How to buy a Taiwan SIM Card: Providers and Prices Reviewed

Taiwan is packed with things to see and do, but getting around smoothly depends on one thing — staying connected to the internet.

Whether you’re figuring out transport, looking up local spots to visit, or messaging someone back home, you’ll want reliable mobile data from the moment you arrive.

Sure, free WiFi exists, but it’s not always where you need it. And, while Taiwan is known for being tourist-friendly, having mobile data saves time, effort, and potential frustration.

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 easiest choice.

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How much is a SIM card in Taiwan? 

Prices range from as low as NT$129 ($4.50 USD) to as high as NT$1,000 ($32). This cost varies depending on the provider, plan duration, and data allowance. 

How to buy a SIM card in Taiwan

There are many ways to buy a SIM card in Taiwan, whether you prefer to order in advance or pick one up after landing. Here’s where to get a SIM card in Taiwan:

• Decide where to buy: You can purchase a SIM card online before your trip, at airport kiosks, in convenience stores, or at a mobile provider’s retail store.
  • Order online: Providers like Taiwan Mobile offer airport or in-store pickup for their physical SIM cards, but you’ll need to upload your passport number as verification (for Non-Taiwanese Citizens).
  • Buy at the airport: Major carriers have counters in the arrivals hall at Taoyuan, Songshan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung airports. But expect long queues since airports are always busy.
  • Find a SIM card at convenience stores: Many 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, and Hi-Life locations sell prepaid SIM cards. Stock varies, so availability isn’t guaranteed.
• Pick a plan that suits your needs: SIM cards come with unlimited data, fixed data limits, or voice call options. Choose a Taiwan tourist SIM card depending on your trip length and usage tendencies.
• Complete registration: Some providers require your passport and a second form of ID to activate the SIM. Airport kiosks and retail stores can assist with this.
• Insert and activate: Once you receive your SIM, follow the activation instructions provided by the carrier. Most SIM cards start working immediately.

Best SIM card options for Taiwan

Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信) is Taiwan’s largest and most established mobile provider, offering nationwide coverage, reliable speeds, and both 4G and 5G prepaid SIM options. 

If you’re looking for a Taiwan SIM card for tourists, Chunghwa Telecom offers two types of prepaid SIMs: traveler SIMs with unlimited data, and data-based SIMs with fixed allowances.

According to a Reddit user, Chunghwa does not require a deposit for your first SIM card. But bear in mind that Chunghwa’s policies do allow them to ask you to find a guarantor or put down some cash – so a deposit may be required depending on the situation.

If you’re wondering how to activate a Taiwan Mobile SIM card, activation is typically done at the store or counter where you purchase it, with passport verification required.

Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信)  offers the following prepaid plans:

5G Prepaid SIM Plans

• 60 GB (30 days) for NT$999 (~$32). After 60 GB, speeds drop to 10 Mbps for the rest of the validity period.
• 60 GB (60 days) for NT$999 (~$32). No internet access after exceeding 60 GB.

5G Traveler SIM plans

• 3-Day Pass for NT$500 (~$16) with unlimited data + 100 NT$ ($3) voice credit and 3 GB tethering limit
• 5-Day Pass for  NT$600 (~$19) with 50 NT$ ($1.50) voice credit, 5 GB tethering
• 7-Day Pass for NT$800 (~$26) with 300 NT$ ($9.50) voice credit, 7 GB tethering

4G Traveler SIM plans

• 3 Days for NT$300 (~$9.50) with 100 NT$ ($3) voice credit
• 5 Days for NT$300 (~$9.50) with 50 NT$ ($1.50) voice credit
• 5 Days for NT$500 (~$16) with 300 NT$ ($9.50) voice credit
• 7 Days for NT$500 (~$16) with 150 NT$ ($5) voice credit
• 10 Days for NT$500 (~$16) with 100 NT$ ($3) voice credit
• 15 Days for NT$700 (~$22) with 100 NT$ ($3) voice credit
• 15 Days for NT$800 (~$26) with 250 NT$ ($8) voice credit
• 30 Days for NT$1000 (~$32) with 430 NT$ ($14) voice credit

4G Data-based SIM plans

• 1.2 GB for 16 Days) at  NT$280 (~$9) with 100 NT$ ($3) voice credit
• 2.2 GB for 16 Days) at NT$400 (~$13) with 100 NT$ ($3) voice credit
• Limited to 5 GB (No Expiry) at NT$699 (~$22) (No voice credit included)

Where to buy Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信) SIM cards

1. At the airport

You can find Chunghwa Telecom counter at Taiwan’s major airports:

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Terminal 1 (Counter #6), Terminal 2 (Counter #2)
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): International Terminal, Arrival Hall
• Songshan Airport (TSA): Arrival Hall, across from International Arrivals near Gate E
• Taichung International Airport (RMQ): Departure Hall

2. Chunghwa Telecom retail stores

While Chunghwa Telecom does not have a dedicated store locator on its website, you can easily find the nearest store by searching “中華電信” (Chunghwa Telecom in Chinese) on Google Maps. Stores are available in major cities, shopping districts, and transportation hubs. 

3. Online pre-order

For hassle-free pickup, you can pre-order a Chunghwa Telecom SIM through platforms like Klook or KKday and collect it at the airport when you arrive.

Taiwan Star Telecom (Now merged with Taiwan Mobile)

Taiwan Star Telecom, also known as T Star, was a mobile network provider in Taiwan. However, as of December 1, 2023, it has officially merged with Taiwan Mobile. This means all its services and plans are now part of Taiwan Mobile’s offerings.

