Stay Connected in Taiwan
Navigate, share, and stay in touch with our comprehensive eSIM guide for Taiwan.
1Introduction to Taiwan as a Travel Destination
Taiwan offers excellent connectivity for international visitors, and staying online is easy with the right SIM solution. In this guide, we'll explain how tourists and long-term visitors can get internet access affordably. eSIMs (digital SIM cards) have become a popular option because they let you arrange mobile data before you arrive, avoiding the hassle of finding a SIM vendor on arrival. We'll also touch on local SIM cards and what to expect from Taiwan's mobile networks so you can choose the best option for your stay.
2Mobile and Internet Infrastructure
Taiwan has a highly developed telecom infrastructure with 4G LTE networks covering over 99% of populated areas. The main carriers – Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone – all provide reliable coverage across major cities (like Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung) and even smaller towns.
5G service is rapidly expanding; by 2023, 5G reached over 95% of rural areas and all major metropolitan zones, so many urban spots offer ultra-fast speeds. Chunghwa Telecom in particular is known for having the most expansive coverage nationwide, which means even in mountains or offshore islands you're likely to find a signal on that network. In remote scenic areas (e.g. high mountains or national parks) you might drop to 3G or have occasional dead zones, but generally Taiwan's mobile network provides a strong connection for travelers throughout the country.
Network Providers Overview
| Provider | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa Telecom | Most expansive nationwide coverage, including mountains and offshore islands | Strongest network with the widest coverage, ideal for travelers exploring remote areas |
| Taiwan Mobile | Excellent coverage in urban areas with expanding 5G service | Strong performance in major cities and tourist destinations |
| Far EasTone | Reliable service across populated areas with good 4G/5G coverage | Solid option with competitive coverage in urban and suburban areas |
3Guide to Getting Mobile Internet
Local SIM vs eSIM
Taiwan makes it easy for visitors to get connected, whether you opt for an international eSIM or a local physical SIM. An eSIM for Taiwan lets you skip the airport queues and activate service as soon as you land. With an international eSIM (purchased online before your trip), there's no need to swap out SIM cards or carry a SIM ejector – you simply download the digital profile and you're ready to go. For most foreign visitors, using a reputable international eSIM vs. buying a local SIM comes down to convenience vs. slight cost savings: local SIMs can be a bit cheaper per GB and give you a local number, while eSIMs maximize convenience (no paperwork or store visits) and keep your primary phone number active simultaneously.
Where to Buy
If you prefer a local SIM card, you can buy one immediately at the airport – all major airports have telecom booths with tourist SIM deals ranging from 3 to 30 days. You'll need your passport to register the SIM by law, but the process is quick and staff usually speak English. Local SIM packages in Taiwan are very affordable (around US$10–$30 for packages including unlimited data or large data bundles) and often come with local calling and texting. Local carriers like Chunghwa and Taiwan Mobile even offer their own eSIM options for prepaid plans, but these might require navigating Chinese-language websites or having a local payment method. Many travelers do a bit of both – for example, using an eSIM for the first day or two for immediate internet, then deciding if a local SIM is necessary for longer stays.
4Major Mobile Providers and Plans
Airalo
Airalo is known for budget-friendly plans and works seamlessly in Taiwan. It offers several "Xie Xie" eSIM plans ranging from 1 GB up to 10 GB of data, with prices starting around $5 USD for 1 GB (valid 7 days). Airalo's Taiwan eSIM uses top local networks (partnering with Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile), so you'll get broad coverage and 4G/5G speeds just like a local SIM. Keep in mind Airalo's plans are data-only (no local phone number), but you can top up easily through the app if you need more data during your trip. Airalo fully supports hotspot/tethering, so you can share your phone's data with a laptop or other devices as needed. Overall, Airalo is a great choice for cost-conscious travelers in Taiwan because it provides reliable connectivity on the leading networks at a low price per GB.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xie Xie 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | $5 |
|
| Xie Xie 3GB | 3 GB | 30 days | $10 |
|
| Xie Xie 5GB | 5 GB | 30 days | $15 |
|
| Xie Xie 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | $24 |
|
Holafly
Holafly stands out by offering unlimited data eSIM plans in Taiwan, which is ideal if you need a lot of data for work or heavy media use. Holafly's Taiwan eSIM plans come in fixed durations (5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, or 90 days) with unlimited 4G data. For example, a 5-day unlimited plan costs around $19 USD and 15 days is around $47 USD. Holafly uses Chunghwa Telecom's network (the carrier with the widest coverage in Taiwan), so performance is excellent in cities and rural areas alike. One drawback is that Holafly eSIMs do not provide a local number or SMS, and more importantly, official policy restricts tethering (hotspot use) – Holafly states that sharing data via hotspot is either not allowed or limited (in some cases only ~500 MB/day can be shared). Holafly is also pricier than other options due to the unlimited data offering. Choose Holafly if you value simplicity (no worrying about data caps) and are okay with paying a premium for it.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited 5 Days | Unlimited | 5 days | $19 |
|
| Unlimited 7 Days | Unlimited | 7 days | $27 |
|
| Unlimited 15 Days | Unlimited | 15 days | $47 |
|
| Unlimited 30 Days | Unlimited | 30 days | $67 |
|
Nomad
