From language barriers to cultural differences, being a foreigner in Taiwan can come with a few bumps in the road. But with the right apps, you’ll find yourself tackling daily tasks like a seasoned local in no time!
Ready to make your Taiwan experience smoother and more enjoyable? Let’s dive into our list of must-have apps for foreigners to make your Taiwan experience fun and hassle-free!
Best Weather & Earthquake Alerts Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
Taiwan’s weather can be a wild ride, one minute it’s sunny, and the next you’re dodging heavy rain or bracing for a typhoon! And let’s not forget Taiwan’s regular seismic activity, making earthquake alerts just as important as your umbrella. Whether you’re planning a day out or just trying to stay safe, reliable weather and earthquake alert apps are a must-have for expats and international students living in Taiwan!
Taiwan Weather (中央氣象署W – 生活氣象)
The Central Weather Bureau’s Taiwan Weather is a user-friendly app that delivers real-time updates and forecasts for Taiwan, complete with typhoons, heavy rain, and earthquake alerts. It features detailed radar maps, wind speeds, temperature readings, air quality maps, clothing suggestions, and more. It’s available in Traditional Chinese and English, allowing easy access for expats who do not understand Chinese.
Windy.com – Weather & Radar
Taiwan encounters typhoons regularly, and these powerful storms can bring everything from heavy rains to fierce winds, occasionally disrupting travel plans and outdoor activities. That’s where Windy comes in as your essential weather companion. Its fast, detailed, and accurate weather forecasts are trusted by professionals like pilots, surfers, storm chasers, and even rescue teams. Windy delivers accurate, up-to-the-minute information on storm paths, wind speeds, and rain forecasts, helping you stay ahead of the weather and plan your activities safely.
Taiwan EEW (台灣地震速報)
Taiwan EEW is a nifty iOS app developed by high school senior Tzu-Yu Lin, gaining attention after the April 2024 Hualien Earthquake. As aftershocks persisted, the app provided timely alerts using real-time data from the Central Weather Bureau.
With this user-friendly app, you can customize alerts by selecting your preferred “warning magnitude” on the settings page. Earthquakes of magnitude 4 or higher will trigger mandatory notifications, keeping you informed with real-time updates on earthquake arrival times and estimated magnitudes.
Note: the app does not cover all regions in Taiwan. It currently covers Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City, Chiayi City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Yilan County, and Hualien County (including Hualien City), with more regions to be added in future updates.
Download for iOS
KNY Taiwan Weather & Earthquake Alerts (KNY地震速報)
KNY Taiwan Weather & Earthquake Alerts packs weather and earthquake alerts into one easy-to-use app, delivering up-to-the-minute weather information such as temperature, humidity, air quality, UV index, and sunrise/sunset times.
Its earthquake alert system uses advanced calculations to give you precious seconds of warning before a quake strikes, allowing you to take necessary safety measures. For expats planning outdoor activities, KNY also provides tide forecasts for surfers and fishermen, making it the perfect app to stay safe and informed while living in Taiwan.
Best Transportation Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
Unsure which map or GPS app to use in Taiwan? Don’t worry, here are our recommended picks for you! With Taiwan’s top-notch public transport such as the MRT, buses, and the High-Speed Rail (HSR), it can be complicated to manage your time and schedule. That’s when these transportation apps come to rescue!
T Express from Taiwan High Speed Rail (台灣高鐵 T Express行動購票服務)
T Express is the ultimate ticketing app for Taiwan High Speed Rail, with this app, you can buy tickets straight from your smartphone. Key features include a 24/7 ticketing system, easy-to-read timetables and fares (even offline), and the ability to reserve, pay, modify, or cancel tickets with just a few taps. You can choose your preferred payment method, manage bookings, and even set reminders for payments and boarding, ensuring you never miss your train.
Taiwan Railway e-Booking (台鐵e訂通)
Need to travel by train in Taiwan? With Taiwan Railway e-Booking, you can easily reserve train tickets, modify or cancel orders, and manage your travel plans anytime, anywhere. You can also quickly check live train info and timetables, making sure you are traveling at the right times.
