Unveiling Taiwan eSIM: A shocking experience during travel

This post is shared by Belle, a global travel enthusiast from the UK. During Belle's just concluded 8-day trip to Taiwan, she fully experienced the culture, food and nature of this beautiful island. In order to stay connected while traveling, she opted for eSIM service. In this article, she will detail her experience of using eSIM in Taiwan, combining the practicalities of each attraction to help you better plan your trip.

1. Which is the best eSIM in Taiwan?

1.1 Chunghwa Telecom

• Wide network coverage: Chunghwa Telecom's network signal is very stable in popular spots such as Taipei City, Shilin Night Market and Kaohsiung Hama Star. When I was at the Shilin Night Market, I was able to quickly load a map and look up food stalls without missing out on delicious food due to poor signal.
• Enrichment of package choices: Chunghwa Telecom offers a wide range of data packages to suit travelers with different needs. I chose a short-term package that includes enough traffic to support my casual Internet access throughout my trip.

1.2 Taiwan Mobile

• Fast Internet Speed: When I traveled to Jiufen Old Street, my friends who used Taiwan Mobile experienced faster Internet speeds and were able to upload photos smoothly.
• Signal Coverage: Although Taiwan Mobile's signal performance is good in some cities, it may be unstable in remote areas such as Taroko.

1.3 PhoneSIMGo

• I used this eism during my whole trip to Taiwan, I compared a lot of them, their customer service is really good, they are available 7*24 hours to help me solve the problems I encountered during my trip, and the price is cheaper than the official one, and when the traffic is about to run out, they will warmly remind you to avoid exceeding the budget!

2. Does eSIM support all areas in Taiwan?

• Major Cities: Chunghwa Telecom as well as PhoneSIMGo's eSIM has very good network coverage in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung. When I visited Taipei 101, the signal was strong and ensured that I could share the beautiful cityscape at all times.
• Remote areas: In places like Jiufen and Hualien, the network connection was also stable. Especially when I was in the old streets of Jiufen, I was able to quickly find information on nearby restaurants and attractions, and enjoy the local cuisine to my heart's content.

3. What is the difference between eSIM and data roaming?

3.1 Cost transparency

• Avoiding High Costs: Using eSIM allowed me to avoid roaming charges completely during my trip. I chose the right package before I left to make sure I wouldn't incur extra charges for excess traffic.
• Clear package structure: PhoneSIMGo provides clear package information, making it easy for me to choose according to my needs.

3.2 Real-time activation

• Convenient setup: After arriving at Taipei International Airport, I scanned the QR code of PhoneSIMGo and the activation was completed within minutes. This immediacy allowed me to access information online at the very first moment of my trip.

3.3 Flexibility of use

• Easy package switching: When I was in Hualien, I felt like I was running out of traffic, and through my phone's settings, I was able to easily switch to a higher-traffic package, ensuring that I wouldn't be disconnected for the rest of my trip.

4. When is the best time for me to activate my eSIM?

• Activate upon arrival at the airport: It is recommended that you activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive at Taipei International Airport. utilizing the airport's Wi-Fi connection, I was able to easily complete the activation and prepare for the rest of my trip.
• Avoid peak hours: Try to avoid activation during peak hours to avoid network congestion that may be encountered during heavy crowds and to ensure a smooth connection.

5. Taiwan eSIM Purchasing Tips

Staying connected to the internet is crucial when traveling in Taiwan. In addition to the usual Taiwan Mobile and Chunghwa Telecom, I highly recommend using the eSIM service from PhoneSIMGo. Here are the reasons why I chose PhoneSIMGo and how it enhanced my travel experience.

5.1. Ease of purchasing an eSIM

5.1.1 Online purchase process

• Easy Operation: Through the official website of PhoneSIMGo, the whole purchasing process is very intuitive and can be completed in just a few simple steps. Compared to traditional carriers, queues and tedious real-name registration are avoided.

5.1.2 Real-time activation

• Quick Connect: Upon my arrival at Taipei International Airport, I was able to activate my eSIM within seconds by simply scanning the QR code and immediately connect to the network. This convenience allows me to quickly access travel information.

5.2. Customer Service Excellence Experience

5.2.1 Round-the-clock support

• 7x24 hour service: While traveling, I encountered some network problems. The customer service team of PhoneSIMGo was always on standby to quickly respond to my requests and solve my troubles. This kind of service makes me feel safe and secure in a strange city.

