Are you traveling to Taiwan and need a local SIM card for your phone? Getting a SIM card at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is easy and convenient. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about buying a SIM card at Taoyuan Airport.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport
There are several places to purchase SIM cards immediately after you exit customs at TPE Airport’s arrival hall:
- Taiwan Mobile Store: This store offers prepaid SIM cards from Taiwan Mobile, one of the major carriers in Taiwan. They have booths located right as you exit customs.
- Chunghwa Telecom Store: Chunghwa Telecom is another top provider in Taiwan. They also have stores and booths located in the arrival halls.
We recommend visiting the Taiwan Mobile or Chunghwa Telecom stores first since they have the widest selection and can help set up your plan. The staff usually speak English and can assist with getting your SIM card activated and ready to use.
Get more insight on: Buyling a SIM card at Taiwan Airports: The Definitive Guide
II. SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport – Options and Costs
There are prepaid SIM cards available from all the major carriers in Taiwan including:
- Taiwan Mobile: Offers prepaid SIMs with unlimited data packages starting around NT$500 for 5 days. Data speeds are reliably fast on their network.
- Chunghwa Telecom: Their prepaid SIMs start around NT$420 for 5 days of unlimited 4G data. Provides solid coverage around Taiwan.
- FarEasTone: Their unlimited data prepaid SIMs start around NT$380 for 3 days. Works well in cities but rural coverage can be spotty.
- Taiwan Star: Budget option with prepaid SIMs from NT$200 for 2 days data. Speeds can be slower than other carriers.
- iVideo: SIM cards starting around NT$150 for 1 day unlimited data. Mainly operates on Chunghwa Telecom’s network.
Make sure to compare expiration dates and throttling policies on unlimited data plans. Some carriers may slow speeds after a certain data usage threshold.
Getting a prepaid SIM card at Taoyuan Airport is very affordable. NT$500-600 can get you a SIM with 5-7 days of unlimited data on a major carrier like Taiwan Mobile or Chunghwa Telecom.
Plan Your Taipei Trip with Confidence - Read this Comprehensive Guide to Getting a SIM Card in the City
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport
To purchase and set up a SIM card, you’ll need:
- Unlocked phone: Your phone must be unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock before traveling.
- Passport: You need to show your passport as ID when buying a prepaid SIM card in Taiwan.
- Cash: Have local currency (Taiwan Dollars – TWD) ready as some stores may not accept foreign credit/debit cards. ATMs are available at the airport to withdraw cash.
- Power adapter: You’ll need a travel adapter to be able to charge your phone in Taiwan. The country uses Type A and B sockets.
- Basic Mandarin phrases: Stores have English-speaking staff but knowing simple phrases like “hello” and “thank you” in Mandarin can help interactions go smoothly.
Also have an idea of how much data you’ll need during your trip to pick the right prepaid plan. SIM cards can be topped up with more data as needed.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport
If you have an eSIM compatible phone like newer iPhones and Google Pixel models, using an eSIM is an alternative to getting a physical SIM card in Taiwan.
eSIM allows you to digitally download a data plan instead of inserting a SIM. Benefits include:
- Easy setup – activate your plan online before you arrive
- Remotely switch plans as needed
- Avoid SIM card pickup and swapping
Plan that may interest you
Taiwanesim.com by GIGAGO is currently offering best Taiwan eSIM plans from $4-57 for 5-30 day packages with 1-2GB daily data and regional eSIM plans covering China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and more countries starting from $10.90 valid for 5-30 days on their website.
Downsides of eSIM can include higher costs than local SIMs and technical issues. But eSIM is very convenient especially for short trips or as a backup data option.
V. FAQs About Getting a SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport
Should I get my SIM in Taiwan or before traveling?
Buying locally at Taoyuan Airport is recommended as you get the best deals, can choose between all the top carriers, and the SIMs will definitely be compatible with Taiwan’s networks. Options are more limited when purchasing internationally.
How can I check mobile data coverage in Taiwan?
OpenSignal has coverage maps for Taiwan’s carriers. Speedtest also shares crowdsourced coverage info. In general, mobile networks in Taiwan’s cities and travel hotspots are excellent. Connectivity gets spottier in remote regions.
Is free WiFi available at Taoyuan Airport?
Yes, Taoyuan Airport offers all travelers unlimited free WiFi access. Connect to the TPE-Free or TPE_Free_Wifi networks. Speeds are generally fast enough for messaging, emails and basic web browsing. But a local SIM is better for heavy usage like video streaming.
Are there other places to buy SIMs in Taipei besides the airport?
Major malls like Taipei 101 and Xinyi Shopping District also have carrier stores and other retailers selling SIM cards. Purchasing at the airport on arrival is usually more convenient though.
VI. Conclusion
Taoyuan Airport in Taiwan offers a convenient and reliable option for travelers looking to purchase a SIM card upon arrival. With several reputable telecom providers operating within the airport, visitors can easily find the right plan to suit their communication needs. Whether it’s for staying connected with family and friends, accessing the internet, or navigating the country, buying a SIM card at Taoyuan Airport ensures a hassle-free start to your journey.
Remember to compare the available options, consider your usage requirements, and select a suitable package that offers good coverage and value for money. By obtaining a SIM card at the airport, you can enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your stay in Taiwan and make the most of your travel experience.
