International Roaming Not Working in Taiwan? Here’s What to Do

You’ve just landed in Taipei and turned on your phone, but — no signal, no data, no messages. You expected your international roaming to kick in automatically, but it’s not working. Don’t worry — it’s a common issue among international visitors. Here’s what causes roaming problems in Taiwan and how to fix them quickly.

International Roaming Not Working in Taiwan?

I. Why Your International Roaming Might Not Work in Taiwan

    Many global travellers face the same issue because roaming services depend on agreements between carriers.

    Your home carrier must have an active roaming partnership with a Taiwanese operator such as Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone, or Taiwan Mobile.

    Common reasons your roaming doesn’t connect include:

    • Roaming is not enabled on your account.
    • Your plan excludes data roaming in Taiwan.
    • The local carrier network isn’t automatically recognized.
    • SIM profile or APN not correctly configured.
    • 4G/5G incompatibility issues.

    II. Check Compatibility Before Blaming the Network

      Before assuming your provider “doesn’t work,” make sure your device supports the right frequencies and settings.

      FactorWhat to CheckWhy It Matters
      Roaming ActivationConfirm with your carrier it’s turned onSome plans require manual activation before travel
      Network ModeSet to 4G/5G AutoWrong setting (e.g., LTE-only) may block local access
      Carrier SelectionTry manual connection to Chunghwa / Taiwan MobileAutomatic mode may fail
      SIM TypeSome eSIMs or dual SIM phones cause conflictTurn off other SIM temporarily
      APNUpdate to default or “internet”Incorrect entry = no data connectivity

      ► Tip: Restart your phone after each change to force re-registration with the local network.

      III. Confirm Whether Roaming Is Supported in Taiwan

        Not every international provider includes Taiwan in the same zone as “Asia Pacific.”

        For example:

        • Some US or EU carriers exclude Taiwan but include Hong Kong or Japan.
        • Others offer “Global Roaming” but throttle data after limited usage.

        How to verify:

        1. Log in to your carrier’s account or app.
        2. Check “Roaming coverage” → see if Taiwan/TWN is listed.
        3. If it’s missing, roaming will not activate automatically when you arrive.

        If your carrier doesn’t have an agreement with any Taiwanese network, you’ll need an alternative connection method — like a local SIM or eSIM.

        Troubleshooting Steps to Get Roaming Working

          Follow these steps systematically:

          1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Data Roaming → Enable.
          2. Turn off airplane mode for 10 seconds.
          3. Reset Network Settings.
          4. Select carriers manually:
            • Chunghwa Telecom (No. 1 coverage)
            • Taiwan Mobile
            • FarEasTone
          5. Restart your phone and wait 3–5 minutes for signal acquisition.

          If it still doesn’t work, contact your home provider via Wi-Fi or customer support chat.

          IV. When Roaming Fails — the Best Backup Options for Connectivity

            If you rely on roaming alone, you might lose connection for hours until it re-registers. Instead, consider setting up a Taiwan eSIM as a backup before your trip.

            Why does this work better:

            • Instant activation via QR code (no need for counter setup).
            • Full-speed 4G/5G on local networks.
            • Available for both short-term (3–30 days) and long-term stays.
            • No disruption even if your roaming doesn’t recover.

            You can quickly activate one at taiwanesim.com, which provides reliable Taiwan travel eSIM plans to stay online from the moment you land.

            V. How to Avoid Roaming Problems on Your Next Trip

              Before travelling anywhere, always:

              • Activate international roaming 3 days before departure.
              • Check your carrier’s roaming zone coverage list.
              • Add a Taiwan eSIM profile as secondary backup.
              • Keep your home SIM active only for receiving messages.

              This setup ensures you’ll never go offline even if roaming fails again.

              VI. FAQs

                Why is my roaming not working in Taiwan? Because your home carrier may not have a roaming agreement with local networks like Chunghwa Telecom or Taiwan Mobile.

                How do I fix international roaming not connecting? Enable data roaming, manually select a local carrier, reset network settings, and restart your phone.

                Can I use both eSIM and my home SIM together? Definitely. Keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS and use eSIM for high-speed data via local networks.