🇹🇼 Taiwan Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

In Taiwan, you can enjoy high-quality internet with widespread coverage and a range of options for getting a SIM card or accessing WiFi, making it an excellent destination for digital nomads and travelers alike.

Internet Overview

Taiwan boasts an impressive internet infrastructure, with high-speed connections available across the island. The average internet speed is 85.02 Mbps, making it one of the fastest in the world. The urban areas, such as Taipei and Kaohsiung, have excellent coverage, with most households and businesses having access to high-speed internet. However, there is a noticeable urban-rural divide, with some rural areas having slower speeds and more limited connectivity. Despite this, the overall reliability of the internet in Taiwan is excellent, with minimal downtime and fast speeds.

The Taiwanese government has invested heavily in developing the country's digital infrastructure, with a focus on providing high-speed internet access to all citizens. As a result, Taiwan has become a hub for technology and innovation, with many startups and companies setting up operations on the island. For travelers and digital nomads, this means that staying connected and productive is easy, with plenty of options for getting online and staying online.

Getting a SIM Card

Getting a SIM card in Taiwan is a straightforward process, with many options available for tourists. The main carriers, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone, all offer tourist-friendly plans with affordable prices and generous data allowances. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide your passport and fill out a registration form. You can buy SIM cards at the airport, convenience stores, or carrier stores. It's recommended to purchase a SIM card from a carrier store, as the staff will be able to help you set up your phone and answer any questions you may have.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality is generally excellent, with most hotels offering high-speed internet access in rooms and public areas.
• Cafe WiFi culture is widespread, with many cafes and coffee shops offering free WiFi to customers.
• Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular, with many options available in major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung.
• Public WiFi is available in many areas, including parks, train stations, and tourist information centers.
• Many restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi, making it easy to stay connected while eating out.

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like WeWork and The Hive offer high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and a community of like-minded professionals.
• Reliable cafe chains like Starbucks and Gong Cha offer free WiFi and a comfortable work environment.
• Backup internet options like portable WiFi hotspots and mobile data plans are available for purchase.
• VPNs are not strictly necessary, but may be useful for accessing certain websites or services that are blocked in Taiwan.
• Many libraries and museums also offer free WiFi and quiet workspaces, making them a great option for remote workers.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is not a major issue in Taiwan, but some websites may be blocked due to copyright or licensing restrictions.
• Google and Facebook are widely available, but some other services may be blocked or restricted.
• VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN can help you access blocked websites and services.
• Roaming alternatives like eSIM and portable WiFi hotspots can be a cost-effective option for travelers.
• Be aware of your data usage and avoid using public WiFi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping.
• Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable WiFi hotspot to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges.