How to Get Mobile Internet in Taiwan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting mobile internet in Taiwan is straightforward when you prepare the connection before your trip. Tourists can use a travel eSIM, buy a local prepaid SIM card, activate an international roaming package or rely partly on public and hotel WiFi.

For most short-term visitors, a prepaid travel eSIM is the fastest option. You can purchase it online, install it on stable WiFi before departure and activate mobile data after landing without removing your main SIM card.

A local physical SIM may be more suitable when your phone does not support eSIM or when you need a Taiwanese phone number. International roaming requires less setup, but it can be expensive if Taiwan is not included in your normal mobile plan.

Quick setup: Check that your phone supports eSIM, choose a plan covering your full trip, install it before departure, select it as the preferred mobile data line in Taiwan and enable Data Roaming only on the travel eSIM.

Step 1: Choose How You Want to Connect

Before travelling, decide whether you will use an eSIM, local SIM, roaming package or WiFi.

Option	Best For	Main Limitation
Travel eSIM	Fast prepaid mobile data	Usually data-only
Local prepaid SIM	Travellers needing a Taiwanese number	Requires an in-person purchase
International roaming	Very short stays and occasional use	May be expensive
Public WiFi	Reducing mobile data consumption	Not available everywhere

Option 1: Use a Taiwan Travel eSIM

A travel eSIM is a digital mobile profile installed directly on a compatible smartphone. It connects through a supported Taiwanese network and supplies prepaid mobile data.

An eSIM is usually the most practical option when you want:

• Internet shortly after landing.
• No airport counter or mobile shop visit.
• No physical SIM replacement.
• Predictable prepaid spending.
• Access to maps and transport applications.
• To keep your normal SIM active.

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

Option 2: Buy a Local Prepaid SIM

A local SIM card can usually be purchased from airport counters, official operator stores and authorised retailers.

This option may be better when:

• Your phone does not support eSIM.
• You need a Taiwanese phone number.
• You need traditional local calls.
• You prefer in-person assistance.
• You are staying for an extended period.

You may need to present a passport or complete another identification process during purchase.

Option 3: Activate International Roaming

International roaming allows your home SIM to connect to a Taiwanese mobile network. It is convenient because you do not need to install another profile, but the cost may be considerably higher than a prepaid data plan.

Before enabling roaming, check:

• Whether Taiwan is specifically included.
• The daily roaming charge.
• The included high-speed data.
• The cost after the allowance is used.
• Incoming and outgoing call charges.
• SMS and voicemail charges.
• Whether the package renews automatically.

Taiwan is outside the EU and EEA roaming area, so European domestic roaming rules do not automatically apply.

Option 4: Use Public and Hotel WiFi

WiFi is available in many airports, hotels, cafés, shopping centres and transport locations. It can reduce your mobile data use, but it is not a complete replacement for a travel connection.

Public WiFi may:

• Require registration.
• Have limited coverage.
• Offer inconsistent speed.
• Disconnect when you leave the building.
• Be unsuitable for sensitive activity.

Use WiFi for large downloads and mobile data for navigation while travelling.

Step 2: Check Whether Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before buying an eSIM, confirm that your exact phone model supports the technology.

Dial *#06# and look for an EID. The presence of an EID usually indicates eSIM support.

You should also confirm:

• The exact model supports eSIM.
• The regional version includes eSIM functionality.
• The phone is carrier-unlocked.
• An available eSIM profile slot remains.
• The operating system is updated.

Some phone models are sold in different regional versions, and not every version has identical SIM capabilities.

Step 3: Estimate How Much Data You Need

The correct allowance depends on your trip length and how you use the phone.

Activity	Typical Data Demand
Text messaging	Very low
Maps and navigation	Low to moderate
Web browsing	Moderate
Photo uploads	Moderate
Video calls	High
Video streaming	Very high
Laptop hotspot use	High

Recommended Plan by Trip Type

Trip Type	Recommended Plan Approach
Three to five days	Small fixed-data plan
One week	Moderate allowance for daily navigation
Two weeks	Larger fixed-data plan
Heavy social media use	High-data or unlimited-style plan
Remote work	High-speed plan with hotspot support
Road trip	Large allowance with broad network coverage

Step 4: Check the Plan Validity

Choose a plan that remains active until the end of your trip. A plan with enough data may still be unsuitable if its validity expires before your departure date.

