Things that made my Taiwan trip smoother & easier!
Intro:
Taiwan was full of amazing food, culture, and fun—but traveling in a new country can also get a bit tricky. So here’s a list of the apps and travel essentials I actually used during my trip to Taipei. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been before, I hope these tips help make your trip even better!
📱 Must-Have Apps for Taipei
1. Google Maps
A no-brainer! Super accurate for walking, MRT (subway), and even bus routes.
✅ Tip: MRT exit numbers are super important — always check them on Google Maps!
2. Uber
I used Uber to get from the city to Shifen (for the sky lanterns). It was super easy, especially since some areas were hard to reach by train.
3. Pleco (for Chinese translation)
I used this to read menus and signs. It also works offline if you download the dictionary. Life saver!
5. Trip.com or Klook
Great for booking local tours, entry tickets (like Taipei 101 observatory), and transportation passes.
🧳 Essentials I Actually Packed (and used!)
1. eSIM (Holafly)
I used Holafly for unlimited data and it worked great. No need to swap SIM cards, just scan the QR code before your trip and you’re good to go.
📱 Strong connection even in Jiufen and Shifen!
2. Reusable Shopping Bag
Taiwan charges for plastic bags, so I carried a lightweight foldable tote in my bag at all times.
♻️ Eco-friendly and super handy when buying snacks at night markets.
3. Small Pack of Tissues & Hand Sanitizer
Not all public toilets had toilet paper or soap. I was SO glad I packed these!
4. Portable Charger
With all the photos I was taking and using Google Maps all day, this was essential.
5. Travel-Size Sunscreen & Mini Umbrella
Taiwan weather can be unpredictable—sunny one second, sudden rain the next!
✈️ Bonus: Things I wish I packed
- A small foldable hat (it was hotter than I expected!)
- More cash — some night markets and small shops were cash-only.
- A second power adapter just in case!
Outro:
Taipei was such a fun city to explore, and these tools really helped me enjoy it stress-free. Hope this list helps you prep for your next adventure!
If you’ve used any of these or have more tips, leave a comment below 💬
Island Glow Life 
Leave a comment