Moving to a new country comes with its unique set of challenges, from navigating the local culture to understanding the transportation systems. For expats in Taiwan, leveraging the right digital tools can significantly ease this transition. Taiwan, known for its technological advancements, offers a plethora of apps designed to make life more convenient for its residents, including expats. This article explores essential apps that every expat should have when living in Taiwan.
Pleco
Learning Mandarin can be a daunting task for many expats. Pleco is an indispensable tool for those looking to overcome the language barrier. This app is more than just a dictionary; it features OCR technology that allows users to translate Chinese characters using their smartphone camera, a real-time conversation mode, and flashcards for language practice.
Google Translate
While not specific to Taiwan, Google Translate is a vital app for basic translations and understanding fundamental phrases. Its speech translation feature is particularly useful in real-life conversations.
LINE
LINE is the leading messaging app in Taiwan, essential not just for personal communication but also for professional interactions. It offers features like free voice and video calls, messages, and a wide range of emojis and stickers, which are culturally significant in Taiwan for expression in digital communication.
Google Maps
Google Maps is an invaluable tool for navigating the streets of Taiwan. Whether it’s by foot, public transport, or driving, Google Maps offers detailed routes and real-time traffic updates. It also provides information on public transportation schedules and routes.
台灣大交通 (Taiwan Bus)
Taiwan Bus is an excellent app for expats who rely on public transportation. It provides comprehensive information on bus and train schedules, routes, and ticket prices across Taiwan, making it easier to plan trips and avoid getting lost.
YouBike
For short distances or when just exploring the city, YouBike, Taiwan’s public bike-sharing service, is an excellent option. The YouBike app allows users to find nearby stations, check bike availability, and handle payments conveniently through their smartphones.
Foodpanda
Foodpanda is a popular choice in Taiwan for food delivery. It offers a wide range of cuisines and restaurants, and the interface is available in both English and Chinese, which is particularly convenient for expats.
UberEATS
Similar to Foodpanda, UberEATS provides a variety of food options delivered to your doorstep. The app is user-friendly and allows you to track your order in real-time, ensuring you know exactly when your food will arrive.
iCook
For those who prefer preparing their meals, iCook is the perfect app to explore Taiwanese recipes. It is one of the largest recipe-sharing platforms in Taiwan and provides step-by-step cooking instructions in Chinese. While it may require some basic Mandarin knowledge, it’s a great way to dive into Taiwan’s culinary culture.
健康存摺 (Health Bank)
Health Bank is a government-supported app that allows users to access their medical records online. It provides information on past doctor visits, medication, and vaccinations, which is particularly useful for expats managing their health care in a new country.
台灣藥典 (Taiwan Drug Encyclopedia)
For expats who need information on medication, Taiwan Drug Encyclopedia offers comprehensive details about various drugs available in Taiwan, including usage, side effects, and prices. This is crucial for those managing chronic conditions and requiring regular medication.
Meetup
Meetup is a fantastic app for expats looking to connect with new people or join groups with similar interests. Whether it’s for hiking, tech meetups, or language exchange, Meetup provides a platform to engage with the community and build a social network in Taiwan.
KKBOX
KKBOX is Taiwan’s leading music streaming service, offering millions of songs, including a vast selection of local Taiwanese music. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture through music and discover new artists.
國泰世華銀行 KOKO (Cathay United Bank KOKO)
For banking needs, Cathay United Bank’s KOKO app is tailored to provide expats with easy access to their bank accounts, transfer money, pay bills, and more. The app is available in English, which eliminates the common language barrier faced by many expats in managing finances.
LINE Pay
LINE Pay is another essential financial tool that integrates seamlessly with LINE. It allows users to make payments, transfer money, and even split bills among friends. Its widespread acceptance in stores and restaurants in Taiwan makes it a convenient option for daily transactions.
Adapting to life in Taiwan as an expat can be made significantly smoother with the help of these essential apps. From overcoming language barriers to navigating transportation, ordering food, managing healthcare, socializing, and handling finances, these apps cover almost all aspects of daily life. Integrating these digital tools into your routine will not only assist in daily activities but also enrich your experience living in Taiwan.
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