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Looking to get a Taiwan SIM card to get data during your trip? This guide walks you through where to buy a Taiwan SIM card as a tourist, how much it costs, what SIM card plans are available, and why an eSIM might be the more convenient choice.

We’ll also introduce Holafly and the top unlimited data eSIM to consider for your next trip abroad.

taiwan sim card

How much is a SIM card in Taiwan? 

Taiwan SIM card prices range from NT$300 to NT$1600 (~$9.90 to $52.90). The price depends on the validity period and data allowance you need, as well as on whether or not you need 5G internet access during your stay.

Where to buy a SIM card in Taiwan

There’s no shortage of options for buying your SIM card in Taiwan, so you can choose one that suits you best. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular ways to buy a SIM card:

  • Order online: Some local providers, like Taiwan Mobile, allow you to buy your physical SIM card online and pick it up at the airport. You can also get a SIM card from international retailers, such as Amazon.
  • Buy at the airport: You’ll find SIM card shops by local cell service providers at the Taoyuan International Airport or any other international airport in Taiwan.
  • Buy in Taiwan: You can buy your local SIM card at any cell service provider shop in Taiwan. On top of that, many convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, and Hi-Life, sell prepaid SIM cards.
  • Get an eSIM: Don’t want to spend time queuing up for a SIM card at the airport? Get an eSIM from an international provider such as Holafly and activate your eSIM when you land in Taiwan. No need to visit any stores or go through lengthy registration processes.

Holafly eSIM for Taiwan: Peace of mind for your travels

The Holafly eSIM for Taiwan provides peace of mind, allowing you to buy and set up your eSIM online within minutes. With unlimited data plans and 24/7 customer support, you’ll never have to worry about losing connection or wasting time looking for a physical SIM card shop during your trips.

Prices range from $1.55 to $6.90 per day, with value for money increasing with longer plans. You can choose any number of days from 1 to 90, which means you don’t have to pay extra for any days you don’t need.

If you plan on staying a while longer, Holafly Plans might be an even better option for you. It’s a monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 170+ destinations. It allows you to pick a mobile data package that suits your needs, keep using the eSIM for as long as you want, and simply cancel it when you no longer need it. No cancellation fees or contracts to worry about.

Best Taiwan SIM cards: Top 3 options

If you don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone or simply prefer a physical card instead, you can get one from the top local providers in Taiwan. Taiwan Mobile, Chunghwa Telecom, and Far EasTone all offer prepaid SIM card options that allow you to get connected during your trip.

Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom is Taiwan’s largest and most established mobile provider. It offers nationwide coverage, reliable speeds, and 5G prepaid SIM options. Chunghwa Telecom offers two types of prepaid SIMs: traveler SIMs with unlimited data, and fixed-data SIMs.

The unlimited data SIMs offer 4G speeds, while the fixed-data plans offer 5G coverage wherever available, with local phone call minutes included in every plan. Validity periods range from 3 to 30 days, with prices ranging from NT$300 to NT$1000 (~$9.90 to $33.00), depending on the plan you choose. 

Taiwan Mobile

Taiwan Mobile has separate 4G and 5G plans for tourists, with a total of 15 plans to choose from. All Taiwan Mobile tourist SIM cards include unlimited data without throttling. So, all you have to do is choose the number of days you need and whether you need 5G speeds or not.

Prices range from NT$300 to NT$1600 (~$9.90 to $52.90) with validity periods from 3 to 30 days. All plans include a fixed amount of data for hotspot sharing, as well as some credit for making local and international calls and sending texts.

Far EasTone 

Far EasTone, or simply FET, is another one of Taiwan’s top mobile service providers with a solid list of prepaid SIM card choices for tourists. FET has separate 4G and 5G plans. Notably, only 5G plans include hotspot sharing, making it the only option if you want to keep multiple devices connected.

Validity options range from 3 to 30 days, with prices from NT$300 to NT$1600 (~$9.90 to $52.90), depending on the plan you choose. All plans include credit for local and international calls and are one-time-use only, meaning that you can’t top up your plan once the validity period runs out.

How to register your Taiwan SIM card

You must register your Taiwan SIM card before using it. If you’re buying it at a physical store, the employees should be able to help you through the process. You’ll need a valid passport or ID for registration and may also need to provide a visa or an entry permit.

If you purchased your card online or left the store without registering, you can go through the registration on your own. Here’s how you can do just that:

  • Insert the card in the SIM card slot on your mobile phone
  • Turn the phone on
  • Follow the prompts to complete the registration process
  • Provide pictures of a valid ID, your full name, and your phone’s IMEI number as needed.
  • Once done, your SIM card should start working within minutes.

If you don’t want to go through the strenuous registration process, you can get an eSIM for Taiwan from Holafly instead. Holfaly’s eSIM allows you to stay connected to local networks without the need to register your card. Simply buy your eSIM online, activate it on arrival, and enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your stay.

What is the best SIM card for Taiwan?

Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone are the three top tourist SIM card providers in Taiwan, and they all offer fairly similar packages, allowing you to avoid paying for data roaming in Taiwan. All providers have separate 4G and 5G plans, with Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone offering unlimited data with all their tourist cards.

Alternatively, you can get an eSIM from Holafly. The Taiwan plan includes 5G coverage and unlimited data in the country, and you can also get an eSIM for Asia, which keeps you connected in Taiwan as well as popular nearby destinations, such as South Korea and mainland China.

Planning a trip to nearby destinations? Check out more of our local SIM card articles:

Rokas Aniulis

Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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