The Best SIM Cards for Travel to Taiwan

Published by CamDarling on

Taiwan is a very popular destination in Asia. The island has a vibrant history, beautiful landscapes, oh and the food! Taiwanese food is amazing. But you are looking for SIM cards, some data to stay connected with friends and family back home, to use in your favorite travel apps, and to help find your way across the country. Taiwan has a handful of major telecom providers operating 4G/LTE networks. Tourists can choose between the regular 4G data plans and tourist sims sold only at the major international airports, mainly at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. 

As per our usual, we’ve broken down the SIM cards by Best Value, Best Price and Monster Data, but I’d like to point out that SIM options in Taiwan are very similar and choosing the right SIM could depend more on your phone’s compatibility than the SIM plans. You’ll want to check your phone on the Taiwan networks, details and how to below. Lastly, consider picking up a roaming SIM card if you are passing through Hong Kong or also traveling to other destinations in Asia, like Thailand.

taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel

SIM Cards Available in Taiwan

Taiwan has one of the strangest situations for SIM card offerings. Almost all the telecom providers offer identical or extremely similar plans. So choosing one as ‘best value’ is kind of arbitrary since the offers are so similar. I’ve highlighted some of the ones that are different that I recommend.

Before looking at the options, read through the following sections and ask yourself these questions:

  • How long is your trip?
  • Will you be traveling to or from Hong Kong, Thailand?
  • Will your phone work on Taiwan’s 4G/LTE only networks?

This article is a little lengthier than our usual ones. But do take the time to check out the requirements and your phones compatibility with Taiwan SIM Card providers. 

Where to Buy a SIM Card?

Since Taiwan is an island, the vast majority of tourists arrive through one of the two major international airports: Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei or Kaosiung International Airport in Kaosiung. 

Tourist SIM Cards: Telecom providers have made Tourist Only SIM card packages available at the Store in the International Airports. These sims have a limited duration, meaning the validity often cannot be extended and top-ups won’t work. What you buy with a Tourist sim is what you’ll get for the duration of your stay. There are provider-Wi-Fi-networks for some tourist sims, similar to the Wi-Fi networks in Japan. But these unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot can be slow at times and difficult to connect.

Regular 4G SIM Cards: The airport stores and the flagship stores in the major cities like Taipei sell regular 4G SIM cards, these are one you can customize by adding credit via top-up vouchers and getting add-ons for voice, data, international calling etc… 

Other Stores: Most of the major SIM cards and vouchers can be found in 7-Eleven, Family Mart, OK Mart and Hi-Life Stores. Some can also be found in local grocery stores.

SIM Card Requirements

Tourist SIM cards require you to show your passport, as they are not available to locals. Some may even ask for a second piece of photo ID. For the regular 4G SIMs, you may be required to sign some forms and register for an account which shouldn’t take too long. 

You do need an unlocked phone to use a SIM card in Taiwan.

Check Your Phone Compatability

Your phone needs to be compatible with the SIM provider’s network. What does this mean?

There are two network types worldwide: CDMA and GSM. Some telecoms in Taiwan used to use CDMA but those have been mostly phased out. Telecoms Networks in Taiwan are getting rid of 3G, leaving only 4G/LTE to customers. This has big implications for your phone’s compatibility since there is no 3G coverage. It’s 4/LTE or nothing. 

To check your phone’s compatibility, check out WillMyPhoneWork.NET (or FrequencyCheck.com) Here is what you need:

  • Your Phone Brand (Apple ,Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei etc…)
  • Your Phone Model (Samsung Galaxy S9, IPhone X, etc…)
  •  Your Phone Sub-Model Number (Model A1532) May also have to know your carrier (Verizon, Sprint, Rogers etc…)
  • The country you are visiting (United States, Japan etc…)
  • The carrier whose network you’ll be using (AT&T or T-Mobile)

Example of Compatibility (USA)

  • Brand: Apple
  • Model: IPhone 5C
  • Sub-Model: N# on the back of the phone A1532.
  • There are two options: Verizon CDMA and GSM (other carriers). I’m not with Verizon so it must be GSM (North America)
  • Country: United States
  • Carrier: AT&T

Compatibility Result: 3G & 4G. Next I checked T-Mobile, but I only had 2G, 3G and only maybe 4G compatibility on their network. So AT&T is probably better.