YouBike (YouBike微笑單車 官方版)
Start your YouBike adventure today with Taiwan’s 24/7 bike rental service! Whether commuting or sightseeing, YouBike offers a fast, easy way to get around.
Register on the app to track transactions, manage membership cards, and check real-time bike availability. Enjoy the freedom of riding anywhere in Taiwan, with service in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and beyond!
Uber
Can foreigners use Uber in Taiwan? Yes, Uber is a super handy option for expats and international students in Taiwan, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Just open the app, enter your destination, and you’re good to go!
One of the best things? You can use your existing Uber account without needing a local phone number. Keep in mind though, Uber is mostly available in bigger cities, so in smaller towns or the countryside, you’ll still need to hail a taxi the old-fashioned way.
Bus+
The Bus+ app is a user-friendly app that gives you access to bus routes, public bikes, and metro maps across Taiwan. With Bus+, you can search for bus routes, see real-time arrival info, and check if a bus is low-floor for easier access.
Easily organize your favorite routes into groups for quick access, and find nearby bus stops with ease. The app also integrates with Google Maps for seamless route planning. You can set Arrival Notices to get reminders before your bus arrives and check public bike station availability throughout Taiwan.
Best Social Media Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
What chat app does Taiwan use? Which social media is most popular in Taiwan? Read on to find out!
LINE
LINE is Taiwan’s most popular messaging app, offering free voice and video calls, instant messaging, and fun stickers to express yourself. More popular than WhatsApp or Messenger, it’s perfect for connecting with hotels, drivers, or new friends.
Facebook and Instagram
In Taiwan, Facebook and Instagram are the top social platforms for staying connected. Join language exchange or expat groups on Facebook, or follow new friends on Instagram to stay in the loop!
Facebook: Download for iOS / Android
Instagram: Download for iOS / Android
Dcard
Dcard is a hit among Gen Z in Taiwan, blending the best of social networking and discussion forums, much like Reddit. Dcard combines social networking with discussion forums, making it the perfect spot for sharing experiences, asking questions, and discovering local culture!
Threads
With Facebook and Instagram being the most popular social media apps in Taiwan, Threads stands at number 4 just below Dcard. It’s the Meta version of X, a text-based platform that lets you share texts and images on the go.
TikTok
TikTok is the go-to app for people sharing and watching snappy shorts! It’s a great way to discover trends, join challenges, and connect with people to get the best insights into life in Taiwan!
REDnote (小紅書)
REDnote is a rising star in Taiwan, popular for its lively community where users share tips, reviews, and recommendations on everything from food to travel! It’s a fantastic way for foreigners to discover local gems and connect with like-minded folks!
Best Dating Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
There’s a popular saying, “People are Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery.” For foreigners and international students in Taiwan, check out these top dating apps to make new friends!
Bumble
On Bumble, women make the first move! Whether you’re straight, gay, lesbian, or trans, you can make the connections here!
Tinder
The most popular dating app worldwide is also the top choice in Taiwan! With Tinder, you can find a match just by swiping right! Connect with the locals or meet fellow foreigners with Tinder, you might just find someone willing to language exchange with you!
ParPar
Tailored for the Taiwanese audience, ParPar is great for making local friends, it has a voice messaging service, where you can practice Chinese with the locals. Many Taiwanese are willing to practice their English with foreigners, so don’t be shy to get out there!
Jack’d
For gay chat and dating, Jack’d is the largest dating app for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a welcoming space to text and video chat, helping you find like-minded people with just a finger tap.
Best Mobile Payment Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
What are the best mobile payment apps in Taiwan? Here are our top picks that make transactions quick and easy!
How can I pay with a mobile phone in Taiwan?
There are many mobile payment apps available in Taiwan! Want to know which ones are the best? Keep reading to find out!
