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SIM Cards in Taiwan: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

Taiwan – known for its street food, night markets & numerous convenience store.

The country is also the inventor of bubble tea, which has taken the world by storm in recent years.

While its largest neighbor has some interesting opinions about Taiwan, it is a fantastic travel destination.

Heck, I lived there for a year when the world was in lockdown – life in Taiwan was close to normal back then (and the 270+ day streak of no local cases!).

But what can and should you do in Taiwan?

A no-brainer, but you have to visit Taiwan 101 (and go up); the department store itself is nice too… but everything is pricey.

If you can, visit Taroko National Park too – the same for Sun Moon Lake.

And if you go more down south, where I used to based (Tainan), Anping Old Fort and the Chimei Museums are must-see.

There are many more recommendations, but I have to write more about SIM cards and eSIMs now (my expertise 😜).

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Taiwan – International roaming can be expensive.

That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs & even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.

One amazing thing is that the Taiwanese mobile operators offer truly unlimited data plans for tourists.

I think I used 200 GB in three months with one of the many Chunghwa Telecom SIM cards I tested – with no speed drop!

So, how much do SIM cards cost in Taiwan?

You can get a Taiwanese (tourist) SIM card for between 230 NTD (7.15 USD) to 3999 NTD (124.05 USD) from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone & T Star at airports (mostly at (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), but Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile sell them at most of their stores too).

If you are flying into Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for: Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) and Taipei-Songshan Airport (TSA).

Buying a SIM Card at Kaohsiung International Airport Guide (logos of Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Taipei Songshan Airport Guide (logo of Chunghwa Telecom)
Buying a SIM Card at Kaohsiung International Airport Guide

Now, these prices may seem a bit high, especially compared to countries in Southeast Asia.

Still, almost all SIM cards offered to tourists include unlimited data (for three days up to a year).

So it is actually quite cheap 😍.

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Taiwan. Let's go.

Buying a SIM Card in Taiwan Guide (logos of Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone, T Star, GT Mobile & Ibon Mobile)

Original publication: 20th of December 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.


What is the Best SIM Card in Taiwan?

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Taiwan, I recommend going with Chunghwa Telecom or Far EasTone. Chunghwa Telecom has the best 4G/LTE coverage and the fastest 4G/LTE and 5G NR speeds. Far EasTone is the second-fastest mobile operator with the best 5G NR coverage.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal

Taiwan has five mobile operators and one Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信)
  • Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大)
  • Far EasTone (遠傳電信)
  • T Star Taiwan (台灣之星)
  • GT Mobile Taiwan (亞太電信) merging with Far EasTone – does not sell SIM cards to tourists anymore
  • Ibon Mobile (統一超商電信 – Far EasTone MVNO)
Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

In this guide, I will only stick to the mobile operators and MVNOs bolded above, as they are the most popular options for travelers.

I decided to stop reviewing MVNOs (in most cases) and spend that testing time on travel eSIMs (like the ones for Taiwan, for example) instead because most Phone Travel Wiz readers avoid MVNOs. But if you really want a SIM card from an unbolded option, you have to do the research yourself, I am afraid.

Anyone 20 or older living in or visiting Taiwan can buy a Taiwanese SIM card with restrictions, but you do have to comply with Taiwan's SIM card registration regulations.

And if you are younger than 20, you can still get a SIM card if your parents buy one for you (in their name).

The main restriction is that you can only have five active SIM cards in your name in Taiwan (which used to be just one SIM card).

Moreover, the Taiwanese mobile operators often cannot or do not want to sell regular prepaid plans to tourists.

I lived in Taiwan for a whole year (in Tainan – from 2020 to 2021). I biked to all mobile operator stores in a three-kilometer radius (50+), and only three stores could sell regular SIM cards to me (Far EasTone, GT Mobile & 7-Eleven (for Ibon Mobile)). And even then, it was a hassle to get it registered and activated (it took an hour each…). If you are a student or foreign worker, you will not face the same issue I experienced (because you will have an ARC), but there are better deals than basic prepaid SIM cards.

But unlike most countries, the tourist SIM cards offered in Taiwan are of good value (truly unlimited data on 4G/LTE or 5G NR).

Besides those restrictions, you are free to use Taiwanese (tourist) SIM cards.

Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale (which must show your entry stamp; this applies to tourists).

And if you buy your Taiwanese SIM card at an airport, you will also be asked to show your boarding pass.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Where Can You Buy a Taiwanese SIM Card (+Prices)?

