Taiwan
Best SIM and eSIM for Taiwan: data plans, Wi-Fi and phone tips
Buy a tourist eSIM from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile or FarEasTone before you fly; it works on unlocked phones, costs about NT$300‑600 for 5‑10 days and gives you a local number for apps. Switch to free public Wi‑Fi where available, but keep the eSIM for reliable coverage.
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GuideTaiwan
Key facts
- Tourist eSIM providers
- Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone
- Passport + photo ID neededcheck
- Yes (check)
- 5‑day unlimited data pricecheck
- NT$300 (≈ $10) (check)
- 10‑day unlimited data pricecheck
- NT$500‑600 (≈ $17‑$20) (check)
- Free public Wi‑Fi networks
- iTaiwan, TPE‑Free (sign‑up required, patchy coverage)
- Phone compatibility
- Works on unlocked phones with eSIM support
Quick answer
Best eSIM: Chunghwa Telecom’s 5‑day NT$300 unlimited plan or 10‑day NT$500‑600 plan, purchased online before travel and activated on an unlocked eSIM‑compatible phone.
SIM and eSIM summary
| Provider | Plan length | Price (NT$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa Telecom | 5 days | 300 | Unlimited data, local number |
| Chunghwa Telecom | 10 days | 500‑600 | Unlimited data, local number |
| Taiwan Mobile | 5 days | 300 | Check availability |
| FarEasTone | 10 days | 500‑600 | Check availability |
All require passport and a second photo ID at purchase (check).
How to get and use a SIM/eSIM
Buy the eSIM online from the provider’s website or a trusted reseller before you depart; you’ll receive a QR code to scan on your phone.
Activate the eSIM after arrival, usually within the first hour, and set the APN to the provider’s default (auto‑filled).
Keep the eSIM as your primary data source; it works nationwide on 4G/LTE and 5G where available.
Free public Wi‑Fi (iTaiwan, TPE‑Free) is available in many cafés, hotels and MRT stations. Sign up once on the portal and reconnect as needed; coverage is uneven, especially outside major cities.
Additional phone tips
Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM; most recent iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung models do.
Local number is useful for taxi apps (55688, LINE Taxi) and restaurant bookings that require a Taiwanese contact.
Messaging apps: LINE is the default for locals; WhatsApp works but may need the eSIM number for verification.
Questions people ask
What is the best eSIM for Taiwan?
Chunghwa Telecom’s unlimited‑data eSIM, NT$300 for 5 days or NT$500‑600 for 10 days, works on any unlocked eSIM‑compatible phone.
Does my phone work in Taiwan?
If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM (or a nano‑SIM), it will work on Taiwan’s 4G/LTE and 5G networks.
Is Wi‑Fi easy to find in Taiwan?
Free Wi‑Fi is common in cafés, hotels and MRT stations via iTaiwan or TPE‑Free, but you must sign up and coverage can be spotty outside city centres.
Can I use my home number for apps like Uber?
Most apps accept the eSIM’s local number; you can also keep your home number on a dual‑SIM phone for contacts.
Do I need a passport to buy a tourist SIM?
Yes, a passport plus a second photo ID is required at the point of sale (check).
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialTaiwan tourism authority
Ask about Taiwan
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