Taiwan Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Master Taiwan's telephone numbering system to handle Taiwanese phone numbers effectively in your applications. Whether you're building telecommunications software, managing enterprise phone systems, or ensuring regulatory compliance, understanding Taiwan's +886 country code and numbering formats is crucial for seamless integration and operation.

Taiwan Phone Number Quick Reference

Essential facts about Taiwan phone numbers and the +886 country code:

• Country: Taiwan
• Country Code: +886
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0
• Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire & Ambulance), 112 (Mobile emergency)

Key Usage Contexts:

• International Prefix (00): Required when dialing from Taiwan to other countries. Example: 00-1-555-1234 to call the USA
• Country Code (+886): Required when dialing to Taiwan from abroad. The leading 0 of area codes or mobile numbers is omitted. Example: +886-2-12345678 (Taipei landline from abroad) or +886-912-345-678 (mobile from abroad)
• National Prefix (0): Required when making domestic long-distance calls within Taiwan. Example: 02-12345678 (calling Taipei from Kaohsiung). When calling within the same area code, the area code can be omitted (source: Wikipedia Telephone numbers in Taiwan)

These elements form the foundation of every Taiwanese phone number you'll encounter.

How Taiwan's Phone System Works: NCC Regulations

The National Communications Commission (NCC) oversees Taiwan's telephone numbering system. Established on February 22, 2006, the NCC functions as Taiwan's equivalent to the United States' Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The NCC enforces strict technical standards to ensure interoperability and service quality across the telecommunications infrastructure (source: Wikipedia National Communications Commission). This regulatory framework facilitates several key aspects:

• Seamless Domestic and International Calling: NCC regulations ensure compatibility with international standards, enabling smooth communication with Taiwan from anywhere in the world
• Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Users can switch carriers while keeping their existing mobile numbers. This is a crucial consideration for developers working with Taiwanese mobile numbers
• Emergency Services Access: Taiwan operates three official emergency numbers: 110 for police services, 119 for fire and ambulance services, and 112 for mobile emergency calls. NCC regulations mandate that all operators provide these services free of charge and prioritize them in call routing (source: NCC Regulations)
• Special Service Numbers: The framework encompasses special service numbers, such as toll-free and premium-rate numbers, each with specific format and regulations

Emergency Service Numbers – Critical Implementation Details:

Ensure your validation logic correctly identifies and prioritizes emergency numbers:

const emergencyNumbers = /^(110|119|112)$/;

function isEmergencyNumber(number) {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  return emergencyNumbers.test(cleaned);
}

Understanding this framework is essential for building robust and compliant applications.

Taiwan Phone Number Formats: Complete Breakdown

Explore the practical aspects of Taiwan's number formats and how to implement them in your systems.

General Structure

Taiwanese phone numbers follow a hierarchical structure for accurate parsing and validation:

• Country Code (+886): Used for international routing, this code identifies Taiwan in the global telecommunications network
• Area Codes (1-3 digits): These codes route calls to specific geographic regions within Taiwan
• Subscriber Number (5-8 digits): This is the unique identifier for the individual or organization being contacted

Key Takeaway: Always consider both domestic and international formats to ensure your application works seamlessly with global systems.

Taiwan Phone Number Format Types

How to format different types of Taiwan phone numbers:

1. Taiwan Landline Format (Area Codes)

Taiwan landline numbers combine area codes with local subscriber numbers. The total domestic number length (area code + subscriber number) varies by region: Taipei uses a 2-digit area code + 8-digit subscriber number (10 digits total), while most other regions use 2-3 digit area codes + 6-7 digit subscriber numbers (typically 9 digits total). Understanding area code formats is essential for proper validation.

