In today’s digital age, traveling without a phone feels almost unthinkable. Reliable internet connectivity can transform your experience in Taiwan, making navigation, communication, and information access a breeze.
Taiwan boasts impressive network coverage with blazing fast speeds throughout its regions. And the good news? Buying a prepaid Taiwan SIM card is a very straightforward and cost-effective for all travellers.
In this guide, we’ll show you detailed pricing available for tourists to step-by-step guide on buying your first SIM card in Taiwan.
We’ll also shed light on other connectivity alternatives like eSIM options (check out our dedicated Taiwan eSIM guide) and pocket WiFi devices, weighing their respective pros and cons.
Why You Need A Taiwan SIM Card
Not only is having access to the internet a vital component of any trip, it’s also considered an essential item to get the most out of your trip in Taiwan. Taiwan has adopted the use of technologies to better serve its citizens and tourists, however, you’ll need a local Taiwan phone number before you can enjoy these services.
Below is a list of other reasons why buying a local Taiwan SIM card would be very useful for your trip:
- Google Maps becomes a life-saver when navigating around a new and unfamiliar environment. It provides valuable information such as business hours, reviews, public transportation schedules and more.
- For those wanting to bike around Taipei City, YouBikes are a simple and fast solution in getting around in the city. YouBikes is a public bike sharing program maintained by the government. Yoffer hourly bike rentals—a convenient alternative to buses or trains, especially during peak hours. Note that a local phone number is a prerequisite for renting these bikes.
- Affordable and Reliable: Enjoy unlimited 4G or 5G data. That’s right. Unlimited. No data caps. No speed throttling. Truly unlimited data at blazing fast speeds. For 5 days of unlimited 4G data plan from Taiwan’s largest provider, it will cost just $300 NTD (approx. to $10 USD)
- Rely on Uber rides for a seamless travel experience, bypassing language challenges. Simply set your destination and be assured of reaching the right place. However, this convenience requires an active internet connection.”
- Translation apps will also be very handy in case you need help translating food menu items or need help communicating with locals.
Which cellular service provider are in Taiwan?
There are many telecom service providers that sell tourists SIM cards in Taiwan.
The only ones you should really consider are from Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, or Taiwan Mobile. The other providers not listed here are mostly smaller players and resellers. To ensure you get a stable and fast internet connection, it’s best to stick with these three providers.
Luckily, all three providers are available when you arrive at the airport.
Which is the best SIM card?
We like the SIM card by Chunghwa Telecom the most because of its reliability and affordability.
Chunghwa Telecom is Taiwan’s largest and oldest provider and widely considered to be the best provider by the locals. Our readers and friends who have bought this SIM card online have all noted great experience with its service.
Far EasTone and Taiwan Mobile are both considered to be a close second by the locals. I personally pick Chunghwa Telecom only because out of habit. But to be frank, the differences between these vendors are negligible. Most of our friends and readers have noted they all have had great experiences with either provider.
Our recommendation is to pick whichever one offers the greater discount upon your arrival or whichever has the shortest line.
How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in Taiwan?
As of Sept 18th, 2023, all three providers have nearly identical offerings for their prepaid Taiwan SIM cards. So I’m just going to compile their plans into a single list for easy reference.
5G – SIM Card Plans (Unlimited Data)
- 3 Days for $500 NTD ($50 NTD voice credits + 3GB tethering)
- 5 Days for $600 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits + 5GB tethering)
- 7 Days for $800 NTD ($150 NTD voice credits + 7GB tethering)
4G – SIM Card Plans (Unlimited Data)
- 3 days for $300 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
- 5 days for $300 NTD ($50 NTD voice credits)
- 7 days for $450 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
- 8 days for $450 NTD ($50 NTD voice credits)
- 10 days for $500 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
- 15 days for $700 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
- 30 days for $1000 NTD ($430 NTD voice credits)
To get the most up-to-date prices, check out their official websites: Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, and TaiwanMobile
Where and How To Buy a SIM Card in Taiwan?
What Do I Need to Buy a SIM card as a traveler?
All travelers to Taiwan will need to provide their passport, a secondary identification (visa, driver’s license, student ID) and some cash to buy a local SIM card here in Taiwan.
Where to Get a SIM card in Taiwan?
You have three options for buying a SIM card in Taiwan.
- Order Online and Pickup at the Airport (Recommended)
- Buy at the airport
- Buy at local telecom retail store
Order Online and Pick-up At Airport
The easiest way is to buy a SIM card online and go pick it up at the airport after you arrive. You save yourself time and avoid the potential long line-ups at the airport. All you have to do is go to the designated kiosks located at the airport’s arrival hall and show your ID and your online voucher to redeem your SIM card. Just be mindful of the operating hours for these kiosks.
You can pick up these SIM cards at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at the Taoyuan International Airport. In the off chance that you’ll be arriving at another airport, SIM card pickup is also available for Kaohsiung International Airport, Taichung International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport.
If you’d rather not go through the hassle of swapping out SIM cards, you can also consider getting an eSIM for Taiwan. While a bit more limited in terms of duration, it’s still an option chosen by many. Just make sure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone 11 or newer).
Buy at the airport
If you don’t want to buy one online and want to buy the SIM card at the airport instead, luckily this option is also relatively easy and straightforward. There are a few kiosks throughout Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Telecom Kiosks at Terminal 1 (TPE)
- Chunghwa Telecom (Arrival Hall, 1F)
- Monday – Sunday: 7AM – 12Midnight
- Chunghwa Telecom (Departure Hall, 1F)
- Monday – Sunday: 8AM – 10PM
- Far EasTone (Arrival Hall, 1F)
- Monday – Sunday: 8AM – 9PM
- Taiwan Mobile (Arrival Hall, 1F)
- Monday – Sunday: 8:30AM – 10PM
Telecom Kiosks at Terminal 2 (TPE)
- Chunghwa Telecom (Arrival Hall, 1F)
- Monday – Sunday: 5AM – 10PM
- Chunghwa Telecom (Departure Hall, 3F)
- Monday – Sunday: 7AM – 7PM
- FarEasTone (Arrival Hall, 1F)
- Monday – Sunday: 7AM – 10PM
Buy at Telecom Retail Store
In case you ran out of time at the airport or you end up changing your mind about needing a SIM card in Taiwan, you can always visit any retail store from the major telecom providers. Luckily, with these three providers, they are scattered throughout the city. Go to any store that’s closest to you and don’t forget to bring your passport, secondary ID and some cash.
Click on the links below for its Google Maps Locations
- Chunghwa Telecom
- FarEasTone
- Taiwan Mobile
Conclusion
Not many countries offer tourists unlimited data when visiting their countries. It is almost a no-brainer to save some money and not have to stress about additional roaming charges. You can also get pocket wifi if you’re travelling with multiple people. But carrying it around all day and making sure it’s charged can be a hassle at times.
Thanks for checking out our guide on how to buy a SIM card in Taiwan! If there’s anything else you want us to add, let us know here!
Found this guide helpful? Share it with your fellow travelers or leave a comment below with your experiences and tips. Don’t forget to explore our other Taiwan travel guides and tips for more insights!
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