Taiwan is a tech-friendly place where everything from navigating cities to booking local transportation can be easily done from your phone. To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a list of essential apps and tools for getting around Taiwan. Whether you’re looking to travel by bus, book a train ride, or translate a menu, these apps have got you covered.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps
Google Maps is a must-have for navigating Taiwan. The app is reliable and shows real-time traffic data, making it easy to plan routes. You can also check public transportation schedules and bus stop locations. It offers walking, driving, and cycling directions, which is especially helpful if you’re exploring on foot.
Cost: Free
MAPS.ME
If you’re going off the grid or won’t have constant access to the internet, MAPS.ME is a lifesaver. It allows you to download offline maps and navigate even when you have no data connection. This app is perfect if you’re planning to hike Taiwan’s many trails or explore the mountains.
Cost: Free
Komoot
For adventure lovers, Komoot is an outdoor navigation app designed for hiking and cycling. You can plan multi-day routes and save them for offline use. Taiwan has great hiking trails, and this app ensures you’ll never get lost on any of them.
Cost: Free with paid upgrades for additional map regions
Translation Apps
Google Translate
Google Translate will make your life easier when communicating with locals. The app lets you translate text, speech, or even the text in images (perfect for restaurant menus). Its offline mode is essential for when you have no internet connection, so don’t forget to download the Chinese language pack before you go!
Cost: Free
CamDictionary
CamDictionary is a handy tool that lets you translate text by pointing your phone’s camera at it. It’s especially useful in Taiwan where a lot of signs and menus aren’t in English. While Google Translate can also do this, CamDictionary is a bit faster and more reliable for image-based translation.
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Local Transportation and Ride-Hailing Apps
Uber
Uber operates in most major cities in Taiwan like Taipei and Kaohsiung. It’s a convenient way to move around without worrying about how to communicate with a taxi driver. If you’ve used Uber before, the app works exactly the same in Taiwan. Just open the app and book a ride!
Cost: Free to download; you pay for the rides
LINE Taxi
For places where Uber isn’t available, LINE Taxi is a good alternative. It’s integrated with the popular LINE app, so if you’re already using LINE to communicate with locals, you can easily order a taxi through it. Taxi prices are usually lower than Uber, making this a budget-friendly option.
Cost: Free to download; you pay for the rides
Kaohsiung Metro App
If you’re in southern Taiwan and plan to get around Kaohsiung, this is the app to use. It gives you real-time info on the metro lines, including arrival times, route maps, and transfer options. The app is available in English, making it foreigner-friendly.
Cost: Free
臺北捷運Go! (Taipei Metro)
For getting around Taipei, there’s nothing better than the official Taipei Metro app. It gives you detailed information about each station, schedules, and live traffic alerts. You can also check prices and routes to know exactly how long your journey will take.
Cost: Free
Booking Apps
KKday
KKday is ideal for booking activities, attractions, and tours in Taiwan. Whether you want to visit Taipei 101 or book a day tour to Taroko Gorge, KKday offers a user-friendly interface and exclusive deals that can save you some money. You can also book transportation like the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) through the app.
Cost: Free to use; you pay when booking activities
Traveloka
If you’re looking to book hotels, flights, or even experiences, Traveloka is a solid option in Taiwan. It has some great deals, especially on last-minute bookings, and the platform is in English. You can also use it to book train tickets and ferries for travel between Taiwan and its outer islands.
Cost: Free to use; you pay when booking services
Money and Payment Apps
EasyCard
EasyCard is Taiwan’s public transportation payment card, and their app makes it super easy to check your card balance or reload it. Besides using the EasyCard for metro rides, buses, and even taxis, you can use it to pay at convenience stores, cafes, and attractions. You do need a physical EasyCard but this app ensures it’s up to date and funded properly.
Cost: App is free; you need to purchase and reload the physical card
Line Pay
LINE Pay is integrated with the LINE app and allows you to make cashless payments at participating shops and restaurants. If you’re already chatting with someone on LINE, you can use LINE Pay to split bills or send money to friends without needing cash. It’s a convenient way to avoid withdrawing money all the time.
Cost: Free to use
Xe Currency
Xe Currency gives you up-to-date exchange rates and helps you manage your travel budget. With live rate updates, it’s perfect for figuring out how much you’re spending in local currency. This is especially useful for anyone visiting Taiwan from a country with fluctuating currency.
Cost: Free
Other Useful Tools
WiFi Taiwan
Taiwan has a ton of free public WiFi hotspots. The WiFi Taiwan app helps you locate these hotspots and sign in easily. The government offers free WiFi in many public places like metro stations, tourist attractions, and some cafes, so having this app handy can save you from using your mobile data.
Cost: Free
Google Keep
If you’re keeping track of things like places you want to visit or restaurants you want to try, Google Keep is good for organizing your thoughts. The app allows you to write down notes, save links, and collaborate with friends. Its intuitive design makes it super easy to use even on the go.
Cost: Free
VPN – ExpressVPN
If you need a good VPN for streaming services or securing your connection while browsing, ExpressVPN is one of the best. Although Taiwan’s internet is largely uncensored, having a VPN can still be useful when using open public WiFi networks to protect your data.
Cost: Paid; it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Final Tips
There’s no shortage of helpful apps out there, and many of the ones mentioned above can also be used offline or with limited data. Download them before your trip, and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle once you’re in Taiwan. Safe travels!
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