Home›Blog›Taiwan

🇹🇼

Asie · 2026

eSIM Taiwan 2026: Taipei, Taroko, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan

📖 8 min•🏯 Taiwan•The Alosea team•Updated 2026-05-28

Planning a city break in Taipei (Taipei 101, Shilin and Raohe night markets, Longshan Temple, National Palace Museum with 700,000 imperial Chinese treasures evacuated in 1949), a trek through Taroko Gorge (920 km² national park, marble walls, Zhuilu Old Trail at 750 m above the void), a romantic getaway to Sun Moon Lake (geographic center of the island, Wenwu and Xuanzang Buddhist temples), a historical exploration of Tainan (former capital founded by the Dutch in 1624, 300+ temples), or a culinary detour through Kaohsiung and Tainan? Taiwan — officially the Republic of China, 36,197 km², 23.5 million inhabitants, full parliamentary democracy since 1996 (first direct presidential election), capital Taipei, currency New Taiwan dollar (TWD), official language Mandarin but 70% of the population also speaks Taiwanese Hokkien, 14 Austronesian languages official among the 16 recognized indigenous peoples — packs unmatched cultural density: a unique blend of imperial China (1.3 million KMT nationalists who fled in 1949 with Forbidden City treasures), Japanese rule (1895-1945, architectural and infrastructure legacy), Austronesian peoples (present for 6,000 years), and liberal Asian democracy. To use Uber/LINE Taxi, translate a night market menu via Google Lens, ride the Taipei MRT (one of the cleanest metros in the world) or simply call family via LINE (~95% penetration in Taiwan), your smartphone is central. WARNING: Taiwan is OUTSIDE the EU — French carrier roaming costs a fortune. An eSIM activated BEFORE takeoff gets you online at TPE as soon as you step off the plane, even before the (now visa-free for 90 days) immigration line.

› WHY AN eSIM

Why an eSIM for Taiwan

Taiwan is OUTSIDE the European Union. French/EU carrier roaming is expensive here (often over €10/MB without an Asia travel add-on). An Alosea eSIM = a few euros to stay connected for the whole trip, from Taipei 101 to the marble cliffs of Taroko. Your home number stays active in parallel to receive bank 2FA SMS or LINE/Google verification codes. Installation in 2 minutes via QR code, BEFORE you leave, no airport queue. Taiwan has EXCEPTIONAL 4G/5G COVERAGE: commercial 5G since June 30, 2020 (Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile first), 5G now in every major city and along the HSR (Taiwanese bullet train), 4G/LTE near 100% of the inhabited island. Taiwanese are among the world's heaviest data users — the infrastructure follows. And concretely on arrival at Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) or Kaohsiung (KHH)? You can buy a physical Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile or Far EasTone SIM at 24/7 airport counters, but expect to pay around €10 just for the SIM card itself — on top of the data plan, with passport + flight number required. With an Alosea eSIM you walk off the plane already connected for Uber/LINE Taxi, MRT directions to Taipei Main, or LINE/WhatsApp family chats.

› HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Travel eSIM pricing

A Taiwan travel eSIM sits in an accessible price range — well below non-EU roaming. Price depends on data volume (5 GB for a 3-5 day Taipei city break, 7-10 GB for a week Taipei + Taroko + Sun Moon, 15-20 GB for 2 weeks around the island, unlimited for a month long stay / digital nomad), duration (5, 7, 15 or 30 days). In Taiwan, unlimited plans are often offered locally at unbeatable rates — check the Alosea unlimited option if you use a lot of data (HSR maps, YouTube on trains, hotspot sharing for your laptop in cafés).

› DATA GUIDE

How many GB do you need?

