For newly arrived Mandarin scholarship students getting a sim card can be a hassle. Opening a bank account can also be difficult. Why? Because you need a Taiwanese ID number to do these things. Most Mandarin scholarship students have to wait four months before they get one.
Actually, I didn’t have a problem opening a bank account. I just used my passport. Depends on the branch. But getting a sim card was tough.
My first recommendation is to buy it at the airport. They make it easy and you can do it with your passport. But if you arrive late this may not be possible.
If you don’t do that you will discover that it is easier to get a sim card in authoritarian China than in democratic Taiwan. Apparently, the restrictions are designed to reduce kidnappings. (Don’t worry they generally only kidnap really rich people.)
The information below was on Forumosa.com may be helpful if you are having trouble:
About the Taiwanese bank account. When you first arrive on a visitor visa, you can go to MOFA (or BOCA? not sure) and apply for an ID number. They will give you piece of paper with an ID number that you can use until you apply for your ARC four months later.
This paper allows you to open bank accounts, purchase SIM cards and other things that normally require an ARC [Internet connection!??]. I don’t exactly know what it is, but I believe you have to be a student to get it. Feng Chia University took a group of new students down to MOFA to get it during the first week of the term.
It’s free and just takes an hour to process.
Update: I just came across this information ID number application form. I haven’t used it but it mentions opening bank accounts etc. If you have the application form officials will know exactly what you want and be able to assist you more efficiently. According to this information you should apply at the National Immigration Agency. The Chinese name for this ID number is 中華民國統一證號 (Republic of China unification card number).
I also recommend calling the Information for Foreigners 24hr hotline if you need any advice/translation. They are great, I highly recommend them. 0800-024-111
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