Taiwan
26 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Taiwan?
For Taiwan, most travelers should download EasyCard, LINE Pay, Yesim, and Airalo before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Sources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Taiwan?
For Taiwan, most travelers should download EasyCard, LINE Pay, Yesim, and Airalo before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Can I drink tap water in Taiwan?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Taiwan. Tap water is treated and technically safe, but most locals drink boiled or filtered water. Free water dispensers are common in public places, MRT stations, and convenience stores.
Should I tip in Taiwan?
Tipping is not part of Taiwanese culture. Service is included. No one expects tips. Restaurants: Not expected. Some high-end restaurants add 10% service charge.
Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?
Many nationalities can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. Most Western countries get 90 days visa-free. Very easy entry process. Extension to 180 days possible for UK and Canadian citizens due to reciprocity.
What power adapter do I need for Taiwan?
Taiwan uses Type A, B power outlets at 110V, 60Hz. Same as US/Japan. No adapter needed if coming from North America or Japan. European/UK visitors need an adapter.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Taiwan — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works here
- Yes — Uber works in Taiwan.
- If you use Uber Eats Works here
- Yes — Uber Eats works in Taiwan. Locals also use Foodpanda.
- If you use WhatsApp Works, locals prefer local apps
- WhatsApp works in Taiwan, but locals mostly use LINE.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Taiwan. Locals also use Taipei Metro Go and YouBike 2.0.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in Taiwan typically use EasyCard.
- If you use Amazon
- For online shopping, locals in Taiwan typically use Shopee.
Finance & Payments
2 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
2 apps
Public Transit
4 apps
Navigation
2 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
2 apps
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
3 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
💳 Payment Methods in Taiwan
Tourist Accessibility
Very tourist-friendly
International Cards
ATM availability: widespread
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 Taipei MRT now accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay (as of Oct 2025). EasyCard widely accepted. Cash still important for small businesses and night markets. International Visa/Mastercard/JCB widely accepted in cities.
Travel Information for Taiwan
Common Requirements
- Passport valid for 6 months (except Japan and US citizens who only need validity for duration of stay)
- Proof of onward travel
- Sufficient funds for stay
🏧 ATM Tips
Widespread availability. 7-Eleven and FamilyMart ATMs everywhere. International cards widely accepted. Daily limits vary by bank. Minimal fees.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Banks offer good rates. Airport exchange decent for small amounts. ATMs convenient and reliable throughout Taiwan.
Best Time to Visit
Oct-Nov (autumn, comfortable weather) and Mar-May (spring). Avoid typhoon season (Jul-Sep) and very humid summers. Dec-Feb cooler in north.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone main carriers. Tourist SIMs at airport (TWD 300-500) with data. eSIM available via Klook. Excellent 4G/5G coverage. SIM card registration requires passport.
Cultural Notes
- Very safe and friendly to tourists
- Tipping not expected
- Queue culture orderly, especially for public transit
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) everywhere - can pay bills, buy tickets, use ATM
- Night markets major attraction
- Respect temples - some require removing shoes
- Scooters dominate traffic - be cautious crossing streets
- Excellent healthcare system
- Very LGBT-friendly (first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage)
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Tap water is treated and technically safe, but most locals drink boiled or filtered water. Free water dispensers are common in public places, MRT stations, and convenience stores.
Power Outlets
110V, 60Hz
Same as US/Japan. No adapter needed if coming from North America or Japan. European/UK visitors need an adapter.
Tipping
Tipping is not part of Taiwanese culture. Service is included. No one expects tips.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Direct (purple) and commuter (blue) trains. Direct is faster. Runs 6am-11pm. Free Wi-Fi onboard.
24-hour service. Departures every 15-20 min. Cheaper than MRT. Luggage storage below.
Official taxi queue outside arrivals. Fixed freeway toll included. Credit cards accepted by some.
Available at designated pickup area. Usually slightly cheaper than taxi.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
The airport has its own MRT station. Fastest way to get anywhere in Taipei. Use EasyCard.
Very close to city center. Metered, no surcharge.
Multiple routes outside airport. Use EasyCard for payment.
⚠️ Taxi Overcharging
Some taxi drivers at tourist spots or night markets may try to negotiate a flat fare instead of using the meter, quoting 2-3x the actual cost.
Always insist on the meter. Taiwan taxis are required by law to use meters. Use Uber app for price transparency.
⚠️ Night Market Price Inflation
Some vendors at popular night markets charge tourists significantly more than locals, especially for items without marked prices.
Check prices at multiple stalls before buying. Most food items at night markets have posted prices — look for the sign.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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