City break 3-5 days (Taipei)

MRT, Uber/LINE Taxi, night markets, 101 photos

5 GB

1 week (Taipei + Taroko + Sun Moon)

HSR, audio guides, menu translation

7-10 GB

2 weeks (round-island)

Scooter GPS, Kenting, Hualien, Tainan

15-20 GB

Long stay 1 month

Digital nomad, video calls, HD streaming

Unlimited

› COVERAGE & OPERATORS

Network coverage and local carriers

Taiwan boasts one of ASIA'S BEST MOBILE COVERAGES — a legacy of the local tech culture (TSMC, MediaTek, ASUS, Acer are all Taiwanese). Three dominant carriers since the 2024 mergers (Taiwan Mobile + T-Star, FET + APT): Chunghwa Telecom (CHT, historic partly-privatized state operator, ~38% market share, best rural and mountain coverage), Taiwan Mobile (~30%), and Far EasTone (FET, ~27%). Commercial 5G launched June 30, 2020 — now deployed in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, along the HSR (bullet train 350 km/h), and on major highways. 4G/LTE near-universal (>99.9% inhabited zones). Excellent coverage on the Taipei MRT (100% of stations including tunnels). Weaker areas: central mountain range (3,952 m at Yushan summit), deep Taroko gorges, Lanyu (Orchid Island). An Alosea travel eSIM automatically connects to the best available carrier, no manual setup.

Local operators

› PRACTICAL TIPS

Practical travel tips

Visa & passport

Taiwan is OUTSIDE the EU. For French, Belgian, Swiss, Luxembourgish nationals and other EU/EEA citizens: VISA EXEMPTION up to 90 DAYS per entry for tourism or business (since 2011 for France) — passport valid at least 6 months after entry + return or onward ticket required. On arrival, fill the Online Arrival Card on niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw (saves 15-20 min queue, valid 72h). UK post-Brexit, US, Canada, Australia, Japan travelers: also visa-free 90 days. Important: Taiwan is not recognized as a sovereign state by all countries (PRC's 'One China' policy) — France's representation in Taipei is the Bureau Français de Taipei (de facto embassy). Emergency on site: +886-2-3518-5151.

Source ↗

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD NT$)

Time zone

GMT+8 year-round (Taipei Standard Time, same as Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Perth). NO daylight saving. Time difference: +7h vs UK in winter (GMT), +7h in summer (BST also +7h).

Power outlets

Type A (two flat parallel pins, US-style) and type B (with ground pin). 110 V / 60 Hz — WARNING: voltage is 110 V, LOWER than European 230 V. Most modern chargers (phone, laptop) are multi-voltage 100-240V and work without a transformer, BUT European appliances (hairdryer, hair straightener, kettle) won't work properly (halved power, risk of burning out). Bring a type-A plug adapter — available at any Taiwanese convenience store (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven) for ~NT$50 if you forget.

Climate & best season

Subtropical in the north (Taipei, Taroko), tropical in the south (Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting). SUMMER (June-September): hot and very humid, 28-35°C in lowlands, frequent late-afternoon tropical storms, TYPHOON SEASON (July-October, ~3-5 landfalls per year — check cwa.gov.tw before any travel, flights and HSR suspended during typhoon alerts). WINTER (December-February): cool in Taipei and north (10-18°C, rainy and foggy), pleasant in the south (18-25°C). BEST SEASONS: October-November (post-typhoon, clear skies, 20-26°C) and March-April (spring, cherry blossoms in Alishan and Yangmingshan).

Health & vaccines

No mandatory vaccines for European travelers. EHIC NOT valid in Taiwan — travel insurance ESSENTIAL. Routine vaccines (DTP, MMR) recommended. Hepatitis A and B advised. Japanese encephalitis to consider for long rural stays (southern rice fields, June-October). Dengue present in the south (Kaohsiung, Tainan) in summer-autumn, bring repellent. Tap water drinkable in Taipei but 90% of locals drink bottled or filtered out of habit — free drinking fountains in every MRT station, park and 7-Eleven (bring a reusable bottle).

› CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Culture and best practices

Greetings

'Nǐ hǎo' (你好, hello, formal and universal), 'Hāluō' (哈囉, hello informal), 'Zǎo'ān' (早安, good morning), 'Wǎn'ān' (晚安, good evening / night), 'Zàijiàn' (再見, goodbye). 'Xièxiè' (謝謝, thank you — used constantly), 'Bù hǎoyìsi' (不好意思, excuse me / sorry, super useful). Greet with a slight head nod rather than a handshake with strangers. Taiwanese are RENOWNED FOR THEIR KINDNESS — don't hesitate to ask for help, you'll often be personally walked to your destination.

