Best Way to Get Internet in Taiwan: eSIM, SIM Card, Roaming or WiFi?

The best way to get internet in Taiwan depends on how long you are staying, how much mobile data you need and whether you require a Taiwanese phone number. Tourists can choose between a travel eSIM, local prepaid SIM card, international roaming and public WiFi.

For most short-term visitors, a prepaid travel eSIM offers the best balance of convenience, cost control and fast access after arrival. It can be purchased before departure, installed on stable WiFi and used without removing the primary SIM card.

A local SIM is often better when you need a Taiwanese telephone number or traditional calls. Roaming may suit a very short trip when the home operator offers a reasonably priced package, while public WiFi is useful for reducing data consumption but is not reliable enough to be the only connection.

Quick recommendation: Choose a travel eSIM for a normal tourist trip, a local prepaid SIM when you need a Taiwanese number, roaming only when the total price is competitive, and WiFi as a supplement rather than your primary internet source.

Best Internet Options in Taiwan Compared

Option	Best For	Main Advantage	Main Limitation
Travel eSIM	Most short-term tourists	Online purchase and quick activation	Usually data-only
Local prepaid SIM	Travellers needing a local number	May include calls and SMS	Requires in-person purchase
International roaming	Very short or occasional use	No additional SIM setup	Can be expensive
Public WiFi	Reducing data use	Often free	Coverage and security vary
Pocket WiFi	Groups carrying several devices	Can connect multiple users	Extra device to charge and return

What Is the Best Overall Option?

For most tourists, a travel eSIM is the best overall way to get internet in Taiwan. It removes the need to visit a mobile shop, keeps the primary SIM available and provides a clear prepaid data allowance.

It is particularly suitable when you want:

• Internet shortly after landing.
• Mobile data without replacing your SIM card.
• Predictable spending.
• Easy access to maps and transport applications.
• To keep your normal number active for SMS.
• To avoid airport queues.

When Is a Local SIM Better?

A local prepaid SIM is a better choice when you need more than mobile data.

Consider a local SIM when you require:

• A Taiwanese telephone number.
• Traditional local calls.
• Local SMS services.
• In-person installation assistance.
• A connection for a phone without eSIM support.
• A longer-term local mobile arrangement.

Physical SIM registration may require a passport or other identification.

When Is International Roaming Worth Using?

International roaming can be practical when your home operator offers a reasonably priced package covering Taiwan.

It may be suitable when:

• Your trip is only one or two days.
• You expect very light mobile use.
• Your plan includes Taiwan at no extra charge.
• You need your normal number for business calls.
• You prefer not to install another SIM profile.

Before relying on roaming, compare the total cost with a prepaid eSIM. Check data limits, daily fees, incoming call charges and automatic renewal rules.

Is Public WiFi Enough?

Public WiFi is available in many airports, hotels, cafés, shopping centres and transport areas, but it should not be your only connection.

WiFi is useful for:

• Downloading large files.
• Updating applications.
• Backing up photos.
• Streaming in accommodation.
• Reducing mobile data consumption.

It is less suitable for navigation between destinations because the connection may disappear as soon as you leave the building.

Is Pocket WiFi a Good Option?

Pocket WiFi is a portable router that connects several devices to one mobile data connection. It can be useful for families, groups or travellers carrying multiple devices.

Its advantages include:

• Connection for several devices.
• No need to change SIM settings on each phone.
• Useful for tablets and laptops.

Its disadvantages include:

• An additional device to carry.
• A battery that requires charging.
• Pickup or delivery arrangements.
• Possible deposit or return requirements.
• Loss of connection when group members separate.

Best Option by Type of Traveller

Traveller	Best Internet Option
First-time visitor	Prepaid travel eSIM
Weekend traveller	Small eSIM or competitive roaming pass
Backpacker	Moderate or high-data eSIM
Road-trip traveller	eSIM or local SIM using broad network coverage
Remote worker	High-data eSIM plus reliable accommodation WiFi
Traveller needing local calls	Local prepaid SIM
Family or group	Individual eSIMs or Pocket WiFi

Best Option for a Short Taiwan Trip

For a short city break, a small or moderate travel eSIM is usually the easiest option. It provides enough data for airport transfers, maps, messaging and restaurant searches.

