Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Taiwan uses 110V at 60Hz with Type A/B outlets, the same as the US and Japan. Travelers from Europe/Australia need an adapter.
- Voltage
- 110V, 60Hz
- Plug types
- Type A and Type B (flat pins)
- Adapter
- Needed for EU/UK/AU plugs
- Some buildings have 220V outlets for air conditioners
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
Prepaid tourist SIMs are easy to buy at Taoyuan/Songshan airports and telecom shops. Bring your passport to register.
- Where
- Airport counters, telecom shops, convenience stores
- Carriers
- Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone
- ID needed
- Passport for registration
- Unlimited-data tourist plans by day count are popular
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIMs for Taiwan are widely sold online and let you connect right after landing. Confirm your phone supports eSIM.
- Setup
- Buy online, install before arrival
- Device
- Requires an eSIM-compatible phone
- Plans
- Data-only plans are common
- Handy if you want data the moment you land
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Free public Wi-Fi ("iTaiwan") is available at many public spots, and airports offer free Wi-Fi. Cafes and metros are well covered.
- iTaiwan
- Free public Wi-Fi at many sites
- Airport
- Free Wi-Fi in terminals
- Cafes/MRT
- Widely available
- Use a VPN on open networks for sensitive tasks
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
The internet is open and unrestricted. Global apps, social media and Google services all work normally.
- Global apps
- Google, social media, messengers all work
- Censorship
- None affecting tourists
- VPN
- Legal to use
- No restrictions for ordinary tourist use
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Google Maps works well here for transit and walking. Use Uber or the local taxi apps, and Google Translate for menus.
- Maps
- Google Maps (transit works well)
- Taxi
- Uber and local taxi-hailing apps
- Translation
- Google Translate
- LINE is the dominant messaging app
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Taiwan's country code is +886. Call the 24h tourist hotline 0800-011-765 for multilingual help. Emergencies: 110 police, 119 fire/ambulance.
- Country code
- +886 (drop the leading 0 from abroad)
- Tourist hotline
- 0800-011-765 (24h, multilingual)
- Emergencies
- 110 police / 119 fire & ambulance
- Data-based calls (LINE etc.) work well on local networks