Using a Thai cell phone in Taiwan

[bao-bao]

I've heard I can replace the SIM chip in my Thai cell phone to use it in some other countries, but I'm wondering if anyone here has been able to swap out their SIM chip in Taiwan? It seems as though I read somewhere that a traveler had bought a SIM at or near the airport in Taipei, but that was a while ago.

Any ideas / experience / suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[fedssocr]

As long as it's a GSM phone it should be possible. I've gotten SIM cards for my US, GSM phone in several places including Taiwan. Your phone most likely uses the correct frequencies. I just went to a MyFone store down by Taipei 101 but they have stores all over town and at the airport. I take it that the hardest part is finding some one working at the store who speaks enough English to help you. That's why I went to the store where I did because they get more tourists in that part of town. It was cheap, probably US$10 for the card and plenty of data for me. I can't recall the number of days. Their phone plans are a little convoluted. Worked all over the country with no problem though. Was great to have access to Google maps even when I was just walking around.

http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html

[bao-bao]

As long as it's a GSM phone it should be possible. I've gotten SIM cards for my US, GSM phone in several places including Taiwan. Your phone most likely uses the correct frequencies. I just went to a MyFone store down by Taipei 101 but they have stores all over town and at the airport.

Thank you!

[fedssocr]

There are other operators as well.

Here's a FlyerTalk thread on the subject
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/141 ... st24204706

[bao-bao]

As a follow-up to my original question, fedssocr was correct. There are a number of carriers available through dozens of dealers, with plans that are both reasonable and have good coverage. The airport shops open at 0830 - too long a wait for me after the long trans-pacific flight - but I found four major carrier shops within a block and a half of my hotel, with English-speaking folks who were able to install my SIM and activate my plan. Not having a lot of time to visit there this trip I just took a basic plan for around $12US, and was most pleased with it. My phone is a "dual chip" unit, so I was able to just add the Taiwan SIM.

Thanks for the advice here and via PM. Taipei is a fantastic place for a stopover: easy transport, a wide variety of scenic spots and friendly people. I'll get around to posting about it as time allows.