A roaming pass may also work if:

• It has a low fixed daily price.
• It includes enough high-speed data.
• It does not renew beyond the trip.
• Incoming calls are not excessively expensive.

Best Option for One or Two Weeks

For a one- or two-week trip, a travel eSIM usually offers better cost control than repeated daily roaming fees.

Choose enough data for:

• Daily navigation.
• Train and bus information.
• Messaging.
• Translation.
• Restaurant and attraction searches.
• Photo uploads.

Make sure the validity extends through your departure day.

Best Option for a Long Stay

Long-term visitors should compare a long-validity eSIM with local prepaid and domestic mobile plans.

A local SIM may be more suitable when you need:

• A Taiwanese number.
• Local calls and SMS.
• Recurring mobile service.
• Access to number-based local services.

A travel eSIM remains useful when your priority is mobile data and you do not need local voice services.

Best Option for a Taiwan Road Trip

For a road trip, network coverage is more important than the format of the SIM. Choose a plan using a network with broad geographic availability.

Mobile signal may be weaker:

• On mountain roads.
• Inside tunnels.
• In valleys.
• Along isolated coastal routes.
• On remote hiking trails.

Download offline maps and accommodation addresses before entering remote regions.

Best Option for Taipei

Visitors staying mainly in Taipei can usually use any reputable eSIM or prepaid SIM connected to an established local network.

Mobile data is helpful for:

• Metro navigation.
• Night market searches.
• Restaurant reservations.
• Translation.
• Mobile tickets.
• Ride and taxi applications.

A small or moderate plan may be enough when hotel WiFi is used regularly.

Best Option for Taiwan’s East Coast

Travellers visiting Hualien, Taitung or remote east-coast areas should prioritise coverage over the lowest price.

Choose a plan that:

• Uses a broadly available network.
• Has enough data for frequent navigation.
• Remains valid for the full route.
• Supports manual network selection when needed.

Best Option for Remote Work

Remote workers need more than basic connectivity. The plan should support high-speed data, hotspot use and stable access inside the accommodation.

A practical setup includes:

• A high-data eSIM.
• Reliable hotel or apartment WiFi.
• Personal Hotspot as backup.
• Offline copies of important files.
• A second connection for critical meetings.

Do not rely solely on reduced-speed unlimited data for video conferences.

Best Option for Families and Groups

Families can choose between separate eSIMs for each compatible phone and a shared Pocket WiFi device.

Setup	Main Advantage	Main Limitation
Individual eSIMs	Each person remains independently connected	Separate plan needed for each phone
Pocket WiFi	One connection shared by several devices	Everyone must stay near the router
Phone hotspot	No extra router required	Consumes phone battery and plan data

Best Option for Travellers on a Budget

Budget travellers should compare the complete cost rather than only the advertised price.

Check:

• Total data allowance.
• Plan validity.
• Daily high-speed limits.
• Network coverage.
• Hotspot restrictions.
• Activation fees.
• Pickup or delivery costs.

A slightly more expensive eSIM can be better value if it avoids airport transport, shop queues and daily roaming charges.

Travel eSIM vs Local SIM

Feature	Travel eSIM	Local SIM
Purchase timing	Before or during the trip	Usually after arrival
Installation	Digital	Physical
Local number	Usually not included	May be included
Primary SIM	Can remain installed	May need to be removed
Registration	Normally completed online	May require passport verification
Best use	Convenient tourist data	Local calls and number-based services

Travel eSIM vs International Roaming

Feature	Travel eSIM	International Roaming
Cost structure	Prepaid plan	Daily pass or usage-based charge
Setup	Requires installation	Uses existing SIM
Cost predictability	Generally clear	Depends on operator rules
Normal number	Remains available separately	Used directly
Best for	Regular travel data use	Very short or light use

How Much Data Do You Need?