// Enhanced validation for landline numbers with specific area code rules
const landlinePatterns = {
  taipei: /^02\d{8}$/,           // Taipei: 02 + 8 digits
  standard2digit: /^0[3-7]\d{7}$/, // Other 2-digit codes + 7 digits
  threeDigit: /^0(37|49|82|836|89)\d{6}$/,  // 3-digit codes + 6 digits
  specialCases: /^(0826\d{5}|070\d{8})$/    // Wuqiu (5 digits) and VoIP (8 digits)
};

function validateLandline(number) {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  return Object.values(landlinePatterns).some(pattern => pattern.test(cleaned));
}

Detailed Area Code Reference with Subscriber Lengths:

Taiwan's area code system follows specific subscriber number length rules based on geographic region (source: Wikipedia Telephone numbers in Taiwan):

2. Taiwan Mobile Number Format (09X)

All Taiwan mobile numbers use a standardized 10-digit format starting with 09:

// Mobile number validation with range checking
const mobileRegex = /^09[0-8]\d{7}$/;

function isValidMobile(number) {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  return mobileRegex.test(cleaned);
}

This regular expression ensures mobile numbers begin with 09 followed by a digit from 0-8, then seven more digits.

Mobile Number Format Specification: Taiwan mobile numbers follow the format 09X-XXXXXXX, where the first digit after 09 ranges from 0-8 (090-098). The full number is always 10 digits. The 090 range is primarily used for wireless data services (M2M – Machine to Machine) (source: Wikipedia Telephone numbers in Taiwan).

Mobile Prefix Allocations by Operator:

Taiwan's mobile prefixes are allocated to specific carriers, though Mobile Number Portability (MNP) means users can now retain their numbers when switching operators. Historical allocations include (source: Prompt2Tool Taiwan Number Generator):

Important: Due to MNP, prefix-based operator identification is no longer reliable. Always query the centralized MNP database for current operator assignments.

3. Taiwan Toll-Free Numbers (0800/0809)

Taiwan toll-free numbers allow callers to contact businesses without charges.

// Toll-free number validation
const tollFreeRegex = /^(0800|0809)\d{6}$/;

function isValidTollFree(number) {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  return tollFreeRegex.test(cleaned);
}

Toll-Free Format Specification:

• Format: 0800-XXX-XXX or 0809-XXX-XXX (10 digits total)
• Domestic Use Only: Taiwan toll-free numbers (0800/0809) are accessible only from within Taiwan. International callers cannot reach these numbers toll-free (source: Wikipedia Toll-free telephone number)
• International Alternative: For international toll-free access, businesses should use the 00801 international toll-free format, though this requires separate registration and may not be accessible from all countries
• Accessibility: Can be called from both landlines and mobile phones within Taiwan at no charge to the caller

4. Premium-Rate Numbers

Premium-rate numbers incur higher charges for the caller. Implement special handling and user notification:

// Premium-rate number validation
const premiumRateRegex = /^020[1-4]\d{4}$/;

function isValidPremiumRate(number) {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  return premiumRateRegex.test(cleaned);
}

// Cost warning implementation
function checkPremiumRateWarning(number) {
  if (isValidPremiumRate(number)) {
    return {
      isPremium: true,
      warningMessage: "This is a premium-rate number. Additional charges apply.",
      requiresConsent: true
    };
  }
  return { isPremium: false };
}

Premium-Rate Number Specifications:

Taiwan uses the 020X prefix for value-added services with varying charge rates (source: Wikipedia Telephone numbers in Taiwan):

Regulatory Compliance: While specific cost disclosure requirements are enforced through NCC regulations, implement clear user warnings before connecting premium-rate calls to ensure transparency and comply with consumer protection standards.

Implementation Best Practices

Best practices for implementing Taiwanese phone number handling:

1. Number Formatting: Consistent formatting improves readability and data consistency

   javascript

   function formatTaiwanNumber(number, type) {
     // Remove non-numeric characters
     const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
   
     // Validate input length
     if (cleaned.length < 8 || cleaned.length > 11) {
       throw new Error('Invalid phone number length');
     }
   
     // Format based on type and length
     switch(type) {
       case 'landline':
         if (cleaned.startsWith('02') && cleaned.length === 10) {
           return cleaned.replace(/(\d{2})(\d{4})(\d{4})/, '$1-$2-$3'); // Taipei: 02-1234-5678
         } else if (cleaned.length === 9) {
           return cleaned.replace(/(\d{2})(\d{3})(\d{4})/, '$1-$2-$3'); // Standard: 03-123-4567
         }
         return cleaned;
       case 'mobile':
         if (cleaned.length === 10) {
           return cleaned.replace(/(\d{4})(\d{3})(\d{3})/, '$1-$2-$3'); // Mobile: 0912-345-678
         }
         throw new Error('Invalid mobile number length');
       case 'tollFree':
         if (cleaned.length === 10) {
           return cleaned.replace(/(\d{4})(\d{3})(\d{3})/, '$1-$2-$3'); // 0800-123-456
         }
         throw new Error('Invalid toll-free number length');
       default:
         return cleaned;
     }
   }
   

