Taiwan eSIM Guide from $2.27: How to Use, Who's the Best

A Taiwan eSIM lets you easily access the internet in China (Taiwan) and other places right from your smartphone. You simply download it, and you're set—no physical SIM card to lose. In this guide, we'll break down how to choose an eSIM, how to buy and activate it for your Taiwan trip, as well as the pros and cons of using a Taiwan eSIM, all in a way that's easy for beginners to grasp. Make sure to read through to the end.

Get Cheap Taiwan eSIM from $2.27

What is Exactly an eSIM

An eSIM is a type of digital SIM card that's embedded 100% digitally into your devices. An eSIM uses a chip that’s built into newer smartphones, so you don’t need to insert anything like a traditional SIM card. To use an eSIM, simply scan the QR code, select your desired plan, and make a payment. After tweaking a few settings on your device, your eSIM will activate and be ready to use as soon as you arrive in Taiwan.

Table of Top eSIM Plans in Taiwan

Where to buy Taiwan eSIM: Best Taiwan eSIM Providers

Trip.com Taiwan eSIM

Trip.com Taiwan eSIM offers a remarkably diversed cheapest eSIM plans, tailored to meet the varied needs of travelers with different data requirements and trip durations. Unlike many providers that offer rigid, long-duration plans, Trip.com provides options ranging from 2 days to 10 days. This flexibility is especially appealing for travelers who prefer not to commit to longer-term plans or those who need to adapt their data plans based on the length of their stay. After the initial period, travelers can simply purchase another plan, essentially enjoying virtually unlimited days in how they manage their data usage over extended periods.

The data plans vary from 1GB to 3GB of high-speed data per day, catering to different data usage levels. After reaching the daily high-speed limit, the service continues at a reduced speed of 128kbps, which is still sufficient for messaging and basic browsing. This setup ensures that users always have some level of connectivity. Based on personal experiences and user feedback, Trip.com's eSIMs offer robust performance in Taiwan, with high download speeds that support smooth video streaming and video calling without lag, making them a reliable choice for media-heavy usage.

Comparing the cost per day and data allowance with other providers, Trip.com stands out for offering competitively priced plans that do not compromise on speed or reliability. The variety in daily data limits allows users to choose a plan that precisely matches their needs, avoiding overpayment for unused data.

Nomad Taiwan eSIM

Nomad focuses on simplicity, making it a great choice for those new to using eSIMs. The process of buying and installing the eSIM is straightforward, and there's even a $3 discount available with the promo code "ESIMDB3". The eSIM does not require activation or any complicated setup; you just install it and start using it as soon as you arrive in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, Nomad connects to Chunghwa Telecom, the largest telecom provider in the region. This network offers excellent coverage, and I consistently received 5G connectivity during my stay. Despite a few areas where the signal strength was lower, I never found myself without service.

While the overall internet speed was adequate for travel needs, it was not as fast as I anticipated. However, the service was reliable enough for browsing and streaming. The eSIM supports tethering, which is handy for connecting multiple devices. Moreover, managing data usage is convenient through the Nomad app or website, where you can also purchase additional data if needed.

MobiMatter 3HK Taiwan eSIM

The 3HK eSIM plans provide only 3 options for different durations—daily, monthly, and yearly—which might be suitable for certain types of travelers. However, the actual amount of high-speed data provided (500MB per day or 3GB per month) may be inadequate for many users. For instance, with today’s internet usage patterns, 1GB per day is often considered a minimum for comfortable browsing and social media use. Thus, a plan offering only 500MB per day or 3GB per month can be restrictive and impractical for travelers who require more robust data access.

The plans are priced very high, especially when considering the limited amount of data they offer. For many users, paying $138 for just 3GB of data per month does not present good value, particularly when other providers may offer much more data for a similar or even lower price. Despite these limitations, 3HK's eSIM plans are popular, possibly due to the brand's global recognition. However, for users like yourself, who find 1GB per day a bare minimum, these plans are clearly insufficient. This discrepancy between popularity and practicality might arise from different user needs or simply a lack of awareness of better alternatives available in the market.

Considering other options like Trip.com Taiwan eSIM might offer more suitable alternatives that provide greater data allowances at more competitive prices, aligning better with the needs of data-heavy users. It's crucial to compare these options closely, focusing on both the quantity of data offered and the overall cost, to ensure you find a plan that meets your specific needs while traveling.

Maya Mobile Taiwan eSIM

Maya Mobile is a relatively new player in the travel eSIM market, originating from the US. They offer a variety of data plans designed to cater to international travelers, providing both 4G and 5G connectivity. Their services can be activated instantly via email, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. The user interface of their website is user-friendly, making the purchase process straightforward for customers.

