Getting ready for Taiwan and choosing your internet
A first-time Taiwan checklist from documents and money to transport cards, plus how to choose between a Taiwan SIM, eSIM or roaming, estimate data and set up before flying.
En bref
- For a first trip to Taiwan, prepare entry documents and any required forms by checking official sites, set up how you will pay, plan city transport, then pick internet from a Taiwan SIM, an eSIM or roaming on your home SIM. An eSIM is convenient if your phone supports it and you want to set up in advance.
- How much data you need depends on trip length and how you use your phone. Estimate it using the method below, then check the live plan price before you buy.
Before you book: documents and entry conditions
Taiwan's entry conditions, such as visa exemptions, permitted length of stay and any online arrival registration, can change over time and by nationality. Check Taiwan's official websites or the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand before buying tickets, every time. This page does not state any rule as fact.
- Passport: check remaining validity against official requirements. See our passport and visa basics guide.
- Online forms: if there are any, fill them in only through official links and keep the approval page on your phone and on paper.
- Onward ticket and lodging proof: have them ready in case you are asked.
First trip to Taiwan: the simplest order
Taiwan is a popular choice for first-timers because big cities are generally easy to move around by public transport, but it still pays to order your tasks: documents and bookings first, then money and transport, and finally internet and apps, which are easier to adjust.
- 1Confirm documents and datesCheck official sites and keep proof before you buy tickets and book lodging.
- 2Sort out paymentPrepare some cash, a card that works abroad and a backup option.
- 3Plan city transportCheck the airport-to-city route and transport card or ticket options on official sites.
- 4Choose and set up internetUse the method in the next sections, and install the eSIM before flying if you pick that route.
Money, cards and payment in Taiwan
Taiwan has both card-friendly shops and cash-leaning ones. Night markets and small eateries are often easier with cash, while department stores and larger shops accept cards more widely. Prepare both, and check foreign card fees in your own bank's fee schedule.
- If a terminal asks which currency to charge in, see our currency and card charges guide.
- Set up your banking app and identity confirmation before flying. See our banking apps abroad and SMS OTP articles.
- Do not carry more cash than necessary, and keep cards in separate places.
Getting around: transport cards and tickets
Taiwan's big cities usually have rechargeable tap cards that work on many metro and bus lines and, in some places, for small purchases. The card formats, how to buy and top up, and whether you can use one on your phone can change, so check the transport operator and airport websites.
| Situation | How to think about it |
|---|---|
| Frequent metro and bus rides | A tap card is usually easier than single tickets. Check purchase, top-up and refund terms with the operator. |
| Intercity train trips | Check timetables and how to book on official sites. Book ahead around holidays. |
| Airport to city | Look at train, bus or taxi options on the airport website and compare real travel time with your arrival time. |
Transport situations in Taiwan
Offline maps help when signal is poor. See our offline maps and navigation guide for how to prepare.
Taiwan SIM, Taiwan eSIM or roaming: how to choose
Taiwan offers several internet options. Decide on three things: whether your phone supports eSIM, whether you need a Taiwanese phone number, and how comfortable you are handling a physical SIM. Important: our eSIMs are data-only, with no phone number or SMS.
| Option | Convient à | À surveiller |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Phones with eSIM support, setup before flying, mostly data use. | Check model and network lock. There is no Taiwanese phone number. |
| Carte SIM physique — Taïwan | Phones without eSIM, or people wanting a plan that includes voice under the provider's terms. | Purchase and registration terms differ by provider. Check official sources, and you must swap out your home SIM. |
| Home SIM roaming | You want your usual number reachable and will check the terms. | Prices and terms vary a lot. See our eSIM vs roaming comparison. |
Internet options compared for Taiwan
For more on picking a Taiwan eSIM plan, read our article on which Taiwan eSIM plan to choose.
Estimating data for a Taiwan trip yourself
There is no universal figure. Use three steps: count the days, classify your use as light, medium or heavy, and check whether your lodging has stable Wi-Fi. A trip heavy on social media and video, or one where you share your connection with friends, will use more than one relying mainly on maps.
- Light: maps, messaging and occasional searches.
- Medium: maps, photos, social media, short video and translation.
- Heavy: streaming, video calls, hotspot for others or working from your phone.
Pick a size with a little headroom and review real use after the first two days. The data calculator takes some guesswork out, and our guide on how much data you need goes deeper.
Setting up an eSIM before flying and checking it on arrival
- 1Vérifiez le modèle de votre téléphoneUse our device checker to see whether it supports eSIM and has no network lock.
- 2Buy and installBuy a plan and scan the emailed QR code while you still have Wi-Fi. See our eSIM install guide.
- 3Switch on at the destinationTurn on data roaming for the eSIM line and set it as the mobile data line, following the plan's activation terms.
- 4Test before leaving the airportTurn Wi-Fi off and open a map to confirm data works. If you hit problems, see our airport arrival connectivity article.
Pre-flight checklist for Taiwan
- Entry documents and forms: recheck official sites before flying and keep proof.
- Some cash, a card that works abroad and a backup card.
- Airport-to-lodging route and day-one plan saved offline.
- eSIM installed, or a backup internet plan.
- Plugs, power bank and airline rules. See our plug guide and power bank rules articles.
- Travel insurance and emergency contacts saved on your phone and on paper.
A wider list is in our before-you-fly checklist, and tips for the first day are in our first 24 hours abroad article.
Questions fréquentes
How do I get internet in Taiwan?+
Use an eSIM, a physical SIM bought in Taiwan, or roaming on your home SIM. Decide by your phone's ability, whether you need a phone number and convenience, and check live prices before buying.
What is the difference between a Taiwan SIM and a Taiwan eSIM?+
A physical SIM is a card you insert, while an eSIM is a digital profile installed by QR code and can be set up in advance. Our eSIMs are data-only.
Do I need a visa or any form before going to Taiwan?+
Conditions can change by nationality and period. Check Taiwan's official websites or the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office before buying tickets.
Should I carry cash in Taiwan?+
Yes, some, because night markets and small shops may be easier with cash, while larger shops take cards more widely. Bring a backup card too.
Dois-je installer l'eSIM avant de m'envoler ou après l'atterrissage ?+
It is wise to install while you have Wi-Fi and switch it on at your destination following the plan's terms, so you are not hunting for a connection right after landing.
How much data do I need for 5 or 7 days in Taiwan?+
There is no fixed number. Estimate from days, usage style and lodging Wi-Fi, use the data calculator and leave a little headroom.
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