Review:

• The number of valid days.
• When the validity begins.
• Whether installation starts the plan.
• Whether activation begins after network connection.
• Whether unused data expires.

Follow the activation instructions supplied with the specific plan.

Step 5: Compare Fixed and Unlimited-Style Data

A fixed-data plan gives you a defined allowance for the full validity period. It is often suitable for maps, messaging, browsing and normal tourist use.

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

Check:

• The daily high-speed allowance.
• The speed after the threshold.
• The daily reset period.
• Whether Personal Hotspot is supported.
• The total validity.

Step 6: Purchase the Taiwan eSIM

After selecting a suitable plan, complete the purchase using accurate contact information. The QR code and installation instructions are normally delivered digitally.

Before closing the purchase page:

• Confirm the destination is Taiwan.
• Check the selected data allowance.
• Review the validity.
• Check the activation policy.
• Confirm the email address is correct.
• Save the order confirmation.

Step 7: Install the eSIM Before Departure

Install the profile while connected to stable WiFi. Do not wait until you are standing at the airport without a reliable connection.

Before installation:

• Open the QR code on another device or screen.
• Charge the phone.
• Connect to stable WiFi.
• Keep the installation instructions available.
• Do not scan the QR code with the normal camera application.

How to Install the Taiwan eSIM on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Tap Add eSIM.
4. Select Use QR Code.
5. Scan the supplied QR code.
6. Confirm the new mobile plan.
7. Label it Taiwan Travel or NoveSIM.
8. Keep it disabled until needed if instructed.

How to Install the Taiwan eSIM on Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections, Network and Internet or SIM Manager.
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
4. Select the QR code option.
5. Scan the supplied code.
6. Confirm the installation.
7. Label the profile Taiwan Travel or NoveSIM.
8. Keep it disabled until needed if instructed.

The exact menu names vary between Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Motorola and other Android manufacturers.

Step 8: Configure the SIMs Before Travel

Label the home SIM and travel eSIM clearly so that you do not select the wrong line after arrival.

Line	Suggested Label
Normal SIM	Primary or Home
Taiwan eSIM	NoveSIM or Taiwan Travel

Keep the QR code and installation details saved until you confirm that the profile is installed successfully.

Step 9: Activate Mobile Internet After Landing

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

Recommended Taiwan eSIM Settings

Setting	Recommended Configuration
Taiwan travel 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

Why Data Roaming Must Be Enabled on the Travel eSIM

A travel eSIM often connects through a partner network. The phone may therefore classify the connection as roaming, even though the data is included in the prepaid plan.

The correct configuration is:

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

Step 10: Check the APN

Most phones configure the APN automatically. If mobile data does not work, verify the APN settings.

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

Save the APN and make sure the new profile is selected.

Step 11: Test the Connection

Turn off WiFi before testing. Otherwise, the phone may appear connected even though the mobile data profile is not working.

Test by:

• Opening a webpage.
• Loading a map.
• Sending a WhatsApp message.
• Checking whether a mobile network symbol appears.

What If the eSIM Does Not Connect?

1. Turn WiFi off.
2. Confirm the travel eSIM is enabled.
3. Select it as the mobile data line.
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. Turn Airplane Mode off and wait several minutes.
9. Restart the phone if necessary.

Should You Select a Network Manually?

Keep network selection on Automatic initially. The phone should register on an available supported partner network.

Manual selection may help when:

• The phone shows No Service.
• Automatic registration takes too long.
• The device remains connected without mobile data.

Select only a network supported by the eSIM plan. A network can appear in the menu but still reject registration.

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

Can You Keep Your Primary SIM Active?

Yes. A dual-SIM phone can keep the normal SIM active for calls, SMS and verification codes while the Taiwan eSIM supplies mobile internet.

To reduce the risk of roaming charges:

• Disable Data Roaming on the home SIM.
• Use the Taiwan eSIM for mobile data.
• Disable automatic data switching.
• Check the cost of receiving calls abroad.
• Avoid answering unnecessary roaming calls.

Will WhatsApp Keep Your Normal Number?

