snack, let it be this one.

When it comes to name brands, Chia Te (佳德) and Taipei Leechi (台北犁記) are the heavy-hitters. These shops have earned a cult following for their flaky crusts, high-fruit-content filling, and that just sweet enough finish.

Here’s the problem. The lines at Chia Te’s main store in Songshan are no joke — I’ve seen them stretch out the door, and they can sell out early.

Chia Te’s cakes are made with real pineapple, not just winter melon filler (a cheaper substitute used in many mass-market brands). They also use a shortcrust-style pastry that’s crisp, not dry. Taiwanese locals and tourists alike swear by the flavor balance, freshness, and beautiful packaging — and they’ve won multiple awards, which helps keep the hype going.

That being said — don’t sleep on supermarket versions.

You can find pineapple cakes at 7-Eleven, PX Mart, or local grocery stores, often for a fraction of the price, and honestly? I didn’t notice a huge difference in taste. They’re sweeter, a little less buttery, and may not have the same flaky texture, but they’re still really solid — especially for gifting in bulk or bringing back for coworkers.

Here’s a guide on other souvenirs you can get in Taipei. Many of which I didn’t include in this guide.

🧾 If you buy pineapple cakes from a tax refund–eligible store, you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

4. A Bottle of Kavalan Whiskey

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$1,399 per bottle
  • Or get tiny bottles for NT$180
• 🎁 Best For: whiskey fans, collectors, or that uncle who always brings the top-shelf stuff.
• 🧠 Notes:
  • Hard to find outside Taiwan
  • Award-winning malt whiskey

Many supermarkets, Simple Marts, and some convenience stores sell Taiwan’s award-winning Kavalan malt whiskey for at least NT$1,399 a bottle . Or find tiny bottles of these for NT$180 at Kavalan stores. So far the most convenient locations I’ve found are in Ximending and the Taipei 101 mall.

You’ll find Kavalan — Taiwan’s award-winning single malt whiskey — in many supermarkets, Simple Marts, and even select convenience stores [2]. For smaller sizes, check the official Kavalan stores: I’ve personally seen mini bottles (around NT$180) at locations in Ximending and Taipei 101 mall — super convenient if you’re short on time or luggage space.

I typically hate whiskey, but I could stand drinking Kavalan without a mixer.

While you might find Kavalan overseas, it’s often expensive or hard to track down — and certain varieties are only sold locally. If you’re a whiskey lover, this is one souvenir that absolutely deserves space in your bag.

🧾 If you buy Kavalan from a tax refund–eligible store, you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

5. Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$1,199 per bottle (varies by shop & bottle)
• 🎁 Best for: Adventurous drinkers, collectors of traditional spirits, or that friend who dares people to try “the strong stuff.”

This is one of Taiwan’s most traditional and iconic liquors — whether you’ll like it is a different story. Distilled from sorghum and originating from Kinmen Island, Kaoliang has a strong bite and a distinct flavor that locals either love or respect. You’ll find the popular Hundred Dragon brand and the classic 38% ABV version in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor shops.

Personally, I’m not a fan of the taste — it’s way too intense for me — but hey, you might vibe with it. Either way, it’s a strong (and cheap) cultural souvenir.

🧾 If you buy Kinmen Kaoliang from a tax refund–eligible store, you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

6. Cans of Taiwan Beer

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$35 – NT$50 per can
• 🎁 Best for: Casual drinkers, beer collectors, or friends who love trying country-specific brews.

It’s not amazing, but it’s not bad — and honestly, it’s better than any cheap beer I had back in the States. Taiwan Beer is everywhere: night markets, convenience stores, supermarkets, and random shops. It’s light, a little grainy, and has that classic Asian lager taste that works well on a hot day — or just for the novelty.

It’s also one of the most affordable alcoholic souvenirs you can bring home, especially if you want to surprise someone with a beer that’s nearly impossible to find outside Asia. Just be careful when packing — the carbonation can make it a bit volatile in checked luggage, especially if it gets jostled too much.

7. Kuai Kuai Puff Corn Snacks

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$28
• 🎁Best for: Techies, engineers, office gift exchanges, or your one friend who calls themselves “a little superstitious
• 🧠 Notes: Get only the green bags for the ‘superstition’ factor

Kuai Kuai (乖乖 or Guai Guai) are sweet puff corn snacks — think of a lighter, airier version of Cap’n Crunch — and you’ll see them everywhere in Taiwan. They’re sold at nearly every supermarket and convenience store, but what makes them special is the superstition attached to them.