5.2.2 Timely traffic alerts

• Budget Control: PhoneSIMGo sends me a warm reminder when my traffic is approaching the upper limit, helping me to reasonably arrange my data usage to avoid exceeding my budget, and making sure that I don't accidentally incur extra charges while traveling.

5.3. Privacy and Security

5.3.1 No real-name registration required

• Protection of personal information: Unlike traditional carriers, there is no need to provide personal identification when using PhoneSIMGo, which makes me feel more comfortable and protects my privacy while traveling.

5.3.2 Secure Online Transactions

• Pay with confidence: I felt very secure when using the PhoneSIMGo network to make purchases, and the transaction process was smooth and hassle-free, avoiding unsafe behaviors in a public Wi-Fi environment.

5.4. Affordable Options

5.4.1 Price Advantages

• Cheaper than official: PhoneSIMGo's package prices are usually lower than those of official telecom operators in Taiwan, which allows me to be more flexible with my budget and to be able to use the savings for other travel activities.

5.4.2 Promotions

• Extra Discounts and Cashback: There are discounts on every order, as well as 5% cashback. These offers made me feel affordable during my trip and was able to save money while enjoying the service.

5.5. Network coverage and performance

5.5.1 Multi-Country Compatibility

• Global Service: PhoneSIMGo's eSIM is not only available in Taiwan, but is also compatible with multiple countries, making it convenient for me to continue to use it during subsequent trips and reducing the hassle of changing SIM cards.

5.5.2 Stability in Remote Areas

• Reliable Internet Connection: Even in remote areas, such as Taroko and Jiufen, PhoneSIMGo's Internet connection remains stable, allowing me to be online at all times and share my travel experiences with friends.

6. What if my phone is not compatible with eSIM?

6.1. Understanding device compatibility

Before purchasing or using a device, first confirm whether it supports the eSIM function. This can be confirmed by the following ways:

• Checking the product specification: check the official technical specifications of the device to find out if it supports eSIM.
• Visiting the manufacturer's website: The manufacturer's official website usually lists the device models that support eSIM.
• Consult the salesperson: Ask the salesperson about the device's eSIM compatibility at the time of purchase.

6.2. Use a traditional SIM card.

If your device does not support eSIM, you can consider using a traditional physical SIM card. This is the most direct solution:

• Buy a local SIM card: You can buy a SIM card at the airport or local telecom operator's store when you are traveling, and there are usually various traffic packages to choose from.
• Use a global SIM card: Some companies offer SIM cards worldwide, which is suitable for users who travel abroad frequently.

6.3. Upgrading your device: Upgrading your device.

If you rely heavily on the convenience of eSIM, you can consider upgrading to an eSIM-enabled device:

• Choose popular brands: for example, Apple (iPhone XR and above), Samsung (Galaxy S20 and above), Google (Pixel 3 and above), etc.
• Used market: If you have a limited budget, you can consider buying used or refurbished eSIM-enabled devices.

6.4. With the help of external devices.

If your phone doesn't support eSIM but you need to use it in specific occasions, you can consider the following external devices:

• Portable Wi-Fi router: some portable routers support eSIM and allow multiple devices to share the network.
• Use a mobile hotspot: If you have other eSIM-enabled devices (such as a tablet or another cell phone), you can set them up as mobile hotspots for use by devices that do not support eSIM.

6.5. Utilizing Wi-Fi Networks.

Without eSIM or traditional SIM card, you can also connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi:

• Find public Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi service is usually available in public places such as cafes, hotels, airports, etc.
• Use Wi-Fi sharing: If there are friends around who support eSIM, you can ask them to share the network.

6.6. Downloading offline content

In case you can't connect to the Internet, you can download the content you need in advance:

• Offline maps: Download a good map before traveling to make sure you can find your way around without internet.
• Offline apps: Many apps (such as music, videos and e-books) support offline downloads and can be prepared in advance for use when there is no internet.

6.7. Use of a VPN service

If using a traditional SIM card or Wi-Fi network, it is recommended to use a VPN to secure personal information and data:

• Choose a suitable VPN: make sure to choose a reliable VPN service that can provide a secure connection in different network environments.

Further review of compatibility issues can be found at “2025 esim compatibility list”

7. Advantages and Disadvantages of eSIM

7.1 Advantages

• Convenience: No need to change SIM cards and manage data packages at any time, reducing the hassle of traveling.
• Economy: Avoiding high roaming charges and using the local network is more cost-effective, allowing me to be more flexible in my budget.
• Wide Coverage: Maintaining a good internet connection everywhere in Taiwan ensures that you can stay online anytime, anywhere.

