Buying a SIM Card in Taipei for Travelers 2024: Guide from Locals

Are you arranging a visit to Taipei, a bustling city? A dependable SIM card might be your lifesaver whether traversing busy marketplaces, taking pictures worthy of Instagram, or interacting with locals. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to choose the ideal buy SIM card in Taipei for your trip to Taipei and have a worry-free connection the whole time.

I. Why Buy SIM card in Taipei?

Visit Taipei despite inadequate Wi-Fi and high roaming rates! A local SIM card lets you stay in touch, share memories, and navigate congested streets. Unlike other options, when you buy a SIM card in Taipei, you get a dependable and affordable way to remain connected while you’re there.

• Online purchase: Convenient, but delivery must align with your trip.
• Free Wi-Fi: Patchy coverage, limited access, and potential security concerns.
• Roaming: Exorbitant costs and hidden fees can drain your budget.
• Pocket Wi-Fi: Reliable but bulky and requires extra charging.

With the buy SIM card in Taipei, you can receive the following benefits:

• Uninterrupted freedom: Maps guide you anywhere, anytime. No more scrambling for Wi-Fi.
• Crystal-clear communication: Affordable calls to friends and family back home, staying connected without limitations.
• Social media spontaneity: Share your Taipei experience instantly, capturing memories and connecting with the world effortlessly.

II. Which mobile internet carrier is the best in Taipei?

Taipei boasts several excellent mobile internet carriers, each with its strengths. To ensure your connection complements your travel style and for those looking to buy SIM card in Taipei, here’s a quick comparison:

Provider	Coverage	Speed	Reliability	Popularity	Plan for Tourists
Chunghwa Telecom	Best 4G coverage	Fastest 4G and 5G speeds	High	Largest and oldest operator	Several plans from 3 days to 12 months, with unlimited data and varying calls and SMS
Taiwan Mobile	Second-best 4G coverage	Second-fastest 4G and 5G speeds	High	Second-largest operator	Various plans from 3 days to 30 days, with unlimited data and varying calls and SMS
Far EasTone	Best 5G coverage	Third-fastest 4G and 5G speeds	High	Third-largest operator	A variety of plans from 3 days to 30 days, with unlimited data and varying calls and SMS
T Star	Least 4G and 5G coverage	Slowest 4G and 5G speeds	Low	Smallest and newest operator	A few plans from 3 days to 30 days, with unlimited data and varying calls and SMS

► Conclusion: Taipei providers vary in package specifics and customer support, but coverage and speed are similar. Chunghwa Telecom and Gigago provide comprehensive coverage, unlimited local calls and SMS, and cheap data bundles. 

III. Best Taipei SIM Card Plans and Price

Travelers may choose the length and features of their prepaid SIM card from four different choices when they buy SIM card in Taipei. This comparison shows the best place to buy a SIM card in Taipei based on our investigation and expertise, highlighting the available plans and prices from each operator:

Chunghwa Telecom (Gigago Partner):

• Explorer (5GB, 30 days): TWD 399 (USD 13.30) – Unlimited local calls & SMS, perfect for extended stays.
• Adventurer (10GB, 30 days): TWD 499 (USD 16.60) – Unlimited local calls & SMS, ideal for data-hungry explorers.

Taiwan Mobile:

• Taster (3GB, 7 days): TWD 299 (USD 10) – 100 minutes local calls, a quick taste of connectivity.
• Globetrotter (5GB, 30 days): TWD 399 (USD 13.30) – Unlimited local calls & SMS, suitable for longer journeys.

Far EasTone:

• Discoverer (5GB, 30 days): TWD 399 (USD 13.30) – Unlimited local calls & SMS, explore with worry-free connection.
• Voyager (10GB, 30 days): TWD 499 (USD 16.60) – Unlimited local calls & SMS, venture deeper with ample data.

GT Mobile (MVNO):

• Nomad (10GB, 30 days): TWD 199 (USD 6.60) – No calls/texts, ideal for budget-conscious data users.

Note: You can check each plan’s details and latest promotions on their websites or at their stores and kiosks.

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in Taipei?

SIM card availability is a significant concern for Taipei visitors. In Taipei, there are two SIM card options. The airport is the best spot in Taipei to buy a prepaid SIM card since it has all four cell companies.

