Magazine

 

Nigel Seah has extensive experience travelling through Vietnam and shares his adventures and insider tips with us below

---

Choosing the right apps for your travels to Taiwan is essential for a smooth and enjoyable (rather than overwhelming) trip. 

In this guide, I share the apps I actually rely on here, starting with the best eSIM for Taiwan, so you are online the moment you step off the plane. 

I also cover the best ride-hailing and taxi apps for stress-free transfers, tour platforms for everything from city passes to Aboriginal experiences, and food delivery apps for those nights when you’d prefer to have a relaxing night in. 

And let’s not forget the transport, weather, trekking, map, and translation apps that keep you moving and safe, whether you are in central Taipei or on a windy mountain ridge.

So here are the best Taiwan travel apps to ensure an effortless trip:

• Messaging Apps
• Tours and Travel Experience Apps
• Food Delivery Apps
• Transport Apps
• Train Apps
• Bike Rental Apps
• Bus Apps
• Weather Apps
• Hiking Apps
• Map Apps

The best eSIM Apps to stay connected in Taiwan

Airalo

Best situations to use it:

Airalo is one of the best eSIM providers for your data and connectivity needs, whether you want to check in with family, share your trip on social media, or check emails for work.

Whether I’m planning a short stay in Taiwan or stringing together a few neighbouring Asian countries in one trip, Airalo is my go-to for an eSIM.

With Airalo, I have the choice of a Taiwan-only eSIM if I am based here for a week or two, or I can choose a regional Asia plan when I know I will be country-hopping. 

The main perks are simple: 

• Large variety of data plans - 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, 50 GB, Unlimited Plans, at affordable prices, with a simple top-up process whenever needed
• Skip airport queues to buy physical SIM cards and get connected the moment you arrive
• Avoid expensive roaming charges (make sure to turn your roaming off)
• Works seamlessly with dual-SIM phones

Things to note:

Before you buy, check whether you only need data and whether hotspot sharing is allowed. When activation actually starts, so you do not burn days of validity before boarding your flight.

Messaging Apps

LINE

Best situations to use it:

If I had to recommend one messaging app for Taiwan, it would be LINE. 

You don’t even need a local number for it! Just install it, connect it to your Google or Apple account, and you’re good to go!

Locals treat it as their main communication channel, and you will quickly notice hotels, homestays, landlords, and tour operators asking for your LINE ID instead of your email. 

I rely on it to confirm check-in times, send photos of meeting points, and keep in touch with people I meet during my travels. 

I’ve even used it to book a sports massage at Mingyi Foot Health (明易足體按摩) in Dongmen.

Compared with WhatsApp or Messenger, it fits better into how people in Taiwan organise their lives.

Things to note:

• Most official business accounts don’t have an English version.
• Use a third-party translator bot like Ligo to handle language barriers.

Tours and Travel Experience Apps

Klook

Jinyue Waterfall (金岳瀑布), Guishandao (龜山島), and Tofu Cape (豆腐岬) experiences listed on Klook.

Best situations to use it:

Klook is usually where I start when I am piecing together a Taiwan itinerary. Klook allows me to buy tickets to attractions, transport passes, airport transfers, and a mix of full or half-day tours, all in English. 

Many travellers highlight Klook as their default for Taiwan because the interface is fairly clean with competitive prices, and promo codes often shave a decent amount off your total spend.

Things to note:

• Klook is useful, but not foolproof if you ignore geography.
• Activities are often listed by county, not township
• For example, Jinyue Waterfall, Guishandao, and Tofu Cape are located in Jinyue Nan’ao Township (南澳鄉), Toucheng Township (頭城鎮), and Tofu Cape Su’ao Township (蘇澳鎮), respectively.
• So you could accidentally book a tour from Su’ao while staying in Toucheng, even though both are in Yilan County.

Pro tip: It’s best always to check the exact departure point on Google Maps and make sure the journey from the accommodation is realistic, especially for early starts. 

