TLDR: Whether traveling or moving to Taiwan, I recommend getting a Chunghwa Telecom prepaid SIM card or eSIM from KKday or KLOOK. This is the quickest (and fairly affordable) way to get a SIM card as a tourist.
From my experience, they have the fastest download speeds, excellent coverage, reloadable cards, and good customer support.
You might not trust my recommendations, though. And even if you don’t, you’ll need to know how to get the best bang for your buck. And whether you can use your phone at all in Taiwan.
Use the table of contents to help you navigate this horrendously long guide:
Table of Contents
Mobile Carriers in Taiwan
| Provider | Market Share | Avg. Download Speed (4G) | Chinese Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa Telecom | 36.6% | 83.8 Mbps | 中華電信 |
| Taiwan Mobile | 32.02% | 51 Mbps | 台灣大哥大 |
| FarEasTone | 30.4% | 59.4 Mbps | 遠傳電信 |
Notes:
- Market share is from 2022. However, the numbers account for the mergers [1].
Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) is the nation’s largest telecom provider with the largest market share, highest download and upload speeds, and the most 5G coverage. It’s also partially owned by the Taiwanese government — less than 50% ownership.
There was also:
- TStar / 台灣之星: They had the prepaid plan “VIBO ONE”; however, TStar announced a merger with Taiwan Mobile
- GT / 亞太電信: They used to have the prepaid plan “LOVE”; however, GT announced a merger with FarEasTone
There’s ibon mobile (an MVNO), which I’ll talk about later. There was Singapore’s Circles.life but they left Taiwan in 2024.
Taiwan only has these signals:
4G / LTE on:
- 700 MHz (B28)
- 900 MHz (B3)
- 2,6700 MHz (B7)
5G on:
- 2,500 MHz (n78)
- 28 GHz (n260)
They don’t have 2G or 3G anymore.
What about 5G coverage?
Chunghwa by far has the most coverage. However, according to the same source, Chunghwa has 5G availability 19.2% of the time. Versus FarEasTone / GT which has it available 25.5 – 28.5% of the time.
These numbers are from December 2023 and will have likely changed by the time of publishing, but this is the latest information I could find.
Which Telecom Do I Recommend for Tourists & Expats?
Chunghwa.
It has the highest speeds, excellent coverage (in general), and decent customer service, and it’s not a nightmare to do anything with them. For instance, it’s simple to refill my prepaid SIM card.
It has also won the most awards on Open Signal’s Mobile Experience Taiwan Report. Proving that the majority of subscribers have a better time using it than other telecoms.
Getting Your SIM Card: For Tourists
- Can I buy a prepaid SIM card in Taiwan? Yes, it’s the most common option for tourists.
- Can you purchase at an airport? Absolutely, major airports have carrier booths.
The following sections will explain what options you have to buy prepaid SIM cards and the process of getting them when ordering online.
Firstly, let’s dive into the requirements — no matter what route you choose:
- 2 forms of ID:
- First form is your passport
- Second form is your visa or entry / exit permit (stamp in your passport).
- Student ID, your country’s ID card, or International Student Cards also work.
- Payment: Varies by provider; cash (New Taiwan Dollar / NT$) is usually best.
- Taiwanese telecoms (inside Taiwan) don’t accept USD or other currencies.
- Must be 20 years old.
- An unlocked phone that supports LTE Bands 8, 7, 3, and / or 28
- Use this tool to see whether your phone will work in Taiwan.
Let’s compare the different options available.
Where to Buy Prepaid Cards: Airport vs. Online vs. ibon vs. Carrier Stores
I’ll tell you upfront that you won’t spend much money or waste a lot of time ordering SIM cards online. Yes, they have limited options, but wouldn’t you rather be spending more time traveling through Taiwan?
If you don’t want to order online for whatever reason, getting a card from the airport is your next best option.
I’ll expand upon each choice through pros, cons, and additional input based on my experience.
