When I first landed in Taiwan, everything felt… unfamiliar. The signs didn’t make sense, my phone number didn’t work yet, and I had no idea how to get from the airport to my dorm. I didn’t even know which MRT card to buy. And as much as I tried to prepare, there were things Google just couldn’t explain in the moment.
But you know what saved me?
Apps. A few good ones turned my phone into my lifeline.
Whether you’re commuting to your first shift, wiring money home, or figuring out if that food stall sells something actually edible, these must-have apps for OFWs in Taiwan will help you feel more in control—especially when everything feels foreign.
Government & Documentation
eGovPH App
Before I left the Philippines, eGovPH helped me apply for my OFW Pass and secure my travel requirements without going to four different agencies. Now, I use it to check government advisories and renew documents. It’s basically my digital government assistant.
Why it matters:
✔ OFW Pass application
✔ NBI, PSA, SSS integration
✔ Real-time travel advisories
PSA e-Verification
When my employer needed a copy of my birth certificate for the company registry, I didn’t have to panic. I just scanned the QR code on my PSA document and showed them the official verification on the spot.
Why it matters:
✔ Real-time PSA verification
✔ Digital copy downloads
OWWA Mobile App
After getting sick during my third month, I needed help understanding my medical assistance benefit. I found it—plus the emergency contact numbers—right inside the OWWA app. That kind of peace of mind? Priceless.
Why it matters:
✔ Benefit tracking
✔ Hotline access
✔ Membership renewal
DMW Mobile App
One night, a coworker didn’t return from her day off. We contacted the DMW’s SOS feature to alert her agency. Luckily, she was safe. But it made me realize: this app isn’t just about paperwork—it can be a lifeline.
Why it matters:
✔ Contract details
✔ “SOS” emergency feature
✔ Accredited agency search
Need more help with these tools?
I’ve put together a separate guide on government apps for OFWs in Taiwan—how to use them, what they’re really for, and why they’ll save you time and stress. Give it a read if you’re still figuring things out.
Communication & Community
LINE
If you don’t have LINE, you’re basically invisible in Taiwan. It’s how my employer sends updates, how I chat with coworkers, and even how I scheduled my first hair appointment (no Mandarin needed—emojis saved the day).
Why it matters:
✔ Free calls and chats
✔ Employer announcements
✔ Group chats for housemates
Facebook & Dcard
I found my first secondhand rice cooker in a Filipino FB group and got weekend trip ideas from Dcard. These spaces are goldmines for advice, rants, and support.
Why it matters:
✔ Find roommates
✔ Local hacks from other OFWs
✔ Emotional support from kababayans
Finance & Money Transfer
Wise
Wise is my go-to for transferring money to my PH bank account with low fees. Plus, I can use the debit card in Taiwan without crazy conversion rates.
GCash
I didn’t realize how useful GCash still is until I had to pay Meralco back home. With GCash, I could handle it in seconds—while sitting on a YouBike.
Remitly / Xoom
When my parents needed an urgent remittance, I used Remitly because I could track it live. It gave me (and them) that extra layer of trust and calm.
OFW App (DICT)
I check this app every now and then for financial tips and government program updates. It’s also where I first learned about reintegration loans—something I never even thought of before.
Transportation & Commuting
T-Express (THSR)
First weekend off? Booked a high-speed train to Kaohsiung in under 5 minutes. No need to print anything—just scan and ride.
Taiwan Railway e-Booking
Used it when I got assigned outside the city. It’s a lifesaver for checking train schedules, booking return trips, and avoiding station stress.
Bus+
Bus+ tells me if the next bus is low-floor (helpful when I hurt my knee). It’s the app that made public transport make sense again.
YouBike 2.0
My daily ride to work. Just scan and go. It’s faster than the bus and lets me explore hidden side streets on weekends.
Uber / FindTaxi
I once got lost at midnight. Uber saved me from wandering for hours. Sometimes, convenience is worth every NT dollar.
Daily Life & Services
LINE Pay / JKOPay / Taiwan Pay
No wallet? No problem. I’ve paid for groceries, MRT rides, and even my temple offering—all with scan-to-pay. Some shops even give discounts if you use these.
Foodpanda & Uber Eats
After a 12-hour shift, cooking isn’t happening. These apps brought Taiwanese noodles and even Jollibee to my doorstep. That’s comfort, right there.
Shopee & Momo
Shopee helped me furnish my room on a budget. Momo had the desk lamp I needed—with same-day delivery.
Safety & Weather
Taiwan Weather (CWB)
If there’s a typhoon coming, this app tells you where it’ll hit and whether it’s safe to go to work. One morning, it saved me from heading out during a red warning.
Taiwan EEW
I didn’t know earthquakes were so common until I felt one in my sleep. This app gave me a heads-up the next time. Small tremor, but it felt big when you’re alone.
KNY Taiwan Weather & EE Alerts
I use this one for coastal updates. Perfect if you’re planning a beach trip or just want to know if the waves are too strong to walk by the shore.
Language & Translation
Google Translate
This is my magic wand. From contracts to street signs to restaurant menus—just snap a photo and read. I even used it to help a lost tourist at Taipei Main.
Pleco
I use Pleco to learn worksite terms in Mandarin. It even reads handwriting! Helps me feel more confident when my manager speaks too fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best app for money transfers from Taiwan to the Philippines?
Wise and Remitly are top choices for their speed and low fees. Wise is great for those with bank accounts, while Remitly supports cash pickups.
Is LINE better than Facebook Messenger in Taiwan?
Yes. LINE is the default for locals and many employers. It supports chats, calls, and even digital payments.
Do I need a Taiwan number to use these apps?
Some apps require a Taiwan SIM (e.g., YouBike registration), but many will work with a Philippine number—especially before you switch over.
Final Thoughts
Being an OFW in Taiwan, especially for the first time, means learning everything from scratch—how to talk, where to go, how to be strong when you miss home. But the right apps can be more than tools. They become your silent teammates. Your daily translators, protectors, helpers, and connectors.
So before your plane lands, load these up.
Because the moment you step off that plane, you’ll want more than just a suitcase.
You’ll want a lifeline in your pocket.