KKday

Best situations to use it:

If you are chasing experiences like Aboriginal cultural tours, night-time cruises, or quirky seasonal events, KKday tends to surface way more options than the usual “top 10 attractions” platforms.

As a Taiwanese-founded company, they are instrumental in discovering authentic, hyper-local experiences: indigenous village visits, historic trail tours, or those oddly specific themed packages that you only hear about from locals or deep-dive blogs. 

One of my favourite bookings ever was a drag queen party bus during Taipei Pride week that I found exclusively on KKday; it felt less like a tour and more like getting adopted by a whole new group of friends.

Things to note:

• Like Klook, always cross-check the tour’s departure point on Google Maps to ensure it’s near your accommodation.
• Many of the more unique experiences only run on specific days or a few times a month.
• For example, the Rukai Tribe two-day tour only accepts participants from January 2026 (I tried booking in November 2025 and couldn’t).

GuruWalk

Best situations to use it:

GuruWalk is my secret weapon for that “first day in a new city” feeling, when you want to explore but aren’t quite prepared.

The Taipei Old Town history tour is a must-do for all history lovers!

I often book a general free walking tour through GuruWalk to get a quick overview of history, landmarks, and local etiquette.

I was so glad I booked the Taipei Old Town tour. My guide, Leo, was absolutely fantastic!  Not only was he super well-versed in Taiwanese history, but his delivery kept everyone engaged for the full three hours.

It is also one of the easiest ways to pick up local tips fast. A good guide will casually tell you which night market is wildly overrated, which one they actually take their friends to, and how to avoid the tourist-trap bubble tea shops.

The pay-what-you-like format keeps it budget-friendly, too.  And if you are not feeling the vibe, you are not locked into a full-day bus tour with no escape.

Things to note:

• Despite what Ed Sheeran says, the best things in life don’t always come free to us. Some guides clearly state a minimum tip. It’s usually affordable.
• Before booking, I check the tour language, meeting point, and duration. Three hours feels fine on paper, but not under midday sun or high humidity.
• Dates and times can be limited outside major cities or off-season. It’s better to grab an early slot and plan the rest of the day around it.

Food Delivery Apps

Uber Eats

Unfortunately, Uber Eats doesn’t have a strong translation feature

Best situations to use it:

Uber Eats is my lazy-day lifeline in Taiwan. 

After a full day of temple-hopping, mountain trails, or just getting lost in some backstreet café crawl, there are nights when the idea of walking out again feels personally offensive. 

And as a self-proclaimed gym bro, this app has helped me hit my daily protein intake more often than not.

Coverage is solid across the main cities and a surprising number of quieter towns, so I have used it everywhere from central Taipei to the quieter town of Toucheng in Yilan. 

Things to note:

• At the time of writing, the app hasn’t fully translated restaurant and dish names, even though the interface is in English.
• Most dishes don’t have images, so it’s hard for non-Mandarin speakers to choose the right items.

foodpanda

Best situations to use it:

foodpanda tends to have deeper coverage, especially once you leave the city centre.

I reach for it when I want proper local food, smaller mom-and-pop shops, or “street food”- style options without having to queue in person. 

The app is available in English, you can filter by cuisine or store type, and it’s handy not just for cooked meals but also for groceries and random essentials when you realise you are out of drinks or snacks at 11 pm.

Things to note:

• As with any food delivery app, always check restaurant ratings.

Transport Apps

Ride-hailing and Carpool Apps

Uber

Best situations to use it:

Uber is the one I lean on when I just want zero drama getting from A to B. 

Late at night in Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, it is often easier and less stressful than trying to flag a cab or decode a bus stop in Chinese. 

It is also convenient for “awkward” journeys, such as getting to a trailhead, a ferry terminal, or a slightly out-of-the-way homestay that buses pass only a few times a day. 