In Taiwan, Kuai Kuai means “well-behaved.” So, these snacks are often placed next to machines, servers, and electronics in hopes of keeping the devices from crashing or misbehaving. If you go to a police station or another government building, you’ll likely see a bunch of these adjacent to their computers.

8. Sun Cakes

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$270 ($9.50) for a box of 10
• 🎁 Best for: Sweet tooths, pastry fans
• 🧠 Notes: Messy to eat

Sun cakes are one of the messiest desserts I’ve ever eaten — and one of my absolute favorites. They’re flaky, delicate pastries filled with malt sugar that melts in your mouth and all over your hands if you’re not careful.

If you’re into buttery layers and a soft, syrupy center, this one’s for you.

The best sun cakes I’ve ever had came from 23 Sun Bakery (23 太陽餅店) in Taichung, and I highly recommend making a stop there if you’re in the area. It’s just a short walk from the original Chun Shui Tang restaurant — the birthplace of bubble tea.

👉 For directions and more spots nearby, check out my guide to things to do in Taichung.

If you’re based in Taipei and can’t make the trip south, you’ve still got options. Sugar & Spice (糖村) — a popular dessert chain — sells sun cakes. You can also find boxed versions at airport souvenir shops, department store food halls, and even select convenience stores. Just note: the texture and taste really vary brand to brand, so get a small box to sample before you commit to a bulk buy.

🧾 If you buy sun cakes from a tax refund–eligible store, you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

9. Tea

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$200 – NT$1,000+ depending on type and packaging
• 🎁 Best for: Tea lovers, wellness enthusiasts, or someone who’s trying to quit coffee
• 🧠 Notes: 茶 (Chá) means tea in Mandarin; may help when asking for it

Taiwan is a tea-lover’s paradise. The country’s geography and climate give it a unique advantage: high-altitude mountain ranges, steady mist, and dramatic temperature shifts create ideal conditions for slow-growing, flavor-rich tea leaves. On top of that, Taiwanese farmers are meticulous — many teas are hand-picked, small-batch processed, and crafted with generations of knowledge behind them.

Taiwan produces more than 14,000 tons of tea yearly for a good reason.

The country is world-famous for its high-mountain oolong, harvested from misty slopes in regions like Alishan, Lishan, and Shanlinxi. These teas are prized for their complex aroma, floral undertones, and smooth, buttery finish — unlike anything you’ll find in an average tea bag.

If you have time while traveling, consider joining a tea ceremony or visiting a tea farm — places like Alishan and Maokong (in Taipei) offer hands-on tea-making experiences that let you sip and learn straight from the source.

🧾 If you buy your tea at a tax refund–eligible shop, you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

10: Other Snacks

• 🎁 Best for: Casual snack lovers, coworkers, schoolmates, or anyone who’d appreciate a DIY Taiwan snack haul.

If you’ve got a little extra room in your suitcase — or just want to load up on cheap, fun snacks that scream “Taiwan” — head to a local supermarket or convenience store. While they may not be as fancy as the premium souvenir brands, these snacks are authentic, giftable, and great for casual sharing.

Here are some underrated (but highly addictive) snack options to look out for:

• Brown Sugar Boba Mochi: Chewy, sweet, and full of that signature brown sugar flavor.
• Lay’s Taiwan-Only Flavors: Think eel, fried chicken, Thai hot pot, and more.
• Instant Noodles: TTL’s rice wine beef noodles come with actual rice wine packets.
• Pea Crackers: A Taiwanese classic with flavors like wasabi, garlic shrimp, and Thai chili. Crunchy and weirdly satisfying.
• Dried Fruits: From sour plums to candied mango, these are super popular with locals and a hit-or-miss with foreigners.
• Flying Fish Crackers: A regional snack from Orchid Island with a crunchy, airy texture and seafood-forward flavor.
• I-Mei Milk Puffs: Soft, creamy, and found in almost every 7-Eleven.
• Mr. Brown Instant Coffee Packs: A local brand known for canned coffee.
• A-Po Iron Eggs: A chewy, savory snack from Tamsui that’s soaked in soy sauce and spice — iconic and very “Taiwanese”.
• Milk Candy & Condensed Milk Snacks: Creamy, nostalgic flavors that make great filler gifts.
• Lemon cakes: Typically for sale at bakeries, train stations, and airports — my favorite

You could also search for candy bars you’ve never seen. As I don’t know what’s available in every country.

