Yes, WhatsApp is free to download and use in Taiwan, just as it is in other parts of the world. It works without censorship, allowing you to send messages and make calls over an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
Almost everyone has LINE, some WeChat, very few WhatsApp. Also since WeChat is from China and requires invitation and ID verification it can be difficult to get in.
As a result, both the central government and local governments prohibited the downloading, installation, and use of Douyin or TikTok apps on government-issued smartphones, tablets, and computers. In February 2025, Ministry of Digital Affairs announced it would block DeepSeek in government, citing security concerns.
WhatsApp allows you to send messages and make calls without incurring hefty international charges: To send a message, open a chat, type your message, and tap "Send."
More than 180 countries allow WhatsApp; only five countries forbid WhatsApp use. In Which Country Is WhatsApp Banned? WhatsApp is banned in China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar and the UAE. We have a guide on how to unblock WhatsApp and VoIP services in Qatar and other countries.
Yes, modern smartphones should work without a hitch in Taiwan, but roaming with a US carrier can get expensive pretty quickly. The likes of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile charge eye-watering rates for Pay As You Go calls, messages and data in Taiwan. And be aware that data usage mounts up faster than you think.
A reliable messaging and communication app is crucial for business, socializing, or simply staying in the loop. The most popular social platform in Taiwan is LINE. This versatile and feature-rich application has become synonymous with seamless connectivity and innovation.
Charges. Fares are determined by the meter. NT$ 85 for the first 1.5 km and NT$ 5 for every 250 m afterward. Most taxies only accept cash payment but some taxi companies accept credit cards.
This doesn't need much of an introduction but Google Maps is invaluable when walking around Taiwan or using public transport outside of Taipei – it saves you having to download all the regional Taiwan transport company apps.
Do I get charged for international texts on WhatsApp?
All WhatsApp messages are free to send and receive regardless of where you are in the world — given you have an internet connection. SMS, on the other hand, can incur fees both nationally and internationally due to their reliance on cellular networks.
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail, also known as the “HSR”, is perfect for enabling day trips or overnight trips to Taiwan's west coast cities from Taipei, and vice versa. The HSR offers high speed service between city centers for a price more or less to twice that of regular TRA trains.
Facebook: The Veteran with Strong Penetration. Facebook maintains a commanding presence with 17.1 million usrs in Taiwan as of January 2025, representing 93.6% of the population. ...
E-wallets like LINE Pay and JKOPAY are also extremely popular for in-store QR code payments, P2P transfers, and bill payments. Despite high digital adoption, physical cash, the New Taiwan Dollar, remains very common for daily transactions, especially at night markets and smaller eateries.
In addition, as the colour red represents auspiciousness and good fortune, it is believed that wearing red and having red decorations in peoples' houses will bring about great fortune.
If you're wondering what to buy in Taiwan, bring home a little of the island's flavor and artistry with pineapple cakes, high-mountain oolong tea, handmade ceramics, Indigenous crafts, jade jewelry, and market finds like lantern keepsakes, local snacks, and beautifully designed stationery.
How do I prepare my phone for international travel?
How do I get my device ready to use outside the US? Before you go, make sure your roaming is turned on in your device settings. This allows your device to connect to networks in other countries. Visit our Device Troubleshooting Assistant to see instructions for your device.
The UK encryption ban was a pledge by former British prime minister David Cameron to ban online messaging applications that offer end-to-end encryption, such as WhatsApp, iMessage, and Snapchat, under a nationwide surveillance plan.
TL;DR: Yes, WhatsApp international calls are free in the sense that WhatsApp does not charge you. However, the calls are not completely “free” as they use mobile data. You must have an active internet connection, and if you are not on Wi-Fi, you'll pay for the data through your mobile plan or international.
Your messages will only be delivered to contacts who have the WhatsApp app. If you send a WhatsApp message to an invalid phone number or not registered on the WhatsApp app: WhatsApp credits corresponding to the destination country will be deducted from your WhatsApp credits.