While Maya Mobile provides several data plan options, all of them come with a 30-day validity period. This can be less than ideal for travelers like you who may only need coverage for shorter periods, such as one or two weeks. In such cases, the 30-day duration not only forces you to pay for unused days but also makes these plans comparatively expensive on a per-day basis.

Moreover, when evaluating the data provided per day, these plans might not meet the needs of heavier data users. For instance, the higher tier plans, although providing more data, come at a steep price, especially when compared to other providers like Trip.com eSIM, which may offer more economical alternatives with sufficient data for daily use.

Taiwan eSIM vs SIM vs Wi-Fi

You can find the comparison below to gain a comprehensive understanding of eSIM, SIM and WIFI to make informed decisions about which option best suits your needs!

How to Use eSIM in Taiwan?

Check Your Device

• Ensure your device supports eSIM and is not one of the excluded models (like certain Samsung and iPhone models). Check if your phone support eSIM here!
• Confirm you have WiFi or mobile data available as you'll need internet to install the eSIM.

After booking, you'll receive an email with the subject "eSIM Information and Quick start guide" containing installation instructions and a reminder of the installation deadline.

How to Install eSIM

• Click: Settings > Cellular Data > Add a Cellular Network Plan
• Scan the QR code provided or manually enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code.
• When prompted with "Welcome to Billion Connect!", click “OK” to finalize the installation.
• Rename the eSIM profile to "BC" for easy recognition.

How to Activate eSIM

• Upon reaching your destination, enable the eSIM ("BC") and turn on “Data Roaming” to access the Internet.
• If there are connectivity issues, verify the APN settings (APN: mobile.three.com.hk).

【Note】

• The eSIM will expire 90 days after purchase.
• It can only be installed once on a single device. If removed, it cannot be reinstalled.

Which Phones Support eSIM in Taiwan?

To use an eSIM, your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Please make sure your mobile phone support eSIM before purchase, and there is no refund for cancellations due to incompatible devices.

Compatible devices include iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS in Hong Kong and Macao, and others, please check eSIM Supported Device List. Not compatible with iPhones from Mainland China or certain Samsung models from Taiwan.

To check if your phone supports eSIM, dial *#06#; if EID is displayed, your phone generally supports eSIM (check with your manufacturer for specific compatibility).

How to Choose the Best eSIM in China (Taiwan)?

When traveling to Taiwan, selecting the right eSIM plan is crucial. As a medium data user myself, I find that needing 1-2GB per day is ideal for activities like streaming and using social media. Lighter users might get by with less. Having enough data is crucial, especially for using maps, making payments, and staying connected with friends while traveling. Personally, I think Trip.com's eSIM plans offer a variety of cheapest options that can meet anyone's needs. Trust me, it is a great choice for your trip to Taiwan.

3 Benefits of using eSIM in China (Taiwan)

1. Can be used immediately upon arrival in China

One of the major benefits of eSIM is that you can smoothly access the internet from the moment you land at the airport when visiting China. With conventional SIM cards, you needed time to purchase them at the airport shop or receive the SIM card you ordered in advance. However, by downloading eSIM in advance, you can connect to the network as soon as you get off the plane.

This allows you to efficiently proceed with your travel, such as arranging taxis or guiding you to your hotel.

2. No risk of loss or damage

Conventional SIM cards are very small and require careful handling. Especially when replacing them during your trip, the risk of loss or damage increases. On the other hand, eSIM does not have a physical shape, so there is no need to worry about loss or damage. There is no need to go through the trouble of opening the SIM tray with a small pin or worry about accidentally dropping the SIM card.

3. Dual SIM is possible

By utilizing eSIM, you can use dual SIM. Dual SIM allows you to use two networks on one smartphone. This allows you to smoothly switch network environments when moving from Japan to overseas or from overseas to Japan. By having dual SIM, you don't have to go through the hassle of contracting the internet environment every time you visit multiple countries.

3 disadvantages of using eSIM in China (Taiwan)

1. Limited device compatibility

To use eSIM, you need a smartphone or tablet that supports eSIM. Newer models are becoming compatible with eSIM, but older models or some mid to low-priced devices cannot use eSIM. This means that you will need to check whether your current device can use eSIM or not, which can be a hassle. If you need to purchase a new device to use eSIM, you also need to consider the associated costs.

2. Cannot be used on multiple devices

Conventional SIM cards can be easily switched between devices. Therefore, you can use one SIM on multiple devices. However, since eSIM is built into the device, it is difficult to easily move it between multiple devices. Therefore, those who use multiple devices during their trip to China may find it inconvenient.

3. Cannot use phone numbers

In eSIM data communication plans, a unique phone number may not be provided or additional charges may be required. This may be inconvenient in situations where a local phone number is required, such as making restaurant reservations or contacting hotels. Conventional SIM cards often come with a phone number in addition to data communication, so this is an important point to consider when considering using eSIM.