Kaohsiung is a port city in southern Taiwan that is known for its beaches, temples, and seafood. As a popular travel destination, having internet access during your time in Kaohsiung is important for navigation, looking up information, and staying connected with friends and family back home.
Getting a local SIM card for your phone is the best way to have hassle-free internet access without incurring expensive international roaming charges from your home provider. This guide will provide travelers with the key information needed to easily obtain a SIM card in Kaohsiung.
Table of Contents
I. Which Mobile Operator is the Best in Kaohsiung?
There are three major mobile network providers in Taiwan that have strong coverage in the Kaohsiung area: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone. Here is an analysis of which mobile operator may be the best in Kaohsiung:
| Operator | Average Speed | Coverage | 5G Coverage | Customer Service | Plan Options | Overall Best in Kaohsiung? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa Telecom | 83.8 Mbps (1st) | Extensive 4G/LTE in Kaohsiung area | Available in major cities like Kaohsiung | Large retail presence | Variety of plans and roaming options | Yes – Based on highest average speeds and strong overall network performance. |
| FarEasTone | 59.4 Mbps (2nd) | Extensive 4G/LTE in Kaohsiung area | Available in major cities like Kaohsiung | Retail locations in major cities | Comparable plan options to competitors | Yes – Competitive speeds and coverage, though slightly behind Chunghwa. |
| Taiwan Mobile | 49.3 Mbps (3rd) | Extensive 4G/LTE in Kaohsiung area | Limited 5G coverage so far | Large retail presence | Slight edge in roaming plan options | No – Good network but trails leaders in average speeds. |
Overall, mobile users in Kaohsiung cannot go wrong with either Chunghwa or FarEasTone as their provider. Both will deliver a strong network experience and good plan value.
For those seeking the absolute fastest operator based on independent testing so far, Chunghwa may be the top recommendation. But FarEasTone is equally as capable of providing reliable, high-speed connectivity throughout Kaohsiung.
Unlock more insights on Taiwan Mobile Operators Which One is the Best?
II. Best Kaohsiung SIM Cards and Cost
Based on the above comparison, here are my top recommended SIM cards for visiting Kaohsiung:
| SIM Card | Data Allowance | Duration | Calls/Texts | Speeds | Price (NTD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Mobile Tourist Prepaid SIM | 15GB | 14 days | Unlimited local calls & texts, 100 NTD international call credit | Up to 150Mbps LTE | 590 (~$20 USD) |
| FarEasTone Super Tourist SIM | 12GB | 7 days | Unlimited calls & texts to Taiwan numbers, 100 NTD international call credit | Up to 300Mbps | 499 (~$15 USD) |
| GT Nomad Prepaid SIM Card | 5GB | 5 days | Unlimited local calls & texts | Up to 150Mbps LTE | 299 (~$10 USD) |
All major Taiwanese carriers offer affordable and competitive prepaid SIM options for both short-term (1 week) and long-term (1 month) visitors. Prices range from ~$14-16 USD for 1 week unlimited data bundles to ~$29-32 USD for 1 month packages.
Taiwan Mobile stands out as the only carrier providing international roaming capabilities as well. Overall, visitors will find it easy and economical to stay connected throughout their trip to Taiwan with any of the major prepaid SIM options.
III. Where to Buy a SIM Card in Kaohsiung
There are a few options for getting your hands on a SIM card in Kaohsiung:
1. Upon Arrival
Get the inside scoop on Where to Buy SIM Card at Kaohsiung Airport
If arriving by plane at Kaohsiung International Airport or by high-speed rail at Zuoying Station, you can easily purchase SIM cards from provider shop desks:
- Kaohsiung Airport: Chunghwa Telecom and FarEasTone desks before exit immigration
- Zuoying HSR Station: Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile shops on B1 level
These stations cater well to newly-arrived tourists with English support. Just show your passport and payment method to purchase your favored SIM plan on the spot.
2. In the City
All three major provider brands have retail shops conveniently located in malls and neighborhoods across Kaohsiung City:
- Chunghwa Telecom – stores are marked with blue signage
- Taiwan Mobile – stores have red signage
- FarEasTone – look for grey/turquoise signage
It’s easy to find a shop by searching provider websites or Google Maps by area. English support is readily available to help choose and setup the right SIM card.
IV. eSIM for Travelers to Kaohsiung – A Smart Alternative
Are you traveling to the beautiful port city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan soon? As a tourist, you’ll want to stay connected with mobile data during your trip. However, switching physical SIM cards is a hassle.
That’s where an eSIM from Taiwanesim.com comes in handy. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can easily install on your smartphone without having to swap the physical SIM.
Taiwanesim.com offers affordable eSIM data packages suitable for different lengths of stay in Taiwan. You can choose from plans lasting 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 15 days or 30 days. All plans come with generous data allowances so you can navigate Kaohsiung and stay online seamlessly.