You can get a Taiwanese (tourist) SIM card at various airports, especially at (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile sell SIM cards at Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH). These mobile operators also sell tourist SIM cards at (most) of their stores.

You can expect to pay the following for Taiwanese tourist SIM cards:

  • Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信): 280 NTD, 300 NTD, 400 NTD, 500 NTD, 699 NTD, 700 NTD, 800 NTD & 1000 NTD
  • Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大): 100 NTD, 300 NTD, 400 NTD, 450 NTD, 500 NTD, 700 NTD, 800 NTD, 1000 NTD
  • Far EasTone (遠傳電信): 300 NTD, 400 NTD, 500 NTD, 700 NTD, 1000 NTD
  • T Star (台灣之星): 250 NTD, 400 NTD, 450 NTD, 500 NTD, 700 NTD, 950 NTD & 2700 NTD

Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.

Getting a regular Taiwanese SIM card is a true challenge… and not worth your time and effort (I have tried, but I lived in the country for a year, so I had plenty of time).

If you somehow get a regular Taiwanese prepaid SIM card, expect to pay 300 NTD or 350 NTD for it.

Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date NTD (New Taiwan Dollar) to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) exchange rates.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

For reference, below are some exchange rates between NTD and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 NTD = 0.03 USD
  • 10 NTD = 0.30 USD
  • 100 NTD = 3.10 USD
  • 1000 NTD = 31 USD
  • 10 000 NTD = 310.25 USD

For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

(Travel) eSIMs for Taiwan

The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.

Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.

This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).

If you want a local Taiwanese eSIM, you can get one from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, or Far EasTone.

[If you want a local Taiwanese eSIM, you are out of luck because the mobile operators do not sell them (to prepaid customers).]

But remember that you have to comply with Taiwan's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Taiwanese eSIM.

If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Taiwan.

Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Taiwan only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Taiwan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Taiwan Guide (logos of SimOptions, Nomad, Asialink, Discover+, Xie Xie, Holafly, AIS, Alosim & Airalo)

Here is a quick introduction to your Taiwan travel eSIM options:

  • Airalo: Taiwan (Taiwan only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
  • Alosim: Taiwan & Asia Five Pack
  • Holafly: Taiwan & Asia – all variants include unlimited data
  • Nomad: Taiwan, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
  • SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)

And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:

  • Airalo: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
  • Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
  • Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
  • Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)

If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Taiwan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Taiwan Guide (logos of SimOptions, Nomad, Asialink, Discover+, Xie Xie, Holafly, AIS, Alosim & Airalo)

Taiwanese Prepaid SIM Cards Explored

Below, I will guide you through Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone & T Star, and go through:

  • Background information
  • Mobile coverage
  • SIM card types, prices, and availability
  • Recharge/top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)

Let's see what Taiwan can offer us in terms of SIM cards.


Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信 – CHT)

Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan Logo
© Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), also referred to as CHT, is the largest mobile operator in Taiwan.

It used to be a state-owned monopoly until the telecom market was liberalized.

Until this day, it is still the best mobile operator.

Chunghwa Telecom even won the Speedtest Taiwan Fastest Mobile Network Award and Speedtest Taiwan 5G Fastest Mobile Network Award.

Taiwan Mobile and T Star are merging soon, which could mean they could (finally) overtake Chunghwa Telecom, but we have to see.

For now, Chunghwa Telecom is the best option in Taiwan.

Chunghwa Telecom uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in 2017
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78) & 28 GHz (n257)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Chunghwa Telecom:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Chunghwa Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom has the best coverage in Taiwan.

It also won the Taiwan Best Mobile Coverage Speedtest Award of 2021 (Q1-Q2).

Below is Chunghwa Telecom's coverage map on the mainland and Penghu County (the island on the left/west of the mainland) produced by Speedtest:

Below are the coverage maps on the Kinmen Islands (Jincheng – on the left) and the Matsu Islands (Lienchiang + Dongju, Nangan & Xiju – on the right) produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Chunghwa Telecom

You can get a Chunghwa Telecom tourist SIM card, which is the only SIM card most travelers can get, for between 280 NTD to 3999 NTD at Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), Taichung International Airport (RMQ), Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at both terminals. They are also sold at many Chunghwa Telecom stores.

If you are flying into any of these airports, click on the links above to read about the SIM card options at those airports to save some reading time.

