For every traveler visiting Taiwan, staying connected with family and friends and accessing real-time information is crucial. Especially now, where travel is almost impossible without the assistance of smartphones—we need GPS navigation, to check information about attractions, or to use electronic payments.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to stay connected to the internet In Taiwan—from choosing the right SIM card or eSIM to finding reliable Wi-Fi hotspots. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re always online, no matter where your Taiwanese adventures take you!
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Table of Contents
4 Ways to Stay Connected To The Internet in Taiwan
I will include the price ranges and some insider tips for different ways to stay connected in Taiwan.
1. Getting a Phone Number:
The most popular method to stay connected to the internet In Taiwan is to obtain a local SIM card. Getting a local SIM card is not only convenient but also more cost-effective than international roaming. Major telecom companies in Taiwan offer packages specifically for travelers, which are available in quota-based (by quota) and daily-based (by day) options.
If you use a lot of data, choosing the daily-based plan will give you unlimited data within the validity period. If you want to disconnect from the internet and enjoy your trip without much online activity, the quota-based plan is also a good choice and generally cheaper. However, since the price difference is not significant, I would opt for the daily-based plan to avoid worrying about running out of data.
The main local telecom service providers are as below
I have used Chunghwa Telecom, and I found their charges reasonable, with wide signal coverage and smooth network performance. Their service met my needs. The daily-based plan costs about NTD 100 per day, and the longer the duration, the cheaper it gets. The package prices among major telecom companies are quite similar, roughly as follows:
Price List
*Please refer to the official websites above, I gathered the information and listed down for easier comparison.
| 3 day | 5 day | 6 day | 7 day | 8 day | 10 day | 15 day | 30 day | ||
| Chunghwa Telecom | 4G | 300 | 300 | 500 | 500 | 700 | 1000 | ||
| 5G | 500 | 600 | 800 | ||||||
| Taiwan Mobile | 4G | 300 | 300 | 400 | 450 | 450 | 500 | 700 | 1000 |
| 5G | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1000 | 1200 | 1800 | |||
| Far EasTone | 4G | 300 | 300 | 450 | 450 | 500 | 700 | 1000 | |
| 5G | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1000 | 1200 | 1800 | |||
Buying in Advance is Cheaper
If you want to save more, you can purchase your SIM card in advance and pick it up at the service counter upon arrival.
Here are some options from Klook that can be pre-purchased and picked up at the airport:
- This package offers 4G unlimited data from Chunghwa Telecom for NT$270 for 3 days, and can be picked up at all four international airports in Taiwan.
- If you need 5G service, you can choose this package also from Chunghwa Telecom, which provides 4G/5G unlimited data. However, this option is only available for pickup at Taoyuan Airport.
- Another option is provided by Far EasTone for 4G/5G unlimited data. The 4G service costs NT$240 for 3 days and is also only available for pickup at Taoyuan Airport.
Where Are the Telecom Company Counters at the Airport?
At all of the international airports in Taiwan (TPE/TSA/RMQ/KHH), there are various telecom companies counters. You can either buy your SIM card directly at the counter upon arrival or pick up the SIM card you purchased in advance. It’s very convenient and also I have listed down their locations and operating hours:
Taoyuan International Airport:
Chunghwa Telecom:
- ⏰ 05:00~22:00 ☎️ +886-3-383-4458 Terminal 2-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 07:00~19:00 ☎️ +886-3-393-2401 Terminal 2-3F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 08:00~22:00 ☎️ +886-3-383-5670 Terminal 1-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 07:00~24:00 ☎️ +886-3-383-3457 Terminal 1-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 09:00~20:00 ☎️ +886-3-383-3505 Terminal 1-3F(Arrival Area)
Taiwan Mobile:
- ⏰ 08:30~20:00 ☎️ +886-809-000-852 Terminal 2-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 08:30~20:00 ☎️ +886-809-000-852 Terminal 1-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 08:30~17:30 ☎️ +886-809-000-852 Terminal 1-3F(Arrival Area)
Far EasTone:
- ⏰ 08:00~21:00 ☎️ +886-800-058-885 Terminal 2-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 08:00~21:00 ☎️ +886-800-058-885 Terminal 1-1F(Non-Controlled Area)
- ⏰ 08:30~18:00 ☎️ +886-800-058-885 Terminal 1-3F(Arrival Area)
Taipei Songshan Airport:
Chunghwa Telecom
Location: Next to Exit E on the first floor of the Main Terminal, International Arrival Hall
⏰ Service Hours: 06:30~22:30
☎️ Service Phone: 0800-000-123, 8770-2899
Taichung International Airport:
Chunghwa Telecom:
Location: Near Exit 2 in the International Terminal, 1st Floor, Departure Hall
⏰ Service Hours: 10:00 ～ 22:00
☎️ Service Phone: 04-26155100
Kaohsiung International Airport:
Chunghwa Telecom:
Location: International Terminal, 1st Floor, Arrival Hall
⏰：08:00~20:00
2. Getting an eSIM
If your flight arrives in Taiwan late at night when telecom service counters are closed, you won’t be able to process or pick up a SIM card at the airport. Moreover, not all telecom stores can provide phone numbers to foreigners, making it more complicated to obtain a SIM card after leaving the airport.
It is necessary to check in advance which telecom stores or service centers can handle SIM card issuance. In this case, I recommend purchasing a SIM card online before your departure, which not only avoids these issues but is usually cheaper than buying one at the airport in Taiwan. However, this depends on whether vendors in your country sell Taiwan SIM cards and if they can be delivered to you.
