The 3 Best eSIMs for Taiwan & My Top Recommendation

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If you are here, it means you’ve decided to visit Taiwan and I couldn’t be happier for you! Taiwan is one of my favourite places in the world and knowing more and more people are visiting it gives me pure joy ✨

If you’re looking for the best eSIMs for Taiwan, I’ve got your back! Alessandro and I spent almost 2 months in Taiwan testing eSIMs from Trip.com and Taiwan Mobile. While we didn’t personally test global brands like Airalo or Saily because they are pricier for long durations, we know many travelers love them.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top choices so you can weigh the pros and cons and pick the one that best fits your travel style.

Best eSIMS for Taiwan – The Basics

• First off, what is an eSIM? It is basically a digital version of a physical SIM card. install it on your phone using the instructions of the provider before arriving at your destination, activate it when you land and you’re good to go.
• Why choose eSIMs over physical SIM cards? You can keep your home country’s physical SIM active and switch physical and eSIM via a simple toggle. For us, this was essential to have to receive SMS codes for government sites or banking. Plus, you avoid collecting and carrying a tiny bag of physical SIM cards and SIM ejector pins, and create zero waste.
• Does my phone support eSIM? Open your phone’s keypad and dial *#06#. If the EID* is displayed then it means your phone supports eSIM. You can also just type in Google your phone’s model and check your phone provider’s official website. The first method is faster though.
• Do I need an eSIM in Taiwan? Yes, unless you have an international roaming plan from home, you will need data immediately upon landing to figure out transport and stay connected throughout your trip.

* EID (Embedded Identity Document) a unique 32-digit serial number that identifies the built-in eSIM chip inside your phone.

The 2 Best eSIMs for Taiwan – My Review

1. Trip eSIM

I discovered Trip.com’s eSIM services while searching for affordable options for our South Korea trip. I stumbled upon Trip.com and was shocked by how affordable it was. Having used their eSIMs across South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, I was very happy with the coverage and cost.

This eSIM for Taiwan covers the whole country using Taiwan Mobile and Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan’s 2 largest network carriers). Don’t worry – you’ll keep access to AI tools, social media, and navigation apps without issues.

The plan I chose: I opted for the ’30 Days’ option (see Package and Price section), and the ‘Total 30GB’ option since we would stay in Taiwan for a long time. This only cost me €10.20, which is a big difference compared to other eSIM providers out there.

❗️The only downside of such providers like Trip, Airalo, or Holafly is that they don’t come with a Taiwanese number. If you need to make or receive phone calls, for example to make or confirm restaurant reservations, you will need to use apps like Line or Whatsapp.

How to install & activate it: When you purchase the eSIM via Trip you will receive an email with step-by-step instructions. You can install it before you arrive in Taiwan, and activate it once you land. It might look intimidating the first time, but it’s very straightforward once you follow the ‘How to use’ section.

From my experience this is the best eSIM for Taiwan and is our Top recommendation for pure value.

2. Taiwan Mobile eSIM

If you prefer to have a local phone number, going straight with a local network carrier like Taiwan Mobile is one of the best eSIMs for Taiwan.

Alessandro opted for this eSIM and specifically chose the ’30 Day Pass’, which gave him unlimited data for 30 days and local phone call minutes for 1000 NTD (~ €27.3 / $31.50).

He bought his at Taoyuan International Airport (Arrival hall). You can also reserve an eSIM online and pick it up at any physical store in the city, but the airport option is much easier.

❗️Remember to keep your passport handy, as it is mandatory for the registration.

The cost of his plan with Taiwan Mobile was almost triple compared to mine, but we didn’t mind because we wanted to test a second eSIM and have a reliable backup in case we decide to do any remote hiking.

We also used it a couple of times to make reservations at some restaurants but if you don’t have a local number there are ways around this, like using Line or Whatsapp as I said before, or booking via an online system.

After 2 months in Taiwan, I had zero connectivity issues with my Trip.com eSIM and will definitely use it again for its unbeatable affordability.

3. Airalo & Saily

If you have traveled internationally before, you are likely already familiar with Airalo or Saily. These are two of the biggest names in the global eSIM market, known for their dedicated mobile apps, and reliable customer support.

• Airalo offers region-specific data packs with a very user-friendly app. While they are slightly more expensive than budget alternatives like Trip.com, many travelers love the convenience and app interface.
• Saily is a fantastic option that provides straightforward, secure data plans with seamless installation and great network reliability.

While these global options cost a bit more than our top budget pick, they are great, trusted alternatives if you prefer managing your data through a specialized travel app.

Final Thoughts on best eSIMs for Taiwan

When searching for the best eSIMs for Taiwan, you’ll find several great providers that all offer solid network coverage across the country. The right choice ultimately comes down to your budget and travel style:

• Go with Trip.com if you want the absolute best value and affordability.

• Go with Airalo or Saily if you prefer using dedicated global eSIM apps.

• Go with Taiwan Mobile if you prefer landing at the airport, getting set up in person, and having a local phone number.