When traveling abroad, beverage expenses can add up more than expected. Staying hydrated is essential, especially during hot seasons in China and Taiwan. However, by borrowing wisdom from locals, you can significantly reduce your drink expenses while immersing yourself deeper in the local culture. Today, I’ll introduce a smart and economical way to travel by leveraging the “personal water bottle culture” commonly practiced by locals, and recommend collapsible water bottles that are perfect for travel.
Unique Water Dispensing Culture in Chinese-Speaking Regions
Water dispensers seen throughout cities
China and Taiwan have a distinctive culture of preferring warm beverages. This is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, which consider warm drinks better for the body than cold ones. As a result, public facilities are almost always equipped with water dispensers providing both hot and cold water.
This culture also has historical roots. In the past, concerns about water quality led to the habit of drinking boiled water. While water quality has improved in modern times, the custom of drinking hot water continues as a healthy lifestyle practice. It’s common to see people carrying their personal water bottles throughout cities.
Middle-aged and older individuals particularly tend to carry their personal thermos bottles as a habit. Office workers typically keep a thermal bottle on their desks, commonly sipping tea while working. In Taiwan, the use of personal bottles is also spreading among young people from an ecological perspective.
Smart Use of Free Water Dispensers
As mentioned earlier, public facilities in China and Taiwan come standard with hot and cold water dispensers, which are less common in many Western countries. These can be found at airports, subway stations, shopping malls, tourist spots, and sometimes even convenience stores, all available for free use. Convenience stores in Taiwan, depending on the location, may have water dispensing facilities, making them valuable hydration points during sightseeing.
However, not all water dispensers are suitable for drinking. Generally, those installed in public facilities and convenience stores are safe, but it’s best to avoid roadside dispensers. Also, be sure to follow instructions if there’s a sign indicating “not for direct drinking.”
Using a personal bottle isn’t just for water. It also serves as a great tool for enjoying the local tea culture. If you find favorite tea leaves at a specialized shop in Taiwan or a tea market in China, you can easily brew and enjoy them in your bottle.
Personal Bottles as a Cultural Experience
The benefits of using a personal bottle during travel extend beyond mere savings. It’s also a cultural experience, allowing you to participate in locals’ daily habits. Office workers carrying their favorite bottles, elderly people chatting in parks while enjoying hot tea – your personal bottle allows you to naturally blend into these everyday scenes.
Bottle holders are popular fashion items among young people
Collapsible Bottles for Minimal Travelers
That said, for minimalists who want to enjoy light travel with just a backpack on a low-cost carrier, bringing a bulky water bottle can be challenging. While it’s manageable when filled with water, an empty bottle can be a space-consuming nuisance that just takes up room in your bag.
For such minimal travelers, I recommend a silicone collapsible bottle. This super convenient item can be folded compactly for carrying, then expanded when you need to fill it with water!
Before discovering collapsible bottles, I was using regular plastic bottles, crushing them when not in use. But since getting a collapsible bottle, I’ve become a fan and now take one on every trip. With various designs available from different brands, you might enjoy finding a bottle that suits your style!
Collapsible Water Bottle – 600ml
Check price at: Amazon
Collapsible Water Bottle – 750ml
Check price at: Amazon
Conclusion
With just a personal water bottle, you can travel more economically, more environmentally friendly, and engage more deeply with local culture. Why not incorporate this local style on your next trip to China or Taiwan? With your favorite bottle in hand, discover a new way to enjoy your travels.
