SIM cards and eSIM in Taiwan
SIM cards and eSIM in TaiwanWhich carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- 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.
- Taiwan's tourist SIMs are unusually generous: unlimited-data plans run roughly NT$300 to 1,000 for 3 to 30 days, with about NT$500 (roughly $15) typical for unlimited data over 5 to 7 days on Chunghwa. Several plans also bundle carrier WiFi hotspot access for the SIM's validity.
- Taoyuan airport is the main and recommended point of sale, with kiosks for all the majors in the arrival halls of both terminals, and some booths even before immigration. Counters also operate at Songshan, Kaohsiung and Taichung airports. In the cities: carrier shops in malls and metro stations, plus 7-Eleven and FamilyMart for Taiwan Mobile and GT.
- 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.
- A travel eSIM is generally cheaper than buying locally unless you specifically want unlimited data, which, given Taiwan's unlimited tourist plans, many travelers do.
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.
Local carriers
Chunghwa Telecom
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.
Taiwan Mobile
Coverage on par with Chunghwa, and notably asks only for a passport where others may want a second ID.
FarEasTone
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Taiwan?
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.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in Taiwan?
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.
What is the best eSIM for Taiwan?
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.