It is quite adventurous to travel to another new country or state and being connected. It is very easy to move about using mobile data through a mobile local SIM card especially when traveling. Visitors into Taiwan can easily acquire a SIM card at the airport which gives them a Taiwanese phone number and a dataplan. In this one-stop guide, we’ve covered everything there is to know about buying a SIM Card at Taiwan’s airports.
Table of Contents
I. Which Airport in Taiwan Offers SIM Cards for Tourists
Travelers arriving in Taiwan will find it easy to purchase a temporary SIM card at the country’s largest international airports. The three main gateways welcoming overseas visitors – Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung – all provide SIM card kiosks and services to help you stay connected during your trip.
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport: located just outside Taipei, has the most comprehensive SIM options. Booths for Taiwan’s major carriers like Taiwan Mobile, Star, Chunghwa, and FarEasTone are situated post-security in both terminals. Prices are reasonable, ranging from US$10-33 for multi-day data packages valid up to one month.
- Kaohsiung International Airport: Those flying into Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second city, will find SIM purchasepoints airside too. Stands for Star, Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone are on the arrival level near baggage claim. Entry-level data packages here start around US$10 for 5-7 days of service.
- Taipei Songshan Airport: Though fewer options exist compared to larger hubs, kiosks from Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone allow budget-minded travelers to get online from US$17 for a week.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Taiwan Airports
At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, SIM card providers set up dedicated booths in the arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
In Terminal 1, head to the right side where you will find booths for Taiwan Mobile, Taiwan Star, Chunghwa Telecom, and FarEasTone located beyond the customs clearance and baggage claim area.
In Terminal 2, the SIM card booths can be found on the left side after clearing immigration and customs. Major providers here include Taiwan Mobile, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Star, and APTG.
Signage is usually in English and Chinese. Look for “SIM card” or “Prepaid card” (預付卡). The staff generally speak English and can help you choose the right plan based on your needs. Having cash in NTD and knowing your passport details will help speed up the process.
At Kaohsiung and Taichung airports, SIM card providers have dedicated sales counters within the arrivals hall on the 1st floor, easily accessible after customs and baggage claim. Signage is clear and staff speak English.
III. What to Prepare to Buy a SIM Card at Taiwan Airports
To purchase a SIM card at Taiwan airports, you should come prepared with:
- Passport – This is required to register the SIM card under your name by law. Be sure to have it handy when you reach the SIM card counter.
- Cash in NTD – Have local currency ready to pay for the SIM card. Most providers accept credit cards but cash is fastest. ATMs are available at arrival halls.
- Unlocked device – Your smartphone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM. Check with your home carrier that your phone is not locked before traveling.
- SIM tool – You’ll need the tool to insert the new SIM. Bring your own or ask at the counter.
- Activation requirements – Some SIMs require activation by calling a number or app verification. Know what’s needed to get your SIM working.
- Mobile specs – Taiwan uses GSM networks on 900/1800 MHz bands. Ensure your phone has compatible bands to get LTE speeds.
Being prepared with the above will enable you to quickly purchase and activate your SIM card at Taiwan Airports so you can have data immediately upon leaving the airport.
IV. Taiwan eSIM – an Alternative to SIM Card at Taiwan Airports
While physical SIM cards can easily be purchased at Taiwan airports, travelers with newer model smartphones may consider using an eSIM instead.
An eSIM or electronic SIM allows you to digitally download a SIM profile to your phone without needing a physical card. The benefits include:
- Convenience – Skip the airport SIM counter and get set up with data before you arrive.
- Flexibility – Switch between data plans or countries without swapping SIMs.
- Compatibility – Use dual SIM functionality with your existing SIM.
Plans from Taiwan eSIM providers like taiwanesim.com by GIGAGO start from as low as $3 for several gigabytes of high-speed 4G/5G data valid for 5 days.
Convenient eSIM Plans Provide Savings
Taiwan eSIM delivers a smooth digital SIM solution for our dearest travelers to stay connected while exploring Taiwan.
Be sure to check if your device supports eSIM functionality before opting for a mobile data eSIM in Taiwan. It's an emerging alternative to physical SIM cards.
V. FAQs
Do I need to show my passport when buying a SIM card at Taiwan Airports?
Yes, you must show your passport at the airport SIM counter as the SIM card is registered to your passport details. This is required by law in Taiwan for all SIM purchases by foreigners.
How much does a SIM card at Taiwan Airports cost?
Short-term data-only plans valid for 5 to 30 days typically range from NT$300 to NT$1000 depending on data amount and validity. The average cost is NT$500 for unlimited data for 5 to 7 days.
Can I use a Taiwan SIM in other Asian countries?
No, Taiwan SIM cards only provide service within Taiwan. For other Asian countries you’ll need to purchase a local or regional SIM card.
Is free WiFi available at Taiwan airports?
Yes, both Taoyuan and Kaohsiung International Airports provide free WiFi access. Speeds may be slower than a local Taiwan SIM for heavy usage.
Do Taiwan SIM cards work in China?
No, due to political reasons Taiwan SIM cards do not provide roaming service in China. A separate China SIM card will be required.
Can I use eSIM in Taiwan?
Yes, eSIM capability is growing in Taiwan. Providers like taiwanesim.com offer prepaid data eSIMs that work for short trips to Taiwan. Check your phone supports eSIM before traveling.
VI. Conclusion
Purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Taiwan Airports is the most convenient way for travelers to stay connected during your stay. The major airports at Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung have dedicated sales counters within the arrival halls for easy SIM card pickup. With popular providers like Taiwan Mobile, Taiwan Star, Chunghwa Telecom and FarEasTone, short-term data plans are reasonably priced.
Being prepared with proper documentation and cash means you can quickly get your SIM card at Taiwan Airports and start enjoying LTE data speeds right away. For more flexibility, checking into eSIM options is an alternative to explore. With this guide, getting set up with a Taiwan SIM card at the airport will be quick and straightforward.
