Some things to do before you head away

APPS:

These are how we roll these days, and there are loads of them that you'll find at least useful, if not invaluable during this, or any other, trip. 

Comms:

• WhatsApp is how the group keeps in touch with each other and how I communicate with you. We'll be using this before we even meet in Taipei to finalise arrival arrangements and deal with any questions. LINE is the equivalent app used most frequently in Taiwan, so you might find it useful to download. 
• Local SIM, roaming or e-SIM? I'm ambivalent about this, so work out what's best for you. You may find that for a two-week holiday in Taiwan, your roaming option is the most straightforward. Just make sure you do have data for when you're out and about. 

Getting around:

• Google Maps has Taiwan's public transport system (timetables, routes and options) down pat, and you can use this to navigate around Taipei by MRT, bus or on foot. Organic Maps is great for discovering trails and paths, that aren't covered by Google maps. Download these before you leave home. 
• Go! Taipei Metro is a journey planner and helps you find the right exit from the labyrinthine underground system. You can also download an offline map for the Kaohsiung metro system. 
• Uber is available in larger centres, though many Taiwanese use the old fashioned 'hail' method to get a taxi. Taxis sometimes take EasyCard, but always take cash.  Before you leave home, make sure you have connected a payment card to your Uber app. 

Money:

• Surprisingly, Taiwan is quite cash oriented. I find it easiest to load up my Wise card, and use the many ATMs to withdraw cash. The physical card works alongside the Wise app. You will definitely need cash for the street/night markets, and many small purchases from local stores. Download the ATM Fee Saver app which will tell you where the closest ATM is, and what the fee structure for your withdrawal is. It's always a good idea to bring a back up card, just in case. 

• You'll get a local EasyCard  on arrival, which is useful for small purchases and transport fares. This can be topped up at 7-11 stores and stations, using your Wise or debit/credit card. As your hotels have been prepaid, you may find you only use your credit card for larger purchases, and some dinners. Don't forget to let your bank know you're travelling overseas. 

Language: It's a good idea to download a Chinese language app. I use Google Translate, but there are others. Download the traditional Mandarin option, as this is what's generally used in Taiwan (not simplified Chinese). Translation apps mean you can communicate more easily and confidently with locals 

Weather: One thing about Taiwan, the weather is changeable. Taiwan Weather from the country's Central Weather Bureau is the app to download.

Books, movies,  music: Download for the flights and for relaxing. Local TV isn't up to much and there may not always be Netflix. 

ARRIVAL:

Arriving in Taiwan - if travelling on an NZ or Australian passport, you'll get a 90 day stamp on arrival, but you will need to complete the online arrival documentation for Taiwan. It's available at https://twac.immigration.gov.tw, costs nothing and should be done a couple of days before you arrive. You'll need to include the address of your Taipei hotel, which will be provided as part of your trip documentation. 

Travelling from the airport - the most straightforward option is to take Taipei's MRT (underground/subway) system. It will bring you right to Taipei Central. Full directions to the hotel will be provided in your trip documentation. Note that eating and drinking on the MRT is forbidden, and transgressors will be fined!

ADDING ON ANOTHER DESTINATION OR TWO:

You'll find that there are very reasonable fares to/from Taipei from a range of nearby Asian destinations. You may want to combine this trip with a visit to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea,  Vietnam or even mainland China. 

RETURNING HOME:

Don't forget to complete your NZ online arrival documentation using the NZ Travel Declaration (NZTD) website or app, no earlier than 24 hours before your arrival in NZ. Australia still largely uses paper forms, which are handed out by flight staff.