Staying in Touch with Loved Ones from Taiwan

Published on May 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The geographical distance between Taiwan and the rest of the world can sometimes make it feel like you’re cut off from your loved ones, but thanks to current technological advancements, it has never been easier to stay connected with your loved ones thousands of miles away. Whether through social media, instant messaging apps, or video calls, the options for maintaining the connection are numerous and varied. This article explores the essential digital tools and best tips for maintaining strong relationships with your family and friends, while ensuring you don’t miss the important moments in their lives, no matter where you are.

The Best Internet Service Providers in Taiwan

The Best Internet Service Providers in Taiwan in 2023

Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) The undisputed market leader, Chunghwa Telecom offers unmatched coverage and speeds, especially with its 5G network covering approximately 97% of the island’s areas. Its average download speeds reach 361 Mbps for 5G and about 83 Mbps on average across all networks combined. Plans include prepaid options with no contract or postpaid packages like Home+Mobile with unlimited data starting at NT$1,299 per month. The company stands out for its excellent user experience, English-speaking customer support, and the largest network of local stores to facilitate procedures. CHT is recommended for its overall reliability.

Taiwan Mobile Taiwan Mobile holds the second spot in the market with robust national coverage (85%) and competitive speeds, though slightly lower than Chunghwa’s. Its plans include the “4G Fun+” with unlimited data (throttling after heavy use) starting at NT$699/month, as well as specific expat plans through its MVNO partners. However, its English-speaking customer service is more limited compared to Chunghwa.

Far EasTone (FET) The third major player, Far EasTone has significantly improved its infrastructure in recent years, especially in rural areas where it rivals CHT in signal stability. Their competitive offerings include a “Just Go” postpaid plan with unlimited data starting at NT$499/month, as well as good support via Facebook Messenger in English. FET is ideal for those seeking good value for money across all regions.

Tips for Choosing a Suitable Provider

– For frequent video calls or instant messaging, prioritize Chunghwa Telecom, whose stability ensures few interruptions. – For those needing budget-friendly options, Far EasTone offers excellent rates while maintaining notable quality. – If you are an English-speaking expat, CHT remains the safe choice thanks to its extensive multilingual customer service. – Also check your primary location of use: if you live in a specific rural area or travel frequently across the island, always opt for the one offering the best local coverage based on your personal needs.

User testimonials generally confirm that Chunghwa excels on all these criteria, while Taiwan Mobile and FET offer more pricing flexibility depending on specific needs.

Communication Tools: What Is Allowed and Recommended

Messaging and Video Conferencing Tools

In Taiwan, the most popular messaging apps include Line, WhatsApp, and WeChat. Line dominates the local market and is used by the majority of residents to exchange messages or make calls. WhatsApp is also available without restrictions, but its usage remains secondary compared to Line. WeChat, although primarily used to communicate with contacts in mainland China, is also accessible from Taiwan without technical limitations.

For video conferencing, Zoom and Microsoft Teams are two effective options for making international video calls with excellent audio-visual quality. These tools offer seamless integration with different devices and professional or personal environments. Additionally, it is possible to use these platforms together thanks to their interoperability features.

Managing Time Zone Differences

Taiwan is in the UTC+8 time zone. To call your loved ones in another country while minimizing the inconvenience of time zone differences, prioritize times when it is morning or evening in your respective geographic areas—ideally between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. UTC to contact Europe (GMT+1) or between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. UTC for North America (GMT-5).

International Phone Plans

If you plan to regularly make international calls from Taiwan to your loved ones abroad, consider a plan tailored to long-distance calling needs offered by your local mobile operator. Many affordable options also allow you to use the internet via VoIP (such as Ooma or Skype) to significantly reduce your costs.

Internet Connection Reliability

Taiwan has a very reliable internet infrastructure with wide coverage in fixed broadband as well as high-performance 4G/5G mobile networks. This quality ensures smooth communication via instant messaging like Line or during video conferences on Zoom/Microsoft Teams without major interruptions due to the local network connection.

Practical Tips for Staying Close to Your Loved Ones from Abroad

Maintaining Strong Bonds Despite the Distance

Scheduling regular video call appointments is an excellent way to preserve bonds with your loved ones. Use platforms like Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp to organize these special moments, whether it’s a simple daily exchange or more significant events like a birthday. These tools not only allow you to see and hear your loved ones in real time but also to share virtual activities together, such as watching a movie or playing an interactive game.

Social networks also offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen family bonds. Sharing your daily life via Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp allows your loved ones to stay connected to your life and vice versa. Simple photos, anecdotes, or videos posted regularly can maintain this feeling of closeness despite the geographical distance.

To add a personal touch to digital exchanges, consider sending personalized packages and letters regularly. A carefully chosen gift or a handwritten card can leave a lasting impression and show the attention you pay to others. In Taiwan, reliable postal services as well as numerous internet cafes greatly facilitate sending and organizing these communications.

Finally, adapt to time zone differences and personal constraints by being flexible. Also organize reciprocal visits whenever possible to maintain these relationships on a physical level while creating new traditions suited to virtual exchanges. For example, simultaneously watching a movie from two different locations can become a warm habit that strengthens your family bonds even from a distance.