Upgrading to a new smartphone often leaves you with an old device sitting in a drawer. Instead of letting it gather dust, trading it in can put money back in your pocket or lower the cost of your next phone. In Taiwan, the trade-in market has grown rapidly, with options ranging from official manufacturer programs to third-party retailers and online marketplaces. This guide covers the best places to trade in your old phone in Taiwan, what to expect in terms of pricing, and tips to maximize your return.
Whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, ASUS, or another brand, the trade-in process is generally straightforward. However, values vary widely depending on the condition, model, and where you trade. Understanding the landscape will help you make an informed decision.
Official Manufacturer Trade-In Programs
Apple Trade In
Apple operates its own trade-in program in Taiwan through its official website and retail stores. You can trade in eligible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices for credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card. The process is simple: you answer a few questions about the device's condition, receive an estimated value, and then ship your device for free or drop it off at an Apple Store. Apple uses a third-party partner to assess the device; if the condition matches your description, you get the quoted amount. If not, Apple provides a revised offer.
For example, an iPhone 14 Pro Max in good condition could fetch around NT$20,000–NT$25,000, while an iPhone 12 might be worth NT$8,000–NT$12,000. The exact amount depends on storage capacity, cosmetic condition, and whether the device has any damage. Apple's trade-in values are generally competitive, though not always the highest. The convenience and reliability of Apple's program make it a popular choice for iPhone users.
Samsung Trade-In
Samsung Taiwan also offers a trade-in program, primarily for Galaxy smartphones and tablets. You can trade in your old device when purchasing a new Galaxy phone through Samsung's official online store or participating retail partners. The trade-in value is applied as a discount on the new device. Samsung's program accepts a wide range of brands, including Apple, ASUS, HTC, and others, but the best values are for Samsung devices.
For instance, a Galaxy S22 Ultra in good condition might trade for around NT$12,000–NT$16,000, while a Galaxy S21 could fetch NT$6,000–NT$10,000. Samsung occasionally runs promotions that boost trade-in values by up to NT$3,000 for specific models. The process involves mailing in your old device after receiving the new one, and Samsung provides a prepaid shipping label.
Major Retailer Trade-In Programs
PChome 24h Trade-In
PChome 24h, Taiwan's largest online retailer, offers a trade-in service called "舊機換新機" (Old Phone for New Phone). You can trade in your old phone for PChome shopping credits, which can be used to purchase anything on the platform. The trade-in is handled by a third-party partner, and you receive a quote after describing your device's condition. If you accept, you ship the phone for free, and once inspected, the credit is added to your PChome account.
PChome's trade-in values are typically in line with market rates. For example, an iPhone 13 might get you around NT$15,000 in credit, while a Samsung Galaxy A53 could fetch NT$5,000. The advantage is that you can use the credit for any product on PChome, not just phones. However, the credit expires after a certain period (usually one year).
Shopee Trade-In (via Shopee Coins)
Shopee Taiwan has partnered with trade-in platforms to allow users to exchange old phones for Shopee Coins. The process is similar: you get a quote, ship the device, and receive Coins (which are worth 1% of the purchase price at Shopee). For instance, a quote of NT$10,000 would give you 1,000,000 Shopee Coins (equivalent to NT$10,000 in spending power).
Shopee's trade-in values are competitive, but the Coins have restrictions: they can only be used on Shopee and may have minimum spending thresholds. This option is best for frequent Shopee shoppers.
RT-Mart and Carrefour Trade-In Events
Hypermarkets like RT-Mart and Carrefour occasionally run trade-in events, often in partnership with telecom operators or phone brands. These events are usually promotional and offer bonus trade-in credits when buying a new phone at their electronics section. For example, Carrefour might give an extra NT$1,000 for trading in any smartphone when purchasing a new phone over NT$10,000. These deals are time-limited and vary by location.
Carrier Trade-In Programs
Chunghwa Telecom
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest carrier, offers a trade-in program for customers who are upgrading their phones or switching to a new plan. You can trade in your old phone at any Chunghwa Telecom store, and the value is applied as a discount on a new device or as a credit toward your bill. The program accepts most brands, but values are generally lower than dedicated trade-in services because the carrier focuses on subscribers.
For example, trading in an iPhone 12 might get you around NT$8,000–NT$10,000, which is less than what you might get from Apple or PChome. However, Chunghwa occasionally runs promotions for high-end devices, offering up to NT$5,000 extra for certain models. If you are already a Chunghwa customer and plan to stay, this can be convenient.
Taiwan Mobile
Taiwan Mobile also has a trade-in program, similar to Chunghwa's. You can bring your old phone to any Taiwan Mobile store, and they will assess it on the spot. The trade-in value is used as a discount on a new phone or as a credit for your account. Taiwan Mobile's trade-in values are comparable to Chunghwa's, though they may offer better deals for certain brands like ASUS or HTC.
One advantage of carrier trade-ins is that you can combine them with contract renewals. For example, if you sign up for a best 5G plan, you might get a higher trade-in bonus. However, the base values are often lower than what you'd get from a dedicated trade-in service.
