當地實體 SIM 卡攻略｜價格實惠但要換卡，適合哪些旅客？

Local Physical SIM Card Guide | Affordable but requires card replacement, suitable for which travelers?

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Physical SIM cards are often the most attractive option in terms of price and data allowance, but you have to be willing to "remove your original number" and queue at airports or stores to buy them.

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Besides roaming with telecom companies, the first thing many people do when traveling abroad is to find a counter at the airport to buy a "local SIM card".
The biggest appeal of physical SIM cards is their relatively low price and wide range of data options, which is very attractive to people who use the internet extensively.

I. How to Obtain a Physical SIM Card

There are currently two common methods:

  1. Buy a foreign SIM card in Taiwan first
    Purchase the card in advance through the website or store, receive it before traveling abroad, and insert the card to use it upon arrival.

  2. Purchase at the destination airport or city store. <br data-start="1306" data-end="1309">After landing, purchase at the airport telecommunications counter or convenience store, and service personnel will assist with activation on the spot.

Regardless of the method, you will need to remove the original Taiwan SIM card and replace it with a new physical card.

II. Advantages: Both price and traffic are very competitive.

  • The price is usually much cheaper than telecom roaming.

  • There are various options available, including all-you-can-eat, limited-flow, and multi-day plans.

  • Using the local telecommunications network generally offers good speed and coverage.

  • If you buy it in Taiwan beforehand, you won't need to find a store there.

For people who frequently travel abroad or need to use the internet extensively (such as watching videos or working remotely), a physical SIM card is a very practical option.

III. Disadvantages: A new SIM card is required, and the phone number is temporarily unavailable.

  • If you remove the original Taiwan SIM card, your original phone number will no longer be able to receive text messages or make calls.

  • The card is very small; once removed, it should be stored separately to avoid loss.

  • Purchasing locally may involve queuing, and communication can be difficult if there is a language barrier.

  • Some countries require passports or real-name registration.

If you have many services that require SMS verification (banks, exchanges, messaging apps), or if your family members can easily call your Taiwan number, you should consider these risks before using a physical SIM card.

IV. Who is suitable to use a physical SIM card?

  • Independent travelers seeking high cost-performance and willing to spend more time exchanging their cards.

  • People staying for extended periods who need a stable all-you-can-eat and internet service

  • Not so concerned about those whose Taiwan mobile numbers are temporarily unavailable

If you are a student, on a tight budget, or a frequent traveler looking to save money, a physical SIM card remains a very practical option.

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