I hate cell phones. It took me about six months to realize that in order to survive in Taipei I would need one of these little cellular satans. If your having trouble finding a phone then this is the place for you.

Supplies: from start to finish you will need an ARC, passport, some cash, a phone and a SIM card.


Step 1: get a phone

       There are thousands of cell phone stores in Taipei. You shouldn't have any trouble if you want a new cell phone. If your looking for a used cell phone the best place to go is Shi Zhi Lin mall on the corner of Hankou rd. and Xining. rd close to Ximen MRT. It's completely packed with used cell phone stores. Bargaining is expected. What works best for me is to tell them how much I want to spend and they will start by showing me the lowest priced phone then keep showing me nicer and nicer ones until I find one I like.

Step 2: get a sim card

       The Sim card is a small chip that slips into the back of your phone. It gives you a phone number and stores information like phone numbers and text messages. The SIM card can be a little hard to find if you don't know where to look. The first place you can look for one is the same place where you buy your phone. If you can't find one there then go to the B1 floor of the K Mall (ZhongXiao W. rd. Sec.1 no. 50) and ask at the cell phone store there. The SIM card will cost around 900nt.



Step 3: register your phone

       To finally get your phone up and running all you have to do is stop at a phone company and fill out some paperwork. Don't forget to bring your ARC, and it never hurts to have a passport with you either. There are a few stores that can do this for you. The store I always go to is Far Eastone by the Taipei main station. The store address is GuanQian S. rd Sec. 1 no. 43 and they are open from 11am to 8:30pm.

Step 4: wait and charge

       About 24 hours after you get the paperwork filled out your phone will be up and running. Go to a local convenience store, buy an IF money card (a card with a code on the back you use to refill your account) and put some money in your account. You are now connected to the world, congratulations.