Far EasTone
Far EasTone (FET) provides a trade-in service as well, with the option to trade in-store or online. FET's program is similar to its competitors, but it sometimes partners with brands like Samsung or Apple for special trade-in events. For customers considering a switch, FET may offer additional incentives. If you're comparing carriers, check out our FarEasTone vs T-Star comparison for more details.
Online Trade-In Platforms and Marketplaces
Trade-In Taiwan (tradeintaiwan.com)
Trade-In Taiwan is a dedicated online platform that buys used phones directly from consumers. You get an instant quote by selecting your phone model and condition, then you ship it for free. Once inspected, the payment is made via bank transfer within a few days. The platform accepts a wide range of brands and models, including older devices. For example, an iPhone 11 might fetch NT$6,000–NT$8,000, and a Samsung Galaxy S20 around NT$7,000.
Trade-In Taiwan's values are generally higher than carrier programs but slightly lower than what you might get selling directly to another person. The convenience and speed are major advantages.
PhoneInn (phoneinn.com.tw)
PhoneInn is another popular trade-in website in Taiwan. It offers a similar service: get a quote, mail your phone, and receive payment. PhoneInn also provides price comparison across multiple trade-in platforms, which can help you find the best offer. The site shows real-time quotes from different buyers, so you can choose the highest one. For instance, an iPhone 14 Pro might have quotes ranging from NT$22,000 to NT$25,000 depending on the buyer.
PhoneInn also sells used phones, so if you're looking to both sell and buy, you can do it all in one place.
Ptt MobileComm and Facebook Marketplace
For those who want to maximize their return, selling directly to another person on Ptt (Taiwan's largest BBS) or Facebook Marketplace can yield the highest prices. You can often get 10–20% more than trade-in services because there is no middleman. However, this requires more effort: you need to take photos, write a listing, negotiate with buyers, and arrange a meetup or shipping. There is also the risk of scams.
If you choose this route, meet in a public place like a convenience store or police station. Cash is common, but many also accept bank transfers. Be sure to wipe your phone completely before selling.
Tips for Maximizing Your Trade-In Value
- Clean your phone thoroughly: A clean phone with no visible dust or grime often gets a higher assessment. Use a microfiber cloth and remove any screen protector or case.
- Remove all personal data: Factory reset your phone and remove any SIM cards, SD cards, and accounts (iCloud, Google, etc.). This is essential for privacy and also signals that the device is ready for resale.
- Include original accessories: If you have the original box, charger, and headphones, include them. Some trade-in programs offer a bonus for complete sets, though many do not require them.
- Compare multiple quotes: Before committing, get quotes from at least three different services. Use platforms like PhoneInn to compare. Values can differ by NT$1,000–NT$3,000 for the same phone.
- Time your trade-in: Trade-in values drop quickly after a new model is released. If you plan to upgrade, trade in your old phone within a month of the new launch to get the best price.
- Check for promotions: Many retailers and carriers offer extra trade-in bonuses during holidays or new product launches. For example, during the iPhone launch, Apple often increases trade-in values for previous models.
- Consider the tax implications: In Taiwan, trade-in credits are generally not taxed, but if you sell privately for cash, you may need to report it if the amount is large. For most individuals, small sales are not taxed.
What to Do Before Trading In
Before you hand over your phone, follow these steps to protect your data and ensure a smooth transaction:
- Back up your data: Use iCloud, Google Drive, or a computer to back up photos, contacts, and other important files.
- Sign out of accounts: On iPhones, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. On Android, remove your Google account under Settings > Accounts.
- Factory reset: This erases all data and restores the phone to its original settings. On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android: Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
- Remove SIM and memory card: Take out your SIM card and any microSD card. These are not part of the trade-in and you will need them for your new phone.
- Check for Find My iPhone or FRP lock: Make sure Find My iPhone is turned off (for iPhones) or Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is disabled (for Androids). If these are active, the trade-in service may reject the device.
- Inspect for damage: Note any cracks, dents, or water damage. Be honest in your condition description; otherwise, the trade-in service may reduce the offer.
Which Option Is Best for You?
The best trade-in option depends on your priorities:
- Convenience: Apple Trade In, Samsung Trade In, or carrier programs are the easiest. You get a discount on a new device with minimal effort.
- Best value: Online trade-in platforms like Trade-In Taiwan or PhoneInn usually offer higher cash values than carriers. Selling privately on Ptt or Facebook gives the highest return but requires more work.
- Store credit flexibility: PChome and Shopee trade-ins give you credit that can be used for a wide range of products, not just phones. This is great if you shop there often.
- Urgency: If you need cash quickly, online platforms that pay via bank transfer in a few days are faster than selling privately.
For most people, a combination works well: get a quote from an online trade-in platform and compare it to the official manufacturer program. If the difference is small, go with the official program for peace of mind. If you want to maximize return, sell privately.
Remember that trading in your old phone not only puts money back in your pocket but also helps reduce electronic waste. In Taiwan, e-waste recycling is encouraged, and many trade-in programs ensure that devices are either refurbished or recycled responsibly.
For more guidance on choosing a new phone or plan, check out our best smartphones 2025 Taiwan guide and the complete guide to choosing the best mobile plan in Taiwan.