Before you start your adventure in Taiwan, you’ll want to stay connected. I would recommend buying a SIM card in advance so you can travel freely and connect with the people. For the smoothest ride to your hotel, you’ll need your Taiwan OV and EasyCard, and let’s start saving some extra cash.
Before you start your adventure in Taiwan, you’ll want to stay connected. I would recommend buying a SIM card in advance so you can travel freely and connect with the people. For the smoothest ride to your hotel, you’ll need your Taiwan OV and EasyCard, and let’s start planning our Trip!
Getting Connected with a SIM Card/or ESIM
To get started, purchase your SIM card online. Klook offers an easy way for you to buy it in advance so you don’t need to wait. You will need your phone, the voucher, and your password to pick it up. When I traveled there, I was there for six months, so I went to the telecom shop myself. For shorter trips, this SIM card is enough, and they even offer an e-SIM card for phones that support it. I used both of these SIM cards, one for my mom and one for my sister’s boyfriend.
From airport to hotel: Smoothly Traveling with EasyCard
Option 1: MRT – The Budget-Friendly Choice
Once you’re back connected, you can start getting to your hotel. The most used way is with the MRT, and you can buy a single-use token at airport or buy it online in advanced on the website that is called klook . If you buy the round trip ticket online, it can save you around 35 NDT or 1 Euro. Since there are two airport terminations, you can find the Taoyuan MRT by following the signs. It’s not to difficult, and the ride only takes 36 minutes by express. The commuter takes a tad longeraroudn 49 min. From there, you could also take a taxi to your hotel and save some money to enjoy some snacks at the night markets.
All the Easycard are called youyouka in Chinese, and you can recognize them because of their logo, there are a lot of easycard, but they all have the same functions
Option 2: Taxi – Convenience at a Cost
If you prefer a more convenient option, taking a taxi is a great choice. You won’t have to carry your luggage, and you’ll get straight to your hotel. Taxi fares vary but typically range from 1000 NDT to 1500 NDT (29.55 Euro to 44.32 Euro).
EasyCard and More
While you’re still at the airport, you can either buy an EasyCard there or get one at any convenient store like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. The ones at the airport might be a bit more expensive but also cuter. It depends on your preference. The airport itself also sells them, or you can buy them online and pick them up at the airport before you hop on your MRT ride. Depending on your stay duration, you could wait a bit and buy an unlimited Taipei Metro Multi-day Pass at Metro station information counters. They offer 24 hours, 48 hours (2 days), and 72 hours (3 days) options at 180 NDT (5.32 Euro), 280 NDT (8.27 Euro), and 380 NDT (11.22 Euro), respectively. There’s also the Taipei Fun Pass, which has othe option included. All the Easycard are called youyouka in Chinese, and you can recognize them because of their logo, there are a lot of easycard, but they all have the same functions.
Option 1: Taipei Attractions Pass
If you’re eager to explore popular tourist attractions like the zoo or the Taipei 101 Observatory, the Taipei Attractions Pass is your ticket to discounted fun. Klook offers a range of activities, and you can choose between standard and premium passes, depending on the number of activities you plan to enjoy. Make sure you check which activity is under what card! I used this card with my sister and her boyfriend. Make sure you know which places you want to visit before buying! Also, read the voorwaardes (conditions) to ensure you understand how to use the voucher. If you don’t understand it, ask the client service before purchasing; it could save you some stress.
Option 2: Tailored Adventures
If you’d rather craft your own adventure, you can explore activities individually. While the savings may seem small per activity, they add up over time. Feel free to check my Google Maps list for more ideas on how to make the most of your trip.
Bonus Tip: Language Made Easy
As a bonus tip, consider downloading Google Translate and adding Traditional Chinese to English or Dutch. This will facilitate communication with the locals, as only around 30% of the population can speak a little English. Having this tool at your disposal will be invaluable, especially when asking for directions.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set for a fantastic journey in Taiwan. Safe travels!
