Taiwan eSIM for Indians (2026): does Jio work, and is an airport SIM better?

Jio and Airtel both cover Taiwan, so you can roam, rent at the airport or use a travel eSIM. One Taiwan check: since 3G closed, calls need a phone with 4G calling (VoLTE).

Prices side by side

Other sizes: 1 GB for 7 days is ₹199, and 3 GB is ₹299 and 20 GB ₹1,499 for 30 days. Unlimited, 1 GB a day at full speed, then 384 Kbps, is ₹349 for 5 days, ₹599 for 10, ₹899 for 15 and ₹1,799 for 30; with no daily cap, from ₹1,899 for 7 days. Buy a 30-day size even for a week: 10 GB for 7 days costs ₹1,899.

How much data you need

Networks and coverage in Taiwan

Taiwan has three main operators, Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone, and eSIMKite's plans use Chunghwa and FarEasTone. In Opensignal's July 2026 report, Chunghwa won 12 of 16 awards, including all four speed and both coverage awards; Taiwan Mobile won Reliability and FarEasTone 5G Availability. Ookla's September 2026 index puts the median mobile download at 168.43 Mbps, 49th in the world.

Bank OTPs, WhatsApp and UPI

eSIMKite plans are data only, so keep your Indian SIM in as the second line for your number, WhatsApp and bank SMS. More in keeping WhatsApp and bank OTPs working abroad.

• Jio: the ₹589 pack includes 20 SMS and the ₹951 pack 25. Without a pack, check in MyJio that you receive SMS abroad.
• Airtel: the 5- and 10-day packs include 20 SMS. New postpaid plans get one free 5-day trip a year from 8 Oct 2026, countries not listed.
• WhatsApp: Freedom House (2025) says social media is not blocked in Taiwan, though some websites are.
• UPI and cards: UPI was not live in Taiwan on 31 August 2026, but Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted. Keep exchange receipts to change NT dollars back.

Before you land

• Arrival card: fill in the free TWAC online arrival card within 7 days before you arrive.
• Visa: India is not on Taiwan's visa-exempt list (Bureau of Consular Affairs, 17 Jul 2026), so apply for a visa, or a Travel Authorization Certificate if you qualify.
• Free Wi-Fi: iTaiwan has more than 5,000 free indoor hotspots at sights and transport hubs. Join 'iTaiwan', open a browser and press 'surfing'. At about 8 Mbps it suits messages, not downloads.
• No VoLTE? The tourism board suggests the airport rental operators.

Set it up at home

1. Check your phone takes an eSIM: iPhone XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S and Z models. Dial *#06#: if an EID shows, it does.
2. Buy the Taiwan plan and scan the QR code on Wi-Fi before you leave India.
3. On most plans the validity starts when the eSIM first connects at your destination, not when you buy or install it.
4. On landing, turn the eSIM line on, switch on data roaming for it, and set it as the mobile data line.

Step-by-step pictures for iPhone and Android are in how to install a travel eSIM.

When a local SIM or roaming is the better choice

Pick a roaming pack for many normal calls on your Indian number, if your phone supports VoLTE: Jio's ₹951 pack has 100 outgoing and 100 incoming minutes, Airtel's ₹1,298 pack 200. Jio's Wi-Fi calling packs, ₹121 for 100 minutes or ₹521 for 500, cover calls to India over hotel Wi-Fi if your phone supports it. Without VoLTE, pick an airport rental. For long stays, Opensignal notes local unlimited plans are common; we did not check prices.

Questions

More guides

• Hong Kong and Macau eSIM for Indians
• South Korea eSIM for Indians
• Japan eSIM for Indians
• How much data you need
• Jio, Airtel and Vi packs compared

Get your Taiwan eSIMQR code on screen and by emailQR code by email after a document check · 4G/5G · from $1.49

See Taiwan plans

Written by the eSIMKite team and checked by Vicky Pathak. Prices checked on 21 October 2026. We sell travel eSIMs, so every outside figure links to where we found it.