1. Buy a SIM card at Taipei airport

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) are Taipei’s two primary airports. While TSA primarily handles local and regional flights, TPE receives the majority of foreign flights. 

The Skytrain stations between the airports have SIM card retailers. Bring your passport and select the payment method when buying a SIM card. Airport sim card stores are available 24/7 and may help you register and activate your card. 

Here are some of the locations where you can buy a SIM card at the airports:

• Chunghwa Telecom: Terminal 1, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A12; Terminal 1, Skytrain Station, 3rd Floor, Counter A1; Terminal 2, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A9; Terminal 2, Skytrain Station, 3rd Floor, Counter A1.
• Taiwan Mobile: Terminal 1, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A13; Terminal 2, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A10.
• Far EasTone: Terminal 1, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A14; Terminal 2, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A11.
• T Star: Terminal 1, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A15; Terminal 2, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Counter A12.

2. Buy a SIM card in Taipei center

Pros:

• Wider variety: Browse carriers and plans at official stores or convenience stores.
• Competitive prices: Potentially find better deals than at the airport.
• Immerse yourself: Experience the city while searching for your ideal SIM.

Cons:

• Time investment: Needs city navigation to locate a shop.
• Language barrier: Mandarin-less people may have trouble communicating.

If you want to buy sim card in Taipei center, you have three options to choose from: 

• The official SIM card outlets of the mobile network providers are found in several shopping centers and commercial districts. 
• Convenience shops like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Hi-Life are standard in Taipei and are another place where you may get a SIM card. 
• Online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, or Klook may also sell SIM cards depending on the country. 

► Our Recommendation: Buy SIM card in Taipei airport or an eSIM online from eSIM providers before leaving (not mobile network companies that need a passport). For maximum ease before your vacation, choose eSIMs. Remember, phone eSIM compatibility is critical!

V. Taiwan eSIM card for Taipei – Alternative to SIM Card for travelers

If your phone supports eSIM, try getting a Taipei eSIM instead of a SIM card. ESIMs are digital SIM cards that you may download and activate on your phone without a slot. Benefits of an eSIM include:

• Save time and money, as you don’t have to buy or swap a physical SIM card
• Avoiding the hassle and risk of losing or damaging your SIM card
• Keeping your home number and using multiple numbers on the same device
• Switching between different plans and operators with ease

There are several ways to buy an eSIM for Taipei:

• Purchase from the websites of network providers that provide eSIM services: Taiwan Mobile, Chunghwa Telecom, and Far EasTone all provide eSIM services for travelers, while activation and registration may still need you to show your passport or other official documentation.
• Buy from eSIM carriers or retailers: Gigago is an eSIM provider that offers a variety of plans and prices for travelers. For Taiwan, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $4.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Taiwan eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $4.00 – $57.00 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Taiwan; there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VI. What to Prepare to buy SIM card in Taipei

Getting a SIM card in Taipei, especially if you’re looking to buy SIM card in Taipei, is quick and easy, but some preparation goes a long way! Here’s your essential checklist:

Required:

• Passport: This is your key to SIM card ownership, so remember it!

Optional (but helpful):

• Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone can accept a SIM card from a different network.
• Cash or credit card: Check preferred payment methods at your chosen purchase point.
• List of desired plan features: Data allowance, call minutes, validity period – knowing your needs helps you choose the best plan.
• Travel adapter: If your phone’s charger plug isn’t compatible with Taiwan’s outlets.

VII. Extra Tips when buying SIM card in Taipei

• Compare plans online: Research options beforehand to find the best fit for your needs.
• Ask for assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask store staff for help choosing the right plan.
• Double-check validity: Ensure the chosen plan covers your entire travel duration.
• Activate upon arrival: Activate your SIM card immediately to avoid roaming charges.
• Top-up options: Understand how to top up your data or calls during your trip.
• Keep the receipt: Store your purchase receipt for any future inquiries.

VIII. FAQs

Conclusion

Navigating Taipei’s busy streets can be challenging without a connection. Fear not! Buy SIM card in Taipei makes staying connected simpler than ever with many choices. Your requirements determine the best option. When selecting, consider data use, call demands, budget, and convenience.

Airport purchases offer immediate connectivity upon arrival, while stores in the city might provide more comprehensive plan options. For maximum convenience, consider an eSIM before your trip.