Taiwan

Staying connected in Taiwan

Taiwan is a short flight from much of Asia, which makes it ideal for a 4–6 day trip. The classic route takes in Taipei, Jiufen and Shifen before heading south to Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan or Kaohsiung, and many visitors are there to see family, study or work.

The weather is kindest from October to April; summers are hot and humid, and July to September is typhoon season. You will want data for hunting down stalls at night markets, checking buses up to mountain towns and translating menus written in traditional Chinese characters.

Coverage and networks

There are 2 eSIM options for Taiwan. Each network belongs to the option it is listed with, so compare them before choosing.

According to the plan information, the option (Taiwan – TikTok) roams from a Singapore home network: your phone connects to the networks above, but some apps and websites may see your location as Singapore.

“TikTok” is part of an option’s name. If you rely on a particular app, check the conditions of that exact plan; the label alone does not guarantee access to any app.

Signal and speed depend on where you are, your device and network conditions, and can differ between plans.

Choosing a data allowance

eSIM plans for Taiwan currently last 1 to 30 days and come in these types:

• Daily data (500MB, 1GB, 2GB and 3GB per day): suits a steady routine. Check when the daily allowance resets and what happens once it is used.
• Total data (1GB to 50GB): one allowance for the whole trip, handy when some days are heavier than others.
• Unlimited: always read the fair-use policy; after a set amount, speed may be reduced.

Suggestions for this trip

• A 4–5 day stay in and around Taipei: 1GB of daily data usually covers maps, MRT searches and photo posts; light users can manage on 500MB a day.
• Livestreaming from night markets or video calling home every evening: choose 2GB or 3GB a day, or an unlimited plan (fair-use policy applies).
• Family visits or a few weeks of work: total data of 20GB, 30GB or 50GB over 20–30 days is easier than a daily allowance.

Count your arrival and departure days. Before paying, check the exact plan for when validity starts, how days are counted, and whether hotspot, calls or SMS are included; these differ between plans.

Before you go

• Getting around: An EasyCard covers the MRT, buses, trains and even convenience stores, and Google Maps handles Taiwan's public transport well.
• Ride-hailing: Uber operates in the major cities, alongside local taxi apps such as 55688.
• Messaging: LINE is the most popular messaging app, and shops and homestays often contact guests through it.
• Public Wi-Fi: The free iTaiwan network and city Wi-Fi are available at stations and attractions, but they need registration and drop out as you move.
• Cash: Night markets and small eateries mostly take cash, so withdraw some New Taiwan dollars.
• Local SIM: Sold at Taoyuan Airport counters; you need your passport and usually a second form of ID.
• eSIM setup: Before buying, make sure your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked. Install the eSIM before you fly, on a stable Wi-Fi connection, following the instructions sent with your plan.
• On arrival: Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and follow its roaming instructions. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.