Chunghwa Telecom Airport Locations in Kaohsiung, Taichung & Taipei
© Chunghwa Telecom

While Chunghwa Telecom has regular prepaid SIM cards, it will be close to impossible to get one as a visitor.

Foreign workers and students could get them, but there are better (prepaid) offers for you, so do not bother.

Chunghwa Telecom has two variants for the tourist SIM cards: 4G Traveler SIM & 5G Traveler SIM.

The following 11 Chunghwa Telecom 4G Traveler SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCall CreditDataValidity
280 NTD4G 1.2 GB Pass100 NTD1.2 GB16 days
300 NTD4G 3-Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited3 days
300 NTD4G 5-Day Pass ($300)50 NTDUnlimited5 days
400 NTD4G 2.2 GB Pass100 NTD2.2 GB16 days
500 NTD4G 5-Day Pass ($500)300 NTDUnlimited5 days
500 NTD4G 7-Day Pass150 NTDUnlimited7 days
500 NTD4G 10-Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited10 days
699 NTD4G 5 GB PassN/A5 GB16 days
700 NTD4G 15-Day Pass ($700)100 NTDUnlimited15 days
800 NTD4G 15-Day Pass ($800)250 NTDUnlimited15 days
1000 NTD4G 30-Day Pass430 NTDUnlimited30 days

The 4G unlimited SIM cards include truly unlimited data (except for the ones with a data allowance of course), including unlimited tethering (mobile hotspot), making Taiwanese one of my favorite tourist SIM cards worldwide.

Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan 4G Traveler SIM Cards
© Chunghwa Telecom

But… more plans are available, which are not advertised anywhere else, except for at the airport.

If you plan on staying in Taiwan for more than 30 days, these (4G/LTE) plans are also available to you:

PriceCreditDataValidity
2199 NTD199 NTDUnlimited90 days
3999 NTD399 NTDUnlimited180 days
Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan & GT Mobile Taiwan Airport SIM Card Plans
Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan & T Star Taiwan Airport SIM Card Plans

The following three Chunghwa Telecom 5G Traveler SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCall CreditDataValidity
500 NTD5G 3-Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited3 days
600 NTD5G 5-Day Pass50 NTDUnlimited5 days
800 NTD5G 7-Day Pass300 NTDUnlimited7 days

Just like the 4G SIM cards, you get truly unlimited data with the 5G SIM cards, but tethering (mobile hotspot) is limited (3 GB, 5 GB & 7 GB, respectively).

Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan 5G Traveler SIM
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While Chunghwa Telecom does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to those with tourist SIM cards.

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Taiwan, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Chunghwa Telecom (in some cases).

Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Taiwan or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Taiwan eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

  • Airalo: Xie Xie (Taiwan only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Taiwan & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Taiwan & Asia (11 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Taiwan, APAC (up to 20 countries), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Taiwan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Taiwan Guide (logos of SimOptions, Nomad, Asialink, Discover+, Xie Xie, Holafly, AIS, Alosim & Airalo)

But let's continue with Chunghwa Telecom for now.

Note that Chunghwa Telecom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom top-up vouchers are sold in convenience stores, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart & Hi-Life, throughout Taiwan.

While you officially can also top-up your SIM card in Chunghwa Telecom stores, most cannot or will not deal with prepaid customers (they will tell you to go to a convenience store instead. But some of them are nice enough to write instructions in Chinese so that the convenience store salesperson can help you out).

Here is an instruction video on how to purchase a Chunghwa Telecom top-up vouchers from a 7-Eleven Ibon machine:

To top up your Chunghwa Telecom SIM card, dial *101*2*VoucherCode# or call 928 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *101*2*123456#.

Call 123 to check your Chunghwa Telecom balance.

Note: Chunghwa Telecom tourist SIM cards cannot be extended, not even when you top up your SIM card.

It will expire at the predefined expiry date, and you will need a new SIM card if you still want to be connected.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Chunghwa Telecom

You cannot purchase regular Chunghwa Telecom prepaid plans with any tourist SIM card (because it is unnecessary with most SIM cards).

My Review – Chunghwa Telecom

I had the chance to try out Chunghwa Telecom for a year in 2020 and 2021.

Honestly, it is the best mobile operator in Taiwan – with consistently fast speeds and excellent coverage.

Moreover, its tourist SIM cards are priced the same as Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone, so there is basically no reason not to go with Chunghwa Telecom.

You can read my Chunhgwa Telecom review here.

