Essential Apps for Visiting Taipei
From metro maps to bubble tea on demand, here are the must-have apps to make your Taipei trip smooth and stress-free.
Taipei is one of Asia’s most visitor-friendly cities, but navigating a new place—especially one that blends futuristic speed with subtle cultural etiquette—gets easier with the right tools. Whether you’re hopping on the MRT, ordering night market snacks, or figuring out if that convenience store sushi is really worth it, these essential apps will keep you connected, informed, and caffeinated.
📲 1. Google Maps (or Apple Maps)
For: Getting around the city efficiently
Taipei’s public transportation is top-notch, and Google Maps is generally accurate for both MRT and bus routes. It shows real-time MRT schedules, train connections, walking directions, and even station exits (very important in huge stations like Taipei Main).
💡 Pro Tip: Search in English, but save a few key locations in Mandarin in case you need to show them to a taxi driver.
🚇 2. Taipei Metro Go
For: Live MRT updates and smart card balance checks
This official app by Taipei Metro gives you train arrival times, route planning, fare calculations, and service alerts. If you’re using an EasyCard or iPASS, it also helps you track your balance and recent transactions.
Download before boarding—MRT stations have great Wi-Fi, but signal drops underground.
🍱 3. Uber Eats / Foodpanda
For: Ordering local eats to your hotel or Airbnb
Hungry but not quite ready to brave the night market? Taiwan’s food delivery scene is thriving. Uber Eats and Foodpanda offer menus in English, and you can explore everything from street snacks to upscale hot pot—delivered straight to your door.
🥡 Many locals order delivery bubble tea, so yes, your favorite pearl milk tea is just a tap away.
🧾 4. LINE
For: Messaging, reservations, and even paying for things
LINE is Taiwan’s go-to social messaging app. Many local shops, restaurants, and hotels use it for customer service or reservations. You can even link your credit card to LINE Pay and use it to make mobile payments at convenience stores, restaurants, and more.
📍 If you’ll be in Taiwan for more than a few days, it’s worth signing up.
5. Taiwan Weather App
For: Real-time forecasts, typhoon alerts, and rain radar
Weather in Taiwan can change quickly—especially during typhoon season or the hot, rainy summer months. This official Central Weather Bureau app gives accurate hourly forecasts and push alerts if storms or earthquakes are approaching.
🌀 A must-have during July–October, when typhoon activity is more common.
💬 6. Pleco / Google Translate
For: Reading menus, signs, and chatting with locals
Pleco is perfect for translating Chinese characters—great for menus and store signs. Google Translate’s camera feature can instantly translate labels and packaging. The voice and text input options also help when you’re trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak English.
📸 Don’t forget the offline translation packs!
🏞️ 7. iTaiwan Wi-Fi
For: Free public Wi-Fi access around the city
Taipei offers widespread free Wi-Fi under the “iTaiwan” network — but you’ll need to register to access it. This app helps you locate nearby hotspots and manage your account. Perfect for travelers without a local SIM card.
🚲 8. YouBike 2.0
For: Renting and returning public bikes
Taipei’s YouBike system is one of the best ways to explore the city. The YouBike 2.0 app lets you find bike stations, check availability in real time, and scan QR codes to unlock a ride. You can register with a foreign phone number and use EasyCard for payment.
Great for rides along the Tamsui River, city parks, and quiet neighborhoods.
🛒 9. ibon / FamilyMart FamiPort
For: Buying tickets and services inside convenience stores
7-Eleven and FamilyMart are practically everywhere in Taipei — and they offer more than snacks. These apps let you purchase train tickets, event passes, concert tickets, or print documents at kiosks in-store. Super useful for booking on the go without needing a Taiwanese credit card.
🧼 10. Flush
For: Finding clean public toilets
Taipei is a clean city, and public restrooms are generally available — but this crowd-sourced app helps you locate the nearest toilet fast (especially helpful in markets or parks). Filters for cleanliness and accessibility are available.
🚌 11. Bus+ (BusPlus)
For: Real-time bus tracking and route planning in Taipei and across Taiwan
Taipei buses are very efficient, but their schedules can be confusing. Bus+ helps you see live arrival times, track your route, and even alerts you when your stop is coming up. Essential for first-timers relying on public buses.
Bonus: It includes intercity and long-distance bus services too.
🚍 12. Taipei Sightseeing Bus
For: Tourist-friendly hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus info
This app provides schedules, route maps, and ticketing info for Taipei’s red and blue double-decker sightseeing buses. Great for a relaxed day of exploring major landmarks with built-in audio guides.
🚗 13. Uber
For: Getting around Taipei with convenience and comfort
While Taipei has a fantastic public transportation system, sometimes you just want door-to-door service. Uber operates legally in Taiwan, often in partnership with local taxi fleets, meaning you might get a yellow cab—but with all the app conveniences like upfront pricing, card payment, and GPS tracking.
It’s especially handy late at night, in the rain, or when you have lots of luggage. English support, in-app help, and driver ratings make it a reliable option for first-time visitors.
🧳 Pro Tip: If your driver helps load/unload large suitcases and provides great service, tipping (while not required) is appreciated and can brighten their day.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use the EasyCard or iPASS across all these modes
Your EasyCard (or iPASS) is accepted on MRT, buses, YouBike, ferries, Taiwan Railways, and even some taxis. Many apps let you check or top up your card balance online via NFC or QR codes—very convenient.
To Wrap It Up
Taipei is a breeze to explore, but the right apps can make it feel like you’ve got a local friend in your pocket. Download a few of these before your trip and you’ll be one step ahead—whether you’re catching a train, ordering bubble tea, or planning your next stop. Happy exploring!