The topic of SIM cards in Taiwan is a relatively straightforward one, but I still thought it was important to create a page about it. Many travelers have emailed me with questions—why not post all the answers on one central hub?
Which is not to say I’ll only be writing about SIM cards. I’ll also provide other tips about staying connected in Taiwan, including the availability and quality of WiFi in Taiwan. Moreover, I’ll provide some insight on the Taiwan eSIM, a convenient option offered by companies like Holafly.
Whether you plan to buy a Taiwan SIM card, or simply prefer to use your cellphone in Taiwan with a plan from your home country, you’ll find the facts you need here.
Why You Need a Taiwan SIM Card
Setting aside for a moment the particulars of SIM cards in Taiwan, let’s talk about why you’re almost certainly going to need one. A big reason is the ability to do live translations, whether you’re in a smaller city and town and need to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak English, or you’re at a local restaurant in Taipei and quickly want to translate Chinese text.
There are other reasons, too. While Wi-Fi is prevalent in Taiwan (maybe more than anywhere else in the world) people traveling in Taiwan often find themselves far away from train stations and places of business—and, therefore, from Wi0Fi routers. Whether you need to navigate to one destination or plot your course for the next, being constantly connected is essential. This is to say nothing of how often amazing places in Taiwan will make you want to post to social media!
Options for Buying a Taiwan SIM Card
Install a Taiwan eSIM in advance
In Taiwan as is the case for most countries in the world, I think it’s best to download an eSIM in advance. Whether you get a Taiwan eSIM from Holafly or from some other company, this allows you to ensure you’re connected from the moment you land. This way, you don’t have to wait until you’re through customs and immigration to start planning out the details of your trip.
Buy a Taiwan SIM card on arrival
If you don’t download an eSIM in advance, one cardinal rule of SIM cards in Taiwan I wouldn’t recommend straying far from it this: Buy your SIM card at Taoyuan Airport (or whichever airport you land at) before continuing on your merry way. The reason for this is that SIM card counters at the airport offer exclusive, unlimited plans not available to customers in the city, where rates are much higher.
Use your home country carrier
Roaming in Taiwan is complicated, although I’m not sure whether this is officially because of the shaky diplomatic ground on which the country sits. In the past, many of US SIM cards have not even worked in Taiwan, though your mileage may vary. If you hope to avail this option, I’d suggest contacting your home country’s carrier in advance to verify pricing and availability.
Avail a global cellphone plan
I almost always download an eSIM in Taiwan, even though I use Google Fi, a cellphone plan with (advertised) global availability. The reason? I find that my Fi service is shaky in Taiwan, even under the best circumstances. Recently, in fact, I lost coverage for several days in the middle of Taipei, where reception was certainly not an issue. Even if you think you’ll be connected in Taiwan, an eSIM (whether from Holafly or from another company) can be a reliable back-up option.
Try to get by using Wi-Fi
A Taiwan tourist SIM card is nice to have, but do you need to have one? Well, it depends on where in the country you plan to travel. If you’ll mostly be in large cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, Wi-Fi coverage is good enough that you may be able to get by. On the other hand, if you’re in remote destinations like Lanyu and Lyudao, a Taiwan SIM card is indispensable.
Do Chinese SIM Cards Work in Taiwan?
If you’re flying to Taiwan from Beijing or Shanghai, it might be tempting to think you can use your China SIM upon landing, rather than buying a Taiwan SIM card for tourist. Unfortunately, since China and Taiwan have totally independent mobile infrastructure, a prepaid China SIM card will not work in Taiwan, though some contract plans (for example, if you reside in mainland China) might.
This is yet another example of why downloading a Taiwan eSIM from Holafly is a preferable option to waiting until you land at Taoyuan or Songhshan to buy a Taiwan SIM card, unlimited data or not. Even if you’ve set the correct expectation—namely, that Chinese SIM cards don’t work in Taiwan—the reality can be disappointing as it sets in.
Other FAQ About SIM Cards in Taiwan
Which SIM card is best in Taiwan?
The best SIM card in Taiwan, at least for short-term visitors, is the one you can buy most easily and at the cheapest price. In most cases this ends up being an eSIM, such as the one offered by Holafly. If you buy a physical Taiwan SIM, meanwhile, most networks in Taiwan offer similar coverage and speed, whether you use a big-name one like Chunghwa Telecom, or a smaller carrier like FarEasTone.
How to get SIM card Taiwan?
It’s easy to get a SIM card in Taiwan. The first option is to download a Taiwan eSIM. However, you can also buy a physical Taiwan SIM. Specifically, after you exit the customs hall but before you leave Taoyuan Airport, visit various desks within the arrival area, many of which sell SIM cards from different Taiwan mobile companies. You’ll need to provide your passport and some other information in order to purchase your SIM card.
How much is the SIM card in Taoyuan Airport?
Taiwan SIM cards can be obtained for at little as NT$600-700, depending on how long you need your card to be valid and which speed you choose. I’d recommend shopping around at the very desks within Taoyuan International Airport until you find the deal you want, assuming you aren’t in a rush to get into the city. Alternatively, order a Taiwan eSIM in advance not only to lock in a rate, but to ensure you’re connected from the moment you land.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve found my insights about your Taiwan SIM card enlightening—and I trust you’ve gotten answers to the questions that led you here in the first place. Although the majority of travelers would do best to download a Taiwan eSIM from Holafly in advance, there’s also the option to purchase unlimited data SIM cards for the duration of their stay in Taiwan upon arrival at Taoyuan Airport. Regardless of how you end up staying connected in Taiwan, it’s to your advantage to figure it out quickly. That way, you can get back to planning the exciting aspects of your Taiwan trip!