A lot of Taiwan travel guides recommend pairing Uber with local transport apps, and that matches my experience: I use MRT or HSR for the main leg, then call an Uber for the last stretch so I am not wandering around luggage in tow trying to find the right exit.

Things to note:

• I always double-check the plate number, car colour, and driver name before getting in.
• This is extra important at big stations or malls where many cars arrive at once.
• The pick-up pin often jumps to the wrong side of a building. I zoom in and drag it to the exact entrance.
• I add a short note if the pick-up spot is confusing.
• I usually pay by card, but I keep some cash for tolls.
• I paste the destination in Chinese from my booking so the driver can still find it if the GPS fails.

Tripool

Best situations to use it:

Uber is available in Taiwan, but Tripool shines when you want the comfort of a private transfer without paying full chauffeur rates. You get a fixed quote upfront, and you can split the fare with friends and family.

I like to use Tripool for airport runs at brutal hours, long point-to-point hops between cities, or day trips where public transport proves challenging.

For remote areas or off the main tourist circuit, booking Tripool often turns a three-hour multi-transfer mission into one clean ride.

Things to note:

• Tripool offers both private and carpool rides, so the fine print really matters.
• In carpool mode, you’re capped at three passengers. Larger groups need multiple cars, and they may not arrive together.
• Prices are fixed. Great for budgeting, but you pay the same in traffic as on an empty road.
• Always check the cancellation cut-off for a full refund.
• Clearly state luggage and child seat needs. These details can make or break a long drive.

Train Apps

T Express

Best situations to use it:

T Express is the app I use when I’m planning those classic High Speed Rail (HSR) hops between Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. 

Instead of queueing at a machine, I can see the timetable, pick my preferred train, and choose a specific seat, which matters a lot on weekends and public holidays when services fill up fast.

 Choosing aisle or window is a nice bonus, especially on longer stretches where you want to look out at the landscape.

Things to note:

• Always check the train number.
• Check the journey time too. Some “express” trains stop more than you expect.
• Avoid non-reserved or standing tickets if you have big bags.
• Avoid them during peak hours as well.
• If you’re using a pass from Klook or KKday, make sure it’s fully redeemed.
• Ensure it’s linked to your account before you try to reserve seats.
• Double-check both the departure and arrival stations.
• Many cities have stations with similar names but very different locations.

Taiwan Railway e-booking

Best situations to use it:

The Taiwan Railway e-booking system comes into play once I leave the HSR spine and head for the coast or smaller towns. 

It’s what I use for TRA trains along the east coast to places like Hualien and Taitung, where I care more about views and flexibility than shaving off a few minutes. For slow travel, TRA trains are a great option, and allow you to reach more remote parts of the island.

Being able to book ahead for specific services gives me peace of mind on popular stretches, while still keeping costs lower than HSR, especially if I am doing several hops in one region.

Things to note:

• TRA runs both all-stop locals and faster express trains.
• I always check if my train has reserved or free seating. Standing on a packed coastal train with a backpack is not fun.
• I double-check the arrival time.
• I also look for any notice about line work.
• I leave a buffer for possible delays.
• The app can be clunky.
• I screenshot my booking and ticket in case it glitches when the conductor appears.

台北捷運Go (Taipei MRT Go)

Best situations to use it:

Taipei MRT Go is the app I keep on my home screen whenever I am staying in Taipei for more than a day or two. The app ties together MRT lines, nearby bus stops, and YouBike stations. 

Instead of guessing which route “looks shortest” on Google Maps, you can see how locals actually move around the city and plan transfers that do not involve sprinting across roads at the last second.

It’s perfect for everyday use. Whether you’re bouncing between co-working spaces, cafés and night markets, or just trying to figure out the fastest way from Ximen to a random hotpot place a friend recommended. 