Your data requirement depends on your daily activities.

Activity	Relative Data Use
Messaging	Very low
Maps	Low to moderate
Browsing	Moderate
Photo uploads	Moderate
Video calls	High
Streaming	Very high
Hotspot use	High

Fixed Data vs Unlimited-Style Plans

A fixed-data plan provides a defined allowance for the complete validity period. It is suitable when you can estimate your usage.

An unlimited-style plan may provide ongoing access but include a daily high-speed limit. NoveSIM unlimited-style plans may provide 1GB of high-speed data per 24 hours, followed by reduced speed until the next daily reset.

Before choosing an unlimited-style plan, check:

• The daily high-speed allowance.
• The reduced speed.
• The daily reset timing.
• The plan validity.
• Whether hotspot use is permitted.

Which Mobile Networks Are Available?

Major Taiwanese mobile operators include:

• Chunghwa Telecom.
• Taiwan Mobile.
• Far EasTone.

The network used by a travel eSIM depends on the provider’s local partner agreement. Some plans connect through one operator, while others support more than one compatible network.

Does 5G Matter?

5G can provide faster speeds in supported areas, but it is not necessary for most tourist activities.

Stable 4G is sufficient for:

• Maps.
• Messaging.
• Transport applications.
• Translation.
• Browsing.
• Internet calls.

Prioritise coverage, validity and high-speed data before focusing on the 5G label.

Can You Keep Your Main SIM Active?

Yes. With a travel eSIM and dual-SIM phone, your main SIM can remain active for calls, SMS and verification codes.

To prevent accidental roaming charges:

• Select the Taiwan eSIM for mobile data.
• Disable Data Roaming on the primary SIM.
• Disable automatic cellular data switching.
• Check incoming call and SMS charges.

Will WhatsApp Keep Your Existing Number?

Yes. WhatsApp normally stays registered to your existing number while using mobile data from the Taiwan eSIM.

You can continue using:

• Existing conversations.
• Group chats.
• Voice calls.
• Video calls.
• Photo sharing.
• Live location.

Does a Travel eSIM Include Calls and SMS?

NoveSIM plans are data-only. They do not normally include a Taiwanese phone number, standard SMS or traditional voice minutes.

You can communicate through:

• WhatsApp.
• Viber.
• Messenger.
• Telegram.
• Other internet calling applications.

Can You Use Personal Hotspot?

Personal Hotspot may be supported depending on the selected plan and phone. It can connect a laptop, tablet or another device.

Check hotspot availability before purchase when it is essential for:

• Remote work.
• Sharing data with another traveller.
• Connecting a tablet.
• Using a laptop during transport.

How to Check eSIM Compatibility

Dial *#06# and look for an EID. An EID normally indicates that the phone supports eSIM.

Also confirm:

• The exact device model supports eSIM.
• The regional version includes eSIM.
• The phone is carrier-unlocked.
• An available eSIM slot remains.

How to Prepare the eSIM Before Departure

1. Choose a Taiwan plan with enough data and validity.
2. Confirm that the phone supports eSIM.
3. Install the profile on stable WiFi.
4. Label it NoveSIM or Taiwan Travel.
5. Keep the home SIM labelled clearly.
6. Save the installation instructions.
7. Do not delete the profile after installation.

How to Connect After Arrival

1. Turn off Airplane Mode.
2. Enable the Taiwan travel eSIM.
3. Select it as the preferred mobile data line.
4. Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM.
5. Disable Data Roaming on the primary SIM.
6. Disable automatic cellular data switching.
7. Wait several minutes for network registration.
8. Turn WiFi off and test the connection.

