1. Overall Process (Quick Overview)

In Taiwan, getting a mobile number typically involves three stages:

① Upon arrival (get connected immediately)

Buy a prepaid SIM card or eSIM at the airport

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② Early stay period (before ARC is issued)

Use a prepaid SIM card (Prepaid plan)

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③ Long-term stay (after receiving ARC)

Upgrade to a monthly postpaid plan

 

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2. Step One: What to Do on Arrival in Taiwan

You will arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

After exiting customs, go directly to the telecom counters.

 

Available telecom providers at the airport

• Chunghwa Telecom

Website: https://www.cht.com.tw/en/home/cht

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• Taiwan Mobile

Website: https://www.taiwanmobile.com/english/

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• Far EasTone Telecommunications

Website: https://www.fetnet.net/en/

 

 

What you need to do upon arrival

Purchase a prepaid SIM card or eSIM

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You can choose:

A. Physical SIM card

→ Insert into your phone and start using immediately

B. eSIM (recommended for iPhone users)

→ Activate by scanning a QR code

 

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Required documents

Usually only:

• Passport (required)

In some cases, your entry stamp or basic accommodation information may be recorded, but typically no additional documents are required.

 

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On-site process (what actually happens)

1. Choose a plan (7-day / 15-day / 30-day options)

2. Present your passport

3. Complete real-name registration

4. Insert SIM or scan eSIM QR code

5. Activation completes within 5–10 minutes

 

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Common prepaid plans for foreigners

• 5-day / 7-day unlimited data plans

• 15-day unlimited data plans

• 30-day unlimited data plans (most recommended)

 

Typically includes:

• Unlimited data

• Taiwan mobile number

• Hotspot sharing

 

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3. Step Two: While Staying in Taiwan (Without ARC)

During this period, you can:

✔ Use mobile data
✔ Make calls
✔ Use messaging apps (e.g., LINE)
✔ Use Uber and food delivery apps

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However, you usually cannot:

✘ Apply for monthly postpaid contracts
✘ Fully complete bank verification tied to mobile identity
✘ Apply for credit cards linked to local mobile verification

 

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4. Step Three: After Receiving ARC (Key Transition Point)

ARC = Alien Resident Certificate (your official residence permit)

Once you receive it, you can upgrade to a full postpaid mobile plan.

 

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5. Applying for a Monthly Postpaid Plan (After ARC)

Step 1: Visit an official telecom store

You should go to a formal service center (not small retail shops).

 

Typical monthly plan options

• NT$599 (basic usage)

• NT$799 (standard office use)

• NT$999 (heavy usage / hotspot / remote work)

 

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Step 2: Important sentence to say at the store

English:

I want to convert my prepaid SIM to a postpaid plan and keep my number.

 

Chinese:

我要把預付卡轉成月租門號，並保留原本號碼。

 

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Benefits of doing this

✔ Keep your existing phone number
✔ No need to re-register apps like LINE
✔ No need to update bank verification (OTP)
✔ No disruption to services

 

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6. Documents Required (After ARC issuance)

Typically required:

• Passport

• ARC

• Local address in Taiwan

• Credit card (sometimes required depending on plan)

 

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7. Important Notes for iPhone Users

If you are using an iPhone:

✔ eSIM is recommended (if supported)
✔ Physical SIM also works without issues

 

To activate eSIM:

Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM

 

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8. Recommended Timeline Summary

Day 1 (Arrival)

• Buy prepaid SIM or eSIM at the airport

 

Week 1–3

• Use prepaid service while settling in

 

Month 1–2

• Obtain ARC

 

After ARC

• Upgrade to postpaid plan

• Keep your original number

 

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9. Simple Summary

For first-time foreigners in Taiwan:

1. Get a prepaid SIM at the airport

2. Use it during your initial stay

3. Obtain ARC

4. Switch to a monthly plan while keeping your number

 

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If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.

Thank you !

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