7.2 Disadvantages

• Real-name registration: Requires personal information for real-name registration, which increases the privacy risk to some extent.
• Device compatibility: Not all cell phones support eSIM, you need to check in advance to make sure you can use it smoothly.

8. Which travelers is eSIM suitable for?

8.1. Short-haul travelers

• Suitable for people: Travelers who travel on weekend trips and short vacations.
• Advantages: The convenience provided by eSIM eliminates the need for short-haul travelers to purchase a physical SIM card before each trip, saving time.
• Use Scenario: When visiting nearby cities on weekends, you can quickly activate local data packages and find attractions, restaurants and transportation information online at any time.

8.2. Business Traveler

• Suitable for people: Business travelers who travel frequently.
• Advantages: Business travelers often have a tight schedule. eSIM allows them to switch networks quickly between different countries and maintain efficient communication.
• Use Scenario: Being able to access emails and online meetings at any time during an international meeting ensures that no important information is missed.

8.3. BACKPACKERS:

• Suitable for people: Backpackers who are traveling for a long time and exploring multiple countries.
• Advantage: eSIM allows backpackers to flexibly switch between countries and adapt to different network requirements, avoiding the need to change SIM cards frequently.
• Usage Scenario: When traveling in Southeast Asia for a few weeks, you are able to easily access the local network and share every moment of your journey.

8.4. Family travelers

• Suitable for people: Families traveling with children or the elderly.
• Benefits: The flexibility of eSIM allows family members to manage their respective data packages individually, avoiding complicated SIM card management.
• Use Scenario: Ensure that each family member can stay in touch at all times during a family trip to Disneyland, making it easy to agree on a meeting point.

8.5. Short Term Stayers

• Suitable for people: Students who are studying abroad for a short period of time or on exchange.
• Advantages: Short-term students often need to stay online to attend classes and contact family members, and eSIM provides the convenience of fast connection.
• Usage Scenario: Being able to access learning resources and online courses at any time during the study period abroad.

9. Taiwan eSIM Frequently Asked Questions

9.1. When traveling in Taiwan, can eSIM give me quick access to local event information?

Yes, with eSIM, you can always find the latest information on events and festivals online, ensuring that you don't miss out on any exciting cultural experiences.

9.2. Will eSIM affect my experience of using social media in Taiwan?

No. eSIM allows you to stay online anytime, anywhere, making it easy to share your travel experiences, upload photos of food and scenery, and enhance social interactions.

9.3. What should I do if I can't find a signal in a small town in Taiwan?

You can try to select a network manually, or check the carrier's network coverage map and choose a location with a stronger signal to make sure you can access the Internet without problems.

9.4. Will using eSIM in Taiwan affect the accuracy of my navigation using maps?

No. eSIM provides a stable network connection, making you more accurate when using map navigation and helping you find your destination smoothly.

9.5. How do I make sure my eSIM in Taiwan won't exceed my budget?

Choose a package that suits your usage needs, plan your data usage wisely and check your traffic usage regularly to avoid unnecessary extra charges.

9.6. Can I enjoy local discounts when using eSIM in Taiwan?

Many merchants offer discounts to users who use specific payment apps. Make sure your eSIM is compatible with local payment apps such as Line Pay.

9.7. What if I want to temporarily increase my traffic during my usage in Taiwan?

Most carriers offer temporary traffic packages that you can purchase through their apps or websites for easy and flexible response to temporary network needs.

9.8. Will using eSIM improve my security when traveling in Taiwan?

Using eSIM can avoid frequent SIM card replacement and reduce the risk of loss or theft, while maintaining network connectivity and making it easy to contact others at any time.

9.9. Is it safe to use eSIM to access the Internet in public places in Taiwan?

When surfing the Internet in public places, it is recommended to use a VPN to protect your personal information and ensure that your data is safe from theft by unruly elements.

9.10. If I decide not to use eSIM after my trip to Taiwan, how can I ensure deactivation?

You can delete the eSIM configuration in your phone settings or contact your carrier to deactivate the package to ensure that you are no longer charged any fees and manage your choices flexibly.

Conclusion

Through this trip to Taiwan, I deeply appreciate the convenience and advantages of eSIM. Whether I was in bustling Taipei or tranquil Jiufen, traveling with eSIM allowed me to stay connected and enjoy every moment. If you are also planning a trip to Taiwan, I highly recommend using the eSIM service, it will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable!