In today's era of globalization, more and more expatriate tourists choose to come to Taiwan to explore this charming and cultural destination. In order to make the journey smoother and more convenient, it is important to know the information on the use of various convenient facilities. From luggage storage to mobile power bank rentals, mobile phone charging stations, tax refund procedures, currency exchange, SIM card purchases, how to obtain Wi-Fi hotspots, to practical services such as travel advice, medical assistance, water dispensers, etc., all of these can effectively enhance the travel experience of tourists. This article will detail this convenient information to help foreign tourists easily plan their trip to Taiwan and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.
1. How to buy a Wi-Fi SIM card in Taiwan
When foreign tourists come to Taiwan, buying a network card (Wi-Fi SIM card) is a convenient and affordable option, which allows you to connect to the Internet anytime and anywhere, and enjoy the convenience of unlimited Internet access. You can purchase a network card at the airport when you arrive in Taiwan, at major communication banks, or on online travel platforms such as Klook. It is advisable to have your passport ready when you buy a network card so that you can confirm your identity. Most SIM card plans offer a variety of speeds and data options, giving you the freedom to choose the plan that best suits your travel time and needs.
>>Online Purchase: Klook Network Card Purchase
2. How to use Taiwan Wi-Fi hotspot for free
If you want to save money on travel, you can choose to use Taiwan's free Wi-Fi hotspot service "iTaiwan" throughout the country. This service is not only available to Taiwan residents, but also overseas tourists can also access the Internet for free at more than 10,000 hotspots throughout Taiwan without registration. In public places with the "iTaiwan" sign, you can access the Internet by simply connecting. In addition, many coffee shops, restaurants, and shops offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to browse the web even if you don't have a SIM card.
Quick view: iTaiwan national hotspot map
Image source: iTaiwan official website
3. How to use mobile phone charging stations
When you encounter a phone run out of battery during your trip to Taiwan, don't worry. You can find free outlets to charge at convenience stores, stations, airports, etc., as long as you bring a charger and charging cable with you. Some trains also have charging docks in designated carriages or some passenger transport, which allow passengers to charge on the way to their destinations, but the location of the socket is not obvious, and it may take some time to find it.
If you forget to bring charging equipment, Taiwan's four major supermarkets (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Supermarket, Laierfu) also provide mobile power bank rental services, which is convenient for you to rent and return at different locations. You can use a credit card or mobile payment (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, etc.) to rent, and it is recommended that foreign tourists rent at 7-Eleven supermarkets by simply operating the ibon machine in the store, and the rest can be used by downloading the app.
1. 7-Eleven Power Bank Rental: Qiosk
- Rental method: Go to 7-11 ibon and click [Life Service] → [Power Bank Rental]
- Fee: NT$12/hr (Maximum rental price per day: NT$36)
- Pre-authorization Payment: NT$499
- Borrowing time: up to 3 days (499 deposit will be recovered after 72 hours)
- Charging methods: online payment, credit card, ICASH2.0
- Power Bank Specifications: Support Miro USB (wired), Type-C (wired), Lightning (wired), wireless charging
>> 7-11 Power Bank Store Query: Rental Map
Image source: Qiosk official website
2. Rental of a power bank for the whole family: ChargeSPOT
- How to rent: Download the ChargeSPOT App on your mobile phone and register with your mobile phone number
- Fee: NT$15/hr (Maximum rental price per day: NT$60)
- Pre-authorisation: NT$380
- Borrowing time: up to 7 days (more than 168 hours without returning the deduction of 380 deposit and 7-day rent 420 yuan)
- Charging methods: credit card, mobile payment (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, street payment, leisurely payment), far EasTone telecommunications collection, AFTEE enjoy first and pay later
- Power Bank Specifications: Support Miro USB (wired), Type-C (wired), Lightning (wired)
>> FamilyMart Mobile Phone Charging Store Query: Google My Maps
Image source: ChargeSPOT official website
3. OK Supermarket Mobile Power Bank Rental: Travel Electronics Technology
- Rental method: Download the App on your mobile phone and scan the QR Code of the cabinet
- Fee: NT$12/hr (Maximum rental price per day: NT$48)
- Borrowing time: up to 2 days
- Payment methods: Credit card, mobile payment (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, street payment)