Note: As of April 2024, LINE Pay is the most popular mobile payment app in Taiwan, available at more than 520,000 locations in Taiwan, including restaurants, shopping malls, recreational facilities, and public transport, therefore it is recommended that you install this app if you are planning for a longer stay in Taiwan.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at major department stores such as SOGO and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, however, for smaller retail stores, LINE Pay and JKOPay are more commonly accepted.
LINE Pay
LINE Pay makes it super easy to pay for everything from groceries to online shopping, all in one convenient and widely accepted app across Taiwan!
JKOPay (街口支付)
JKOPay is a local favorite in Taiwan, as easy to use as LINE Pay, and widely accepted by local retail stores, it’s a perfect alternative for those who want a seamless and reliable mobile payment option.
Taiwan Pay (台灣行動支付)
Taiwan Pay is a government-backed app designed for easy mobile payments at local shops and businesses, making it a trusted choice for secure transactions across the island!
E-Receipt (發票存摺)
Did you know that you have a chance of winning Taiwan’s bimonthly lottery if you collect your receipts? Get yourself set up with the E-Receipt app, a tax receipt carrier (載具) barcode to collect receipts digitally—no more hanging onto paper receipts! You’ll be automatically entered into the lottery, and any winnings will go straight into your linked bank account.
Register with your cellphone number with the Ministry of Finance official app, and start collecting receipts digitally with the E-Receipt app!
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Best Taiwan Travel & Booking Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
Ready to explore Taiwan? With these travel and daily life apps, you get curated recommendations for local eateries and hidden attractions, it’s like having a local friend ready to share insider knowledge 24/7!
Klook
With over 500,000 activities available, Klook helps you explore everything from sightseeing and staycations to local cultural experiences. Booking is super easy, you’ll find travel passes like the EasyCard, discounted High-Speed Rail tickets, SIM cards, car rentals, and a wide range of tours, hotels, and attraction tickets. Download it to enjoy fast reservations and skip-the-line entry at attractions in Taiwan!
Google Maps
Google Maps is an essential app that goes beyond just navigation. It helps users check bus and train schedules, plan routes, and estimate travel times, all while discovering local dining spots and attractions with handy reviews.
For those who love to plan, creating custom maps is a fantastic feature. You can color-code pins for different attractions, restaurants, and hotels to visualize and organize itineraries effectively. To explore all that Taiwan has to offer, Google Maps is the essential navigation app for you!
Booking.com
Planning a weekend getaway in Taiwan? Booking.com makes it easy to find great accommodations to fit your style and budget. With competitive prices, clear cancellation policies, and no need for a local bank account, Booking makes every stay smooth and easy.
Agoda
Agoda is a top choice for foreigners in Taiwan, offering great deals on hotels and flights. It often features smaller hotels than Booking and sometimes has slightly lower prices, especially in Taiwan and Asia.
Best Taipei Daily Life Apps We Recommend for Taipei Denizens
Navigating daily life in Taipei just got easier! Check out these top apps that help you with everything from garbage recycling to car rental, making your new life as a Taipei denizen 100 times smoother!
Go! Taipei Metro (台北捷運Go)
Go! Taipei Metro is a must-have app for easy navigation on the Taipei MRT. It features a complete route map, station exits, transfer info, and a journey planner—all accessible right from the metro map. Just tap any station for details!
Beyond schedules, the app shows nearby YouBike stations, transfer options for buses and parking, and even highlights exits with elevators or escalators. Plus, you can calculate the fastest route to your destination for a smooth, hassle-free trip.
Bus Tracker Taiwan (台灣等公車)
Stay on top of public transport with Bus Tracker Taiwan, giving you real-time updates to help you navigate Taipei’s bus system with ease.
Garbage Truck Tracker (垃圾車 – 即時動態追蹤 台灣垃圾車)
Never miss a garbage collection day again! If you’re handling trash yourself, Garbage Truck Tracker is a lifesaver. It uses GPS to help you find the closest trash collection spots and tracks garbage trucks in real-time, so you’ll always know when they’re nearby. You can check collection times for trash, recycling, and food waste, set reminders, and even get directions to the collection points.