Chunghwa Telecom SIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – Chunghwa Telecom

  • Name: Chunghwa
  • APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大)

Taiwan Mobile Logo
© Taiwan Mobile

Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), also referred to as Da Ge Da, is the second-largest mobile operator in Taiwan.

It announced its merger with T Star, Taiwan's fourth-largest mobile operator, on the 30th of December 2021, which could result in the merging company (which will be called just Taiwan Mobile post-merger) becoming the largest in the country – overtaking Chunghwa Telecom.

Now, Taiwan Mobile is one of the best mobile operators in the country.

Taiwan Mobile uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in 2017
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78) & 28 GHz (n257)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Taiwan Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Taiwan Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Taiwan Mobile

Taiwan Mobile has one of the best 4G/LTE networks (in terms of availability) in Taiwan.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Taiwan Mobile's coverage map on the mainland and Penghu County (the island on the left/west of the mainland) produced by Speedtest:

Below are the coverage maps on the Kinmen Islands (Jincheng – on the left) and the Matsu Islands (Lienchiang + Dongju, Nangan & Xiju – on the right) produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Taiwan Mobile

You can get a Taiwan Mobile tourist SIM card, which is the only SIM card most travelers can get, for between 300 NTD to 3200 NTD at Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) and (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at both terminals. They are also sold at most Taiwan Mobile stores.

If you are flying into any of these airports, click on the links above to read about the SIM card options at those airports to save some time.

Taiwan Mobile Airport Locations in Kaohsiung International Airport & Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
© Taiwan Mobile

Foreign workers and students could get them, but there are better (prepaid) offers for you, so do not bother.

Excluding tourist SIM cards, which are the ones I recommend, it is possible to purchase a Taiwan Mobile prepaid card from Taiwan Mobile stores.

The following five Taiwan Mobile 4G prepaid SIM cards are available:

PriceCreditDataValidity
100 NTD100 NTD1 GB30 days
300 NTD300 NTDUnlimited3 days
300 NTD100 NTD2.4 GB60 days
500 NTD195 NTD4.4 GB60 days
1000 NTDN/A24 GB185 days
Taiwan Mobile 4G PrePaid SIM Cards

Taiwan Mobile has two variants for the tourist SIM cards: Airport 4G SIM & 5G Airport SIM.

The following nine Taiwan Mobile 4G Traveler SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCall CreditDataValidity
300 NTD4G 3-Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited3 days
300 NTD4G 5-Day Pass ($300)50 NTDUnlimited5 days
400 NTD4G 6 Day Pass50 NTDUnlimited6 days
450 NTD4G 7-Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited7 days
450 NTD4G 8 Day Pass50 NTDUnlimited8 days
500 NTD4G 5-Day Pass ($500)300 NTDUnlimited5 days
500 NTD4G 10-Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited10 days
700 NTD4G 15-Day Pass ($700)100 NTDUnlimited15 days
1000 NTD4G 30-Day Pass430 NTDUnlimited30 days

The 4G unlimited SIM cards include truly unlimited data, including unlimited tethering (mobile hotspot), making Taiwanese one of my favorite tourist SIM cards worldwide.

Taiwan Mobile 4G LTE Tourist SIM Cards

But… more plans are available, which are not advertised anywhere else, except for at the airport.

If you plan on staying in Taiwan for more than 30 days, these (4G/LTE) plans are also available to you:

Taiwan Mobile Airport SIM Card Plans

The following three Taiwan Mobile 5G Traveler SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCall CreditDataValidity
500 NTD5G 3 Day Pass50 NTDUnlimited3 days
600 NTD5G 5 Day Pass100 NTDUnlimited5 days
800 NTD5G 7 Day Pass150 NTDUnlimited7 days

Just like the 4G SIM cards, you get truly unlimited data with the 5G SIM cards, but tethering (mobile hotspot) is limited (3 GB, 5 GB & 7 GB, respectively).

Taiwan Mobile 5G NR Tourist SIM Cards
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While Taiwan Mobile does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to those with tourist SIM cards.

You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Taiwan because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Taiwan Mobile.

Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.

I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for [country] in my Taiwan eSIM buying guide, which are:

  • Airalo: Xie Xie (Taiwan only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Taiwan & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Taiwan & Asia (11 countries) – unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Taiwan, APAC (up to 20 countries), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

As I said, check out my Taiwan eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Taiwan Mobile for now.