Besides SIM cards, you can also opt for an eSIM, which eliminates the delivery issue. With eSIM, you don’t need to swap cards, as it’s a virtual SIM card activated through device settings and downloads. Note that not all phones support eSIM functionality, so make sure to check if your phone supports eSIM before purchasing. Additionally, confirm whether the eSIM offers phone number functionality, as eSIMs with phone numbers still require in-person verification at a service counter, while some eSIMs that only provide data can be activated and verified online.
Here are some packages for your consideration:
- This eSIM Taiwan is a data-only eSIM service that can be activated online, which means there’s no need to visit an airport counter for activation since it doesn’t come with a mobile number. The best part is that it doesn’t require scanning a QR code for installation—you can install it directly from the Klook app. This alone is enough to make me a lifelong eSIM buyer from Klook. Anyone who has ever had to scan a QR code to install an eSIM knows how ridiculous this design is. Many eSIM installations require you to scan a QR code displayed on another device, rather than allowing you to scan it directly from your phone’s album.
Not only is it convenient, but it also offers various plans that allow you to choose based on the number of days and data package you need. If you require more data, you can opt for the unlimited data plan, while light users can choose a fixed data plan. The unlimited data plan follows the principle of fair use: after exceeding the purchased data limit, the speed will be reduced to 384kbps, and the full speed will be restored the next day. As for the fixed data plan, there’s no need to worry about running out of data—you can always purchase additional data even after activation.
- Chunghwa Telecom also offers a 4G eSIM package that can be verified online. This package only includes 1GB FUP; once used up, the speed will be reduced, but not lower than 384 KBps. This 3-The Asia Pacific 6GB 8-Day eSIM is similar to the previous plan—it can be activated online without the need to visit an airport counter. It is also a data-only eSIM without a mobile number and can be installed directly via the Klook app.
The main difference is that the previous plan is only usable in Taiwan, whereas this eSIM supports multi-country usage across the Asia Pacific region, making it a great option for travelers who need connectivity in multiple countries. The coverage area includes Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and more. A complete list can be found via the provided link. However, this plan only offers a fixed data option of 6GB for 8 days, with no other duration choices or unlimited data plans available.
- Finally, Chunghwa Telecom also offers a 4G/5G unlimited data eSIM. This package provides phone number functionality, so it requires in-person real-name verification at a Chunghwa Telecom service counter. However, Chunghwa Telecom has service counters at all four international airports in Taiwan, so you can complete the real-name verification at the airport. This package offers unlimited data with no speed reduction after reaching the quota. The 5-day 4G unlimited data package costs NT$300 and includes NT$50 for phone calls.
3. iTaiwan Free Public Wi-Fi
If you want to save on data usage, don’t miss out on this free public Wi-Fi service. Over 5,000 Wi-Fi hotspots are set up in public areas across Taiwan (tourist attractions, transportation hubs, cultural and educational institutions, etc.), providing free wireless internet access to both Taiwanese citizens and foreigners/tourists. This service, known as iTaiwan, is available not only to locals but also to international visitors!
You can primarily use this free public Wi-Fi in conjunction with a cheap, low-quota data plan. With good planning, a low-quota plan can be more than sufficient, making it a great way to save money. While this approach might be a bit complex and requires careful travel planning, it can also add to the fun of traveling.
Foreign tourists can apply for an iTaiwan account at tourism service centers located in major airports, train stations, and MRT stations throughout Taiwan. Just bring your passport, and the service staff will assist you with the application.
If you already have a Taiwanese phone number, you can register on this website yourself
Of course, it’s important to check in advance if the places you plan to visit offer this service. Here is the website to check for available hotspots:
4.Portable Wi-Fi Device:
What is a Portable Wi-Fi Device?
If you are traveling in a group, need to connect multiple devices, or have high data demands, renting a portable Wi-Fi device can be very convenient. These devices provide a stable, high-speed internet connection and can be shared among multiple devices. Although smartphones have hotspot functions, keeping the hotspot active continuously drains the battery, which can be a nightmare during travel when your phone runs out of power.
In terms of cost, using a portable Wi-Fi device is cheaper than buying a SIM card for everyone. In Taiwan, many companies offer rental services for portable Wi-Fi devices. You can rent one at the airport or book one online in advance.
How to Rent?
Before deciding to rent, we need to confirm the pick-up and return times as well as the service counter’s operating hours, as devices can only be picked up and returned during business hours. Additionally, there will be extra charges if the device is returned late or lost.
If you need to rent in advance, you can choose the Wi-Fi device rental service provided by “游客邦 Unite Traveler” . This package offers unlimited data and can connect up to 5 devices. However, if a large amount of data is used in a short period, network speeds may slow down. Pick-up and return locations include Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 and 2, Taipei Songshan Airport, and Kaohsiung International Airport.
Additionally, if you’re concerned that your flight may arrive outside of service counter hours, you can use WiFiBox, which is available 24/7. You can make a reservation and complete the rental process on the WiFiBox official website and then pick up or return the device at a self-service kiosk. Currently, 24/7 rental service is only available at Taoyuan Airport, while pick-up/return times at Taipei Songshan Airport are 05:00~23:00 and at Kaohsiung International Airport are 04:30~24:00.
For more details, visit: WiFiBox Locations
Conclusion:
During your trip to Taiwan, it is very important to stay connected to the internet In Taiwan. It not only allows you to keep in touch with family and friends, use GPS navigation, and check information, but also helps you fully enjoy every exciting moment of your journey. I hope these tips help you have a fun and smooth experience in Taiwan. I look forward to you falling in love with this vibrant and enthusiastic island, just like I did!
READ MORE：
10 Must-Have Apps for Traveling in Taiwan: Your Ultimate Guide
A Complete Taiwan Travel Cost Guide: How to Budget Your Trip in Taiwan?