1. Online
Pros:
- You can see the fine print easily of what you order.
- It’s easier to fine-tune your options (e.g., days you’ll need, etc).
- Can pick up SIM cards from your home country (sometimes).
Cons:
- Limited options.
At the time of writing, almost all telecoms, except Taiwan mobile, don’t have online portals to order SIM cards.
You’d need to order cards from those particular companies through travel sites like KKday and KLOOK.
There’s a caveat to ordering through telecom’s websites whenever the feature becomes available versus KKday / KLOOK. Their websites will typically order more plans than the travel experience sites. These sites may not even offer particular providers.
Sometimes, getting particular experiences through KKday or KLOOK will come with a free SIM card. It’s what I did when visiting Singapore or Japan (I forgot which country).
For instance, you could order a eSIM combo and get 5% off a ticket for the Taipei 101 Observatory.
2. Airport
Pros:
- Sometimes more options.
- Quicker than visiting a carrier store.
Cons:
- You’ll need to ask the staff questions about particular plans.
- Moreso similar availability to what you’ll find online.
This part’s a bit more time intensive because you’ll need to visit the carrier’s website to see whether they have kiosks at the airport you’re landing in. Because not all carriers are at all airports.
3. Ibon
ibon Mobile only has 4G cards available and they’re pretty expensive for what you get. You can only get these SIM cards by going to an ibon kiosk at any 7-Eleven with your passport and ordering it.
I don’t recommend this SIM card and only have it here as an option.
4. Carrier Stores
Pros:
- Most “flexible”.
Cons:
- Staff may not speak English.
- You typically have to wait 10 – 20 minutes to speak to the staff.
- Have to waste time finding and navigating to a telecom store.
This is the worst option possible because considering you don’t have much time in Taiwan, you probably don’t want to look for whatever carrier store you’re searching for, navigate to the store, and wait for customer service.
Again, this is an option, not a recommendation.
Process to Get Your Card When Ordering Online
The following sections will hold your hand and walk you through ordering SIM cards online and picking them up at airports. This process is straightforward. And it should take you up to a maximum of 2 and a half hours — during busy periods — to do this.
I won’t show you maps of where to pick up your card or the hours these stands are open. The website you order from will do it for you and have the most up-to-date information.
1. Order in Advance
In 2024, Taiwan Mobile is the only carrier that allows you to order online. And if you do that, you must pick up your SIM card from one of their physical storefronts — outside the airport. I’ll update this guide once Chunghwa and FarEasTone update their sites.
KLOOK and KKday are your only options:
- Chunghwa Telecom:
- Taiwan Mobile: Get it from KKday
- FarEasTone: Order from KKday
The links above are for physical SIM cards only. Not eSIMs. Some SIM cards on these sites only allow delivery or pickup in certain countries (e.g., Singapore). Pay attention to the wording in the product descriptions.
You’ll go to their website and select:
- Where to pick it up (country)
- Pickup location: Airport or physical storefront
- SIM card validity: Number of days you need the SIM card for
- Data package: Amount of data you need; it’s usually unlimited
- Amount of calling credits: How many local and international calls you can make
- Quantity
Once you select all this, you’ll purchase the card and receive a voucher via email. Save this email to your phone for offline use. You’ll do this in case you lose access to data, have spotty Wi-Fi, or just don’t like to log into your email accounts on your phone.
You could also download the KLOOK or KKday apps, which I typically do and recommend. That way, you just open the app, grab the voucher, and show the staff.
With most SIM cards, you’ll pick them up at one of Taiwan’s airports. Some providers will allow you to pick up a SIM card from your country’s airport. If that’s the case, you’ll skip the steps 2 and 3.
2. Land in Taiwan & Go Through Customs, Immigration, etc.
- How Long This Will Take: Up to an hour or 2 on a super busy day.
