Everyday Life in Taiwan - Shopping, Convenience, and Culture

24-Hour Convenience Stores

Taiwan’s convenience stores are famous for being open all day, every day. They make life easy for both locals and travelers by offering food, drinks, and helpful services anytime you need them.

7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Hi-Life are everywhere — more than 10,000 stores across the island. These shops started as small local stores but have grown into modern mini-markets that do almost everything.

Fresh meals like bento boxes, hot dishes, sandwiches, and desserts are made daily. Many stores have coffee machines, fresh fruit, yogurt, and salads. Some even bake bread and pastries throughout the day.

Convenience stores also act as community service spots. You can use ATMs, pay bills, pick up packages, or even rent bicycles. Travelers can buy SIM cards, travel cards, snacks, and toiletries with ease.

Because they’re open 24 hours, these stores are perfect for late-night snacks, early-morning flights, or emergencies. They are usually located near MRT stations and hotels, making them easy to reach.

Today, Taiwan’s convenience stores are more than shops — they’re part of the culture. They reflect the island’s focus on convenience, speed, and friendly service.

Cashless Payments & Mobile Apps

Taiwan is one of Asia’s leaders in cashless payments. Mobile apps and digital wallets let people pay quickly and safely everywhere they go.

Popular Apps: LINE Pay and JKOPay use QR codes and work in convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, and even on public transportation. Visitors can easily add money from international cards.

Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay also work very well in Taiwan. Most stores have contactless terminals, making payment fast and simple.

Credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in cities. Contactless tap-to-pay and chip cards ensure transactions are secure.

Ride apps like Uber and local taxi apps connect with payment systems for easy travel. Food delivery apps such as Foodpanda and Uber Eats allow ordering meals without using cash.

The government supports digital payments, so usage is extremely high — over 80% in big cities. Most apps offer English versions and accept international cards, making life easier for foreign visitors.

Shopping Areas in Taipei

Taipei’s shopping neighborhoods show different sides of the city. From traditional markets to luxury malls, there’s something for every budget and style.

• Ximending: Youth shopping district with fashion shops, streetwear, cafes, and live performances. Energetic and creative.
• Taipei 101 Mall: High-end shopping with global brands and fine dining. Modern, beautiful, and great for sightseeing.
• Night Markets: Shilin and Raohe mix shopping with street food and games. Buy clothes, accessories, and souvenirs while enjoying snacks.
• Dongmen: Stylish boutiques and modern lifestyle stores for trendy shoppers.
• Traditional Markets: Ningxia Night Market offers handmade crafts, local snacks, and cultural experiences.
• Large Malls: ATT 4 FUN and Breeze Xinyi provide shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place. Ideal for families or rainy days.

Essentials for Medical Travelers

Medical travelers visiting Taiwan enjoy easy access to health products and services thanks to the island’s strong healthcare system.

Pharmacies: Chains like Cosmed offer vitamins, supplements, traditional medicines, and everyday health items. Many pharmacists speak English.

Health Specialty Stores: Sell organic foods, supplements, and wellness products for extra support during medical visits.

Medical Supply Shops: Provide items like compression socks, braces, and mobility aids, helpful for recovery.

Convenience stores also sell healthy snacks, herbal teas, and wellness drinks, making it simple to maintain good habits while traveling.

Hospital areas often have nutritionists, physical therapy centers, and wellness stores nearby to help travelers prepare for or recover from medical visits.

International clinics and pharmacies offer familiar brands and English service, making foreign patients feel safe and supported.

Taiwan’s combination of advanced healthcare, convenient shopping, and friendly services makes medical travel smooth and stress-free.

Planning your medical trip to Taiwan? New Dawn Health can help arrange pharmacy access, wellness products, and other support to enhance your visit.