Tipping

NO tipping culture in Taiwan — it can even be perceived as suspicious or condescending. Restaurants: no tipping, some add 10% 'service charge' (服務費) automatically. Taxis: no tipping (round-up possible but not expected). Hotels: no tipping for bellhop or housekeeping. Hair salons, massages: no tipping. Only exception: private trek guides or full-day taxi drivers where a small tip in USD or TWD is appreciated.

Dress code

Free dress code in cities (Taipei is young and trendy). MODEST attire recommended in Buddhist and Taoist temples (covered shoulders, no very short shorts) — especially at Longshan Temple (Taipei), Foguangshan (Kaohsiung), Wenwu Temple (Sun Moon Lake). HIKING shoes essential for Taroko Gorge (technical sections, helmet provided) and the Yushan climb (3,952 m, permit and guide required). Light raincoat in any season (tropical storms), foldable umbrella very useful.

Religion

Buddhism and Taoism intertwined (~35% each, but ~80% of Taiwanese practice a Buddhist-Taoist-Confucianist syncretism with ancestor worship and Chinese folk deities), Christianity ~5% (Catholic and Protestant), Yiguandao ~3%, indigenous Austronesian religions among native peoples. Notable: Taiwanese temples are among the MOST COLORFUL and MOST ALIVE in the Sinosphere — multicolored ceramic dragons on roofs, omnipresent incense, constant religious processions and festivals. The goddess MAZU (sea goddess, unofficial national patron, ~70% of temples dedicated to or mentioning her) inspires Taiwan's largest pilgrimage: 9-day annual walk, ~1 million pilgrims.

Languages

Standard Mandarin (國語 Guóyǔ, official, written in TRADITIONAL characters — different from mainland simplified) · Taiwanese / Hokkien (台語 Táiyǔ, native to ~70% of population, Sino-Tibetan, co-official since 2018) · Hakka (客家話, ~15%, co-official) · Austronesian languages (16 officially recognized indigenous peoples, ~2% of population) · English (widely spoken by urban under-40s, in tourism and tech) · Japanese (understood by seniors, 1895-1945 legacy)

Useful phrases

Nǐ hǎo (你好) — Hello
Xièxiè (謝謝) — Thank you
Bù hǎoyìsi (不好意思) — Excuse me / sorry
Duōshǎo qián ? (多少錢?) — How much?
Hǎo chī ! (好吃!) — It's delicious!

› MUST-SEE PLACES

Top iconic places

Taipei 101 and Xinyi District

Taipei's iconic tower (508 m, 101 floors, completed 2004), WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING between 2004 and 2010 (until Burj Khalifa opened in Dubai). Architecture inspired by a bamboo stalk (8 identical floors stacked, symbol of growth and fortune). 89th-floor observatory (391 m) reached via one of the WORLD'S FASTEST ELEVATORS (1,010 m/min, Toshiba). On the 88th floor: giant tuned mass damper (660 t, 5.5 m diameter — golden sphere that counterbalances typhoons and earthquakes, visible to visitors). Xinyi district around it: luxury, international brands, Michelin-starred restaurants, Eslite Spectrum (iconic 24/7 bookstore). New Year fireworks fired from the top (~150,000 viewers).

Taipei 101 houses, suspended between floors 87 and 92, the WORLD'S LARGEST PUBLICLY-VIEWABLE TUNED MASS DAMPER: a 660-ton golden sphere (~6 m diameter, 41 welded steel plates) that swings like a pendulum to neutralize the skyscraper's sway during typhoons and earthquakes. During Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 (winds 230 km/h), the damper swung one full meter — an absolute record, viral on the internet. The building is designed to withstand a Category 5 typhoon AND a magnitude 7.0 earthquake at close range. It's still the tallest seismically-engineered skyscraper of this class — a Taiwanese engineering feat globally recognized (the damper has been nicknamed 'the golden savior').