If you’re looking for a Taiwan prepaid SIM card, Taiwan Mobile now provides various options under its brand, including Taiwan travel SIM cards with data packages suited for short-term visitors. 

If you had a Taiwan Star SIM before the merger, it’s best to contact Taiwan Mobile for updates on service continuity and plan migration.

All plans come with unlimited data and free airtime. Here’s a quick look at the plans offered

Unlimited 4G/5G Plans

• NT$300 (~$9.50) for 3 days 
• NT$500 (~$16) for 5 days 
• NT$800 (~$26) for 7 days 
• NT$999 (~$32) for 30 days

Data-volume based plans

• NT$300 (~$9.50) for 1.2 GB of data valid for 60 days, includes NT$100 (~$3) free airtime.
• NT$999 (~$32) for 60 GB of data valid for 60 days; after the cap, speeds drop to 10 Mbps. Includes NT$100 (~$3) free airtime.

Where to buy Taiwan Mobile SIM cards

1. Online 

Taiwan Mobile allows you to buy a SIM card online with free pick-up at the airport or at any store location.

To complete the purchase, you’ll need to upload your ID card details, like your passport, for verification, choose your plan, and confirm your pick-up date. This is a convenient option if you want to set up your SIM before arriving in Taiwan.

2. At the airport

Taiwan Mobile has SIM card kiosks at major international airports, so you can get connected as soon as you land. Locations include:

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at Terminal 1: Arrival Hall, near the escalators to street level and Terminal 2 in the Arrival Hall
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Arrival Hall
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): Arrival Hall

3. In-store locations 

For in-person service, you can buy a SIM card at Taiwan Mobile retail stores across the country. Some well-known locations include:

• Taipei Main Station
• Xinyi Shopping District

Far EasTone 

Far EasTone is one of Taiwan’s leading mobile providers, offering affordable local SIM cards with both 4G and 5G data options.

Their prepaid plans are ideal for travelers who need reliable connectivity on their mobile phones, whether for browsing, navigation, or staying in touch. They also offer options for international calling, making it easy to stay connected with friends and family both in Taiwan and abroad.

Far EasTone offers six different prepaid SIM card options, covering daily, weekly, and monthly plans:

4G LTE prepaid rate Plans

• NT$300 (~$9.50) with 1.2 GB data (valid for 60 days) + NT$100 (~$3) free airtime
• NT$300 (~$9.50) with Unlimited data for 3 days + NT$300 (~$9.50) free airtime
• NT$300 (~$9.50) with 3-day unlimited data pass + NT$100 (~$3) free airtime
• NT$500 (~$16) with 5-day unlimited data pass + NT$200 (~$6.50) free airtime

5G Prepaid rate plans

• NT$999 (~$32) with 30-day unlimited data pass
• NT$999 (~$32) with 60 GB of data for 60 days (after 60 GB, speed reduces to 10 Mbps)

Local and international calls and text rates:

• On-net calls: NT$0.1/sec (peak), NT$0.05/sec (off-peak)
• Off-net calls: NT$0.174/sec (peak), NT$0.0869/sec (off-peak)
• SMS rates: NT$0.87 for on-net, NT$2.61 for off-net
• MMS rates: NT$1 (on-net), NT$6 (off-net, under 30KB)

Where to buy Far EasTone SIM cards

1. Airports

• Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at Terminal 1 First floor and Terminal 2 first and third floors
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Arrival hall
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): First floor, international terminal

2. Electronics stores

Some electronics retailers in Taiwan also sell Far EasTone SIM cards, including:

• Studio A
• Soft World
• ZuZu Store

3. Third-party platforms 

Far EasTone does not sell tourist SIM cards directly through its official website, but you can easily purchase from: 

• KKday: Offers pickup at Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
• Klook: Provides Far EasTone SIM card options for tourists with airport pickup

4. Official Far EasTone stores

Far EasTone has over 300 stores across Taiwan where you can buy a SIM card in person. For example, in Changhua County, there are multiple store locations, including:

• Changhua Zhongzheng: Open 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM, located at No.447, Sec. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Changhua City.
• Yuanlin Zhongzheng: Open 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM, located at No.120, Zhongzheng Rd., Yuanlin Township.

To find a store near you, visit the Far EasTone corporate website and navigate to “Service Locations” under “Customer Care.” The website allows you to search by region to see specific store locations.

How to choose the right SIM card for Taiwan 

Getting a physical SIM card in Taiwan comes with a few hassles. Even if you pre-order online, you’ll still need to wait at the airport, present your passport for verification, and go through the activation process. 

If you want to skip the hassle, you should opt for the best eSIMs for Taiwan like  Holafly’s Taiwan eSIM. With an eSIM, there’s no need to visit a store, swap SIM cards, or wait at the airport for activation. You can buy your eSIM from the Holafly website or download the app and activate it in a few minutes. 

Since your eSIM is fully digital, you can set it up before your flight, so your connection is ready the moment you land. 

You can also choose a plan for anywhere between 1 and 90 days, with pricing starting at $6.90 for a 1-day plan.

The longer your plan, the lower the daily cost—going as low as $1.55 per day for a 90-day plan. Plus, Holafly includes 500 MB per day for hotspot sharing, allowing you to connect to other devices or share data with friends.

Holafly’s eSIM connects to Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s most reliable network provider. That means you get fast, stable internet access across the country, whether you’re in Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung.

Plus, Holafly’s regional plans, like eSIM for Asia, mean you can cross borders without worrying about changing plans or carriers!

From the top of Taipei 101 to the shores of Sun Moon Lake — Taiwan’s best spots are ready when you are.

Land in Taiwan, already online

Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.

Grab your Holafly eSIM for Taiwan here!

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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