Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 02:00 am
Visiting Taipei on your next trip? Looking for the best guide on getting SIM card in Taipei or a Taoyuan airport SIM Card purchase?
Landing at Taipei Taoyuan Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Taipei Airport? Yes, there is a 7-Eleven shop where you can buy your Taipei sim card.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Taipei. For eSIM options, you can opt for Holafly, Airalo and Maya Mobile
We are deep diving into this article why Taiwan is a hot destination right now, what sim cards you can purchase directly at Taoyuan airport, eSIM brands that work extremely well in Taipei and the whole of Taiwan, and other tips you should keep in mind! Let’s go! 🇹🇼
You should know from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to city center will take 35 minutes by taxi and MRT
Ah, Taiwan! Known for its bustling night markets, historical temples, and of course, the birthplace of bubble tea. And if you’re jetting into this beautiful island nation, chances are you’re landing at Taoyuan International Airport.
Whether you’re in Taiwan for business, pleasure, or a mix of both, staying connected is key. Read on for our full guide and recommendation on Taipei airport sim cards.
🌏 Related Travel Guides:
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- Sim Card vs eSIM
- Things to Know About Taipei Before Visiting and Taipei Travel Tips
- How to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung Best Way
WHERE TO STAY IN TAIPEI
You can stay in a dorm room or a room from $15-25 USD while you can stay in a budget hotel for as low as $40-60 USD. There are so many to choose from depending on what type and how luxurious you want your stay to be starting from $100 USD.
Book your accommodations in Taiwan through Agoda or Booking
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Why Buy a Taiwan Taoyuan Airport SIM Card?
If you land at Taiwan Airport and you buy a sim card the prices are higher than phone shops. You can get a Taoyuan Airport sim card at 7-Eleven more expensive than if you buy your sim card in Taipei at the shops in the city.
But just landing you will be able to book your taxi, Uber and check online before getting to your hotel. If you aren’t in a hurry and you want to save a few bucks just look for the official stores in Taipei.
Navigating at Taoyuan International Airport
When you step off the plane and wander through the airport terminals, you’ll notice a few SIM card kiosks. While the immediate choices might not be as extensive as some airports, you have some good options.
There are two 7-Eleven stores at Taiwan International Airport, one of them is open 24 hours but one of them is closed at night time. You will be able to get a sim card for Taipei with small data packages. If you order pick up sim cards you will have pick up points with most of the companies.
Major Telecom Providers For Sim Card in Taipei
Alright, let’s talk telecom. In Taiwan, there are a few giants that dominate the market:
- Chunghwa Telecom: The big gun in Taiwan’s telecom scene. Known for its robust network, especially in more remote parts of Taiwan. They’ve got some cool deals tailored just for us tourists.
- Taiwan Mobile: Another big player. They offer some juicy packages perfect for those Instagram uploads and video calls back home.
- FET (Far EasTone Telecommunications): Don’t overlook this one. With a mix of plans that cater to different needs, there’s probably something here that’ll catch your eye.
- T Star: Although not as big as the others, they’ve got some competitive plans, especially if you’re not looking to burn a hole in your pocket.
Buying a SIM Card at Taoyuan International Airport: Our Personal Experience and Suggestions
Upon arriving at Taipei Taoyuan Airport, you’ll find several options for prepaid SIM cards to stay connected during your visit to Taiwan.
We ordered online with Klook an Easy Card and we checked the prices at 7-Eleven and we realized that it was better to buy our sim card in Taipei in a phone store at the city. Since we were planning to travel for 3 weeks in Taiwan.
Here’s a summary of the SIM card providers and their offers:
Chunghwa Telecom Taipei Sim Card
Chunghwa Telecom has a booth located in Terminal 1 of Taoyuan Airport, providing a range of prepaid SIM cards. They offer Unlimited 4G Internet and voice credit with prices ranging from NT$ 280 (USD 8.68) to NT$ 1000 (USD 31) for 3 to 30 days. They also have 5G plans for 3 and 5 days priced at NT$ 500 (USD 15.5) and NT$ 600 (USD 18.6), respectively.
They have a kiosk right in the arrivals area, making it super convenient. When I was there, they had a plan that offered unlimited 4G data for 5 days at just 300 TWD (USD 9.3). Chunghwa Telecom connection was the best for sim card in Taipei, smooth even when I ventured to the outskirts of Taipei.
Far EasTone Telecom
You can purchase Far EasTone Telecom SIM cards at the airport or pre-order them for pick-up. They offer Unlimited 4G Internet plans from NT$ 300 (USD 9.3) to NT$ 1000 (USD 31) for 3 to 30 days, and Unlimited 5G Internet plans priced at NT$ 500 (USD 15.5)/600 (USD 18.6)/800 (USD 24.8) for 3/5/7 days respectively.
A friend went with FET’s 5-day unlimited data plan for 350 TWD (USD 10.85) and had no complaints. From city centers to mountaintops, the connection held strong.
Taiwan Mobile
Taiwan Mobile also provides prepaid SIM cards at Taoyuan Airport, with Unlimited 4G Internet plans priced from NT$ 300 (USD 9.3) to NT$ 1000 (USD 31) for 3 to 30 days, and Unlimited 5G Internet plans priced at NT$ 500 (USD 15.5)/600 (USD 18.6)/800 (USD 24.8) for 3/5/7 days respectively.
Their tourist SIM, last I checked, had a 3-day unlimited data package for 300 TWD (USD 9.3). I heard rave reviews about its performance in urban areas.
T-Star
T-Star, although not highly recommended due to slower speeds and lesser coverage, provides long-term plans.
