Best Taiwan SIM Cards for tourists: Comprehensive 2024 Guide

Chunghwa Telecom 5 day Unlimited data Taiwan SIM cards

Hey there! Planning a trip to Taiwan and thinking about staying connected? Then this guide is for you!

Traveling without a phone today is like venturing out without a map in the olden days. It’s just not done. In a world where we live and breathe connectivity, staying online during your Taiwan trip isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. And oh, the best part it is that Taiwan, a land of vibrant cities and lush landscapes, offers great Taiwan SIM cards at very affordable prices!

In this guide, we’ll show you the best deal to get when you arrive in Taiwan and guide you through the entire process from purchasing your Taiwan SIM card to seamlessly using it with your phone.

Why Pick Up a Taiwan SIM Card?

Not only is getting a local Taiwan SIM card relatively cheap, it also carries many perks in Taiwan as many activities and mobile apps will require you to register a local phone number before you can use them.

Here is a quick list of reasons why getting a SIM card in Taiwan can be helpful:

  • Google Maps is an essential app you’ll be using while traveling throughout Taiwan. From navigating yourself around the city, searching for operating hours for businesses and attractions, bus and train times and more
  • YouBikes are bike rentals that charges you by the hour and are a great way to move around the city without having to wait for buses or trains during rush hours. However, you’ll need to register a local phone number before you can rent of these YouBikes.
  • Very Affordable, for 10 days of unlimited data with 4G speeds, it will only cost you around $500 NTD ($16 USD)
  • Uber cabs are also extremely helpful getting to places without the language barriers. Just input the destination and you’ll make sure you’ll arrive where you need to be. But you’re going to need an internet connection.

What’s the best SIM card in Taiwan?

Chunghwa Telecom is the largest provider in Taiwan and deemed to be the best by the locals. It was once owned and subsidized by the Taiwan Government to help established stable infrastructure throughout the country. You’ll get full coverage no matter where you are in Taiwan when you pick Chunghwa Telecom.

Far EasTone & Taiwan Mobile are also big players in Taiwan. However, to save you the hassle on figuring out which is the best, picking Chunghwa Telecom is the go to option we recommend everyone.

To get you started, we recommend ordering this Chunghwa Telecom SIM Card on Klook.

Why we prefer this SIM card?

  • Chunghwa Telecom is the oldest and biggest provider in Taiwan with well-established infrastructure throughout the country that ensures you’ll never lose reception throughout your trip in Taiwan.
  • Ordering online in advance means you have one less thing to worry about when traveling to Taiwan. Once you land and go through the immigration process, you’ll be able to pick up your SIM card once you retrieve your luggage and enter the Arrival Hall. (Further instructions here)
  • Truly Unlimited Data, this is a big bonus here. This SIM card offers unlimited unthrottled 4G data, use as much internet as you please. Speeds can reach up to 400 mbps!
  • Flexible plans – you get to pick between 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days for your SIM card.

How much does it cost for a Taiwan SIM card?

5G Plans (Unlimited Data)

  • 3 Days for $500 NTD ($50 NTD voice credits + 3GB tethering)
  • 5 Days for $600 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits + 5GB tethering)
  • 7 Days for $800 NTD ($150 NTD voice credits + 7GB tethering)

4G Plans (Unlimited Data)

  • 3 days for $300 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
  • 5 days for $300 NTD ($50 NTD voice credits)
  • 7 days for $450 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
  • 8 days for $450 NTD ($50 NTD voice credits)
  • 10 days for $500 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
  • 15 days for $700 NTD ($100 NTD voice credits)
  • 30 days for $1000 NTD ($430 NTD voice credits)

Let’s Get You That SIM Card!

How to buy a Taiwan SIM card online

Step 1: Purchase on Klook

Klook is a very simple to use platform to order your SIM card online. With already over 300,000 purchases to date and over 4.8 stars in rating, we guarantee this is the best option. Buying through Klook also has another advantage, often times they offer promotional discounts for other services such as hotels, tour guides and EasyCards. Each time you make a purchase you’ll gain points that can be redeemed for more discounts.

Once you make your purchase, you’ll be emailed a set of instructions for how to pick up your SIM card on the day you arrive. Please make sure you don’t delete this email, you’ll need it to verify with the sales clerk before they hand you your SIM card. If you want to be safe, print out the voucher so you have a hard copy.

Step 2: Arrive in Taiwan and go through immigration

After you land in Taiwan and enter the airport, just follow the signs that will lead you through the arrival process. There will be plenty of helpful airport staffs to make sure you get to where you need to go. Don’t worry. Once you get cleared at immigration and pick up your luggage, its time to leave and enter the Arrival Hall.

There are two terminals at Taoyuan International Airport. Luckily, you can pick up your SIM card at either terminal.

Step 3: Go to Chungwa Telecom Service Counter

Chunghwa Telecom Service Counter at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall
Telecom Service Booth at Terminal 2 Arrival Hall

Chunghwa Telecom have setup service counters at both terminals. Look for these counters and show them your voucher. The sales rep will guide you through the rest of the steps. They will also help you with SIM card installation and test to make sure everything is working correctly.

Quick Tip: You’ll need to present your voucher that you received from Klook and show your passport for identification purposes.

How to buy a Taiwan SIM card at the airport

If you don’t end up buying a SIM card online, you can always just buy one at the airport. The process is relatively straight forward. Once you enter the Arrival Hall, look for the service counters and just tell the sales rep which pre-paid plan you’d like. They will handle the rest.

If you need help getting to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport, click here for more information.

Safe travels and stay connected! Drop a comment if you found this guide handy, and don’t forget to check out our other travel gems for Taiwan.


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