Recommended Mobile Settings

Setting	Recommended Configuration
Taiwan eSIM	Enabled
Preferred mobile data line	NoveSIM or Taiwan Travel
Data Roaming on travel eSIM	Enabled
Primary SIM	May remain active for calls and SMS
Data Roaming on primary SIM	Disabled
Automatic data switching	Disabled
Network selection	Automatic initially
APN	data.esim

What APN Should You Use?

For NoveSIM, use the following APN when manual configuration is required:

APN Field	Value
Name	NoveSIM
APN	data.esim
Username	Leave blank
Password	Leave blank

What If the Internet Does Not Work?

1. Turn WiFi off.
2. Confirm the Taiwan eSIM is enabled.
3. Select it for mobile data.
4. Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM.
5. Disable automatic data switching.
6. Check that the APN is data.esim.
7. Activate Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds.
8. Restart the phone if necessary.

Do Not Delete the eSIM

Do not delete the eSIM as an initial troubleshooting step. Many QR codes are valid for one installation only and may not work again after removal.

Before deleting anything:

• Check the selected data line.
• Verify Data Roaming.
• Confirm the APN.
• Refresh the network connection.
• Check the plan validity and remaining data.
• Contact support.

Can You Top Up the Plan?

NoveSIM plans cannot normally be topped up or extended on the same QR code. A new plan may be required when the allowance is consumed or the validity expires.

Choose enough data and validity for the complete trip before purchasing.

Final Decision Checklist

• Do you need a Taiwanese phone number?
• Does your phone support eSIM?
• Is the phone carrier-unlocked?
• How many days will you stay?
• How much high-speed data do you need?
• Will you use Personal Hotspot?
• Which local network does the plan use?
• Does the validity cover the full trip?
• Is roaming cheaper than a prepaid plan?
• Will you travel through mountain or remote areas?

Related Articles

• Taiwan eSIM
• Best eSIM for Taiwan
• Buy an eSIM for Taiwan
• Best SIM Card for Taiwan
• Mobile Internet in Taiwan
• Internet in Taiwan for Tourists
• Local SIM vs eSIM in Taiwan
• How to Get Mobile Internet in Taiwan

FAQ

What is the best way to get internet in Taiwan?

For most tourists, a prepaid travel eSIM is the best option because it can be installed before departure and used without replacing the primary SIM.

Is a local SIM better than an eSIM?

A local SIM is better when you need a Taiwanese number or traditional calls. An eSIM is usually better for convenient data-only travel.

Is international roaming a good option?

It can be suitable for a very short stay when your operator offers a competitive package. Check all data, call and renewal charges first.

Can I rely only on public WiFi?

Public WiFi is useful as a supplement, but it is not available everywhere and may not be secure or reliable enough for continuous travel navigation.

Is Pocket WiFi better for a group?

It can be useful when everyone stays together. Individual eSIMs are more practical when group members may separate.

Can I keep my normal SIM active?

Yes. Select the Taiwan eSIM for data, disable roaming on the primary SIM and turn off automatic data switching.

Will WhatsApp keep my existing number?

Yes. WhatsApp normally remains linked to your original number while using mobile data from the Taiwan eSIM.

What APN should I use for NoveSIM?

Use data.esim and leave the username and password blank unless different instructions are supplied.

Can I use Personal Hotspot?

Hotspot support depends on the selected plan and device. Check the product conditions before relying on it.

Should I delete the eSIM if it does not connect?

No. Check the data line, Data Roaming, APN and network settings first. The QR code may be valid for one installation only.

Final Recommendation

For most visitors, the best way to get internet in Taiwan is to use a prepaid travel eSIM. It provides fast setup, predictable data costs and the ability to keep the main SIM active for calls, SMS and verification codes.

Choose a local SIM when you need a Taiwanese phone number, traditional calls or long-term local service. Use international roaming only after checking the full cost, and treat public WiFi as a useful supplement rather than your only connection.

Install the eSIM on stable WiFi before departure. After arrival, select it for mobile data, enable Data Roaming on the travel line, disable roaming on the primary SIM and use the APN data.esim when manual configuration is required.