Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
The kiosks are not 24-hour (Chunghwa runs roughly 05:00 to 22:00 at Taoyuan, the others shorter), so a red-eye arrival can find everything shut. Taiwanese tourist SIMs work only within Taiwan and do not roam. Validity on some plans is counted in 24-hour blocks from activation rather than calendar days, so a 5-day plan activated at 6pm runs to 6pm on day five. Carry some NT dollars in cash for the counter.
Largest network and the pick for anyone leaving the cities, heading into the mountains or visiting the outlying islands. Its airport kiosk also keeps the longest hours.
Coverage on par with Chunghwa, and notably asks only for a passport where others may want a second ID.
Strong third network, but its tourist plans at Taoyuan are sold only in the FET shop in Terminal 1 arrivals, and its city stores are the strictest about a second ID.
A passport is required and the SIM is registered to it; the minimum age is 20. On paper a second ID (driving licence, entry permit, national ID or similar) has also been required since 2023. Airport counters often accept just the passport, but city stores can be stricter, so bring a driving licence as well.
None, and possibly negative: the tourist-only unlimited plans are sold at the airport kiosks at or slightly below city prices, which reverses the usual advice. Buy at the airport.
Most travel eSIM providers have limited coverage in Taiwan, so a local SIM from one of the carriers above is usually the more reliable option. Check your provider's coverage list before you buy.
SIM cards and eSIM in Taiwan