USA

Best Value SIM Cards

Top Choice: Taiwan Mobile 

  • Network: Taiwan Mobile
  • Pre-purchase Online: No
  • Available Locations: International Airports (Taoyuan, Koahsiung), Taiwan Mobile Stores
  • Top Ups: Vouchers Sold in Store (Dial *101*2*Voucher#) and Online
  • Note: Two Prepaid Options: 4G Plans & Tourist SIMs sold only at Airports
  • Note2: International Calling Rates vary by country

4G Plans SIM Price: Free+

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data for 3 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for 1.2 GB of 4G/LTE Data, 100 NT of Voice credit for 60 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) for 2.2 GB of 4G/LTE Data, 195 NT of Voice credit for 60 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) for 8 GB of 4G/LTE Data for 185 Days

Tourist SIM Price: Free+

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days*
  • 400 NT ($13.00 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 6 Days*
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 150 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 7 Days*
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 10 Days*
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 700 NT ($22.70 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 350 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 7 Days
  • 700 NT ($22.70 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 15 Days*
  • 800 NT ($25.95 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 400 NT of Voice & SMS creditfor 10 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 400 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 15 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 430 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 30 Days*
  • “*” are sold at the Airport Stores Only
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
Taiwan Mobile

Runner Up: FarEasTone

  • Network: FarEasTone
  • Pre-purchase Online: No
  • Available Locations: FET Stores and Terminal 1 at Taoyuan International Airport
  • Top Ups: Sold in FET Stores and 7-Eleven, Family Mart, OK Mart and Hi-Life Stores
  • Note: Dial 777, after intro message press 4 to change the default language, press 1 for English.
  • Note2: There are 2 Options: The prepaid “IF” cards and Tourist Only SIM Cards sold only at the Airport.

SIM Price: 350 NT+ (with 350 NT in Credit)

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for 1.2 GB of 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) for 2.2 GB of 4G Data, 195 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days

Tourist SIM Card: Free+

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 450 NT ($14.60 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 7 Days
  • 450 NT ($14.60 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 8 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 10 Days
  • 700 NT ($22.70 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 15 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 30 Days
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
FarEasTone

Best Price SIM Cards

Top Choice: GT Mobile (APTG)

  • Network: GT Mobile
  • Pre-purchase Online: No
  • Available Locations: GT Mobile Stores, Asia Pacific Telecom Stores in Terminal 2 & 3 at Taoyuan International Airport.
  • Top Ups: Vouchers sold at GT Mobile Stores
  • Note: New Tourist SIMs are available

SIM Price: Starter Packs

  1. 300 NT ($ 9.75 USD) with 120 NT credit & 1.8 GB for 30 Days
  2. 500 NT ($16.26 USD) with 200 NT credit & 2.2 GB for 30 Days

4G Love Plans

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 4 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for 1.2 GB of 4G Data, 120 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) for 2.2 GB of 4G Data, 200 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days

Tourist SIM Cards: Free+

  • 230 NT ($7.45 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 4 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 4 Days
  • 250 NT ($8.11 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 6 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 6 Days
  • 450 NT ($14.60 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 80 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 8 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 11 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 400 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 15 Days
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
GT Mobile

Runner Up: Emome (Chunghwa Telecom)

  • Network: Emome
  • Pre-purchase Online:  No
  • Available Locations: Family Mart, 7-Eleven, OK Mart, Chunghwa Stores and International Airports
  • Top Ups: Vouchers or Online via credit card
  • Note: There are 2 Options: 4G “Ideal” Plans and Tourist SIM cards sold only at the Airports
  • Note2: Tourist SIM cards can be reserved online here

Ideal SIM Price: 300 NT+ (with 300 NT in Credit)

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) 1.2 GB of 4G Data, 120 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) 2.2 GB of 4G Data, 200 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) for 8 GB of 4G Data for 60 Days

Ideal SIM Data Add-Ons

  • 180 NT ($5.84 USD) 1 GB of 4G Data for 60 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) 2.2 GB of 4G Data for 60 Days
  • 699 NT ($22.70 USD) 5 GB of 4G Data for 120 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) 8 GB of 4G Data for 180 Days

Unlimited Data Add-Ons

  • 35 NT ($1.15 USD) Unlimited 4G Data for 1 Hour
  • 100 NT ($3.25 USD) Unlimited 4G Data for 1 Day
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data for 3 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data for 5 Days

Tourist SIM Card: Free+

  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 150 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 7 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 10 Days
  • 700 NT ($22.70 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 15 Days
  • 800 NT ($25.95 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 250 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 15 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 430 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 30 Days
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
Emome

Monster Data SIM Cards

Top Choice: ibon Mobile (7-Eleven MVNO) 

  • Network: FarEasTone
  • Pre-purchase Online: No
  • Available Locations: 7-Eleven Stores
  • Top Ups: 7-Eleven Stores
  • Note: There are additional add-on Voice & SMS plans not listed below.