Things to note:

• I always check first and last train times in the Taipei MRT Go app (台北捷運Go) before a late night.
• That way, I know exactly when I need to head back.
• Pay attention to the exit information.
• Picking the right one can mean walking into a mall instead of hauling luggage over an overpass.
• If you have big suitcases or mobility needs, check which stations have lifts.
• Look for barrier-free routes too.
• That tiny bit of planning makes rush hour calmer.
• It turns the MRT from slightly intimidating into very manageable.

Bike Rental Apps

YouBike

Best situations to use it:

YouBike is what I use when I want to slow things down and actually feel the city rather than just pass through it. 

Short hops between MRT stations, a ride along the riverside paths, or a lazy roll from café to café are exactly where this app shines. 

It is especially fun on sunny, dry days when the weather is too nice to spend it underground; you get to see the backstreets, small parks and neighbourhood temples you would never notice from a bus window. 

For a lot of travellers and expats, YouBike becomes part of their daily rhythm in Taipei and other major cities, not just a tourist activity

Things to note:

• I always check station status first to make sure there are enough bikes at the start and empty docks at the end.
• Registration takes a bit of setup with a phone number and card.
• Rides are billed in short time blocks.
• So plan your route instead of stopping for long photo breaks on the clock.
• Treat it as a shared resource and return the bike properly.

Bus Apps

Bus+

Best situations to use it:

Bus+ is my go-to when I want to tap into Taiwan’s bus network without feeling completely lost.

In cities where the MRT does not reach every corner, buses often fill the gaps between stations, residential areas and trailheads, and this app helps you see which routes actually serve the places you care about. 

It is also handy for longer suburban or intercity hops where taking a taxi would be overkill, but you still want something more structured than “wander around and hope a bus appears”. 

If you are travelling on a budget, using Bus+ alongside your metro and train apps can shave a surprising amount off your transport costs.

Things to note:

• I check route maps and live arrival times in Bus+ first so that I’ll know if the next bus is two minutes away or twenty.
• Stop names can be similar, so match the Chinese characters in the app with the sign at the stop to avoid going the wrong way.
• Always arrive a few minutes early.
• Some drivers won’t wait while you dig for your EasyCard.
• Once you get used to the app, tapping on and off, and watching the stop counter, buses in Taiwan become easy.

Weather Apps

Official Taiwan Weather App

Best situations to use it:

For anything outdoors in Taiwan, this is the app I check, rather than the weather widget on my phone. 

It is ideal when you are planning day trips to Jiufen, hikes in Yangmingshan, or island runs to places like Xiao Liuqiu and Green Island, because the forecasts are made with Taiwan’s microclimates in mind. 

During typhoon season or those sticky summer afternoons when storms roll in out of nowhere, the official app is what tells me whether I should be booking a surf lesson, shifting to a museum day, or cancelling that mountain hike at sunrise.

Things to note:

• I always check township or district forecasts, not just a generic “Taipei” or “Kaohsiung” reading.
• The colour-coded alerts for rain, wind, and heat show risk at a glance.
• Push notifications save you from constantly refreshing the app.
• I also watch sunrise and sunset times there.
• It’s incredibly useful for timing Alishan’s sea of clouds, lighthouse views, or blue hour skyline shots.

Trekking Apps

AllTrails

Best situations to use it:

AllTrails is the first place I go when I want a quick read on how “serious” a hike is. 

It is great for popular routes that travellers and locals log often, like the main Yangmingshan loops, Elephant Mountain, or certain sections around Taroko, because you can see distance, elevation gain and a rough idea of how long people actually took. 

I probably should have used this for my planned one-hour Fengqihu Waterfall trek; I missed the sign saying that the path to the waterfall is closed and went the wrong way all the way up to the peak of Matcha Mountain. What was meant to be a one-hour trek turned into a six-and-a-half-hour hike up a steep mountain.

Things to note:

• Trail conditions change fast in Taiwan. I skim the latest reviews for landslides, closures, or confusing turns.
• The GPX line in AllTrails is only a guide. I cross-check it with trail signs, especially on quieter routes.
• In weak-signal areas, I download offline maps in advance. I also back them up with screenshots or a simple paper map.