Wikipedia ↗

Taroko Gorge (National Park)

920 km² national park on the east coast, 25 km from Hualien, among Asia's most spectacular landscapes: deep gorges carved by the Liwu River through pure MARBLE (one of the rare places where 19 km of exposed gorge walls are marble — hence the Mandarin name 太魯閣 Tàilǔgé, from the Austronesian Taroko meaning 'magnificent'). Iconic trails: Shakadang Trail (4.4 km along a turquoise river, easy), Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou, road cut into the cliff, swallow-nest niches), Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong, one of the most iconic sections), Eternal Spring Shrine (memorial to road-construction casualties — 226 dead, 1956-1960), and especially ZHUILU OLD TRAIL: cliff-edge path 750 m above the void, 3 km long, special permit and helmet required (book 7-30 days ahead). Access via train from Taipei → Hualien (Taroko Express, 2h) + scooter or local bus.

The road CROSSING TAROKO GORGE (Central Cross-Island Highway, Taiwan Route 8) was built ENTIRELY BY HAND by former KMT soldiers between July 1956 and May 1960: ~10,000 nationalist veterans who'd fled to Taiwan in 1949 carved the rock with hammers and chisels, blew up walls with dynamite, with no heavy machinery. 226 workers DIED during construction, buried by rockfalls or fallen into the void. The Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchunci) overlooking a waterfall at km 158 is dedicated to them — the waterfall falls UNDER the shrine in a deliberate setup, the spring symbolizing the blood spilled. The road remains one of the most dangerous in the world — closed during every typhoon, frequent rockfalls (April 3, 2024 earthquake magnitude 7.4 collapsed several sections, some parts of the park still closed in 2026).

Wikipedia ↗

Sun Moon Lake (日月潭)

Taiwan's largest natural freshwater lake (7.93 km², 27 m deep), at the island's geographic center, 748 m elevation. Poetic name: shape of the SUN (eastern part, circular) joined to the MOON (western part, crescent), separated by tiny central Lalu Island (sacred to the Thao indigenous people). Romantic setting nestled in mountains, ideal for 1-2 days. Highlights: Wenwu Temple (3 levels, dedicated to Confucius and Guan Yu), Xuanzang Temple (holds relics of the Tang monk who inspired Journey to the West), Ci'en Pagoda (46 m, panoramic lake view), Sun Moon Lake ROPEWAY to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village theme park. Activities: bike around the lake (33 km, one of CNN's 10 most beautiful cycling routes worldwide), boat-bus between 3 piers, local Assam black tea tasting (legacy of 1925-1945 Japanese experimentation).

Sun Moon Lake was originally TWO separate lakes. The Japanese occupation merged them into one in 1934 by building the Daguan hydroelectric dam — which still produces 17% of Taiwan's electricity (pumped-storage plant). LALU ISLAND at the center is sacred to the THAO people (one of 16 recognized indigenous Taiwanese peoples, ~800 people today only) — their mythical place of origin, where their ancestors saw a white deer that led them to the lake. During the September 21, 1999 earthquake (magnitude 7.7, ~2,400 dead), Lalu Island sank several meters — today it's much smaller than before, almost submerged, symbolically rebuilt with a wooden platform in memory of the Thao.

Wikipedia ↗

Jiufen (九份) — Spirited Away village

Former gold-mining village clinging to a mountainside facing the Pacific, in northeast Taiwan (45 min by train + bus from Taipei). Heyday 1930-1945 under Japanese rule (4,000 families, one of East Asia's richest towns, hence the name 九份 meaning literally '9 portions' of supplies). After mines closed (1971), Jiufen became a ghost village until the 1990s. International fame after the film 'City of Sadness' by Hou Hsiao-Hsien (1989, Venice Golden Lion) and ESPECIALLY by the persistent rumor that the red-lantern district of Miyazaki's Spirited Away (2001) was INSPIRED by Jiufen (Miyazaki denies it, but the image sticks). Highlights: Jiufen Old Street (paved alley lined with tea houses, shops, street food stalls), A-Mei Tea House (the most photographed red-lantern wooden tea house), sea + mountain view at sunset.

Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki have OFFICIALLY DENIED several times (notably in 2013) that Jiufen inspired the bathhouse district of Spirited Away — per Miyazaki, inspiration came from Japanese onsen (Dōgo in Matsuyama, Shibu in Nagano). BUT the myth has turned Jiufen into a Ghibli pilgrimage: Japanese and Asian tourists flock (~50% of village tourism), shops fully play the Ghibli card with merch, and the A-Mei Tea House (multi-story dark-wood tea house with red lanterns) has become one of Asia's most Instagrammed backdrops. Sunset over the sea from the balcony as lanterns light up is a magical moment that justifies the detour, historical truth or not.

Wikipedia ↗

Tainan — former capital (1624-1887)

Taiwan's most historic city, founded by the DUTCH in 1624 (Fort Zeelandia, Dutch East India Company, base for trade with Ming China and Edo Japan), capital of Taiwan until 1887. Today ~1.9 million people, relaxed small-city vibe opposite Taipei's frenzy. Known as Taiwan's 'culinary capital': ~300 temples (highest density on the island), legendary street food (DanZi noodles, Beef Soup, Coffin Bread). Highlights: Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Fort, Dutch remains, museum), Fort Provintia (Chihkan Tower, another Dutch remain 1653), Confucius Temple (Taiwan's OLDEST, 1665, first Chinese educational center on the island), Grand Mazu Temple (sea goddess), Anping Tree House (colonial warehouse engulfed by banyan trees, very photogenic). Access: HSR Taipei → Tainan (1h30, HSR station 25 min from center).

Tainan is where Taiwan ENTERED written world history: the Dutch East India Company established Fort Zeelandia here in 1624, its trading post between Ming China and Tokugawa Japan. The Dutch ruled southern Taiwan for 38 YEARS (1624-1662) — important because it was the FIRST European colonial administration on Taiwanese soil, which shaped agriculture (sugarcane), introduced Latin writing for Austronesian languages (Sinkang Manuscripts), and preceded mass Han colonization. The Dutch were expelled in 1662 by the pirate-admiral KOXINGA (Zheng Chenggong), a Ming loyalist in exile, who established at Tainan the Kingdom of Tungning (1662-1683) — first INDEPENDENT and REPUBLICAN Sinitic state on Taiwan. Before being conquered by the Manchu Qing in 1683, who integrated Taiwan into the Chinese Empire until cession to Japan in 1895.

Wikipedia ↗

National Palace Museum (Taipei)

One of the world's most important museums of Chinese art — houses 700,000 objects from the Chinese imperial court (collections amassed over 1,000 years by Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing emperors). In 1948-1949, when the Communist People's Liberation Army won the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist government URGENTLY EVACUATED the 600,000 finest pieces of the Forbidden City to Taiwan (in 4 perilous maritime trips). The Taiwanese museum opened in 1965. The collection is so vast it would take 30 YEARS to display everything in rotation (~3,000 pieces shown at a time, rotated every 3 months). Iconic pieces on permanent display: Jadeite Cabbage (jade sculpture mimicking a cabbage with a katydid — symbol of purity and fertility), Meat-shaped Stone (jasper sculpted like braised pork, stunning illusion), Ru ware bowls from Song dynasty (the world's most precious celadon, ~€10,000/cm³). Impressive 4-floor imperial-Chinese-style architecture, French audio guide available.

The evacuation of Forbidden City treasures to Taiwan in 1948-1949 is one of HISTORY'S GREATEST CULTURAL RESCUES: 600,000 imperial objects (out of ~1.1 million in Beijing's total collection) were packed in haste into 3,824 crates and shipped from Nanjing to Keelung in four crossings, under constant threat of bombing and the communist fleet. The objects were hidden for 16 YEARS in caves near Taichung before the official museum opening in Taipei in 1965. Beijing has ALWAYS DEMANDED their return without success. For the Republic of China (Taiwan), these collections are PROOF of legitimacy as the continuator of classical Chinese culture — the PRC having destroyed or hidden many cultural objects during the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution. A 'cultural reunification' between the two collections (Beijing + Taipei) remains a sensitive diplomatic topic.

