How to Use an eSIM in Taiwan: Complete Guide for Tourists

Using an eSIM in Taiwan gives you mobile internet without replacing your regular SIM card or visiting a mobile shop after arrival. Once the eSIM is installed and configured correctly, you can use it for maps, transport applications, messaging, bookings and everyday travel around the country.

The process has three main stages: install the eSIM before departure, activate it after arriving in Taiwan and select it as your phone’s mobile data line. Data Roaming must normally be enabled on the travel eSIM because it connects through supported partner networks.

Your primary SIM can usually remain active for your regular telephone number, verification messages and calls. To reduce the risk of roaming charges, keep mobile data and Data Roaming disabled on the primary line.

Quick answer: Install the Taiwan eSIM on stable WiFi before travelling. After arrival, turn on the eSIM, select it for mobile data, enable Data Roaming, disable automatic data switching and use data.esim as the APN when manual configuration is required.

How a Taiwan Travel eSIM Works

An eSIM is a digital mobile profile stored directly on a compatible phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you add the profile by scanning a QR code or entering the installation information manually.

Once activated in Taiwan, the eSIM connects to an included partner network and provides mobile data according to the allowance and validity of your selected plan.

You can use the connection for:

• Google Maps and other navigation applications.
• Train, metro and bus information.
• WhatsApp, Viber and Messenger.
• Hotel and activity bookings.
• Translation applications.
• Restaurant and attraction searches.
• Email and ordinary web browsing.
• Personal Hotspot where supported.

Before Using an eSIM in Taiwan

Check the following before purchasing or installing your plan:

• Your phone supports eSIM.
• The exact regional device model is compatible.
• The phone is carrier-unlocked.
• You have stable WiFi for installation.
• You can access the QR code or manual details.
• The plan validity covers your complete trip.

Dial *#06# and look for an EID number. You should also find an option such as Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan, Add SIM or SIM Manager in your phone settings.

Install the eSIM Before Travelling

Installation downloads the digital profile to your phone. It is best completed before departure because a dependable internet connection is required.

Basic installation process

1. Connect your phone to stable WiFi.
2. Open the cellular, mobile network or SIM settings.
3. Select Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
4. Scan the supplied QR code.
5. Follow the instructions shown by the phone.
6. Label the new profile Taiwan, Travel or NoveSIM.
7. Keep the profile installed until your trip is complete.

If QR scanning is unavailable, use the supplied SM-DP+ address and activation code through the manual installation option.

Installation and Activation Are Different

Stage	What It Means	Recommended Time
Purchase	You receive the plan and installation information	Before departure
Installation	The eSIM profile is added to the phone	Before travel on WiFi
Activation	The profile connects to an included network	After arriving in Taiwan
Data setup	The phone begins using the eSIM for internet	After arrival

Review the conditions of the specific product because activation timing can vary. Some plans begin their validity when they first connect to a supported network.

How to Use an eSIM on iPhone in Taiwan

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Choose the line labelled Taiwan or NoveSIM.
4. Turn on Turn On This Line.
5. Enable Data Roaming.
6. Return to the main Cellular menu.
7. Select Cellular Data.
8. Choose the Taiwan eSIM.
9. Disable Allow Cellular Data Switching.

Keep your regular SIM selected as the Default Voice Line when you want to retain your normal number for calls and SMS.

How to Use an eSIM on Samsung in Taiwan

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Open SIM Manager.
4. Turn on the Taiwan eSIM.
5. Select it as the preferred SIM for mobile data.
6. Open Mobile Networks.
7. Enable Data Roaming for the travel eSIM.
8. Disable automatic data switching when available.

Menu wording may vary between Samsung models and One UI versions.

How to Use an eSIM on Google Pixel in Taiwan

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Open SIMs.
4. Select the Taiwan eSIM.
5. Turn on Use SIM.
6. Enable Mobile Data.
7. Enable Roaming.
8. Select the Taiwan eSIM as the preferred data SIM.
9. Disable automatic data switching.

Recommended Settings After Arrival

Setting	Travel eSIM	Primary SIM
Line enabled	Yes	Optional
Selected for mobile data	Yes	No
Data Roaming	Enabled	Disabled
Calls and SMS	Data applications only	Available according to operator charges
Automatic data switching	Disabled

Why Data Roaming Must Be Enabled

A travel eSIM usually connects through partner networks rather than acting as a traditional domestic SIM issued directly by a Taiwanese operator. The phone therefore needs Data Roaming enabled on the travel profile.