During this step, you’ll be on the plane, and have to fill out an arrival card. Here’s a pro tip, fill out your arrival card online and save yourself some work. Then you won’t need to fill out an arrival card. When going through immigration, they’ll see the information you filled out in their system.
Once you land, which is hopefully a good landing, you’ll do the following:
- Follow signs to Arrivals.
- See a million signs that say “Don’t bring meat into Taiwan.”
- For the love of God, don’t bring meat into Taiwan because that’s one law they enforce really hard.
- Pass Immigration
- Collect your luggage
- Go into the Arrivals Hall.
歡迎來到臺灣 (welcome to Taiwan). Let’s grab your SIM card.
3. Find the Carrier Counter
- How Long This Will Take: Depends on how long the line is (up to 20 minutes max.)
No matter what carrier or provider you use, the pick-up process will be the same:
- Find the counter: This varies by your pick-up location.
- Show them your voucher and passport.
Whether you order through KLOOK, KKday, or a carrier’s website, they’ll have maps of where to find their service counters. I’d show these maps, but I can’t predict where you’ll order the SIM card from.
If, for some reason, the telecom providers or travel experience sites moved their kiosks, ask the airport security staff in English, “Where can I find “X” telecom?” Or check the airport’s map.
4. Activate your card
- How Long This Will Take: 5 – 20 minutes max.
If you already picked up a SIM card from your country’s airport, follow the provider’s instructions on activating your phone. It will likely vary by model and carrier.
I helped my cousin do this at Taoyuan Airport when he arrived at 8:00 AM on a weekday. It took us about 15 to 20 minutes to do this because the people in front of us were slow.
And if you’re picking it up from a Taiwan airport, the staff will activate the SIM card for you and ensure everything’s in working order.
They probably did their job correctly, but if you want to ensure the calling function works, dial 0900-011-7675 and see if you get a ringtone. This number is Taiwan’s tourist hotline. Do this test call before going too far away from the counter in case something went wrong.
Afterward, I recommend doing an internet speed test to see how fast your data is. I typically use OpenSpeedTest. From there, try Googling something to make sure your internet’s working.
Now just use your SIM card until you leave Taiwan.
5. What to Do With Your Card Once You leave Taiwan
If you don’t intend on using the SIM card anymore.
Once it expires, shred, snap, or cut it and throw it away. I recommend cutting it for safety reasons. Because you don’t want a stranger getting ahold of it and doing illegal stuff with it (in your name).
If you’re using an eSIM, erase it from your phone. Here’s a guide on erasing eSIMs from Android phones. And here’s one from erasing eSIMs on iPads and iPhones.
If you have a Chunghwa card and intend on coming back.
Get a recharge voucher while you’re in Taiwan and save it for your next trip. It’ll save you money if you intend on staying for up to 30 days.
I wrote somewhere else in this blog post that I buy recharge cards from Southeast Asian supermarkets for NT$499 (for 30 days). However, it has a soft data cap of 23 GB and no calling credits.
The problem with this method is that you’ll need to add calling credits once a year, otherwise, they’ll deactivate your SIM card. This happened to me. However, I went into a store, told them about my issue, and they restored my card and I just had to pay NT$100 for voice / texting credits.
Prepaid Mobile Carrier Prices Compared
The following rates for prepaid and tourist SIM cards from Taiwanese companies include:
| Telecom Provider | Price | Number of Days | Calling Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa Telecom | NT$300 – 1,000 | 3 – 30 days | NT$50 – 430 |
| Taiwan Mobile | NT$100 – 1,000 | 3 days | NT$100 – 300 |
| FarEasTone | NT$100 – 999 | 1 – 30 days | NA |
I will use the following acronyms throughout these sections:
- Chunghwa Telecom = CHT
- Taiwan Mobile = TM
- FarEasTone = FET
1. Chunghwa Telecom Prepaid SIM Card Prices
Notes:
- Includes international calling.
- No soft data cap, which means data won’t get slower after using a certain amount of GB.
- Access to VoLTE (definition of the term and its benefits).
