Taiwan SIM Card Guide for Tourists

Rachel Tran

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Published: September 2026

Getting a Taiwan SIM card is a reliable way to stay connected when traveling in Taiwan, but picking the right option depends entirely on how you travel. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Taiwan SIM cards for tourists: whether or not you should have one, where to buy, how much it costs, and eSIM alternative options for consideration.

Do You Need a Taiwan SIM Card?

Yes. If you use maps, messaging apps, or taxi apps to travel, having the internet as soon as you land is essential. But buying a regular physical SIM card in Taiwan takes extra effort. You have to:

• Look for a store or counter that sells tourist SIMs.
• Show your passport (and sometimes a second ID card).
• Make sure your phone works with local networks.
• Swap your physical SIM card – which means you can’t receive calls or texts on your main number.

Which type of Taiwan SIM should you choose?

For most short trips, choose an eSIM. It lets you buy and set up your plan online before you fly, connect to data the moment you land, and keep your primary physical SIM active for home calls and texts without visiting an airport counter.

You should choose a physical SIM card only if your phone does not support eSIMs or if you need a local Taiwanese phone number to register for local services like YouBike or food delivery apps.

Which Network Should You Use in Taiwan?

All three major Taiwanese carriers charge the exact same prices for their tourist SIMs, so your decision comes down to network performance.

1. Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom is the largest provider in Taiwan and the top performer overall. In OpenSignal’s July 2026 report, Chunghwa won every category for download and upload speeds (both 4G and 5G) as well as overall coverage. It is the best choice for fast speeds and minimal dead zones.

• Has the most airport service counters: Taoyuan (Terminals 1 and 2), Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
• Includes unlimited mobile data and free CHT WiFi hotspot access with no separate hotspot limits listed.

2. Taiwan Mobile

While not as fast as Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile ranked highest in OpenSignal’s report for network reliability and consistent quality. It offers a steady, dependable connection with fewer dropped signals

• Airport pickup available at Taoyuan (both terminals) and Kaohsiung.
• Tourist plans set a separate limit for hotspot sharing (such as 7GB on a 7-day plan), even though data on your phone remains unlimited.

3. Far EasTone (FET)

Far EasTone is the smallest of the three main carriers. Far EasTone took first place for 5G availability, meaning you connect to 5G signals more often throughout the day.

• Airport pickup available at Taoyuan only.
• Like Taiwan Mobile, hotspot sharing is capped separately from phone data.
• Plans cannot be topped up once your call credits or hotspot data run out.

In major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, all three networks perform well. Chunghwa shows a clear advantage in remote locations, mountain trails, and outlying islands.

How Much Do SIM Cards and eSIMs Cost in Taiwan?

Pricing for official 5G tourist SIMs is identical across Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone.

Typical 5G Tourist SIM Prices:

• 3 days: NT$500 (~$16 USD)
• 5 days: NT$600 (~$19 USD)
• 7 days: NT$800 (~$25 USD)
• 10 days: NT$1,000 (~$32 USD)
• 15–30 days: NT$1,200–1,600 (~$38–51 USD) (Chunghwa and Taiwan Mobile only)

Taiwan Tourist SIM Plans by Carrier

1. Chunghwa Telecom (5G)

Note: Cash (NTD) is required at airport counters. Cheaper 4G-only passes are available (for example, 3 days for NT$300) if you do not need 5G speeds.() Dial 928 for free customer service from a Chunghwa line.

2. Taiwan Mobile (5G)

Note: The hotspot limit only applies when sharing data to other devices. Data on your primary phone remains unlimited.()

3. Far EasTone (5G)

Note: Plan validity is counted in exact hours from activation (Plan D lasts 168 hours). These plans cannot be topped up.

⚠️ Important Note on Hotspot Sharing:

While “unlimited data” plans give your phone unlimited internet, carriers like Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone cap hotspot/tethering data (e.g., 7GB limit on a 7-day plan). If you plan to share internet with multiple devices, check the hotspot limit before buying.

→ See more: What is unlimited eSIM really?

Where to Buy a Taiwan SIM Card or eSIM

You have 4 options to buy a SIM card or eSIM in Taiwan, depending on whether you value convenience, price, or having a local phone number:

1. Buy an eSIM Online (Fastest & Most Convenient)

Purchase from an online provider like Gigago before you fly. You receive a QR code via email and skip all airport lines and passport checks. This is the best option if you’d rather sort connectivity out before departure.

2. Buy Directly at Airport Carrier Counters

All three major Taiwanese carriers operate dedicated service counters in the arrivals halls of Taiwan’s main airports. This is the fastest way to walk out with a fully activated physical SIM and a working local phone number, though service is limited to counter operating hours.