Roaming settings are generally controlled separately for each SIM. This means you can enable roaming for the Taiwan eSIM while keeping it disabled on your home SIM.

The correct arrangement is:

• Taiwan eSIM selected for mobile data.
• Data Roaming enabled on the Taiwan eSIM.
• Data Roaming disabled on the home SIM.
• Automatic data switching disabled.

How to Configure the APN

The APN may be added automatically. If the phone shows a signal but websites and applications do not load, check the access point settings.

APN Field	Value
Name	NoveSIM or Taiwan
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave empty
Password	Leave empty

APN path on iPhone

Settings → Cellular → Taiwan eSIM → Cellular Data Network

APN path on Samsung

Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names

APN path on Google Pixel

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Taiwan eSIM → Access Point Names

The APN menu may not be visible when the profile manages the setting automatically.

How to Test the Mobile Connection

1. Turn off WiFi.
2. Confirm that the Taiwan eSIM is selected for mobile data.
3. Open a webpage or navigation application.
4. Wait several minutes for the first network connection.
5. Check whether a 4G, LTE or 5G data indicator appears.

Do not rely only on signal bars. A phone may register on a network even when the data settings are incomplete.

Can You Keep Your Normal SIM Active?

Yes. Many compatible phones support Dual SIM functionality, allowing the primary SIM and Taiwan eSIM to remain installed together.

You can keep the home SIM active to:

• Retain your normal telephone number.
• Receive verification codes.
• Receive calls and SMS where needed.
• Keep iMessage linked to your usual number.

Calls and SMS on the primary SIM may create roaming charges even when mobile data is disabled. Check your home operator’s conditions.

How WhatsApp Works With a Taiwan eSIM

WhatsApp normally remains registered to your existing number. The Taiwan eSIM simply supplies the internet connection.

You can continue using:

• Text and voice messages.
• Voice calls.
• Video calls.
• Group conversations.
• Photo and document sharing.

Do not register WhatsApp again unless you intentionally want to change the account number.

Does the eSIM Include a Taiwanese Phone Number?

NoveSIM plans are data-only. They do not include:

• A Taiwanese telephone number.
• Traditional voice minutes.
• Standard SMS messages.

Use WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, FaceTime and other VoIP services for calls through the mobile data connection.

Using the eSIM for Maps and Transport

Mobile data is particularly useful for travelling around Taiwan by metro, train, bus or rental car.

You can use it for:

• Walking directions.
• Taiwan High-Speed Rail information.
• Local train schedules.
• Metro routes in Taipei and Kaohsiung.
• Bus connections.
• Taxi and ride services.
• Accommodation navigation.

Download offline maps before visiting mountain areas, remote coastal routes or destinations where the signal may temporarily weaken.

Using Personal Hotspot

Hotspot may be available depending on the selected plan, phone and partner network.

You can use it to connect:

• A laptop.
• A tablet.
• A travel companion’s phone.
• Another device requiring temporary internet.

Hotspot can use data and battery quickly. Disable application updates, cloud backups and large downloads on connected devices.

How Much Data Do You Need?

Trip or Usage Type	Recommended Data
3–5 days with hotel WiFi	3GB–5GB
One week	5GB–10GB
Two weeks	10GB–15GB
Three to four weeks	15GB–30GB
Hotspot or remote work	30GB+ or a suitable unlimited-style plan

Navigation and messaging use relatively little data. Video streaming, media uploads, video calls and hotspot are more demanding.

Fixed Data vs Unlimited-Style Data

A fixed-data plan is suitable for travellers who mainly need maps, messaging, bookings and ordinary browsing. It provides a defined high-speed allowance for the selected validity period.

An unlimited-style plan may be convenient when you prefer not to monitor a total allowance. NoveSIM unlimited-style plans provide 1GB of high-speed data during each 24-hour period. After that daily allowance is used, the speed may be reduced until the next 24-hour reset.

A larger fixed-data plan may be more appropriate for frequent hotspot use, remote work or regular video uploads.

How to Reduce Mobile Data Usage

Download offline maps

Save the regions you plan to visit while connected to hotel WiFi.

Disable automatic updates

Configure application and operating-system updates to use WiFi only.

Pause photo backups

Cloud photo and video uploads can consume several gigabytes without obvious warning.

Use WiFi for entertainment

Download videos, music and podcasts before leaving your accommodation.

Disable background data

Restrict applications that do not need constant mobile access.