- Offers eSIM (data only).
Pros:
- Can top-up data.
- Access to CHT Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
Cons:
- 5G plans aren’t ideal for long-term stayers.
Prices for unlimited data 4G plans:
| # of Days | NT$ Price | Voice Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | NT$300 | NT$100 |
| 5 | NT$300 | NT$50 |
| 7 | NT$500 | NT$150 |
| 10 | NT$500 | NT$100 |
| 15 | NT$800 | NT$250 |
| 30 | NT$1,000 | NT$430 |
Here are the prices for their 5G plans — these also have unlimited data:
| # of Days | NT$ Price | Voice Credit | GB of Tethering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | NT$500 | NT$50 – 100 | 3.0 GB |
| 5 | NT$600 | NT$50 – 100 | 5.0 GB |
| 7 | NT$800 | NT$150 | 7.0 GB |
Chunghwa’s website is confusing, because look here:
Then look here:
Both say “credit for voice” but they say different amounts. Be careful if you order this plan and are expecting NT$100 of voice credit.
I also see that there’s “allegedly” a lack of quality control. When seeing the 7-day plan, it’s 5G and not 4G.
It doesn’t appear there’s a threshold where they’ll throttle your speeds once you use “X” GB of data.
Chunghwa requires that you reserve your SIM card at least 3 days before your trip. You can only reserve your SIM card 14 days in advance.
Calling Credits
Here’s what they’ll deduct from your Voice Credit balance and when:
Recharge Vouchers & Topping Up Your Phone
Buy recharge vouchers from Chunghwa Telecom stores, convenience stores, or Southeast Asian (SEA) supermarkets. I’ve never seen these cards at convenience stores, and I imagine Chunghwa’s stores don’t give you the best value.
I used to go to Indonesian supermarkets every month to buy a recharge card for NT$499. However, I found the same card on Shopee for NT$470. Considering you’re likely a tourist, you should go with the SEA supermarkets.
Recharging only takes a minute. You call 928, press “2”, enter your recharge voucher number, press “#”, and wait for the automated voice to tell you that you successfully recharged your number.
From there, they’ll send a text that shows when your card will expire.
Getting a CHT Prepaid SIM
At the time of writing (2024), the ability to preorder SIM cards online is unavailable through their site.
You can only pick them up at the following airports:
- Taoyuan International Airport:
- Terminal 1: First floor
- Terminal 2: First and third floors
- Taipei Songshan Airport
- Taichung International Airport
- Kaohsiung International Airport
Here’s where you’ll pick them up:
This image is likely too small for you to read. Check out CHT’s website to see larger images. You’ll also find the hours of all their airport service centers.
2. Taiwan Mobile Tourist SIM Card Prices
Notes:
- No soft data cap.
- Access to VoLTE.
- Offers eSIM (data only).
- Includes international calling.
- Pay at physical locations with credit cards, China UnionPay, Alipay, or cash (New Taiwan Dollar).
Pros:
- Plenty of 5G plans available
Cons:
- No free Wi-Fi access like Chunghwa.
- Can’t top-up data.
Here are their 4G plans:
| # of Days | Price | Airtime |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | NT$300 | NT$100 |
| 5 | NT$300 | NT$50 |
| 5 | NT$500 | NT$300 |
| 6 | NT$400 | NT$50 |
| 7 | NT$450 | NT$100 |
| 8 | NT$450 | NT$50 |
| 10 | NT$500 | NT$100 |
| 15 | NT$700 | NT$100 |
| 30 | NT$1,000 | NT$430 |
Taiwan Mobile calls voice credits “Airtime.”
