When visiting Taiwan, staying connected is essential for navigation, communication, and sharing your experiences. Prepaid SIM cards offer a flexible and affordable solution for short-term visitors. This guide covers the major telecom operators in Taiwan, their prepaid offerings, where to buy, and tips for choosing the best plan for your needs.
Major Telecom Operators in Taiwan
Taiwan has three major telecom operators: Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, and Taiwan Mobile. Additionally, T-Star (formerly Taiwan Star) is a smaller player but offers competitive prepaid options. All four provide prepaid SIM cards tailored for tourists and short-term residents.
Chunghwa Telecom
Chunghwa Telecom is the largest provider, known for extensive coverage, especially in rural areas and mountainous regions. Their prepaid tourist SIM cards are available at the airport and official stores. Popular plans include:
- 15-day unlimited data plan: NT$500 (approx. US$16), includes 4G/5G unlimited data (fair usage policy applies after a certain GB) and a small call credit.
- 30-day plan: NT$700 with 10GB high-speed data then throttled to 5Mbps unlimited.
Chunghwa also offers a 5G prepaid plan for NT$888 with 24GB data valid for 30 days.
Far EasTone
Far EasTone (FET) is known for fast speeds in urban areas. Their tourist SIM cards are competitively priced. For a detailed comparison between Far EasTone and T-Star, see our article Far EasTone vs T-Star: Which Prepaid is Best?.
- 7-day unlimited data: NT$350, includes 4G/5G unlimited data (with fair usage) and NT$100 call credit.
- 15-day plan: NT$500, similar to Chunghwa but with different throttling policy.
- 30-day plan: NT$700, 10GB high-speed then unlimited at 5Mbps.
Taiwan Mobile
Taiwan Mobile offers good coverage and speed. Their prepaid plans are popular among tourists. They have a 5G prepaid option as well. For more on 5G plans across operators, read Best 5G Plans in Taiwan 2025.
- 7-day unlimited data: NT$350, same as FET.
- 15-day unlimited data: NT$500.
- 30-day unlimited data: NT$700.
T-Star (Taiwan Star)
T-Star focuses on low-cost plans. Their coverage is good in cities but weaker in rural areas. They often have promotional offers. Their prepaid plans include:
- 7-day unlimited data: NT$300, often with a bonus.
- 30-day unlimited data: NT$600, with 10GB high-speed then throttled.
For a head-to-head comparison, see Far EasTone vs T-Star: Which Prepaid is Best?.
Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards
You can purchase prepaid SIM cards at the following locations:
- Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): All major operators have counters in the arrival halls of Terminals 1 and 2. Open 24/7. Prices are similar to downtown stores.
- Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): Similar counters available.
- Official brand stores: Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, Taiwan Mobile have many retail outlets in cities. You may need to bring your passport for registration.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life sell prepaid SIM cards from some operators. However, activation may require a passport and can be more complicated.
- Online: Some operators allow purchase online for pickup at the airport or delivery to your hotel. This is convenient if you want to avoid queues.
When buying at the airport, you can choose between a physical SIM card (nano, micro, or standard) or an eSIM if your device supports it. eSIMs are increasingly popular for their convenience.
Data Plans and Pricing
Most prepaid tourist SIM cards offer unlimited data with a fair usage policy. Typically, after a certain amount of high-speed data (e.g., 10GB), the speed is throttled to 5Mbps or 10Mbps for the remainder of the validity. Prices range from NT$300 to NT$1,200 depending on duration and data allowance. Below is a summary table:
| Operator | Duration | Price (NT$) | High-Speed Data | Throttle Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chunghwa | 15 days | 500 | Unlimited (fair use) | 5Mbps after 10GB |
| Far EasTone | 7 days | 350 | Unlimited | 5Mbps after 10GB |
| Taiwan Mobile | 30 days | 700 | 10GB | 5Mbps unlimited |
| T-Star | 30 days | 600 | 10GB | 5Mbps unlimited |
For 5G plans, prices are higher. For instance, Chunghwa offers a 30-day 5G plan with 24GB for NT$888. Far EasTone has a similar plan for NT$899. For a comprehensive overview, check Best 5G Plans in Taiwan 2025.
5G Coverage and Speed
5G is available in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan. Coverage is expanding but not yet universal. In our 5G Speed Test Taiwan article, we found that Far EasTone and Chunghwa offer the fastest 5G speeds, often exceeding 500 Mbps. Taiwan Mobile and T-Star are slightly slower but still fast. If you are a heavy data user and need the fastest speeds, consider a 5G prepaid plan from Chunghwa or Far EasTone.
Important Considerations
Before buying a prepaid SIM card in Taiwan, keep the following in mind:
- Passport required: By law, all prepaid SIM cards must be registered with a valid passport (or ARC for residents). Make sure to bring your passport when purchasing.
- Device compatibility: Most modern smartphones from the US, Europe, and Asia will work with Taiwan's 4G/5G bands. However, check your device's compatibility with Band 28 (700 MHz) which is used by some operators.
- Top-up: You can top up your prepaid SIM at convenience stores, online, or at operator stores. Some plans allow extending validity.
- eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, consider buying a prepaid eSIM online before your trip. This eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards.
- Hotspot tethering: Most prepaid plans allow tethering, but check the terms. Some unlimited plans may restrict tethering to a certain amount.
Which Prepaid SIM Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your needs:
- For extensive travel in rural areas: Choose Chunghwa Telecom for the best coverage.
- For fast urban speeds: Far EasTone or Taiwan Mobile are excellent.
- For budget: T-Star is the cheapest but with limited rural coverage.
- For 5G: Chunghwa or Far EasTone offer the best 5G plans.
If you are unsure, consider reading our comprehensive Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Mobile Plan in Taiwan for more detailed advice.
Conclusion
Taiwan offers a variety of prepaid SIM cards that cater to tourists and short-term visitors. Whether you need unlimited data for a week or a month, you can find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs. Buying at the airport is the most convenient option. Remember to bring your passport and check your device's compatibility. With a prepaid SIM, you can enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your stay in Taiwan.
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- Far EasTone vs T-Star: Which Prepaid is Best?
- Best 5G Plans in Taiwan 2025
- 5G Speed Test Taiwan
- Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Mobile Plan in Taiwan