Download for iOS
iRent
Need a quick ride? iRent offers 24/7 self-service rentals for cars and scooters, making it easy to reserve, pick up, and return vehicles through the app. You can even use a wearable device to unlock your ride. Perfect for getting around Taiwan with total convenience and flexibility!
Note: Joining iRent requires an identification card or a residence permit valid for more than three months, a valid driver’s license, and a legal credit card.
WeMo Scooter
WeMo Scooter offers 24/7 access to electric, eco-friendly scooter rentals. With your phone as your key, you can easily find, reserve, and return a scooter while enjoying 40 free kilometers. It also provides free parking at 20 locations across Taiwan, a perfect choice for city exploration.
Note: Joining WeMo requires a valid residence permit (or passport), and a valid international driving license.
ChargeSpot (ChargeSPOT 自助租借移動電源)
Stay powered up with ChargeSPOT, offering convenient mobile charging stations across Taiwan, so your devices never run out of battery when you’re on the move.
Best Language & Communication Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Taiwan, and while English is common in major cities, many daily interactions are easier with some language help. With the right apps, you can effortlessly translate signs, chat with locals, and even master a few key phrases in Mandarin!
Google Translate
Google Translate is a great app for handling language barriers, with features like real-time conversation translation, camera translation for menus and signs, and offline mode for when you’re on the go.
Other handy features include handwriting recognition, a phrasebook to save key translations, and syncing across devices.
Pleco
Pleco is an essential app for anyone learning Mandarin in Taiwan. This user-friendly English-Mandarin dictionary allows you to quickly look up words and phrases, and even scan characters using your camera. You can listen to pronunciations, view stroke order, and study with flashcards. With support for both pinyin and zhuyin, it comes highly recommended by many overseas learners of Traditional Chinese.
Best Food & Dining Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
Picture this: you’re craving some delicious Taiwanese street food but don’t want to brave the crowded markets. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can have mouth-watering food delivered right to your door. Check out our top picks for food apps in Taiwan!
Uber Eats
Whether you’re craving sushi, burgers, or even bubble tea, Uber Eats has you covered! You can search by cuisine or dish and even choose pickup to skip the lines. With real-time tracking, you’ll know exactly when your food arrives. Uber Eats also lets you order groceries, household items, and pharmacy essentials. It is a handy and convenient way to enjoy your favorite meals without leaving your home!
Foodpanda
Similar to Uber Eats, Foodpanda is a popular food delivery app in Taiwan that brings meals, groceries, and essentials straight to your door. With broader service coverage, including areas like Penghu and Kinmen, it often offers more competitive pricing compared to Uber Eats.
iFoodie (愛食記)
iFoodie is Taiwan’s leading restaurant review app with over 3 million users! Get real-time insights into popular restaurants and check reviews before ordering from services like Uber Eats or Foodpanda. With map searches, daily food notes, and community reviews, finding your next meal has never been easier!
Best Shopping Apps We Recommend For Expats in Taiwan
No more wandering through crowded markets or deciphering tricky signs. With these shopping apps, you can browse, compare, and purchase everything from groceries to gadgets with ease, any time, any where!
Shopee (蝦皮購物)
Shopee is the Taiwanese favorite for everything retail! With its user-friendly interface, Shopee makes it easy to find everything from trendy clothing and gadgets to home essentials and local delicacies. You can score some great deals and enjoy flash sales that pop up regularly.
Momo
Momo offers millions of products at your fingertips with speedy 24-hour delivery and convenient pickup options. With daily flash sales and brand flagship stores featuring top names like MUJI, Uniqlo, and Dyson, you can find almost everything you need on Momo.
From communicating with the locals to getting around Taiwan with ease, these must-have apps are your keys to unlocking an enjoyable life in Taiwan! And if you’re looking for a comfy place to stay, Home Sweet Home Sharehouse is right here for you, a warm and welcoming coliving community where you can meet fellow travelers, share experiences, and settle in while you explore everything Taiwan has to offer. Book your stay with us today!