Yes. WhatsApp normally remains registered to your existing phone number even when data comes from the Taiwan eSIM.

You can continue using:

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

Can You Make Phone Calls?

NoveSIM plans are data-only and do not normally include traditional mobile calls, a local phone number or standard SMS.

You can make internet calls through:

• WhatsApp.
• Viber.
• Messenger.
• Telegram.
• Other VoIP services.

Can You Use Personal Hotspot?

Personal Hotspot may work depending on the selected plan and phone. It allows a laptop, tablet or another device to use the mobile connection.

Hotspot use can consume data quickly through:

• Video meetings.
• Cloud backups.
• Software updates.
• Streaming.
• Large downloads.

Disable automatic updates on connected devices before tethering.

How to Get Internet at the Airport

A pre-installed eSIM can provide mobile data shortly after landing. This is useful for checking transport routes, contacting accommodation and opening travel documents.

If you have not purchased an eSIM, you may be able to use airport WiFi while comparing local SIM cards or online plans.

Airport mobile counters may be useful when you:

• Need a physical SIM.
• Need a local number.
• Want staff assistance.
• Have a phone without eSIM support.

How to Stay Connected on a Taiwan Road Trip

Choose a plan using a network with broad geographic coverage and download offline information before entering remote areas.

Before driving:

• Download regional maps.
• Save accommodation addresses.
• Store rental-car documents.
• Save emergency contact details.
• Carry a phone charger or power bank.

Signal may weaken in tunnels, valleys, mountain regions and isolated coastal areas.

How to Reduce Data Consumption

• Download offline maps before travel.
• Pause cloud photo backups.
• Disable automatic application updates.
• Reduce video streaming quality.
• Turn off social media autoplay.
• Use hotel WiFi for large downloads.
• Monitor mobile data through phone settings.

Can You Top Up the eSIM?

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

Choose enough data and validity for the full trip, particularly when travelling for several weeks or using Personal Hotspot.

Mobile Internet Setup Checklist

• Choose between eSIM, physical SIM and roaming.
• Confirm that your phone is carrier-unlocked.
• Check eSIM support by dialling *#06#.
• Select enough data for the trip.
• Check the activation and validity rules.
• Install the eSIM on stable WiFi.
• Label both mobile lines clearly.
• Select the Taiwan eSIM for mobile data.
• Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM.
• Disable roaming on the primary SIM.
• Disable automatic data switching.
• Use the APN data.esim when required.
• Download offline maps.
• Do not delete the eSIM during troubleshooting.

Related Articles

• Taiwan eSIM
• Best eSIM for Taiwan
• Buy an eSIM for Taiwan
• Mobile Internet in Taiwan
• Internet in Taiwan for Tourists
• Local SIM vs eSIM in Taiwan

FAQ

What is the easiest way to get mobile internet in Taiwan?

A prepaid travel eSIM is usually the easiest option because it can be purchased and installed before departure.

Can I install a Taiwan eSIM before travelling?

Yes. Install it using stable WiFi and follow the plan’s activation instructions to avoid starting the validity too early.

Do I need to enable Data Roaming?

Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM because it connects through a partner network. Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM.

Can I keep my usual SIM active?

Yes. Keep it active for calls and SMS, but disable its Data Roaming and automatic mobile data switching.

Will WhatsApp keep my original number?

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

Does a Taiwan eSIM include phone calls?

NoveSIM plans are data-only. You can make calls through WhatsApp, Viber and other internet calling services.

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 availability depends on the plan and device. Check the product conditions before relying on it for remote work.

What should I do if the eSIM does not connect?

Check the preferred mobile data line, enable Data Roaming, verify the APN and activate Airplane Mode for approximately 30 seconds.

Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

No. Do not delete it before contacting support because the QR code may be valid for one installation only.

Final Recommendation

The simplest way to get mobile internet in Taiwan is to purchase a travel eSIM before departure, install it on stable WiFi and prepare the dual-SIM settings in advance. After landing, enable the Taiwan eSIM, select it for mobile data and turn on Data Roaming for that line.

Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM and turn off automatic mobile data switching to avoid unexpected charges. Use the APN data.esim when manual configuration is needed, download offline maps for remote areas and keep the eSIM installed until the trip is complete.