And 5g plans:
| # of Days | Price | Airtime | Hotspot Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | NT$500 | NT$50 | 3.0 GB |
| 5 | NT$600 | NT$100 | 5.0 GB |
| 7 | NT$800 | NT$150 | 7.0 GB |
| 10 | NT$1,000 | NT$200 | 10 GB |
| 15 | NT$1,200 | NT$200 | 15 GB |
| 30 | NT$1,800 | NT$500 | 30 GB |
Here’s How Taiwan Mobile’s Voice Credits Work
How to Get a Taiwan Mobile Tourist SIM Card
There are 4 ways to do this:
- Reserve online through KLOOK or KKday (easiest).
- Apply at an airport service counter.
- Reserve on Taiwan Mobile’s website and pickup in one of their stores.
- Apply at one of their stores (wastes the most time).
Considering you’re a tourist, I recommend avoiding options 3 and 4. The latter requires you to find a Taiwan Mobile storefront. Then, you’d need to go to the store, apply, or pick up your card, and your itinerary would be thrown off.
Reserving a card through KLOOK / KKday doesn’t cost much and it allows you to pick up at an airport. But you won’t have as many plans available. For instance, one of the 4G plans I found on KKday included every package except for the 15- and 30-day ones.
Maybe some of these do, though.
If you apply at an airport, visit Taiwan Mobile’s website to find maps of their service counter locations. This page also links to their online reservation page and physical storefront locations.
3. FarEasTone Tourist Prepaid SIM Card Prices
Notes:
- No soft data cap.
- International calling available.
Pros:
- Flexible plan availability for various stay durations.
Cons:
- Can’t top-up data.
- No free Wi-Fi access.
- A bit pricey for what you get.
- No mention of VoLTE support.
- Can’t pick it up from many airports.
Here are their 4G plan prices:
| # of Days | Price | Voice Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | NT$300 | NT$100 |
| 5 | NT$300 | NT$50 |
| 5 | NT$500 | NT$300 |
| 7 | NT$450 | NT$100 |
| 8 | NT$450 | NT$50 |
| 10 | NT$500 | NT$100 |
| 15 | NT$700 | NT$100 |
| 30 | NT$1,000 | NT$430 |
And their 5G plans:
| # of Days | Price | Voice Credits | Hotspot Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | NT$500 | NT$50 | 3.0 GB |
| 5 | NT$600 | NT$100 | 5.0 GB |
| 7 | NT$800 | NT$150 | 7.0 GB |
| 10 | NT$1,000 | NT$50 – 200 | 10 GB |
| 15 | NT$1,200 | NT$50 – 200 | 15 GB |
| 30 | NT$1,800 | NT$50 – 500 | 30 GB |
If you look at their website, it has 2 different prices for their voice credits. In the title, it says “NT$200” and in the bulletpoints, it says “NT$50.”
Voice Credits & How to Get a Card
Here’s how they’ll charge you for voice credits:
Peak hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Off-Peak hours are Monday – Friday 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM and all day during national holidays.
Unless you’re making calls in the middle of the night, you’ll likely be calling during peak hours. Except on national holidays.
Ordering the card.
You can’t order FET cards online and can only get them at the airport. Which airport, you might ask? Their website (at the time of writing) doesn’t say. I’m assuming it’s Taoyuan since it has multiple terminals and that it’s the most popular airport.
Getting Your SIM Card: For Expats & Longer Stays
Requirements:
- 2 forms of ID:
- Passport
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)
- Guarantor / sponsor: Taiwanese person who can vouch for you
A word of warning.
Despite living in Taiwan for more than five years, I’ve been hesitant to sign up for a mobile plan. Many plans require guarantors or NT$2,000 if I don’t have one — though I have an ARC — and require contracts for 1 or 2 years.
Then, yeah, you get large discounts on flagship phones or free cheaper devices, but they’re often locked to the network. And the prices for your soft data caps aren’t that good. FYI, soft data caps are the amount of data you have before the telecom throttles your speeds.
For instance, a CHT plan with a 7 GB soft data cap and a 12 / 24-month contract costs NT$599. I pay NT$470 a month for prepaid vouchers with a 23 GB soft data cap.
