Beware When Buying Cheap Overseas eSIMs! Over 70% Don't Use Local Networks, Posing Security Risks

Buying cheap eSIMs for overseas travel is convenient and avoids the hassle of swapping SIM cards. However, a survey by the Consumers' Foundation (消基會) tested 172 travel eSIMs and found that a staggering 72.1% of them did not use the local network of the travel destination, but instead relied on roaming through a third country! Furthermore, 40.7% of the networks originated from overseas subsidiaries of China's three major state-owned telecommunications companies. This indirect roaming could mean your data passes through unknown servers. If you log into your online banking or make credit card payments using an unencrypted connection abroad, your personal information and credit card numbers could be intercepted and monitored. Expert Recommendations: For security-conscious users, it's best to choose roaming services from Taiwanese telecom operators or eSIMs offered by local carriers. If you find that you must turn on 'Data Roaming' after activation to get internet access, it's usually cross-border roaming. Try to avoid logging into online banking or entering credit card information during your trip. Remember to disable the eSIM immediately after returning to Taiwan.