Hiking Note (健行筆記)

Best situations to use it:

When I am tackling more “Taiwanese” hikes rather than just tourist favourites, I reach for “Hiking Note” (健行筆記). 

It shines light on local routes, higher peaks and the kind of ridge walks or multi-day trails that regular travel blogs barely mention, because the data is built from a vast community of local hikers. 

If you are eyeing one of the Baiyue, looking at lesser-known forest trails, or just want to know what experienced hillwalkers are doing around Taipei and central Taiwan, this is where you find the real info.

Things to note:

• The interface is mostly in Chinese. With basic reading, you can still use route maps, elevation profiles, and GPX tracks.
• I always download offline maps over Wi-Fi.
• I check time and elevation against my fitness so I don’t overcommit.
• It has safety tools like track recording and location sharing.
• They only help if you set them up and tell someone how to use them.
• I practise first, not halfway up a mountain in the clouds.

Map Apps

Google Maps

Best situations to use it:

For everyday travel in Taiwan, Google Maps is still my main navigation workhorse. 

It is excellent for city wandering, café hunting and basic public transport planning, since it pulls in MRT, many bus routes and walking directions in one place. 

Before I land in a new city, I usually create a “want to go” list for that area, drop in my hostels, food spots, viewpoints and random recommendations from blogs or Reddit, then use that as a loose skeleton for each day.

Things to note:

• I download offline maps before going to rural areas, mountain towns, or islands.
• Mobile signal loves to disappear at the worst time.
• Reviews, photos, and opening hours help.
• I still double-check anything important.
• Small shops in Taiwan often change schedules without updating Google.
• Walking routes are usually fine.
• The app can get creative with alleys or staircases.
• If a path looks sketchy in real life, I trust my eyes and choose a safer route.

Language and Translation Apps

Google Translate

Best situations to use it:

Google Translate is my default translator for Taiwan because it is fast, flexible, and built into many of the tools I already use. 

It is ideal for deciphering menus, grocery labels, MRT or TRA station signs, and any piece of written Chinese that you can point your camera at. 

When I need to have a very simple back-and-forth with someone who does not speak much English, the introductory text or conversation modes are usually enough to get us to “understood” rather than “awkward staring”.

Things to note:

• Before a trip, I download the Mandarin language pack. That way I’m not relying on data in trains, tunnels, or mountains.
• Camera mode struggles with fancy fonts or neon signs.
• Sometimes I type key characters by hand instead.
• I also simplify what I want to say in English first.
• Long, complex sentences often turn into nonsense.
• I stick to short, clear phrases.
• If I know a bit of Chinese, I check that the output looks sensible.

Naver Papago

Best situations to use it:

While Google Translate and Deepl work well enough, Papago is the app I use most in Taiwan, especially for everyday phrases. 

Travellers find that it handles conversational Mandarin in a slightly more natural way, which makes a difference when asking for directions, checking ingredients, or trying to phrase something politely. 

I like using it as a second opinion when sending messages to hosts or tour operators, particularly if I want the tone to feel warm rather than robotic.

Things to note:

• I often run the same sentence through both Papago and Google Translate before comparing which version looks cleaner or gets a better reaction from locals.
• If the two outputs are totally different, I take it as a warning.
• That’s my cue to simplify what I’m saying or break it into smaller chunks.
• Like any translation app, it’s not for legal, medical, or high-stakes nuance.
• For casual chats and quick clarifications, Papago is a functional extra layer in your translation stack.

Ready to make Taiwan feel effortless?

With the right apps in place before you fly, a trip to Taiwan shifts from confusing to genuinely fun.  

There are a variety of transport, food delivery, and hiking apps, but the list above shows the best ones for a smooth and easy experience.

The only real non-negotiable is solid data from day one. This is why I always start with a Taiwan eSIM from Airalo, so all the other apps in this guide work the moment I land.