Communication & Internet
SIM Card & Internet
Taiwan has one of the best network coverages in Asia — 4G/5G even in the mountains, tunnels, and countryside. Buy tourist SIM cards at the airport (arrival hall):
- Providers: Chunghwa Telecom (best network, most expensive option), Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone
- Prices: 5 days unlimited 4G: 300 TWD (9€). 15 days: 700 TWD (20€). 30 days: 1,000 TWD (29€).
- Alternative: Buy eSIM online in advance (e.g., Airalo, Holafly) — from 8€ for 7 days.
WiFi
Free WiFi everywhere: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Starbucks, metro stations, HSR trains, public places. iTaiwan is the public WiFi network — register with your passport at the airport and use it throughout the country.
Useful Apps
- Google Maps: Works perfectly, including public transport, buses, and walking directions
- Google Translate: Lifesaver! The camera function translates Chinese menus, signs, and menus in real-time
- 台北捷運 Go (Taipei Metro Go): Official metro app for Taipei
- Taiwan Railway (台鐵e訂通): Book TRA train tickets online
- T Express (台灣高鐵): Buy and manage HSR tickets
- Uber: Works in Taipei and Kaohsiung
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese (with traditional characters, not simplified like on the mainland). English is increasingly spoken in Taipei, especially by younger people. In the countryside and smaller cities, less English is spoken — but friendliness compensates for any language barrier. All metro and train signs are bilingual (Chinese/English). Older Taiwanese sometimes speak Japanese or Hokkien (Taiwanese).
Important Words & Phrases
| German | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo |
| Thank you | 謝謝 | Xièxie |
| How much does it cost? | 多少錢？ | Duōshǎo qián? |
| Delicious! | 好吃！ | Hǎo chī! |
| The bill, please | 買單 | Mǎidān |
| Excuse me | 不好意思 | Bù hǎo yìsi |
| Where is…? | …在哪裡？ | …zài nǎlǐ? |
| I am German | 我是德國人 | Wǒ shì Déguó rén |
| Cheers! | 乾杯！ | Gānbēi! |
| No cilantro, please | 不要香菜 | Bù yào xiāngcài |