Also, it’s a bit ridiculous that foreigners need an ARC, a passport, and a guarantor to sign up for plans. Meanwhile, locals (Taiwanese) just need their ID.
Your needs will differ from mine. I wanted to warn you about the downsides of getting a postpaid plan. However, if you need a plan with unlimited 4G data and more flexibility regarding hotspot data, consider a postpaid plan.
Because I solely opt for prepaid cards, I recommend checking another blog for more information regarding postpaid plans. I may change my mind and write a guide on getting a postpaid plan as an expat, digital nomad, or student.
Types of SIM Cards Available in Taiwan
Prepaid SIM Cards
How they work: You pay for a set amount of data, calls, and texts upfront. Once you use up your allowance, you can top up or purchase a new plan. You could consider these as tourist SIM cards, too.
Pros:
- No contract or commitment
- Flexible – choose the plan that suits your needs and budget
- Good for short-term visitors or those with low usage
- Easy to purchase and activate
Cons:
- Can be more expensive per GB/minute than postpaid plans
- May not include unlimited calls or texts
- May have a shorter validity period
Postpaid SIM Cards
How they work: You sign a contract with a carrier (usually 12 or 24 months) and pay a monthly bill based on your usage.
Pros:
- Often cheaper per GB/minute than prepaid plans
- May include unlimited calls and texts
- More plan options to choose from
- May come with handset subsidies or discounts
Cons:
- Contractual obligation
- May have early termination fees
- Not ideal for short-term visitors
Then, you’ll have data-only and data + voice cards.
Data-Only SIM Cards
How they work: Provide data access only, no calls or texts (unless using VoIP apps like WhatsApp or LINE).
Pros:
- Cheaper than plans with calls and texts
- Good for those who primarily use Wi-Fi for communication
- Ideal for tablets or mobile hotspots
Cons:
- No traditional calling or texting
- May not be suitable for emergencies
Data + Voice SIM Cards
How they work: Provide both data access and traditional calling and texting.
Pros:
- Most versatile option
- Suitable for most users
- Offers a combination of data and voice services
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than data-only plans
How to Choose the Right SIM Card for Your Needs
Don’t choose a SIM card just because it’s there. Ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck by considering these factors:
- Length of stay: How long you’ll be in the country.
- Data usage habits: How much data you use.
- Budget: The cost…
- Desired features: Quality of life or mandatory features.
- Additional considerations: Everything the above criteria didn’t include.
You should really read through these factors to make sure you’re not wasting your money on “features” you won’t use.
1. Length of Stay
Short-Term Visitors (Under 30 Days):
- Focus: Convenience and affordability.
- Best Option: Prepaid tourist SIMs. These often come with generous data allowances, making them ideal for navigating, using apps, and staying connected on social media. Look for plans that match your trip duration (e.g., 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day passes).
Longer Stays (Over 30 Days):
- Focus: Flexibility and value for money.
- Best Options:
- Monthly Contracts: If you need a Taiwanese phone number and consistent service, these offer larger data allowances and unlimited calls. However, they typically require an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
- Pay-As-You-Go Plans: These allow you to top up your data as needed, offering flexibility for those with fluctuating data usage.
I went the route of paying as I go. I bought a prepaid SIM card a while back and just continue to refill it for NT$470 a month. I do this because once my data expires, I don’t need to renew it until the next time I go out.
For instance, if my data expires on Monday, and I won’t go out until the following Saturday, I save a bit of money from the days I don’t use data. Moreover, I don’t have to pay the extra fees of not having a guarantor or relying on my wife to be my guarantor for a mobile plan.
I’ll complain about this later if you stick around for the expat plans.
2. Data Usage Habits
Light Users:
- Focus: Basic connectivity for messaging, emails, and occasional browsing.
- Best Option: Prepaid plans with smaller data allowances (1 – 5GB) should suffice.
Moderate Users:
- Focus: Balance of data for everyday use and streaming.