Some key benefits of getting your eSIM from Taiwanesim.com include:
- Instant activation upon landing in Taiwan. Just scan the QR code and you’re connected.
- Affordable prices starting from just $4. No roaming charges apply.
- Works with 200+ smartphone models including iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and more.
- Nationwide 4G/5G coverage in Kaohsiung and across Taiwan.
- 24/7 customer support if you need any assistance.
So ditch the hassle of physical SIM cards and go for an eSIM from Taiwanesim.com. Enjoy fast, reliable data in Kaohsiung and explore this underrated city like a local!
Plans that may interest you
V. Things to Prepare when Buying a SIM Card in Kaohsiung
Here are a few tips on items tourists should prepare and research before obtaining a Kaohsiung SIM card:
- Unlocked device – Your phone must work on standard GSM networks and not locked to a home provider that restricts other SIM cards from operating.
- eSIM compatibility – If wanting tourist eSIM services, ensure your device supports embedded SIM profiles rather than physical SIM cards only.
- Cash or travel credit/debit card – While some shops may take payment apps, have NTD cash or a globally-enabled card to purchase SIM plans.
- Passport – Your passport will be needed as ID verification when purchasing a SIM card or tourist eSIM plan.
- SIM card size – Have a SIM tool ready if getting traditional SIM card, and know whether you need standard or micro/nano size.
- Setup assistance – Shops provide English assistance, but research the APN and setup steps for data/MMS in advance for your device model if you need to self-activate.
A small bit of preparation makes getting connected quick and problem-free!
VI. Tips and Recommendations
From several trips to Kaohsiung helping others connect, here are my top technology tips:
- Purchase SIM card upon arrival at airport or HSR rather than in the city later to avoid any hassles getting set up. Desks have English assistance readily available.
- Taiwanese providers offer some enticing smartphone plans, but tourist SIMs provide best value if only staying 1-2 weeks.
- Unlimited tourist SIMs remove worries about tracking data usage while traveling. LTE speeds are blazing fast across Taiwan so stream away!
- Not all devices have eSIM capability yet – confirm compatibility before pursuing an eSIM plan rather than physical SIM.
- Major public attractions, transport hubs, hotels in Taiwan provide free WiFi but tourist SIM useful as fallback and when venturing around.
- If having issues with SIM card data or network connectivity, locals are always happy to assist or provider shops will troubleshoot. English support is common in bigger cities.
- Purchase extra credits if you’ll exceed calling or data limits on a plan – can be done through provider apps or retail outlets.
I highly suggest getting a SIM card rather than relying solely on free public WiFi in Kaohsiung – it provides constant connectivity protection and Google Maps access when exploring off the beaten path!
VII. FAQs about Buying a SIM Card in Kaohsiung
What carriers operate in Kaohsiung?
The main mobile carriers in Kaohsiung are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, and GT.
Where can I buy a prepaid SIM card?
You can buy prepaid SIM cards from the carrier stores located throughout Kaohsiung. Some stores may require your passport for ID. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart also sell prepaid SIM cards. The international airport in Kaohsiung also has SIM card kiosks.
Do I need anything to buy a SIM card?
To buy a SIM card from a carrier store, you may need to show your passport as ID. Some stores also accept other photo IDs. The airport kiosks and convenience stores only require your passport.
Which carrier has the best coverage in Kaohsiung?
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone all have extensive 4G/LTE coverage throughout Kaohsiung city and surrounding areas. GT coverage is more limited but uses Taiwan Mobile’s network for domestic roaming.
What prepaid plans are available?
The carriers offer daily/weekly plans with unlimited data as well as volume-based plans lasting 30-185 days. Prices range from NT$300-1000 depending on validity and data allowance. Airport SIM kits tend to be the best value for short stays.
Is mobile data fast in Kaohsiung?
Yes, Taiwan has very high average 4G speeds according to tests. Plan speeds may be throttled after exceeding data allowance on some carriers. WiFi is also widely available.
Does any carrier offer international roaming?
Only Taiwan Mobile offers roaming in selected countries on prepaid. The others only work in Taiwan. You may need a local sim or international plan for use outside Taiwan.
VIII. Final Words
Getting set up with reliable mobile data when visiting new destinations abroad has never been easier. Kaohsiung has modern infrastructure and telecom providers catering well to travelers’ connectivity needs.
With a bit of pre-trip preparation, you will have the ability to easily navigate Kaohsiung, research points of interest, update social media along the way, and stay continually in touch with friends/family back home. Having constant data connectivity gives much greater confidence and freedom when traveling in unfamiliar environments.
Enjoy your upcoming travels in Taiwan with a dependable, high-speed mobile broadband experience!