Nomad is another popular eSIM platform that provides prepaid data plans for Taiwan. Nomad's Taiwan eSIM plans are typically sold in chunks (for example, 1 GB for ~$4, 3 GB, 5 GB, or 10 GB with validity periods around 7 to 30 days). Nomad often has regional Asia-Pacific eSIMs too, which can be useful if Taiwan is one stop on a multi-country tour. In Taiwan, Nomad offers 4G/5G coverage across all major cities and towns, and it permits tethering on its eSIMs (most Nomad eSIMs support hotspot use). Nomad's pricing is slightly higher than Airalo's in some cases, but the user experience is very smooth through their app. If you prefer an alternative to Airalo, Nomad is a reliable choice with similar capabilities – it uses major local networks as well, so you can expect solid coverage and speeds.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | $4 |
|
| Taiwan 3GB | 3 GB | 30 days | $11 |
|
| Taiwan 5GB | 5 GB | 30 days | $16 |
|
| Taiwan 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | $25 |
|
| Asia Regional eSIM | Various options | Varies by plan | From $17 |
|
Local Taiwan SIM Cards
Taiwan's mobile operators offer very tourist-friendly SIM options available right at the airport. These SIMs are competitively priced and often include unlimited data plans specifically designed for travelers. All major providers (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone) offer tourist SIMs with varying durations and data allowances. Purchasing requires presenting your passport for registration as required by Taiwanese law, but the process is quick and staff generally speak English well. Local SIMs provide both data and a Taiwan phone number, which can be useful for local services.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa Tourist SIM | Unlimited | 3-30 days (various options) | $10-30 USD |
|
| Taiwan Mobile Tourist SIM | Unlimited or large data bundle | 3-30 days | $10-30 USD |
|
| Far EasTone Tourist SIM | Various data packages | 3-30 days | $10-30 USD |
|
5Device Compatibility and Activation
Before purchasing an eSIM for Taiwan, ensure your device is compatible with this technology. Most modern smartphones support eSIM, including iPhone XR/XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and many other recent devices. To use a physical SIM card in Taiwan, your phone simply needs to be unlocked (not restricted to a specific carrier). There are no special phone registration requirements for tourists using either SIM or eSIM options in Taiwan, unlike some other countries that require IMEI registration for longer stays.
6Tips and FAQs for Staying Connected
How can I use free Wi-Fi in Taiwan?
Taiwan has abundant free Wi-Fi in urban areas. The government's iTaiwan initiative provides free Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide – as of 2020, both locals and foreign visitors can use iTaiwan hotspots without prior registration. Look for "iTaiwan" Wi-Fi networks in airports, train stations, visitor centers, and popular tourist spots. Many cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) also offer free Wi-Fi. Using Wi-Fi when available can save your mobile data for when you really need it (like on the go or in remote areas).
How should I set up my eSIM before traveling to Taiwan?
If you're using an eSIM, install it and set it up before traveling to Taiwan. Follow the provider's instructions to download the eSIM profile to your phone while you have reliable internet at home. Once in Taiwan, simply enable the eSIM and turn on data roaming (for the eSIM line) if needed. Usually, the eSIM will automatically connect to one of the local networks (e.g. Chunghwa or Taiwan Mobile) – if it doesn't connect immediately, you can manually select a carrier in your phone's settings. Tip: Keep your primary SIM (with your home number) active for calls/SMS if needed, but set the eSIM as the default for mobile data.
How can I save data during my trip?
Taiwan's tourist SIMs often come with unlimited data, but if you're on a metered eSIM plan (say 3 GB or 5 GB), be mindful of your usage. Use data-saving techniques like downloading offline maps (Google Maps offline) for navigation, and pre-downloading music or videos on Wi-Fi. Disable background app refresh or auto-updates for apps while on cellular data to avoid unexpected data drain. The good news is Taiwan's 4G is very fast, so even a 1–2 GB plan can go a long way for basic things like messaging, emails, and web browsing during a short trip.
How do I top up a local Taiwan SIM card?
If you bought a local prepaid SIM, you can top it up at convenience stores island-wide or at carrier shops. For example, 7-Eleven and FamilyMart kiosks allow you to recharge Taiwan Mobile, Chunghwa, etc. Ask the store staff if you need help navigating the top-up machine (some have English options). Also note that local SIMs have a validity period – tourist SIMs usually last 7, 10, or 30 days depending on the package, and you can extend or recharge if you're staying longer.
What should I know about phone compatibility in Taiwan?
Ensure your phone is unlocked (not tied to a carrier network) before coming to Taiwan, so it can accept a local SIM or eSIM. If you plan to use a physical SIM, bring a SIM ejector pin. In case you need to swap SIMs, keep your original SIM in a safe place (e.g. taped inside your passport or in a SIM case). With an eSIM, you won't have this worry, but still make sure you don't delete the eSIM profile by accident during your trip – if your phone has dual SIM capability, you can use your home SIM and travel eSIM in tandem.
How reliable is internet on Taiwan's islands and mountains?
Taiwan's major networks (especially Chunghwa Telecom) offer surprisingly good coverage even in many remote areas. However, if you're planning extensive hiking in mountain ranges or visits to small offshore islands, be prepared for occasional dead zones. In popular tourist areas like Taroko Gorge or Sun Moon Lake, you'll generally maintain a signal most of the time. For truly remote hikes, consider downloading offline maps and information before you go. The good news is that even small towns and villages typically have at least 3G coverage, making Taiwan very well-connected overall.
Conclusion
Taiwan offers travelers excellent connectivity options, with a modern mobile infrastructure and tourist-friendly services. For those prioritizing convenience, international eSIMs from providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer hassle-free setup and reliable coverage. Budget-conscious travelers or those wanting a local phone number may prefer local SIM cards available at airports. Either way, you'll enjoy exceptional coverage across most of Taiwan, including major tourist destinations and even many remote areas. With your connectivity needs sorted, you can focus on exploring Taiwan's vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're navigating Taipei's bustling streets or hiking in Taroko Gorge, reliable mobile data will enhance your Taiwan experience.