2. Validation Implementation: Robust validation prevents invalid data from entering your system

   javascript

   const validationRules = {
     landline: /^(02\d{8}|0[3-7]\d{7}|0(37|49|82|836|89)\d{6}|0826\d{5}|070\d{8})$/,
     mobile: /^09[0-8]\d{7}$/,
     tollFree: /^(0800|0809)\d{6}$/,
     premiumRate: /^020[1-4]\d{4}$/,
     emergency: /^(110|119|112)$/,
     international: /^\+886[1-9]\d{7,9}$/  // International format validation
   };
   
   function validateTaiwanNumber(number, type) {
     const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '').replace(/^\+886/, '0');
   
     if (!validationRules[type]) {
       throw new Error(`Unknown number type: ${type}`);
     }
   
     const isValid = validationRules[type].test(cleaned);
   
     return {
       valid: isValid,
       cleaned: cleaned,
       formatted: isValid ? formatTaiwanNumber(cleaned, type) : null,
       message: isValid ? 'Valid number' : `Invalid ${type} number format`
     };
   }
   

Warning: Always implement thorough error handling for validation and portability checks to ensure your system's stability and reliability.

Taiwan Telecom Operators: Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile & Far EasTone

Taiwan's telecommunications market consolidated in 2024-2025 to three primary operators following major mergers.

1. Chunghwa Telecom (CHT): The market leader and top performer in 5G network experience, offering comprehensive fixed-line and mobile services. International dialing prefixes (IDD codes): 002, 009

2. Taiwan Mobile (TWM): Merged with T-Star in 2024, now focusing on merger synergies and expanding into AI data center markets. International dialing prefix: 006

3. Far EasTone (FET): Merged with Asia Pacific Telecom in 2024, creating one of Taiwan's three major telecom providers. International dialing prefix: 007. (Note: Asia Pacific Telecom previously used 005)

Understanding International Dialing Prefixes (IDD Codes):

The prefixes listed above (002, 005, 006, 007, 009) are carrier selection codes used when making international calls from Taiwan. Users prefix their international calls with these codes to route through their chosen carrier. Example: 002-1-555-1234 routes an international call to the USA through Chunghwa Telecom (source: Wikipedia Telephone numbers in Taiwan).

2025 Market Status: The market has consolidated from four to three operators, with Far EasTone acquiring Asia Pacific Telecom and Taiwan Mobile merging with T-Star. All three operators reported strong 2024 results driven by merger synergies, rising ARPU (Average Revenue Per User), and B2B market expansion (source: Digitimes Taiwan Telecom 2025, verified January 2025).

How to Validate Taiwan Phone Numbers: Technical Guide

Advanced technical aspects of working with Taiwanese phone numbers.

Taiwan Mobile Number Portability (MNP) System

Number portability introduces complexity, as numbers can change operators. Taiwan's MNP (Mobile Number Portability) system uses a centralized database approach for efficient call routing and real-time synchronization when subscribers switch carriers. The NCC manages this framework, ensuring interoperability across all three major operators (source: sent.dm Taiwan Resources).

1. Validation Layer: Verify number format and portability eligibility

   javascript

   async function validatePortabilityRequest(phoneNumber) {
     // Check number format
     const validation = validateTaiwanNumber(phoneNumber, 'mobile');
     if (!validation.valid) {
       throw new Error('Invalid number format: ' + validation.message);
     }
   
     // Check portability eligibility
     // Note: Actual MNP database access requires operator agreements
     // This is a placeholder for integration with carrier systems
     try {
       const mnpInfo = await queryMNPDatabase(validation.cleaned);
       return {
         isPortable: true,
         currentOperator: mnpInfo.operator,
         originalOperator: mnpInfo.originalOperator,
         portedDate: mnpInfo.portedDate
       };
     } catch (error) {
       throw new Error('MNP query failed: ' + error.message);
     }
   }
   

