Settling In

Bank / Post Office Account Opening

💡 Why do I need to open an account?

Living in Taiwan, having a Post Office or bank account is essential for the following reasons:

  1. Receiving School Payments：All university-related payments (such as scholarships, work-study wages, or tuition/dormitory refunds) are issued strictly via bank transfer. Cash payments are not available.
  2. Work Wages：If you take a part-time job in Taiwan (on or off-campus), employers typically require a local account to deposit your salary.
  3. Safety & Convenience：It reduces the risk of loss from carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) are ubiquitous in Taiwan, making cash withdrawals very convenient.

🤔 How to open an account? 👉 [Click here to see the steps]

International Remittance & Foreign Currency

  • Remittance: Foreign nationals must bring their Passport or Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) to the bank to handle international remittances.
  • Online Banking: If you wish to apply for online banking services after opening an account, you must bring your valid foreign passport, ARC, and your original registered seal (stamp) to the original branch where you opened the account.

Applying for a Mobile Phone Number

Q: Can I apply for a SIM card when I arrive in Taiwan?

It is highly recommended to purchase a 30-day SIM card directly at the airport upon arrival to handle your immediate communication needs.

Application Guidelines

  • Prepaid Card (預付卡): More convenient to obtain. Usually only requires a passport and a secondary ID .
  • Monthly Plan (月租型): Requires your ARC, passport, and a local Taiwanese guarantor (who must bring their Taiwan ID and NHI card). You must apply in person at a telecom service center.

Major Telecom Carrier

You will see these brands at the airport or near campus. These are the major providers with stable coverage:

  1. Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信)
  2. Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大)
  3. Far EasTone (遠傳電信)

⚠️【For Students Under 18】Under Taiwan law, 18 years old is the legal age of adulthood.

  • If you are under 18: You cannot apply for a Taiwanese phone number (including prepaid cards) on your own.
  • Recommended Solution: Before leaving your home country, please purchase an “International Roaming SIM card” or a “Short-term Travel Card” that supports Taiwan. This ensures you have internet and communication access during your initial period in Taiwan until you turn 18 or can find a local relative/friend to assist with the application.