SIM Price: Starter Pack

  1. 350 NT ($11.36 USD) with 1 GB of Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 60 Days
  2.  350 NT ($11.36 USD) with Unlimited Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days

Data Plans by Volume

  • 180 NT ($5.84 USD) for 1.2 GB of 4G Data for 60 Days
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for 2.2 GB of 4G Data for 60 Days
  • 699 NT ($22.70 USD) for 5 GB of 4G Data for 90 Days
  • 1,000 NT ($32.45 USD) for 8 GB of 4G Data for 185 Days

Unlimited Data Plans

  • 100 NT ($3.25 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data for 1 Day
  • 300 NT ($9.75 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data for 3 Days
  • 500 NT ($16.26 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data for 5 Days
  • 899 NT ($29.20 USD) for Unlimited 4G Data for 30 Days (Throttled after 40 GB)
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
ibon Mobile

Runner Up: T-Star

  • Network: T-Star
  • Pre-purchase Online: No
  • Available Locations: Terminals 1 & 2 at Taoyuan International Airport
  • Top Ups: Vouchers sold at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, OK Mart & Hi-Life. Online via credit card (Chinese Only)
  • Note: Bring 2 Photo IDs

5G SIM Price: Free+

  • 600 NT ($21.50 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 700 NT ($25.30 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 900 NT ($32.50 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 150 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 7 Days

Tourist SIM Price: Free+

  • 250 NT ($8.11 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 3 Days
  • 250 NT ($8.11 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 50 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 5 Days
  • 450 NT ($14.60 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 120 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 7 Days
  • 450 NT ($14.60 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 100 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 10 Days
  • 950 NT ($30.82 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 300 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 30 Days
  • 2700 NT ($87.60 USD) Unlimited 4G Data, 1,000 NT of Voice & SMS credit for 90 Days
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
T-Star

Roam from Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular destination to travel through for Asia. The telecom companies in Hong Kong offer a wide variety of roaming sim cards to other countries. Some are available online on amazon and other stores, but they are almost always available at Hong Kong’s International Airport. Consider picking a SIM up for Taiwan if you are passing through.

Please check if the SIM Card is compatible with your phone on the network used in the countries you are intending to travel. You need to confirm your phone’s compatibility with the network in country you are traveling. In this case: Taiwan

Understanding Roaming SIM Cards: They are a lot less reliable than domestic SIM cards, they are also a lot more expensive in most cases. When you purchase a roaming SIM from one country, you are relying on that company’s service, not the service provider in Taiwan or other countries you are traveling.

Top Choice: Aerobile Asia-Pacific 15 Day SIM

Valid for use for 15 days in Japan, China, Hong Kong, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore & Taiwan.
  • Pre-Purchase: Amazon for Int. delivery
  • Note: Does not include Vietnam, Cambodia or Loas.
  • Note2: Simply insert it and good to go. No registration required.

SIM Price:

  • $29.99 USD for 15 days 4.5 GB 4G Data, (throttled after 4.5 GB)
Click here

Runner Up: Three HK Taiwan 10 Day SIM

3 Hong Kong is a telecom company based out of Hong Kong. They offer a wide selection of roaming SIM cards for other countries, including a 10 day and 5 day Taiwan SIM. Look for them if you are passing through the HK International Airport.

  • Pre-Purchase: Yes (Delivery only in Hong Kong)
  • Locations: Hong Kong International Airport
  • Note: Sales 2 SIMs for 178 HK at 3Shops in Hong Kong

SIM Price:

  • 128 HK ($ USD)  for Unlimited 4G Data for 10 Days
taiwan-travel-sim-card-tourist-tallypack-travel
3 HK Shop

More Info for Taiwan

If you are still planning your trip to Taiwan, and check out some of our other popular articles for travel essentials, apps and gear.

If you find this useful, follow us on Twitter and Instagram! 

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Categories: AllSIM Cards

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