Choosing the right mobile plan in Taiwan can feel overwhelming with four major carriers — Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, and T-Star (formerly Taiwan Star) — each offering a maze of 4G and 5G prepaid and postpaid options. Data allowances, call minutes, contract lengths, and promotional discounts vary widely. Our Taiwan Mobile Plan Calculator simplifies this process by letting you input your usage patterns — data consumption, call volume, and budget — to instantly compare plans that fit your lifestyle. This article walks you through how the calculator works, key factors to consider, and how to interpret the results to make an informed decision.
How the Taiwan Mobile Plan Calculator Works
The calculator is a web-based tool that aggregates current plan data from all major carriers. You start by selecting your preferences: prepaid or postpaid, 4G or 5G, and your typical monthly data usage (e.g., 5GB, 10GB, unlimited). You also indicate your call needs — local call minutes and international call patterns — and your budget range in New Taiwan Dollars (NT$). The tool then filters plans that match your criteria and displays them in a side-by-side comparison table, highlighting monthly cost, data speed caps, call rates, and contract terms.
For example, a user who uses 20GB of data per month, rarely makes calls, and wants a 12-month contract will see options like Chunghwa's 4G 699 plan (NT$699/month, 21Mbps speed cap) or Taiwan Mobile's 5G 599 plan (NT$599/month, 500Mbps cap, 24GB data then throttled). The calculator also factors in one-time fees, such as SIM card charges (NT$300) or handset subsidies if you bundle a phone.
Key Factors in Choosing a Plan
Before using the calculator, it helps to understand the variables that affect plan suitability. Below are the primary considerations.
Data Usage and Speed Requirements
Data is the most critical factor. Light users (under 10GB) can save with prepaid or low-tier postpaid plans. Heavy streamers or gamers should look for unlimited data plans, but note that many “unlimited” plans throttle speed after a certain threshold — for instance, FarEasTone’s 5G 1399 plan offers true unlimited at full speed, while its 5G 999 plan throttles to 50Mbps after 100GB. Speed caps also matter: 4G plans often max at 21Mbps or 100Mbps, while 5G plans can exceed 1Gbps in optimal conditions. Check our 5G speed test results for real-world performance by carrier.
Calling Needs
If you make many local calls, look for plans with included minutes. Most postpaid plans include 30–200 free minutes per month; exceeding that costs NT$1–3 per minute. For international calls, carriers offer add-on packs (e.g., NT$100 for 100 minutes to China). Prepaid users can top up with call credit. If you call overseas frequently, consider a VoIP service or a plan with generous international minutes.
Contract Length and Flexibility
Postpaid plans typically require 12-, 24-, or 30-month contracts. Shorter contracts offer less subsidy but more flexibility. Prepaid plans have no contract but may have higher per-unit costs. Students and short-term visitors often prefer prepaid; see our prepaid buying guide. Families may benefit from bundled plans that share data across multiple lines — check family plans for details.
Budget and Hidden Fees
Monthly fees range from NT$199 (basic prepaid) to NT$2699 (premium 5G unlimited). Watch for activation fees (NT$300), early termination fees (pro-rated), and handset installment costs if you buy a phone. The calculator includes these in the total cost of ownership over the contract period.
Using the Calculator: Step-by-Step
- Select Plan Type: Choose prepaid or postpaid. Prepaid is ideal for no-commitment use; postpaid for subsidies and higher data caps.
- Choose Network Generation: 4G is cheaper and sufficient for most tasks; 5G offers faster speeds but higher prices. If you need 5G, see our best 5G plans.
- Enter Data Usage: Slide to your monthly GB estimate. Options: 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, unlimited.
- Enter Call Minutes: Indicate local minutes (0, 50, 100, 200, 500+) and if you need international calls.
- Set Budget: Choose a range (e.g., NT$300–600, NT$600–1000, etc.).
- View Results: The calculator displays matching plans with monthly cost, data cap, speed limit, call minutes, contract length, and total cost over 12 months. Click on a plan for full details.
You can also filter by carrier — for example, compare FarEasTone and T-Star side by side in our dedicated comparison.
Sample Scenarios and Recommendations
Light User (5GB, few calls, budget NT$300)
Prepaid is best. Chunghwa’s 4G prepaid offers 5GB for NT$300 valid 30 days. Taiwan Mobile’s prepaid 4G 5GB is NT$299. No contract. If you prefer postpaid, the cheapest 4G plan is around NT$199 but only includes 2GB. Consider T-Star’s 4G 199 plan (3GB, then 1Mbps unlimited).
Medium User (20GB, some calls, budget NT$600)
Postpaid 4G plans fit. Chunghwa’s 4G 699 (21Mbps, 20GB then 5Mbps unlimited) is NT$699. FarEasTone’s 4G 599 (21Mbps, 24GB then 10Mbps unlimited) is cheaper. For 5G, Taiwan Mobile’s 5G 599 (24GB then 5Mbps) is a good value.
Heavy User (unlimited data, many calls, budget NT$1200)
Look for unlimited 5G plans. FarEasTone’s 5G 1399 (true unlimited, 100 mins free) is top-tier. Chunghwa’s 5G 1399 (unlimited at 500Mbps, then 100Mbps after 100GB) is slightly cheaper. T-Star’s 5G 999 (unlimited at 500Mbps, then 50Mbps after 100GB) is a budget option. Bundle with a phone if needed — see best smartphones.
Student User (low budget, moderate data)
Students can get exclusive discounts. Taiwan Mobile’s student plan offers 4G 499 (21Mbps, 12GB then 5Mbps unlimited) for NT$499. Chunghwa’s student 4G 488 (21Mbps, 10GB then 3Mbps). Check our student plans guide and university comparison for details.
Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Which Is Right for You?
Prepaid plans are pay-as-you-go, no contract, and easy to cancel. They suit short-term visitors, light users, or those who want to avoid credit checks. Top-ups are available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) or online. Data packs are typically valid 30 days. Postpaid plans require a contract and credit check (or passport deposit for foreigners). They offer higher data caps, faster speeds, and handset subsidies. If you stay long-term and want a new phone, postpaid is economical. For a full breakdown, read our complete guide to mobile plans in Taiwan.
Understanding the Fine Print
Plans often have speed caps after exceeding a data allowance. For example, “unlimited” may mean 10Mbps after 50GB. Check the fair usage policy. Also, some plans limit tethering (hotspot) to 5GB or 10GB. International roaming rates vary widely — Chunghwa offers NT$199/day for Asia roaming, while others charge per MB. If you travel frequently, consider a plan with included roaming data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my number when switching carriers?
Yes, Taiwan has number portability. You can switch carriers without changing your number. The process takes 1–2 business days. The calculator includes plans from all carriers, so you can compare regardless of current provider.
Do I need a Taiwanese ID to get a postpaid plan?
Foreigners can get postpaid with a passport and ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) or a deposit (NT$3,000–5,000). Prepaid only requires a passport. See our best prepaid data plans for options.
How accurate is the calculator?
The calculator is updated monthly with official carrier rates. However, promotions change frequently — always verify with the carrier before signing. The tool provides estimates based on publicly available information.
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