You can pick a Taiwan SIM card at these locations:

• Chunghwa Telecom: Offers the widest coverage across Taiwan, including remote areas. Counters are available at:
  • Taoyuan (TPE): Terminal 1 (Counter #6) & Terminal 2 (Counter #2)
  • Kaohsiung (KHH): International Terminal Arrival Hall
  • Taipei Songshan (TSA): Arrival Hall (near Gate E)
  • Taichung (RMQ): Departure Hall

• Taiwan Mobile: Known for solid urban coverage and competitive pricing. Counters are located in the arrival areas at Taoyuan (TPE) (Terminals 1 & 2), Kaohsiung (KHH), and Taipei Songshan (TSA).
• Far EasTone (FET): Provides reliable city coverage and varied tourist plans. Desks are situated at:
  • Taoyuan (TPE): Terminal 1 (1st floor) & Terminal 2 (1st and 3rd floors)
  • Kaohsiung (KHH): International Terminal (1st floor)
  • Taipei Songshan (TSA): Arrival Area

3. Visit Telecom Retail Stores in the City

All three carriers run retail stores across major Taiwanese cities if you’d rather skip the airport crowds altogether. Staff can activate and register your SIM on-site.

4. Pre-order a Physical SIM Voucher and Pick Up at Airport (Klook/KKday)

If you need a physical SIM card (for example, if you need a local phone number or your phone does not support eSIMs), pre-ordering a voucher online before you fly is usually cheaper than buying one directly at the airport counter, but you must collect the card at a designated airport counter and show your passport.

Tips for pickup:

• Check the exact counter location: Different platforms use different service desks, such as the carrier’s official desk or a third-party service counter like Unite Traveler. Check your booking details under “Pickup Location” to find the right counter for your terminal.
• Staff assistance: The staff at these counters will usually help you swap the SIM card and test your connection before you walk away.

→ Full Taoyuan Airport SIM card Buying Guide

How to Get and Set Up Your Taiwan Physical SIM or eSIM

Follow these step-by-step instructions based on the option you chose:

1. Buying or Collecting a Physical SIM at the Airport

1. Head to your carrier’s counter or your pre-ordered platform desk (e.g., Klook or Unite Traveler) in the arrivals hall.
2. Choose a plan. Most tourists go with the unlimited 5G day-pass matching their trip length.
3. Show your passport for registration (a second ID may be requested) along with your booking voucher if you pre-ordered online.
4. The counter staff will complete the mandatory real-name registration, insert the physical SIM card, and confirm your internet connection works before you leave.

2. Setting Up an eSIM (Do This Before You Fly)

1. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIMs and is unlocked by your home carrier. iPhone XS/XR or newer, and most Android flagships released after 2019 are compatile with eSIM
2. Buy your plan online: Purchase your Taiwan eSIM before heading to the airport.
3. Install the profile: Scan the QR code sent to your email while connected to home or airport Wi-Fi. It takes about 2 minutes.
4. Activate when you land: Turn on the eSIM line only after your plane touches down in Taiwan. Doing this earlier starts your plan’s day count too soon.
5. Turn on Data Roaming: Go to your phone settings and turn on Data Roaming specifically for your new eSIM line. This is the most common step travelers forget.

Pro-tip: You can safely install the eSIM profile on your home Wi-Fi before your trip, but keep the line turned off until your flight touches down.

Alternatives to SIM Cards in Taiwan

If you prefer not to use a standard physical SIM card, you have some other reliable methods to get Internet during your trip in Taiwan. The best option depends on your device, travel budget, and how many people are traveling with you.

• eSIM (Top Recommendation): Activates digitally as soon as your plane lands in Taiwan. It skips airport lines and identity checks entirely, making it the most convenient choice for compatible phones.
• Portable Pocket WiFi: Allows several devices to connect to one portable router at the same time. This is ideal for families or travel groups, though you must keep the device charged and hand it back before flying home.
• International Data Roaming: Enables internet access using your current home phone plan without changing any setup. While extremely simple, it is often the most expensive route and can lead to unexpected billing charges.
• Public WiFi Networks: Free internet access is available across major Taiwanese transit hubs, cafes, and accommodations. It works fine for occasional messaging or map checks, but coverage can be spotty and public connections are less secure.

Why an eSIM is the Best Choice for Most Travelers to Taiwan

Unless you specifically need a local Taiwanese phone number, a Gigago’s Taiwan eSIM beats a physical SIM on almost every practical measure:

• Simple purchase: No waiting in airport lines or filling out paperwork after a long flight.
• Instant delivery & easy setup: Receive your QR code by email right after purchase, install it before departure, and get online the second you land.
• Flexible and budget-friendly plans: Prices start at just $2.9 USD with options ranging from 1 to 30 days. You can choose from daily data caps, fixed total data packages, or unlimited plans to fit your exact trip length.
• Powered by Chunghwa Telecom (CHT): Connect directly to CHT, Taiwan’s largest and fastest network, ensuring reliable high-speed coverage across the entire island.
• No SIM swap: Your home number stays active for incoming calls and texts while the eSIM handles cheap local data.
• Hotspot Included: Easily share your mobile data connection with a laptop or travel companion.

Frequently Asked Questions