Buying an eSIM for Taiwan Guide (logos of SimOptions, Nomad, Asialink, Discover+, Xie Xie, Holafly, AIS, Alosim & Airalo)

Note that Taiwan Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Taiwan Mobile

Taiwan Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in convenience stores, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart & Hi-Life, throughout Taiwan.

While you officially can also top-up your SIM card in Taiwan Mobile stores, most cannot or will not deal with prepaid customers (they will tell you to go to a convenience store instead. But some of them are nice enough to write instructions in Chinese so that the convenience store salesperson can help you out).

Here is an instruction video on how to purchase a Taiwan Mobile top-up vouchers from a 7-Eleven Ibon machine:

The following Taiwan Mobile top-ups are available:

  • 300 NTD
  • 600 NTD
  • 1000 NTD

To top up your Taiwan Mobile SIM card, call 867 , select option 2, and enter the VoucherCode.

Taiwan Mobile Top-Up Vouchers

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would call 867, select option 2, and enter 123456.

Dial *867# to check your Taiwan Mobile balance.

Note: Taiwan Mobile tourist SIM cards cannot be extended, not even when you top up your SIM card.

It will expire at the predefined expiry date, and you will need a new SIM card if you still want to be connected.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Taiwan Mobile

You cannot purchase regular Taiwan Mobile prepaid plans with any tourist SIM card (because it is unnecessary).

My Review – Taiwan Mobile

I had the chance to try out Taiwan Mobile for a year in 2020 and 2021.

Even though it is the second-largest mobile operator, it does not have the second-fastest speeds.

Luckily it does have extensive coverage.

Moreover, it is the most accessible Taiwanese SIM card to get as a traveler.

You can read my Taiwan Mobile review here.

Taiwan Mobile SIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – Taiwan Mobile

  • Name: Taiwan Mobile
  • APN: internet

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Far EasTone (遠傳電信)

Far EasTone Taiwan Logo
© Far EasTone

Far EasTone (遠傳電信) is the third-largest mobile operator in Taiwan.

It announced its merger with GT Mobile Taiwan (APT), Taiwan's smallest mobile operator, in February 2022.

Once the merger has been approved and completed, the GT Mobile Taiwan brand will be phased out.

Now, Far EasTone is one of the best mobile operators in the country.

Far EasTone uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in 2017
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78 – shared with GT Mobile Taiwan) & 28 GHz (n257)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Far EasTone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Far EasTone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Far EasTone

Far EasTone has the best 5G NR coverage in Taiwan.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Far EasTone's coverage map on the mainland and Penghu County (the island on the left/west of the mainland) produced by Speedtest:

Below are the coverage maps on the Kinmen Islands (Jincheng – on the left) and the Matsu Islands (Lienchiang + Dongju, Nangan & Xiju – on the right) produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Far EasTone

You can get a Far EasTone tourist SIM card, which is the only SIM card most travelers can get, for between 300 NTD to 3200 NTD at Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) and (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). They are not sold at regular Far EasTone stores.

If you are flying into any of these airports, click on the links above to read about the SIM card options at those airports to save some reading time. Moreover, the booth at Kaohsiung International Airport is so new that it is not even mentioned on the Far EasTone website.

Far EasTone Taiwan Store Location at Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
© Far EasTone
Far EasTone Taiwan Store Location at Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2
© Far EasTone

Foreign workers and students could get them, but there are better (prepaid) offers for you, so do not bother.

Far EasTone has two variants for the tourist SIM cards: 4G Tourist SIM & 5G Tourist SIM.

The following eight Far EasTone 4G Tourist SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCall CreditDataValidity
300 NTD4G Plan A100 NTDUnlimited3 days
300 NTD4G Plan B50 NTDUnlimited5 days
450 NTD4G Plan D100 NTDUnlimited7 days
450 NTD4G Plan E50 NTDUnlimited8 days
500 NTD4G Plan C300 NTDUnlimited5 days
500 NTD4G Plan F100 NTDUnlimited10 days
700 NTD4G Plan G100 NTDUnlimited15 days
1000 NTD4G Plan H430 NTDUnlimited30 days

The 4G unlimited SIM cards include truly unlimited data, including unlimited tethering (mobile hotspot), making Taiwanese one of my favorite tourist SIM cards worldwide.

Far EasTone Taiwan 4G LTE Tourist SIM Cards

But… more plans are available, which are not advertised anywhere else, except for at the airport.