Wikipedia ↗

› OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

Unique experiences to live

Dine at a Taipei night market (Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia) — Taiwanese institutions, oyster omelette, stinky tofu, bubble tea (invented in Tainan 1986 at Hanlin Tea Room or Taichung 1988 at Chun Shui Tang — debated), squid skewers, beef noodle soup. Plan for €10-20/person for a feast.
Ride the HSR (High Speed Rail) Taipei → Kaohsiung — Taiwanese bullet train Shinkansen-derived inaugurated 2007, 350 km/h commercial, runs the island north-south in 1h35 (vs 4h30 conventional). Free wifi on board, Japanese punctuality (~99.9%), book on Klook or thsrc.com.tw.
Soak in the HOT SPRINGS of Beitou (northern Taipei suburb) — legacy of Japanese rule (1895-1945), public baths and onsen-style hotels. Rare white acidic spring at Beitou Hell Valley (Geothermal Valley), 100°C bubbling.
Climb Yushan (玉山, Jade Mountain, 3,952 m, Taiwan's highest peak and East Asia's tallest insular summit) — 2-day trek from Tataka, Paiyun refuge at 3,402 m, summit at sunrise. Permit MANDATORY (online lottery, ~30 days ahead), guide not required but recommended.
Discover indigenous culture in Wulai village (Atayal people, 30 min from Taipei) — Wulai Waterfall 80 m, traditional shows, millet and wild boar gastronomy. Or the East Rift Valley (Amis people, Hualien-Taitung) — annual Ilisin festival (July).

› GASTRONOMY

Traditional dishes to try

Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)

Taiwan's national dish, a legacy of KMT soldiers from Sichuan in 1949. Spicy braised beef broth (hong shao 紅燒 variant spicy with chili and bean paste, or qing dun 清燉 clear and refined), long-simmered tendons and beef chunks, fresh thick noodles, pickled vegetables (suancai). Annual 'best beef noodle' competition in Taipei. ~NT$150-300 per bowl (€4-9) at good spots like Lin Dong Fang or Yong Kang.

Wikipedia ↗

Xiao Long Bao (小籠包)

Juicy steamed dumplings of Shanghainese origin, perfected in Taiwan by DIN TAI FUNG chain (Yongkang Street in Taipei is the ORIGINAL restaurant, Michelin-starred and copied worldwide). Thin dough (exactly 18 pleats per dumpling at Din Tai Fung, monitored standard), pork filling in gelled broth that melts when cooked — hence the 'juice' inside. Eating technique: gently pierce with chopsticks over a spoon, sip the broth, then eat the dumpling with ginger and black vinegar.

Wikipedia ↗

Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)

INVENTED IN TAIWAN in the 1980s (Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan in 1986 OR Chun Shui Tang in Taichung in 1988 per the historical dispute). Black or green tea + milk + tapioca pearls (zhēnzhū, brown-sugar-cooked cassava 'pearls') served in a large cup with XXL straw. Now exported to 60+ countries, but the original Taiwanese experience remains incomparable. Every street in Taipei has its shop: 50 Lan, Coco, Tiger Sugar, The Alley.

Wikipedia ↗

Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)

Fermented tofu with a POWERFUL smell (blue cheese × 10) but savory umami taste — a culinary challenge emblematic of night markets. Versions: fried (golden cube served with Taiwanese sauerkraut and spicy sauce, most palatable for beginners), boiled in soup with duck blood, or grilled. Star of Raohe Night Market in Taipei. If you can't overcome the smell, at least buy a portion to share — it's a culinary rite of passage.

Wikipedia ↗

Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯)

National comfort food: white rice topped with minced pork and crackling slow-braised in a sweet-savory soy sauce, star anise, rice wine, and five-spice powder. Comparable to 'rice braised pork' but with Taiwanese sweet-savory profile. ~NT$30-50 per bowl (€1-1.50) at a canteen — Taiwan's cheapest dish and probably the most locally loved.

