How to get from the airport to Taipei
Taoyuan International Airport is located about 40 km west of Taipei and is conveniently connected to the city by the efficient MRT line. For NT$150, you can reach Taipei Station comfortably in about one hour.
At the airport, the signs to the MRT line are very clear. However, once you arrive at Taipei Station, it may take some effort to find the most convenient exit for your destination. It’s a good idea to have GPS working on your mobile, so getting a SIM card before leaving the airport is recommended.
Where to get a SIM card in Taiwan
Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, there are many options for purchasing a prepaid SIM card. Several telecom company counters are available both near the baggage claim area and in the arrivals hall. You can compare prices and packages from different providers.
Unfortunately, I skipped this step and had to find a SIM card in Taipei instead. While it was still easy, it wasn’t as convenient, as I didn’t find as many telecom shops in the city as at the airport.
Still, I got a good deal at a FarEasTone (FET) shop, located at the corner of Guanqian Road and Xuchang Street. It’s a large store with a noticeable red and white sign that’s easy to spot. They sell phones and accessories, and you can get a SIM card there without much hassle. You just need to choose a prepaid plan, show your passport, and make the payment. The staff kindly installed the SIM card and completed all the activation and language setup in English.
I chose a 30-day package for NT$800, which included unlimited data and 100 minutes of voice calls. I traveled across Taiwan from north to south—from Taipei to Kenting—and had no issues with internet connectivity.
Taiwan: ATM withdrawals without fees
There are many ATMs in Taiwan that accept international cards (MasterCard is the most widely accepted), including several at the airport and throughout the country.
Some convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, have ATMs from Taichung Bank, which typically charge a NT$100 fee per withdrawal.
Later, I found out that regular Taichung Bank ATMs don’t charge a fee for withdrawals using MasterCard. However, the Taichung Bank ATMs located inside 7-Eleven stores still apply the NT$100 fee.