Planning a trip to Taiwan? Staying connected is a must—whether to update your socials, navigate seamlessly, or share memories in real time.
Using your local network abroad can get super expensive, and public Wi-Fi, while fast, is usually limited to airports, MRT stations, and hotels. So, what’s the best way to stay online anytime, anywhere in Taiwan?
Good news: Taiwan’s internet is impressively fast—even in the countryside—so you’re in for a great connectivity experience. Here are two top options I tried and tested, along with tips to help you pick the right one for your trip.
📶 Option 1: 4G Pocket Wi-Fi Rental
When I planned my Taiwan trip, I searched for affordable 4G pocket Wi-Fi rentals. This handy device connects up to 5 devices and offers unlimited 4G coverage across 99% of Taiwan, including rural areas.
Why choose pocket Wi-Fi?
- Share the connection with friends or family easily
- No SIM card swapping needed
- Great for travelers with multiple devices
Device Specs:
- Unlimited data, no throttling to 3G
- 6-8 hours battery life (one device connected)
- Lightweight: 75g
Pick-Up & Drop-Off:
Available at major airports like Taoyuan (Terminals 1 & 2), Kaohsiung, and Songshan. Reserve your device online at least 2 days before departure to guarantee availability.
Rental Pricing:
- Approx. Php87/day via Klook
- Around US$3.20/day on KKDay
Important Tips:
- Bring your passport and printed/mobile voucher for pick-up
- Return at the airport’s service counter before departure
- Handle the device carefully to avoid damage fees (ranging from NT$500 to NT$4,000)
🔗 Reserve your pocket
Wi-Fi here:
Klook Taiwan Pocket Wi-Fi | KKDay Taiwan Pocket
Wi-Fi
📱Option 2: Buy a 4G SIM Card (My Top Pick!)
Due to a last-minute hiccup, I couldn’t get a pocket Wi-Fi and ended up buying a 4G SIM card instead. Honestly, it was way more convenient and cheaper!
Why I recommend a SIM card:
- No device to return or worry about losing/damaging
- Can be used as a personal hotspot for your group
- Unlimited 4G data with excellent nationwide coverage
- No registration hassle; just pick up at the airport
We were a group of four, and sharing one SIM card as a hotspot worked perfectly—even in remote places like Cingjing!
SIM Card Features:
- Choose from 3, 5, 7, or 10-day packages to fit your trip
- Includes NT$50 to NT$150 call credit (mostly unused thanks to messaging apps!)
- No extra roaming fees
- Available in nano, micro, and standard sizes
Pick-Up:
Available at major airport terminals via Unite Traveler counters. Operating hours are 5:30 am to 1:00 am.
Important Purchase Requirements:
- Must be 20 years or older
- One SIM card per person
- Present two valid photo IDs (passport + visa counts)
🔗 Pre-order your SIM
card here:
Klook Taiwan SIM Card | KKDay Taiwan SIM
Card
🛒 Bonus: Buy 3G Prepaid SIM Cards at 7-Eleven
If you prefer buying locally, 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan sell 3G prepaid SIM cards—just show your passport and visa.
- NT$299 (about US$10): 24-hour data + airtime
- NT$399 (about US$13): 5-day data + airtime
Recharge options and data plans are flexible, and 7-Eleven also offers free Wi-Fi after quick passport registration.
💡 Final Tips for Staying Connected in Taiwan
- Reserve early: Whether pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card, book at least 2 days before your flight.
- Check device compatibility: Know your phone’s SIM size (nano, micro, or standard) before ordering.
- Consider your travel style: Solo traveler? SIM card is hassle-free. Group traveler? Pocket Wi-Fi or hotspot SIM can work well.
- Use messaging apps: Save on calls and texts by using free apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, or iMessage.
- Enjoy Taiwan’s fast, affordable internet: It’s one of the best in Asia!
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends planning their Taiwan adventure! Safe travels and happy surfing! 🌏📱✨
the 4g sim card can use on ownself pocket wifi device, or only handphone device? tq
ReplyDeleteHi, it can also be used for a pocket Wi-Fi device.
Deletetq or ur reply! nice blog!!
DeleteGreeting. What's the meaning by 'the portable wifi needs to be reserved 2 days before'? We can't get it straight on the arrival day? Hmm, where did you bought your portable wifi from? Looking forward your replies. Thanks in advanced.
ReplyDeleteYou need to reserve the portable wifi 2 days before your trip. That's the rule in all of the online stores I tried when I was looking for portable wifi the day before our trip. To avoid problems, make sure to reserve 2 days before your trip. We were not able to get a portable wifi so we only bought 1 sim card and put it in my iPad. You can use it in your mobile too. Hope these help. :)
DeleteHi, do you have to order the sim card in advance or can you just buy it at the airport after arrival?
ReplyDeleteHi, you can just buy it at the airport. We just bought it online because it's cheaper.
DeleteHi, would you know if there's an option to buy in the city because we might arrive later than 1am?
ReplyDeleteHi, I believed it's available in any 7-11 stores. Thanks
DeleteHi, thanks so much for sharing this post - super helpful!
ReplyDeleteI just have a question, would you happen to know how much the 4G sim card is in 7-11 stores? Is the price difference big? Thanks!
Hi, i just updated my post and added the information about the prepaid sim cards available in 7-11. Based on my research, they only offer a 3G Sim card only. I hope this helps. Please follow, like or share :)
DeleteDoes the phone need to be openline in order to use the sim? My phone's locked to Smart eh
ReplyDeleteYes, it needs to be openline to use the sim card. It's the same in here, you can't use your phone using Globe if it's locked in Smart. I used iPad so it's not a problem when we were there.
DeleteAside from passport, visa and driver's license, what other ID can be presented to get a sim card?
ReplyDeleteHi, I believed they will require you to show your passport to make sure that you are not a local. Most of the offers are exclusive for tourists only.
DeleteHi can i ask can one iser order two and collect it there with two passport and two id
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqueline, I hope my reply is not too late. I believed it's possible, but you will have to place 2 separate orders from Klook or KKDay and not just one order with 2 quantity. You can place one order with your details and your friend's details, then show them your passports when you pick-up.
DeleteHello there. Is it possible to order the 4G sim card online ahead of my trip, then have it delivered to my hotel so I can pick it up there instead of picking it up at the airport? I am planning to travel to Taipei in April.
ReplyDeleteHi, I don't think they deliver. But there are many 7-11's around the area so you can just buy it in there. Check the location of your hotel, there might be a near 7-11 where you can buy the sim.
Deletehellow po.. meron po bang nabibiling pocket wifi.. tas meron po sila ung data lang.. kamahal naman ng internet data nila..
ReplyDeleteHi po, I don't now if you can buy a pocket wi-fi, kase they might ask for documentation para sa contract. Medyo mahal po, pero sulit naman dahil sobrang bilis. Mas mabilis pa network connection nila sa Korea. Anyway, kung sa city lang naman po kayo, kahit hindi na kayo bumili kase, mabilis naman po public wifi nila.
Deleteah okay po.. pero malayo po kasi siya sa city sa kauhsiong po kasi sya.. san po sya pede makabili ng pocket wifi..
DeleteThe klook or kkday links seem to say collection is at airport chunghwa counter with 7:00-23:00 opening hours instead of unitetraveler counter that opens at 5.30am. Can you clarify? My arrival is 6:00 am so i have to make sure.
ReplyDelete