🇹🇼 eSIM plans for Taiwan

Taiwan is compact enough that you can experience mountains, coast, and city within a single trip. The Central Mountain Range offers forested hiking trails, while Taipei's urban energy provides high-quality museums and street food. Sun Moon Lake and the east coast's Taroko Gorge show strikingly different landscapes. Many travellers compare the island's alpine scenery to Switzerland, but Taiwanese culture, food, and hospitality are unique to Asia. With reliable 4G coverage from Chunghwa Telecom, even remote areas stay connected. Plan to move between regions by high-speed rail or domestic flights-both are efficient and affordable.

• Taroko Gorge National Park - Hike the Zhuilu Old Trail for sheer marble cliffs and river views. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Taipei 101 & Xinyi District - One of Asia's tallest towers, with an observatory over the city. Xinyi's shops and restaurants stay open late.
• Jiufen Old Street - A hillside village that inspired Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Come after 4pm for lantern-lit alleyways.
• Sun Moon Lake, Nantou - Cycle the 19 km lakeside path. Boats cross to the central island.
• Shilin & Raohe Night Markets, Taipei - Essential for food and souvenir hunting. Raohe is smaller and less hectic.

These five spots cover Taiwan's natural, modern, and traditional sides. Do not try to visit more than two per day.

• Beef Noodle Soup - Taiwan's signature comfort dish. Every Taiwanese cook has a family recipe. Look for shops with long queues at lunch.
• Bubble Tea - Invented in Taichung. Try original milk tea with tapioca pearls, not the syrupy versions.
• Scallion Pancake - A crispy, flaky flatbread sold at night markets and street stalls. Eat it hot.
• Oyster Vermicelli - Thin rice noodles in a garlicky broth, topped with fresh oysters. Common in Taipei's night markets.
• Three Cups Chicken - A fragrant clay-pot dish with basil and soy sauce. Best shared.
• Stinky Tofu - Fermented tofu with a strong smell. Acquired taste, but a true local staple.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most comfortable seasons. Temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C in lowlands, and humidity is lower than in summer. Cherry blossoms appear in February and March at Wulai and Yangmingshan National Park. Autumn brings clear skies to Taroko and Alishan. Summer (June to September) is hot, humid, and prone to typhoons. If you travel in summer, carry rain gear and check the weather daily. Winter (December to February) is mild in Taipei but cold and rainy in the mountains. For the best balance of pleasant weather and few crowds, plan your trip for late April or late October.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing - Taiwan's humidity makes synthetics or quick-dry fabrics more comfortable than cotton.
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella - Sudden showers happen year-round. A packable rain shell is better than a heavy coat.
• Hiking boots for Taroko and Alishan - Trails can be uneven and wet. Sturdy footwear prevents slips.
• EasyCard transit card - Tops up at convenience stores and works on Taipei Metro, buses, and some taxis. Saves time.
• Cash in New Taiwan Dollars - Many night market stalls and small eateries do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available.
• Your uPhone eSIM - Preloaded data avoids roaming fees. Coverage is excellent even in rural areas.