If you plan on staying in Taiwan for more than 30 days, these (4G/LTE) plans are also available to you:

PriceDataValidity
1800 NTDUnlimited90 days
2800 NTDUnlimited145 days
3200 NTDUnlimited180 days

The following three Far EasTone 5G Tourist SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCall CreditDataValidity
500 NTD5G Plan A50 NTDUnlimited3 days
600 NTD5G Plan B100 NTDUnlimited5 days
800 NTD5G Plan C150 NTDUnlimited7 days

Just like the 4G SIM cards, you get truly unlimited data with the 5G SIM cards, but tethering (mobile hotspot) is limited (3 GB, 5 GB & 7 GB, respectively).

Far EasTone Taiwan 5G NR Tourist SIM Cards
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While Far EasTone does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to those with tourist SIM cards.

You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Taiwan, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Far EasTone.

Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).

In my Taiwan eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

But I will introduce them here quickly:

  • Airalo: Xie Xie (Taiwan only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Taiwan & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Taiwan & Asia (11 countries) – include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Taiwan, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

Once again, check out my Taiwan eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

Buying an eSIM for Taiwan Guide (logos of SimOptions, Nomad, Asialink, Discover+, Xie Xie, Holafly, AIS, Alosim & Airalo)

For now, I will continue with Far EasTone.

Note that Far EasTone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Far EasTone

Far EasTone top-up vouchers are sold in convenience stores, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart & Hi-Life, throughout Taiwan.

During normal times, you cannot top up Far EasTone tourist SIM cards, even if you have exhausted your credit. But during the pandemic where having a local phone number was required for quarantine, those with the Plan E, Plan G & Plan H tourists SIM cards can recharge their SIM cards.

While you officially can also top-up your SIM card in Far EasTone stores, most cannot or will not deal with prepaid customers (they will tell you to go to a convenience store instead. But some of them are nice enough to write instructions in Chinese so that the convenience store salesperson can help you out).

Here is an instruction video on how to purchase a Far EasTone top-up vouchers from a 7-Eleven Ibon machine:

To top up your Far EasTone SIM card, call 777 and follow the instructions.

Send a blank SMS (or whatever, like a dot, if your phone does not allow you to send a blank SMS) or call 1312 to check your Far EasTone balance.

Note: Far EasTone tourist SIM cards cannot be extended, not even when you top up your SIM card.

It will expire at the predefined expiry date, and you will need a new SIM card if you still want to be connected.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Far EasTone

You cannot purchase regular Far EasTone prepaid plans with any tourist SIM card (because it is unnecessary).

My Review – Far EasTone

I had the chance to try out Far EasTone for for a few months in 2020.

It was surprisingly fast.

In fact, the fastest 4G/LTE download speed I had ever gotten was with Far EasTone (from 2020 until 2022, when Optus from Australia broke that record).

The only issue with Far EasTone is that its speeds can be inconsistent – blazing-fast at one location but slow as hell at another.

You can read my Far EasTone review here.

Far EasTone Taiwan SIM Card Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – Far EasTone

  • Name: Far EasTone
  • APN: internet

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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T Star (台灣之星)

T Star Taiwan Logo
© T Star

T Star (台灣之星), sometimes referred to as Vibo (even though that was a mobile operator T Star bought and phased out in 2014), is the fourth-largest mobile operator in Taiwan.

On the 30th of December 2021, Taiwan Mobile, Taiwan's second-largest mobile operator, announced its merger with T Star, which could result in the merging company (which will be called just Taiwan Mobile post-merger) becoming the largest in the country – overtaking Chunghwa Telecom.

For now, T Star is one of the cheapest options in Taiwan.

T Star uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in 2017
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78 – shared with GT Mobile Taiwan) & 28 GHz (n257)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: No

This is what you will learn about T Star:

* Coverage
* How to Get a T Star SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – T Star

T Star has extensive coverage throughout Taiwan.

Below is T Star's coverage map on the mainland and Penghu County (the island on the left/west of the mainland) produced by Speedtest:

Below are the coverage maps on the Kinmen Islands (Jincheng – on the left) and the Matsu Islands (Lienchiang + Dongju, Nangan & Xiju – on the right):

SIM Card Price – T Star

You can get a T Star tourist SIM card, which is the only SIM card most travelers can get, for between 250 NTD to 5000 NTD at (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at both terminals. They are not sold at regular T Star stores.

