Getting a sim card in Taiwan so you can have internet access could be a very difficult process for tourist in Taiwan. If you want to buy a sim card you need to show two proofs of identity. Or to ask a friendly local to buy it for you.

But this is soon to be over: tourists will now be able to connect to the internet all over Taiwan, free of charge. The Executive Yuan (Cabinet) and its subordinate agencies, together with local governments, have set up about 4,400 “iTaiwan” WiFi hotspots at major tourist spots, transportation hubs, cultural establishments, and government offices all over the island.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau and the Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission are working to provide the utmost convenience for foreign visitors and eliminate any communications problems they may encounter. This new service will considerably brighten Taiwan’s already shining image for quality travel services.
Tourists entering the island can apply for an iTaiwan account at a Taiwan Tourism Bureau service counter or any visitor center throughout the island. All they need is a passport; there is no charge. Once their account is opened, they can go online with their Internet-enabled smart phones, laptops, or tablet computers at any “iTaiwan” hotspot anywhere on Taiwan. All they have to do is select the “iTaiwan” SSID, and enter their account number and password. This gives them access to tourist information and allows them to contact their friends anywhere in the world.

In addition, iTaiwan has established roaming agreements with four local governments so that tourists who have set up iTaiwan accounts also have access to TPE-Free in Taipei City, New Taipei in the city of that name, iTaichung in Taichung, and Tainan-WiFi in Tainan.

But remember that using a free public WiFi is dangerous. Anyone can easily sniff all the important data you send through your WiFi connection. The best way to ensure that no important data will be stolen while using a public WiFI is to use a VPN service. A VPN reduces your online movements by replacing your routing information through an anonymized IP address. Secure DNS servers keep secret queries you make, so that nobody can see your browsing history. Your Internet connection is hidden behind the many VPN servers: when you are connected to the VPN, no one can access your computer or your mobile device without using the protected VPN servers. Last but not least, your Internet connection is encrypted with a very strong system that protects you from hackers and illegal ears trying to listen or obtain sensitive information about you.