Most of these snacks cost less than a buck or two, so they’re perfect for last-minute souvenirs, stocking stuffers, or office snack drops. Just be sure to double check the expiration date if you’re buying in bulk — some of the fresher mochi or pastries have a short shelf life.

🧾 If you buy these at a tax refund–eligible store (some department-store supermarkets count), you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

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🎎 Crafts & Souvenirs

Whether you’re shopping for art lovers, culture nerds, or someone who already has a kitchen full of pineapple cakes, this section is packed with unique finds you can actually display, use, or keep for a long time.

We’ll cover both traditional crafts and modern handmade pieces, along with where to buy them and what makes them special.

Check out these deeper guides for focused finds:

• 💻 Where to Shop Online in Taiwan: A guide to local e-commerce, delivery tips, and what you can order to your hotel
• 🏷️ Made in Taiwan Products: Iconic, proudly local items that go beyond keychains and fridge magnets
• 🐻 Cute Souvenirs from Taiwan: Adorably designed gifts, stationery, and character goods that scream kawaii with a Taiwanese twist

Let’s dive in.

11. Tea-scented Perfume: P.Seven Perfume

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$1,400 – NT$2,250 (smaller items like bubble tea perfumes start under NT$600)
• 🎁 Best for: Scent nerds, tea lovers, minimalists
• 🧠 Tips: To keep your P.Seven scent at its best, store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.

If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s uniquely Taiwanese but doesn’t scream tourist trinket, P.Seven should be your first stop. This local fragrance house specializes in scents inspired by Taiwan’s tea culture and natural landscapes — and honestly? They nailed it.

I use the Oolong Tea scent whenever I go out. It’s fresh, slightly green, and just floral enough — subtle, sophisticated, and definitely worth the splurge. You can buy P.Seven perfumes outside Taiwan, but they’re way more expensive overseas (especially after shipping).

Their stores — like the one on Yongkang Street in Taipei — also stock smaller, more affordable bottles, including a bubble tea perfume. That one’s packaging feels a little cheaper, but if you know someone who lives for boba, it’s a fun gift.

You’ll also find pillow sprays designed to evoke different parts of Taiwan — I picked up one that’s meant to capture the feeling of Dihua Street in Taipei. It’s a cool, low-effort way to bring home a scent memory of a specific place.

🧾 If you buy P.Seven products at a tax refund–eligible store, you can claim a VAT refund — check the end of this guide for more info.

Get P.Seven Online

12. Small (And Cheap) Souvenirs

• 🎁 Best for: Bulk gifting, classmates, pen pals, office white elephant swaps, or anyone who’d love a fun slice of Taiwan.

Not every souvenir needs to cost a fortune — sometimes, it’s the little things that hit best. Whether you’re shopping for classmates, coworkers, or just want to grab a few extras for fun, Taiwan has tons of affordable, lightweight souvenirs that won’t weigh down your luggage or your wallet.

These are perfect for tossing into a gift bag, mailing home, or handing out as quick “I-thought-of-you” mementos:

• Miniature Sky Lanterns: Tiny versions of Pingxi’s famous floating lanterns, often sold with messages of luck or peace
• Keychains & Magnets: Shaped like bubble tea, Taipei 101, Taiwan’s outline, or classic cultural motifs
• Postcards with Art Prints: Illustrated or photographic, often featuring locations throughout the country
• Red Envelopes: Traditional lucky envelopes for New Year or celebrations — found at stationairy shops and convenience stores
• Luggage Tags or Stickers: Boba-themed, MRT-inspired, or with cute Taiwanese slang — found at Daiso, bookstores, or 7-Eleven
• Gachapon Toys: Taiwan is full of gachapon machines — in malls, MRT stations, and even convenience stores. You’ll find everything from mini street food replicas to weird mascot creatures and local memes for NT$30 – NT$100 a pop
• Bubble Tea Pins or Enamel Badges: Pop culture–style souvenirs you’ll see at creative parks or design pop-ups

13. Cute & Collectible EasyCards + Smart Cards

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$100 – NT$3,000+
• 🎁 Best for: Travelers using public transit, smart card collectors, anime or pop culture fans, anyone who wants a functional souvenir
• 🧠 Tips: Get one early in your trip — it doubles as souvenir and transit pass.