If you are flying into (Taipei) Taiwan Taoyuan Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at this airport to save some time.

T Star Taiwan Airport Locations in Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
© T Star

Foreign workers and students could get them, but there are better (prepaid) offers for you (Vibo One), so do not bother.

Chunghwa Telecom has two variants for the tourist SIM cards: 4G Taiwan Card & 5G Taiwan Card.

The following ten T Star 4G Taiwan Cards are available:

PriceCreditDataValidity
250 NTD100 NTDUnlimited3 days
250 NTD50 NTDUnlimited5 days
450 NTD120 NTDUnlimited7 days
450 NTD100 NTDUnlimited10 days
950 NTD300 NTDUnlimited30 days
1600 NTD 1N/AUnlimited60 days
2000 NTD 1N/AUnlimited90 days
2700 NTD1000 NTDUnlimited90 days
3000 NTD 1100 NTDUnlimited6 months
5000 NTD 1100 NTDUnlimited12 months

1 not advertised online

The 4G unlimited SIM cards include truly unlimited data.

BUT… what T Star does not tell you is that speeds are restricted to 30 Mbps (based on the 150+ speed tests I did with T Star throughout Taiwan).

T Star Taiwan 4G LTE Tourist SIM Cards

The following three T Star 5G Taiwan Cards are available:

PriceCreditDataValidity
400 NTD50 NTDUnlimited3 days
500 NTD100 NTDUnlimited5 days
700 NTD150 NTDUnlimited7 days
T Star Taiwan 5G NR Tourist SIM Cards

Just like the 5G SIM cards, you get truly unlimited data with the 5G SIM cards, but tethering (mobile hotspot) is limited (3 GB, 5 GB & 7 GB, respectively).

But I am not sure if speeds are throttled like with the 4G SIM cards (I did not have a 5G NR-enabled phone back then, but I will revisit Taiwan in 2023 again 😏).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While T Star does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to those with tourist SIM cards.

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Taiwan, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from T Star (in some cases).

Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Taiwan or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Taiwan eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

  • Airalo: Xie Xie (Taiwan only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Taiwan & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Taiwan & Asia (11 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Taiwan, APAC (up to 20 countries), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Taiwan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Taiwan Guide (logos of SimOptions, Nomad, Asialink, Discover+, Xie Xie, Holafly, AIS, Alosim & Airalo)

But let's continue with T Star for now.

Note that T Star offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – T Star

T Star top-up vouchers are sold in convenience stores, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart & Hi-Life, throughout Taiwan.

While you officially can also top-up your SIM card in T Star stores, most cannot or will not deal with prepaid customers (they will tell you to go to a convenience store instead. But some of them are nice enough to write instructions in Chinese so that the convenience store salesperson can help you out).

Here is an instruction video on how to purchase a T Star top-up vouchers from a 7-Eleven Ibon machine:

To top up your T Star SIM card, call 123 and follow the instructions.

Send a blank SMS (or whatever, like a dot, if your phone does not allow you to send a blank SMS) or call 123 to check your T Star balance.

Note: T Star tourist SIM cards cannot be extended, not even when you top up your SIM card.

It will expire at the predefined expiry date, and you will need a new SIM card if you still want to be connected.

The only reason you would want to top up is for more credit after using up your free credit – adding a T Star prepaid plan will not work.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – T Star

You cannot purchase regular T Star prepaid plans with any tourist SIM card (because it is unnecessary).

My Review – T Star

I had the chance to try out for a few months in 2020.

I do not like T Star – it is sleazy with its promotions and advertising.

Because all Taiwanese mobile operators offer truly unlimited data plans to tourists, I did over 250 speed tests with each Taiwanese SIM card.

After ten tests, I found out that T Star actively throttles prepaid speeds (to 30 Mbps), even though that is not mentioned anywhere (I had two of my Taiwanese friends read its terms of conditions and fair use policy, and it was not noted anywhere).

Once I found it, I paid active attention to the tests and realized that the speed would go from 100 Mbps to 30 Mbps – 35 Mbps.

I would have no problem if this was if T Star was honest about it… but it is not.

I am not sure if its 5G NR SIM cards are also speed restricted (I will find out in 2023, so stay tuned!).

You can read my T Star review here.

T Star Taiwan SIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – T Star

  • Name: T Star
  • APN: internet

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Taiwan

Getting a SIM card from Chunghwa Telecom or Far EasTone would do you well when considering a Taiwanese SIM card.

Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.