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Prepaid SIM Cards in Taiwan

Like most countries, Taiwan's mobile phone networks use the GSM system, so if you're bring your GSM phone with you, you can just purchase a SIM card when you arrive and you're good to go.

Prepaid SIMs are available everywhere, including convenience stores and more recently, supermarket checkouts. However, be aware that in many cases, you are required to show two forms of ID to buy a SIM in Taiwan.

A question often asked is which of the networks offer the best coverage. In the major cities, it probably doesn't make much difference but if you're spending a lot of time outside cities, it makes sense to go for a bigger network like Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) for example.

Mobile communications are very cheap in Taiwan and some very attractive overseas rates are available on the mobile networks... but you should be careful to use the right codes and check out the latest rates before calling.

If arriving at Taipei airport, there is a counter to buy prepaid cards once you've passed through customs.

Many prepaid cards won't work outside Taiwan (no roaming) so if this is important to you, you'll need to look at a postpaid account...

Coming to Taiwan? Take a look at our hotel rates: Taiwan Hotels

Postpaid Accounts (monthly contract)

Long term residents will probably get tired of shopping for credit top ups if on a prepaid account. If you get a postpaid contract, you'll likely benefit from lower bills in the end, possibly with free minutes etc.

Assuming you have your own phone already, most operators will set up a contract SIM card with no minimum lock in period... but if you don't pay the bill, you'll obviously be disconnected. A contract with a phone will usually lock you in to a minimum contract of 18 months.

In all cases, a deposit will be required but individual branches may elect to overlook the deposit. Some may even require a Taiwanese citizen as a guarantor, which could prove very inconvenient. Take as much identification as you can. You can ask an expat on our forum for advice on the various networks...

Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Taiwan Forum