The following smart cards come in all kinds of shapes and sizes depending on who they collaborate with — think Poké Balls, bubble tea cups, anime characters, or local brands:

• EasyCard (Guide): Most popular card.
• iCash 2.0 (Guide): A bit more niche, but great for 7-11 fans and select retail chains.
• iPASS (Guide): Commonly used in southern Taiwan and Kaohsiung’s transit system.

📌 P.S. I compare all three of these IC cards in detail — features, compatibility, and where to get them — so check out the full guide here.

Most of these limited-edition cards don’t offer special functionality — they work just like the regular ones. Though I did once see an iCash card that doubled as a scratch ticket, it’s sadly no longer available.

These cards are limited-time releases and often sell out quickly — either from popularity or resellers trying to flip them.

14. Taiwanese Jade (and How to Spot the Real Thing)

• 🛒 Avg. Price:
  • Small jade charms or earrings: NT$300 – NT$800
  • Simple bracelets or pendants: NT$1,000 – NT$3,000
  • Larger statement pieces or high-grade jade: NT$5,000+
• 🎁 Best for: Friends or family who appreciate meaningful, elegant gifts, anyone into spiritual or protective charms, or jewelry lovers and collectors of cultural pieces
• 🧠 Tips: Learn to spot real vs. fake jade

Jade in Taiwan is deeply tied to tradition, spirituality, and family heritage. It’s often gifted for protection, longevity, and luck, especially in the form of bracelets, rings, pendants, and charms.

So why’s it so popular?

Jade has been valued in Chinese and Taiwanese culture for thousands of years — not just for its beauty, but because it’s believed to protect the wearer from harm. In Taiwan, jade jewelry is often passed down through generations or gifted during life milestones (birthdays, weddings, business launches).

And where would you get it?

Jianguo Jade Market in Taipei — it’s the most accessible and diverse place to browse and buy jade. You’ll find everything from NT$100 trinkets to NT$100,000 heirloom pieces. I’ve written a full guide on how to navigate Jianguo Market, including how to bargain, and what to look for.

🧭 Check out my full guide to the Jianguo Jade Market here

15. Cultural Products

• 🎁 Best for: art lovers, culture collectors, display-minded giftees
  🧠 Tip: Some of these items can be fragile or oversized — consider shipping them if you fall in love with something big

Taiwan is home to a rich blend of cultures — Hakka, Indigenous, Han Chinese, and beyond — and you’ll find that reflected in the island’s traditional crafts and cultural souvenirs.

These items aren’t always the easiest to pack, but they’re deeply meaningful, beautifully made, and perfect for display or gifting.

Some unique finds to look out for:

• Taiwanese Glove Puppets: Handcrafted and theatrical. Great for collectors or fans of Pili drama.
• Hakka Oil-Paper Umbrellas: Symbolic of blessings and protection, often painted with floral or scenic motifs.
• Indigenous Crafts: Look for beaded jewelry, textiles, and wood carvings by Formosan Indigenous artists — especially in eastern Taiwan or cultural centers.
• Calligraphy Sets & Brushes: A creative and traditional gift, often boxed beautifully for gifting.
• Temple Charms & Amulets: Found at famous temples; small, symbolic, and often personalized.

16. Taiwan Pottery Gifts

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$100 – NT$2,500+
  • Small items (saucers, chopstick rests): NT$100 – 300
  • Cups, incense holders: NT$300 – 800
  • Tea pots & artisan sets: NT$1,000+
• 🎁 Best for: Design lovers, tea drinkers, minimalists, homebodies, or anyone who likes souvenirs they can actually use
• 🧠 Tips:
  • Find out if they’re dishwasher safe
  • Pack them carefully
  • Unglazed pottery is more traditional for tea but requires special care

Taiwan has a rich ceramics culture, blending Chinese tradition with local artistic flair. From minimalist teacups to colorful incense holders, handmade pottery makes a thoughtful, high-quality souvenir — especially if you’re into slow travel, design, or practical keepsakes you’ll actually use.