What to Do If the eSIM Does Not Work

Complete these checks in order:

1. Confirm that the eSIM profile is enabled.
2. Select it as the mobile data line.
3. Enable Data Roaming on the travel profile.
4. Disable automatic data switching.
5. Turn off WiFi and test the connection.
6. Confirm that the APN is data.esim.
7. Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds and then off.
8. Restart the phone.
9. Move outdoors or toward a populated area.

Do not delete the eSIM during troubleshooting. Some installation QR codes can only be used once.

Why the eSIM Shows No Service

No Service can appear while the phone searches for a supported network or when local coverage is temporarily weak.

Verify that:

• You are in Taiwan or another destination included in the plan.
• The eSIM line is turned on.
• The phone is carrier-unlocked.
• Network Selection is set to Automatic.
• The plan remains valid.
• Airplane Mode is turned off.

Temporary signal loss may also occur in tunnels, underground areas, mountains and remote sections of the east coast.

Why There Is Signal but No Internet

Signal bars without working data usually indicate an incorrect configuration.

Check that:

• The Taiwan eSIM is selected for mobile data.
• Data Roaming is enabled.
• The APN is data.esim.
• Automatic switching is disabled.
• The plan has remaining data and validity.

Should You Choose a Network Manually?

Keep Network Selection on Automatic under normal conditions. The eSIM should register on an available supported network.

Manual selection may help when automatic registration fails, but it should generally be attempted only when customer support provides specific instructions. Not every visible network is included in every plan.

Can You Use the eSIM Throughout Taiwan?

Yes. A Taiwan-wide plan can normally be used across the destinations included in its coverage area.

The same eSIM can support travel in:

• Taipei.
• Taichung.
• Tainan.
• Kaohsiung.
• Hualien.
• Kenting.
• Other covered Taiwanese destinations.

Coverage quality can vary in remote mountains, tunnels and isolated coastal areas.

Can You Top Up the Same eSIM?

NoveSIM plans cannot normally be topped up or extended through the same QR code. When your data or validity ends, purchase a new plan and install its new eSIM profile.

You need WiFi or another working connection to complete a new installation. Purchase and install the replacement before your current plan stops working.

Can You Delete and Reinstall the eSIM?

Do not delete the profile while it is still needed. Many eSIM installation codes are single-use and may not work again after removal.

Keep the profile installed while checking mobile data selection, Data Roaming, APN and network registration. Contact support before deleting it.

Daily eSIM Checklist in Taiwan

Check	Correct Status
Taiwan eSIM enabled	Yes
Selected for mobile data	Yes
Data Roaming on travel eSIM	Enabled
Data Roaming on primary SIM	Disabled
Automatic data switching	Disabled
APN	data.esim

Related Articles

• How to Install a Taiwan eSIM
• How to Activate a Taiwan eSIM
• Taiwan eSIM for iPhone
• Taiwan eSIM for Android
• Does My Phone Support eSIM in Taiwan?

FAQ

How do I use an eSIM after arriving in Taiwan?

Turn on the eSIM, select it as the mobile data line, enable Data Roaming and disable automatic data switching.

Should I install the Taiwan eSIM before travelling?

Yes. Install it on stable WiFi before departure, then complete the mobile data activation after arriving.

Do I need to enable Data Roaming?

Yes. Data Roaming must normally be enabled on the travel eSIM because it connects through supported partner networks.

Can I keep my home SIM active?

Yes. Keep it active for your regular number, but disable Data Roaming and do not select it for mobile data.

What APN should I use?

Use data.esim when manual APN configuration is required. Leave the username and password blank.

Will WhatsApp keep my normal number?

Yes. The Taiwan eSIM supplies mobile data while WhatsApp normally remains linked to your existing number.

Can I use the eSIM as a hotspot?

Hotspot may be available depending on the plan, phone and partner network. It can consume data and battery quickly.

Should I delete the eSIM if it does not work?

No. Check the data line, roaming setting, APN and network connection first because the QR code may be single-use.

Final Recommendation

To use an eSIM in Taiwan, install it before departure on reliable WiFi and keep the profile stored on your phone. After arrival, enable the travel line, select it for mobile data, turn on Data Roaming and disable automatic switching.

Keep your primary SIM available for your usual number, but disable its Data Roaming to reduce the risk of unexpected charges. Use data.esim as the APN if the phone requires manual configuration.

With the correct settings, a Taiwan eSIM provides convenient internet for transport, maps, communication, bookings and sightseeing throughout your trip.