- Best Option: Prepaid or monthly plans with mid-range data allowances (5 – 15 GB).
Heavy Users:
- Focus: High data demands for streaming, gaming, or work.
- Best Option: Monthly contracts with large data allowances (20 GB+) or unlimited data plans.
If you’re a moderate or heavy user with a VPN, you could save some money and strictly use Wi-Fi hotspots for data-intensive tasks like video streaming. I suggest a VPN because it gives you anonymity while using public Wi-Fi.
I recommend Proton VPN because, in my experience, they’re the best for video streaming and data privacy — for the most part.
3. Budget
Budget Travelers:
- Focus: Affordability and maximizing value.
- Best Option: Look for the most cost-effective prepaid plans. Consider data-only plans if you primarily rely on Wi-Fi for calling.
Mid-Range Budget:
- Focus: Balance of cost and features.
- Best Option: Prepaid plans with good data allowances or more basic monthly contracts.
High Budget:
- Focus: Premium features and unlimited data.
- Best Option: Unlimited data plans, 5G plans, or plans with international calling benefits.
4. Desired Features
- International or Local Calling: If you need to call home frequently, look for plans that include credits for calls.
- Hotspot Capability: Choose a plan that allows you to share your data connection with other devices.
- 5G Access: For the fastest speeds, consider 5G plans if your device is compatible.
Additional Considerations:
- Coverage: All major carriers offer good coverage in Taiwan, but it’s worth checking the specific coverage maps if you plan to visit remote areas.
- Customer Service: Research the carrier’s reputation for customer service, especially if you anticipate needing assistance.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM vs. Pocket Wi-Fi
| Option | Use Case | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Users with eSIM compatible phones who only need data. | – Instant activation, no physical card – Easy to switch plans / providers | – Not all phones compatible – No access to calling / SMS – Not widely available- Can be problematic to set up |
| Physical SIM | Longer stays, local calls / SMS, access to certain apps and services | – Widely available in Taiwan | – Requires SIM card swap, potential for loss or damages |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Groups who need internet, multiple devices | – Shareable connection – Works with any Wi-Fi enabled device | – Extra device to carry – Battery life concerns – Potential for slower speeds with multiple connections – Taiwan offers free Wi-Fi in many locations |
Key Considerations:
- eSIM Availability: While eSIMs are growing in popularity, double-check if your phone model and carrier support eSIMs for Taiwan.
- Data Usage: Consider your data needs. If you’re a heavy user, a physical SIM with unlimited data might be a better choice.
- Group Travel: For families or friends traveling together, Pocket Wi-Fi can be a cost-effective option if you only need internet.
- Internet on Multiple Devices: If you’re outside of Taipei and New Taipei, pocket wi-fi could be a great way to connect multiple devices simultaneously since you won’t have access to free wi-fi.
- Many 5G Prepaid Plans Offer Hotspots (aka tethering), which allows you to connect multiple devices. These may be more cost-efficient if you won’t have heavy data usage (e.g., streaming videos).
Don’t stop reading yet. Because there are particular scenarios where you’ll need a local number.
You’ll need a local phone number with voice credits to do the following in Taiwan:
- Use Starbucks’s Free Wi-Fi: They send you an SMS code to access their hotspot.
- Set up Uber: Uber requires a number to set up an account.
- Register for a YouBike Account: They require a local number.
If none of the above matters, fortunately, you can make emergency phone calls with an eSIM or physical SIM. Since the capability to do so is built into your phone. You could even make a call without a SIM card.
But you can’t make such calls with pocket Wi-Fi devices. That would be cool, though.
If you read this section without knowing what an eSIM is…
An eSIM is an embedded SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM. For visitors to Taiwan, eSIMs offer convenient data access upon arrival, often with competitive rates compared to roaming or local SIM purchases.