- Power Bank Specifications: Support Miro USB (wired), Type-C (wired), Lightning (wired)
Image source: Travel Electronics Technology Facebook Fan Section
4. Reilfu Power Bank Rental: EZcharge
- Rental method: Download the EZ Charge App on your mobile phone and scan the rental
- Fee: NT$15/hr (Maximum rental price per day: NT$45)
- Borrowing time: up to 2 days
- Payment methods: Credit card, mobile payment (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, street payment)
- Power Bank Specifications: Support USB A, TPEY-C, microUSB+Lightning 2-in-1
Image source: EZcharge official website
4. Taiwan's tax refund system
When shopping in Taiwan, foreign tourists are eligible to apply for tax refund if they purchase taxable goods that can be carried out of the country with the trip from the special stores with the foreign tourist shopping tax refund logo (as shown below), and if the tax included amount of a single consumption exceeds NT$2,000, they are eligible to apply for a tax refund, and apply to the store sales staff for a tax refund form with the entry permit on the day of shopping. Foreign tourists can apply for tax refund in three ways: airport and port tax refund, on-site small tax refund, and special urban tax refund, so that you can easily enjoy the discount of shopping in Taiwan and smoothly apply for tax refund. You will need to present your passport and purchase invoice when you apply for a tax refund, and the purchase must be taken out of the country within 90 days. Please note that some stores may not offer tax refunds, so it is recommended to ask the store staff in advance.
Detailed tax refund instructions: e-tax refund service network for foreign tourists
5. Credit cards recommended for foreign tourists in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used types of credit cards. Whether it's shopping, dining, or lodging, it's easy to pay with both types of credit cards. If you have an American Express card, you can also use it at some premium department stores or restaurants. However, it's a good idea to check in advance if the store accepts a particular credit card to avoid any inconvenience.
6. Currency exchange locations
Taiwan credit card or mobile payment (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) is becoming more and more popular, but there are still some more local stores that only use cash to make transactions, if you are not enough cash, foreign tourists can exchange currency at Taiwan's international airports, major banks and some larger department stores or major tourist hotels, the most convenient way is to find the nearest bank ATM machine, and use international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, Withdraw NTD cash. The exchange rate of Taiwan's currency is relatively stable, and the exchange rate of each country does not vary much, but you may need to pay attention to the bank card used before the exchange, whether there will be an additional handling fee when withdrawing foreign currency abroad, and not every bank can withdraw foreign currency abroad for free.
7. Nantou tourism consulting services
Nantou County has a number of tourist service centers to provide comprehensive tourism consulting services for tourists. At these service centers, you can not only get travel advice, but also store your luggage, borrow a medical kit or provide water dispensers with water to make your journey easier and more convenient. These centers are located along Nantou's major attractions, so whether you need directions or find nearby amenities, you'll get immediate help.
Image source: Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Management Office
In addition to the visitor center, you can also go to the more local "borrowing station", which has friendly tourist information, map information billboards for nearby attractions, and WiFi hotspots that can be borrowed. Different stations may also have other services, such as borrowing toilets, borrowing batteries, borrowing a glass of water, borrowing inflating tools, borrowing bicycles, borrowing wheelchairs, borrowing baby strollers... And so on, to enhance the convenience of tourists in Nantou!
Image source: Roaming Zhongxing New Village Facebook fan
8. Luggage storage service in Nantou
When traveling in Nantou, in addition to the free luggage storage service usually provided by the hotel or B&B, it is recommended that you check with the hotel in advance to see if the storage service is provided. Many attractions, visitor centers, and train stations also have paid luggage rooms. If you need to store your luggage for an extended period of time, you can choose from one of the specific visitor centers or train station facilities in Nantou, all of which offer convenient and secure storage options. Temporary storage can also be done using the LalaLocker luggage storage website, which is also a convenient and good choice to find a nearby store that can store your luggage.
Image source: Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Management Office