Wikipedia ↗

Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)

Taiwan's quintessential SOUVENIR pastry: small rectangular butter-cookie filled with PINEAPPLE jam (sometimes mixed with winter melon to soften acidity). Iconic brands: SunnyHills (the aristocrat, pure pineapple), Chia Te (the popular, queues outside Taipei shop), Vigor Kobo, Kuo Yuan Ye. Auspicious symbol (鳳梨 'pineapple' in Taiwanese sounds like 'wàng-lái' = 'wealth arrives'). Gift boxes of 6-12 pieces, ~NT$150-400.

Wikipedia ↗

Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

Night market specialty: omelette with fresh oysters from southwest Taiwan (renowned oyster farms around Tainan and Anping since Dutch times in the 17th century), wrapped in a slightly gluey batter (sweet potato starch + eggs + Chinese chives), drizzled with a sweet-spicy pink sauce. Star of Shilin Night Market and Tainan.

Wikipedia ↗

› INSTALLATION

How to install your eSIM

On iPhone

1.Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
2.Scan the Alosea QR received by email
3.Label it clearly ("Taiwan")
4.On arrival at TPE, switch data to the Taiwan line and enable roaming

On Android

1.Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add plan
2.Scan the Alosea QR
3.Confirm and switch to the Taiwan line
4.Enable data roaming on the Taiwan line

Troubleshooting

No signal at TPE? Check that roaming is enabled on the Taiwan line and the APN is configured (Alosea auto-push). 4G/5G everywhere in Taipei and along the HSR. A phone restart fixes 90% of cases. Otherwise, Alosea support responds 7 days a week.

› OUR TIPS

Tips for Taiwan

Taiwan is NON-EU — without an eSIM, French/EU roaming blows up fast

90-day visa-free for French/EU — passport valid 6 months past entry, onward ticket required

Avoid airport SIM at TPE: ~€10 just for the SIM card on top of the plan

Activate the eSIM BEFORE boarding for LINE Taxi + Maps on arrival

5G Chunghwa/Taiwan Mobile/FET in every big city since 2020

GMT+8 year-round, +7h vs UK in winter

Type A/B (US) plugs, 110V/60Hz — adapter MANDATORY for European gear

No tipping — tip-free culture, can even be perceived as condescending

TRADITIONAL characters (繁體) in Taiwan, not mainland simplified — adjust translation apps

Typhoon season July-October, check cwa.gov.tw before any travel

🇹🇼

Your eSIM Taiwan

Active in 2 min · no contract · 200+ countries

See Taiwan plans →

› FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Taiwan FAQ

Do I need a visa for Taiwan?+

NO for EU/UK/US/Canadians/Australians — 90-day visa exemption per entry. Passport valid 6 months past entry, onward ticket required.

Does Taiwan recognize my passport?+

YES. The Bureau Français de Taipei (de-facto embassy) and equivalent UK/US offices issue passports and represent your country.

Does the Alosea eSIM work well in Taiwan?+

Yes, excellent coverage. 5G in every major city since 2020, 4G/LTE near 100% of the inhabited island.

What is the currency?+

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD, NT$). 1€ ≈ NT$33-34 (May 2026). Cards accepted in cities, cash for night markets and small shops.

How many GB for a week?+

7-10 GB are comfortably enough (MRT, LINE Taxi, Maps, photos). 15-20 GB if you stream and hotspot.

Time difference with the UK?+

+7h in winter (GMT), +7h in summer (BST also +7h). No DST in Taiwan.

What plugs?+

Type A and B (US, flat pins). 110 V / 60 Hz. ADAPTER MANDATORY from Europe.

Is my iPhone eSIM-compatible?+

iPhone XR (2018) and newer. Android: Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+, Xiaomi 13+.

› IN SHORT

Wrapping up

Taiwan OUTSIDE EU — without eSIM, roaming explodes
Visa-free 90 days for EU/UK/US passport holders, 6-month validity + onward ticket
An Alosea eSIM activates in 2 min, 5G Chunghwa/Taiwan Mobile/FET in every city
GMT+8, US 110V plugs, no tipping — quick prep

Get your Taiwan eSIM now — ready in 2 minutes

› SOURCES