Many of Taiwan’s telecoms offer SIM cards, but you can only buy them from the airport (for now), which removes the convenience of getting eSIMs.
eSIMs, while nice, are also only available on certain phones, tablets, and laptops. Here’s a list for all devices in 2024 which support eSIM. And when ordering a SIM card, each provider will likely have different ways of setting it up. Follow their instructions.
Alternatives To Using a Taiwanese SIM Card
Let’s say you don’t want to get a SIM card from inside Taiwan, KLOOK, or KKday. What are your options?
Your first option is to accept roaming charges for whatever cellular plan you use. This is ideal if you don’t plan on using much data and don’t need a Taiwanese phone number. I can’t compare every roaming charge worldwide, so you’d need to compare the data, SMS, and calling charges.
If you’re digital nomading, just need data and a US phone number to receive verification SMS codes abroad, I recommend Google Fi. This is nice if you’re doing an Asia tour — visiting Japan, Taiwan, China, etc. in a single trip.
If you go this route, subscribe to this plan at least a week or two before you leave for Taiwan. Otherwise, Google will deactivate your plan, which results in a nightmare and a 2-hour “discussion” with their customer support.
But it’s pretty expensive.
At that point, I’d recommend one of the following eSIM global SIM card providers:
- Airalo: A popular option that runs on Chunghwa and Taiwan Mobile.
- Nomad: Runs on TM and CHT networks and offers the most data options.
- Best for folks using a lot of data in or around Taiwan.
Both providers offer local cards (inside Taiwan), regional SIM cards (some or all Asian countries), and global (countries outside Asia). Whichever provider you opt for depends on your needs, where you’re traveling, etc.
Remember, these cards only provide data. They won’t give you local phone numbers.
Are Global SIM Cards Worth It?
It can be a good move if you’re a frequent traveler or planning a longer stay. It saves you the hassle of buying new SIMs for each country and can be cheaper in the long run. Plus, if you’re hopping around to other countries after Taiwan, it keeps you connected without swapping SIMs.
But, if you’re just in Taiwan for a short visit and mainly need data, a local SIM or eSIM might be easier on the wallet. Weigh your options and see what fits your travel style and needs best.
Using a Cell Phone From Another Country in Taiwan
Whether you can use your cell phone (for example, the US) requires you to do the following:
- Unlock Your Phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked by your carrier so it can work with Taiwanese SIM cards. Most carriers will do this for free if you meet their requirements.
- Check Network Compatibility: Confirm your phone’s network frequency bands are compatible with Taiwanese carriers (mainly GSM 900 / 1800 MHz). This info is usually in your phone’s settings or online specs.
Ensuring you have compatible frequency bands and that your phone is unlocked are essential. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a phone after landing in Taiwan.
SIM Card with EasyCard Functionality
Taiwan has the EasyCard, which is a contactless card you’d use to pay for public transportation, cashless transactions, etc. I cover where to get it, how much it costs, and everything else you’d need to know in a separate guide.
However, you can also get a SIM card that has EasyCard functionality. So long as your phone has NFC functionality and is an Android. You’d get these cards from Chunghwa Telecom stores.
While this is neat, I don’t recommend it since you’ll need to download more apps and have added complexity for 2 items that should be easy to use.
Just buy a separate EasyCard for NT$100 and one of the SIM cards I recommended. I just wrote this section to give you an additional option.
FAQs
What To Do if I Have Issues With My Service?
When encountering any issues with your cell phone, contact the telecom provider who supplemented your card. For instance, if you have a Chunghwa card, visit their nearest branch, grab a ticket, wait for them to call your number, then explain your situation.
What’s Cell Coverage Like in Taiwan?
Taiwan has mobile coverage almost anywhere you visit. You may have weaker signals when underground or surrounded by thick concrete walls.
How Much Does Internet Cost Per Month in Taiwan?
The average cost for broadband internet in Taiwan is NT$500 per month.
Sources
- Mobile speeds: OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience Report
- [1] Yahoo News: Taiwanese Mobile Carriers (The source content is in Chinese)