MNP Database Access:

The NCC mandates that operators use a database query method for routing ported numbers (source: NCC Regulations). However, direct API access to the centralized MNP database is typically restricted to licensed telecommunications operators. For application developers:

• Operator Integration: Work with your telecom provider to access MNP lookup services through their APIs
• Third-Party Services: Consider using telecommunications service providers that offer HLR (Home Location Register) lookup or MNP query APIs
• Validation Only: For non-routing applications, focus on format validation rather than operator identification

2. Format Handling: Normalize numbers for consistent processing

   javascript

   function normalizePhoneNumber(number) {
     // Remove all non-numeric characters
     let cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
   
     // Validate minimum length
     if (cleaned.length < 8) {
       throw new Error('Phone number too short');
     }
   
     // Handle international format
     if (cleaned.startsWith('886')) {
       cleaned = '0' + cleaned.substring(3);
     }
   
     // Validate domestic format has leading 0
     if (!cleaned.startsWith('0')) {
       throw new Error('Domestic numbers must start with 0');
     }
   
     // Convert to E.164 format for storage
     return '+886' + cleaned.substring(1);
   }
   

This function normalizes numbers to the E.164 format for international compatibility.

E.164 Format for Taiwan Phone Numbers

Taiwan's numbering plan follows the international E.164 phone number format standard, ensuring global compatibility and consistent routing.

Understanding E.164 Implementation

E.164 provides a framework for international numbering:

• Maximum Length Control: Numbers cannot exceed 15 digits (including country code)
• Standardized Format: The country code (+886) follows international requirements
• Routing Structure: A consistent structure ensures reliable routing

E.164 Format Examples for Taiwan:

E.129 Documentation Framework

The NCC maintains documentation following ITU-T E.129 guidelines, which specifies the format for national numbering plan documentation. For the most up-to-date Taiwan numbering plan information, consult the NCC's English portal or the Ministry of Transportation and Communications numbering plan documents. The NCC plays a vital role in regulating the telecommunications sector, including number allocation and foreign ownership restrictions.

Number Portability Framework

Taiwan's MNP system requires operators to implement database query methods for call routing (source: NCC Regulations). The framework includes:

• Centralized Database: Maintains real-time records of all ported numbers
• Real-Time Synchronization: Updates propagate across all operator networks within defined timeframes
• Query Protocol: Operators must query the database for each call to ported number ranges
• Interoperability Standards: NCC mandates technical standards ensuring seamless porting between operators

Implementation Checklist:

• Implement E.164 format conversion for international compatibility
• Validate number ranges against current NCC allocations
• Handle both domestic (0-prefix) and international (+886) formats
• Test emergency number detection and prioritization
• Implement MNP awareness (if routing calls)
• Add premium-rate number warnings for user protection
• Test toll-free number validation (domestic only)
• Verify area code and subscriber number length combinations

Future of Taiwan Telecommunications: 5G & IoT

Key trends for Taiwan developers to monitor:

• 5G Network Expansion: All three major operators are expanding 5G coverage, with the government supporting 5G application development infrastructure
• IoT and M2M Growth: Increased allocation of 090-range numbers for machine-to-machine communications
• Cross-Strait Considerations: Ongoing geopolitical factors may impact numbering plan coordination and international routing
• Enhanced MNP: Potential improvements to number portability systems to reduce switching timeframes

For the latest information, consult the NCC's Technical Specifications portal.

Taiwan Phone Number Best Practices: Key Takeaways

Key takeaways for implementing robust and compliant phone number handling:

• Emergency Numbers: Always prioritize 110, 119, and 112 in your validation logic
• Area Code Variations: Implement length-aware validation for Taiwan's varied area code system
• Mobile Format: All mobile numbers are exactly 10 digits starting with 09[0-8]
• MNP Awareness: Don't rely on prefixes for operator identification due to number portability
• Toll-Free Limitations: Taiwan 0800/0809 numbers work only domestically
• Premium-Rate Warnings: Implement user notifications for 020X numbers
• E.164 Compliance: Store numbers in international format (+886) for maximum compatibility

Stay updated on future developments and prioritize data quality and accuracy.