They offer Unlimited 4G Internet Short Term Cards for 3/5/7 Days priced at NT$ 250 (USD 7.75)/250 (USD 7.75)/450 (USD 13.95) and Long Term Cards for 10/30/90 Days priced at NT$ 450 (USD 13.95)/950 (USD 29.45)/2700 (USD 83.7). They also have Unlimited 5G Internet for 3/5/7 Days priced at NT$ 600 (USD 18.6)/700 (USD 21.7)/900 (USD 27.9).
If you’re on a budget, T-Star has the cheapest sim card in Taipei, keep an eye out for their deals. I remember seeing a 7-day plan with unlimited data for just 500 TWD (USD 15.5).
Various Plans:
There are other plans available for durations from 3 to 30 days with prices ranging from NT$ 300 (USD 9.3) to NT$ 1000 (USD 31), offering varying amounts of free voice and text credits alongside the data plans.
The SIM card booths have varying operating hours, and it’s advisable to check the terminal maps or inquire at the information desks for their exact locations. Additionally, some providers allow pre-ordering of SIM cards for pick-up at the airport, which could provide some savings.
Before making a purchase, ensure that your phone is unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card, and have your passport ready for registration as it’s a requirement by the telecom providers.
Walking through the airport, the SIM card booths are hard to miss. They’re well-marked and you’ll often find helpful attendants ready to assist you. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
Tip: Always ask the booth attendants if there are any ongoing promotions. Sometimes they have deals that aren’t openly advertised!
Additional General Navigation in Taoyuan Airport / Taipei Airport
Klook.com- Maps: There are maps available online which display the layout of Taoyuan Airport, including the locations of terminals and other facilities
- Terminal Guide: Terminal 1 is generally home to regional flights around Asia. Some of the airlines you’ll find here include AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Philippine Airlines, and Starlux.
- Airport Facilities: The airport has two passenger terminals housing a total of 51 airline partners. The chart on Guide to Taipei shows each airline and where their facilities are located4.
- Transportation: The Taoyuan Airport MRT rail is the fastest travel option to and from the airport, with two trains (one Express, one Commuter) running every 15 minutes in each direction between 06:00 and 23:00
- Arrival Procedures: Upon landing, you’ll go through normal airport arrival procedures, after which you can locate the Chunghwa Telecom Counter if you have pre-purchased a SIM card voucher from Klook
eSIM Options in Taiwan
If you’re rocking a newer smartphone that supports eSIM, Taiwan’s got you covered. While not as prevalent as physical SIM cards, there are a few providers in the game:
Holafly
Holafly’s reputation precedes itself, especially among globetrotters. Their offering for Taiwan, a 10-day unlimited data eSIM priced at around $19 USD, is in line with their global standards of quality. What sets Holafly apart is their meticulous activation guide. They dispatch a step-by-step email guidance, ensuring even the least tech-savvy traveler faces no hiccups.
Airalo
Positioning itself as a global eSIM marketplace, Airalo offers a plethora of choices. Their 7-day plan with 5GB data for Taiwan, which could be around $10 USD, is a favorite for many. But it’s not just the prices or data caps that attract users; it’s their intuitive platform that allows quick purchases and activations. If flexibility is what you’re after, Airalo should be on your radar.
Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile has carved a niche for itself in the eSIM market, catering particularly to international travelers. Their 5-day unlimited data plan, priced approximately at $12 USD, is a testament to their commitment to affordability without compromising on speed or connectivity.
Additionally, their user-friendly setup process, complemented by prompt customer support, ensures that even first-time eSIM users find the transition smooth.
Navigating Transportation from Taipei Airport
Taipei’s public transport system is efficient and convenient. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Taoyuan Airport MRT: This rapid transit system connects the airport to Taipei Main Station in just 35 minutes. It’s efficient and reasonably priced, making it a top choice for many.
2. Buses: Several bus lines run from the airport to various parts of the city. They’re economical and comfortable, though the journey might be a tad longer.
3. Taxis: Available 24/7 right outside the terminals. They run by the meter, and drivers, albeit not all, have a basic understanding of English.
Cash or Card? Handling Money in Taipei
Taiwan, while advancing rapidly in digital payments, still holds a soft spot for cash, especially in local markets. ATMs are abundant, and most accept international cards. Currency exchange booths are available at the airport, but for better rates, consider heading to city banks or local exchange shops.
Registering Your SIM Card in Taiwan
Good news! As of my last visit, Taiwan doesn’t require tourists to register prepaid SIM cards. Simply buy, insert, and you’re good to go! However, always check the latest regulations, as these can change.
Tips and Tidbits: Taiwan Essentials
Klook.com1. Visa Regulations: Most Western travelers can enjoy a visa-exempt stay for up to 90 days. Always check the latest guidelines based on your nationality.
2. Taiwanese Etiquette: When in Taiwan, always greet with a polite nod or a slight bow. Also, it’s customary to refuse a gift once before accepting. It’s seen as a gesture of politeness.
3. Handy Phrases: While many in Taipei understand basic English, knowing a few Mandarin phrases can be handy:
- Hello: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Thank You: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
- Yes: 是 (Shì)
- No: 不是 (Bù shì)
Keeping Costs Low and Staying Connected
One thing I appreciated about Taiwan is the plethora of Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in Taipei. From metro stations to coffee shops, you’re rarely without a connection. If you’re trying to save data, make sure to tap into the ‘iTaiwan’ network, a free public Wi-Fi service.
Our Final Thoughts on Taoyuan Airport SIM Card
Chunghwa Telecom is our favorite sim card for Taipei and Taiwan, while the airport offers convenience, don’t hesitate to explore SIM card options in the city, especially if you’re staying longer. You will get a cheaper price and more data packages for your trip or even unlimited data.
Safe travels and enjoy every bite, sight, and delightful memory!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.