1. Why use an eSIM for Taiwan instead of a physical SIM card?

In Taiwan you’ll likely move a lot – from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, then maybe Jiufen, Shifen, Taichung or Kaohsiung. Having mobile data from the moment you land makes everything easier: airport transfer, hotel check-in, booking restaurants, even paying with mobile wallet.

An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM built into your phone:

• You buy a Taiwan travel eSIM online and receive a QR code by email
• You scan the QR code and the data plan is downloaded to your phone – no plastic card
• You can keep your physical Japanese SIM in the phone (and keep your number / SMS)
• No need to find a SIM counter at the airport or carry a SIM ejector pin

2. Taiwan eSIM vs. physical Taiwan SIM – quick comparison

3. Check if your phone supports eSIM

Before buying a Taiwan eSIM, make sure your phone is both unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

1. Open the phone app and dial *#06#
2. If you see an EID number on screen, your device supports eSIM
3. If you only see IMEI/MEID but no EID, it’s probably not eSIM-capable

For a more detailed check, see the official compatibility list:
👉 eSIM compatible devices (iPhone / Android)

Examples: iPhone XR and newer, Google Pixel 4 and newer, many Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (with SIM lock removed) support eSIM.

4. Taiwan prepaid eSIM plan 

Taiwan Prepaid Travel eSIM (data-only)

This Taiwan eSIM plan connects to local Taiwanese networks and is designed specifically for travelers: online purchase, QR code delivery, and no need to pick up anything at the airport.

🔗 Product page:
View Taiwan Prepaid Travel eSIM

• Coverage: Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Hualien and most tourist areas
• Network: 4G LTE, with 5G in some locations (speed varies by area and device)
• Type: data-only eSIM (no local phone number / voice / SMS)
• Tethering: hotspot / tethering supported for laptops and other devices
• Purchase: fully online – pay with credit card, receive QR code by email

5. How to buy and receive your Taiwan eSIM (step-by-step)

The process for most travel eSIMs is very similar. Here’s how it works on eSIM Kit Store:

Step 1 – Buy online before you fly

1. Go to the product page:
   👉 Taiwan Prepaid Travel eSIM
2. Select the data amount and validity that fits your trip (e.g. 5 days, 7 days, etc.)
3. Click “Add to cart”, then proceed to checkout
4. Enter a correct email address – this is where your QR code will be sent
5. Complete payment by credit card

Step 2 – Receive your eSIM QR code by email

After payment, you’ll receive an email with your QR code and activation details. If it doesn’t show up, check your spam folder, and confirm that you used the right email at checkout.

Step 3 – When should you activate your Taiwan eSIM?

A common question is: “Should I install the eSIM in Japan or after I land in Taiwan?”

• Recommended: install the eSIM profile over Wi-Fi at home 1 day before departure
• The data plan normally only starts counting once you turn on mobile data/roaming in Taiwan

So you can safely download and store the eSIM in advance, then just switch data on when you land at Taoyuan Airport, Songshan Airport or Kaohsiung.

6. How to install a Taiwan eSIM on iPhone (example)

Steps may differ slightly by iOS version, but in general:

1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network
2. Open the Settings app
3. Tap Mobile Data (or “Cellular”) → Add eSIM
4. Select “Use QR Code”
5. Scan the QR code from your eSIM email using the iPhone camera
6. Follow the prompts and tap Add Mobile Data Plan
7. Set this eSIM as the line for Mobile Data
8. After you land in Taiwan, turn on Mobile Data and Data Roaming for the eSIM

Important: if you delete the eSIM from your phone, it usually cannot be downloaded again. Keep it until your trip is fully finished.

7. Who is a Taiwan eSIM best for?

Good fit for a Taiwan eSIM

• Short-term travelers (3–10 days) staying mainly in Taipei and popular tourist spots
• People who want data from the moment they land, without queuing at airport SIM counters
• Those who don’t want to remove their home SIM or risk losing a tiny plastic card
• Remote workers who need reliable 4G data and hotspot for a laptop

When a physical SIM might still make sense

• If you need a local Taiwanese phone number for calls or SMS
• If your device is not eSIM-compatible or is still SIM-locked
• If you really prefer to buy everything in person at an airport counter

8. Taiwan eSIM FAQ

Q1. When should I activate my Taiwan eSIM?

A: The easiest is to install the eSIM 1 day before departure over Wi-Fi. In most cases the validity only starts when you turn on mobile data/roaming in Taiwan, not when you scan the QR code.

Q2. Can I use hotspot / tethering with a Taiwan eSIM?

A: Yes, the Taiwan eSIM plan supports personal hotspot. You can share data with your laptop or friends’ devices, but heavy tethering will consume data more quickly.

Q3. What happens to my home number and LINE/WhatsApp?

A: You can keep your physical SIM in the phone, so your home number and messaging apps stay the same. The eSIM is used only for data; calls and SMS still go through your original SIM (if you enable them).

Q4. How much data do I need for Taiwan?

A: For 3–4 days in Taipei, 3–5GB is usually enough for maps, messaging and light social media. For a week or more, or if you stream video and use hotspot, consider a larger data package.

Q5. What if I land in Taiwan and there is no signal?

A: First, restart your phone and make sure Mobile Data and Data Roaming are ON for the eSIM. If it still doesn’t connect after a few minutes, check the APN settings in the product instructions and then contact support.

Q6. Can I use this Taiwan eSIM in other countries?

A: This plan is for Taiwan only. If you also visit Korea, Thailand or Europe, you’ll need separate regional eSIMs (for example an Asia eSIM or Europe eSIM) for those destinations.

Q7. Does the Taiwan eSIM expire?

A: Most eSIMs have two types of validity: a period to activate after purchase, and a number of days the plan is valid after activation. Always check the product page for exact terms before you buy.

Q8. I accidentally deleted my eSIM – can I download it again?

A: Generally, no. Once an eSIM profile is removed from your phone it cannot be re-downloaded. Do not delete it until your trip is fully finished.