While you can find ceramics in souvenir shops, the best pieces come from Taiwan’s pottery hubs and artist villages. You’ll find everything from NT$100 chopstick rests to NT$10,000 tea sets — it all depends on the maker and material.

17. Souvenirs from Taiwan’s Tourist Attractions

• 🎁 Best for: fans of location-based keepsakes, museum gift shop hunters, and anyone who wants something that says “I was there.”

Looking for souvenirs that are tied to the places you visited? Many of Taiwan’s top tourist attractions have their own branded merchandise or location-specific gifts — perfect if you want something that says “I was here.”

I’ve recommended specific souvenir finds in my individual guides to:

• Taipei 101: Think tower-shaped magnets, tote bags, postcards, and even boba-themed collectibles with the tower logo.
• Rongjin Park: Artisan soap, woven baskets, and indie zines from local vendors and creators.
• Ximending: From anime pins and J-pop posters to street fashion stickers and local art prints.
• Pokémon Center Taipei: Limited-edition Pokémon merch with “Taipei” tags you won’t find in other countries.
• National Palace Museum: Pick up bookmarks, mugs, and pins shaped like the meat-shaped stone or jade cabbage.
• Miyahara Ice Cream (Taichung): Even if you don’t bring back the actual ice cream, the chocolate boxes and cookie tins are dope.
• Fo Guang Shan Monastery (Kaohsiung): Think calming incense, beaded bracelets, Buddhist calligraphy scrolls, or Dharma-themed keepsakes.
• Miniatures Museum: Tiny food stalls, MRT stations, and old-style tea shops — super fun to gift or collect.

18. Starbucks Mugs of Taiwan’s Cities

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$450–NT$600
• 🎁 Best for: Collectors, coffee lovers, or anyone who wants a souvenir that isn’t food
• 🧠 Tips: Check Starbucks Taiwan’s website or app to preview designs (if you want to hunt down a specific one)

Taiwan is part of the Starbucks You Are Here and Been There mug series, and if you’re a collector — or just want a souvenir that’s functional, giftable, and recognizably local — a Starbucks mug is an easy win.

Each mug features designs inspired by Taiwan’s cities and culture: think Taipei 101, temple motifs, or mountain scenery. Seasonal designs and Lunar New Year editions also drop throughout the year, so if you visit during a holiday period, check the shelves.

You can find these mugs at most Starbucks branches, especially at flagship locations, airport shops, and high-traffic city centers.

19. Custom Name Stamps

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$100 – NT$3,000+ (depending on materials and design)
• 🎁 Best for: Stationery lovers, creative types, bookworms, or anyone with a thing for personalized gifts
• 🧠 Tips: Most vendors won’t carve in English — name stamps are intended for Chinese characters
  • Locksmiths are the go-to for fast, cheap engraving — shopping malls may have nicer materials but limited on-site carving
  • Look for sets that come with an ink pad and carrying case for a more polished gift

Want a custom souvenir that literally has your name on it? Name stamps — or chops — are still widely used in Taiwan as a traditional way to sign documents, and they make a meaningful, personalized, and travel-friendly souvenir.

I use these for formal documents.

Traditionally, name stamps are used with Chinese names, often for banking, legal forms, or business signatures. But don’t worry — you don’t need an official Chinese name to get one made. As a tourist, you can choose any Chinese characters you like, as long as you show them clearly to the stamp maker (a screenshot or handwritten note works fine).

Just make sure you know what the characters mean — you don’t want to accidentally gift someone a stamp that says something rude or ridiculous.

It’s critical to have it if you live here.

20. Rare Taiwanese Coins

• 🛒 Avg. Price: NT$10 – NT$100 per coin (more for packaged or rare sets)
• 🎁 Best for: Collectors, kids, travelers who want a low-effort, compact souvenir
• 🧠 Tips: Some souvenir shops or banks may carry commemorative coins — but coin shops are your best bet

If you’re into unique, easy-to-pack souvenirs, Taiwan’s coins are actually worth collecting — literally. The country has released a few unusual denominations and limited-run coins that make great gifts or keepsakes.

Here are the most interesting (and elusive) ones to look for:

I got both of mine from a small coin shop at No. 27, Guling St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City — just a short walk from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The shopkeepers don’t speak English, but they’re friendly and patient. I showed them photos of the coins I wanted, and they immediately pulled out an NT$20 coin. For the NT$0.5 coin, they had to go to another shop.

Don’t push them to go out of their way — just ask politely if they have certain coins in stock.

Also keep an eye out for these coins:

• Commemorative NT$10 and NT$50 coins: sometimes released for national holidays or special events
• Presidential inauguration coins
• Historical coin sets: found occasionally in museums or gift shops
• Minted proof sets: more expensive, but beautifully packaged

This site will show you some of the cemmemorative coins available.

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Other Considerations

1. Taiwan VAT Refund for Tourists

Tourists in Taiwan can get a 5% VAT refund on eligible purchases made at participating stores. You’ll need to spend at least NT$2,000 in a single day, at a single shop displaying the “Tax Refund” sign. Bring your passport at checkout to have the form issued.

Refunds are claimed at the airport before departure, and the items must be unused and taken out of the country within 90 days of purchase. Some larger stores also offer same-day in-store refunds.

If you want a full breakdown, including eligible items and refund locations, check out my guide to Taiwan’s Tourist Tax Refund.

2. Customs Limits

When bringing souvenirs home, make sure you know your country’s customs limits. Taiwan generally allows travelers to leave with most food, drink, and cultural items — but your home country’s import rules matter more when it comes to what you can actually bring in.

Most countries have limits for:

• Alcohol: Usually around 1 liter per adult (e.g., U.S. limit)
• Tobacco: Often 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars
• Tea and packaged snacks: Usually allowed, but check for restrictions on meat, dairy, or fresh produce
• Liquids: Anything over 100ml must go in checked luggage, especially for perfumes or sauces

If you’re buying something expensive (like high-end tea, liquor, or jade), keep your receipts and declare it if required. This helps avoid issues at customs.

3. Shipping Souvenirs from Taiwan

If your luggage’s getting tight or you’re traveling light, you can ship souvenirs home from Taiwan — either through post offices or private couriers like FedEx, DHL, and SF Express.

Post offices are reliable and often more affordable, especially for small parcels or printed materials. Just make sure your items are well-packed and within the destination country’s import rules.

Some vendors (especially at pottery shops, jade markets, and tea houses) offer in-store international shipping, which can save you the hassle of packing it yourself.

For fragile items like ceramics or liquids, shipping is often safer than cramming them into your suitcase — just keep the shipping cost in mind, as it can get expensive depending on weight and speed.

4. Duty-Free vs. Local Shopping (And What to Buy)

Taiwan has solid duty-free options at major airports, but they’re not always the best place to buy souvenirs. In many cases, local shops — especially bakeries, tea houses, and markets — offer better pricing, fresher stock, or more variety.

That said, duty-free can still be convenient for:

• Alcohol (like Kavalan whiskey or Kinmen Kaoliang)
• Fragrance and cosmetics (like P.Seven or global brands)
• Pre-packaged pineapple cakes, mochi, and tea gift boxes
• Brand-name snacks in travel-ready packaging
• High-end packaged goods you forgot to buy earlier

Just don’t assume it’ll be cheaper — sometimes you’re paying more for the airport markup.

If you want the best balance of price and authenticity, shop local while you’re in town, and use duty-free as a backup or top-off spot.

5. Taiwan Receipt Lottery (Keep Your Receipts)

Every receipt in Taiwan doubles as a free lottery ticket — seriously.

It’s called the Uniform Invoice Lottery, and the government uses it to encourage businesses to issue proper receipts. Every two months, the government draws winning numbers, and you could win up to NT$10 million just by buying snacks or souvenirs and keeping your receipts.

Here’s how it works:

• Every official receipt (with a barcode or 8-digit number) is automatically entered
• Winning numbers are announced every two months
• Prizes range from NT$200 to NT$10 million
• If you’re in Taiwan when numbers are drawn, you can check receipts at convenience stores or online
• Foreigners can claim winnings — just bring your passport and the original receipt to a post office

So yeah: keep your receipts. Even if you don’t win big, it’s a fun local ritual — and some travelers have walked away with enough to cover their whole trip.

For how to check winning numbers and redeem prizes, I break it down in my Taiwan Receipt Lottery Guide.

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