On technology
Technology is there to help.
Use it.
I never cared much for the newest phones and gadgets. I only switched to a smart phone about a year ago when my brother thought me old fashioned and gave me one (thanks!). Even with a smart phone, I don't bother getting a data plan nor finding a local SIM with data when abroad. This proved a bad move during my trip to Taipei. But my companions were smarter than me, and insisted on finding a Chunghwa Telecom shop ASAP.
Half the group got connected and it proved useful:
♦ Street signs in Chinese. Street signs not always visible. Google Maps to the rescue.
♦ Never really sure what time shops open (shops in Taipei open between 10 AM to 2PM and some are not open every day of the week) — websites/facebook pages to the rescue.
♦ Limited Chinese vocabulary and wrong accent. No dictionary. Asking questions can be a pain. Online translators to the rescue.
♦ When someone from the group disappears (aka gets lost) — WhatsApp (or other messenger apps) to the rescue.
How has having a data plan helped you?
PS. Powerbanks will be handy too.
Half the group got connected and it proved useful:
♦ Street signs in Chinese. Street signs not always visible. Google Maps to the rescue.
♦ Never really sure what time shops open (shops in Taipei open between 10 AM to 2PM and some are not open every day of the week) — websites/facebook pages to the rescue.
♦ Limited Chinese vocabulary and wrong accent. No dictionary. Asking questions can be a pain. Online translators to the rescue.
♦ When someone from the group disappears (aka gets lost) — WhatsApp (or other messenger apps) to the rescue.
How has having a data plan helped you?
PS. Powerbanks will be handy too.
For more lessons from the road, please visit Go Learn.
Taiwan Series:
Tourist Visa for Taiwan
Taiwan Preparations
What's in a (Business) Name? Taiwan
Wisdom from the Road #20
Welcome to Taiwan
Taipei Accommodation: Fun Taipei Backpackers
Free Taipei Tourist Stops
Wisdom from the Road #21 (you're here!)
(more soon)