What Happens at a Mobile Phone Shop?

Common questions about the shop visit

Do I need a reservation?

Not always required, but strongly recommended at carrier and sub-brand shops. Book on the carrier's site or app and choose the shop, the time and the procedure (new line, MNP, plan change). A walk-in may be accepted, but on evenings and weekends the wait can be an hour or more, and some procedures can't be started same-day without a booking.

What do I bring?

Your residence card, a payment method (a credit or debit card in your name, or bank details for direct debit), and — if you're switching carriers — an MNP reservation number or a one-stop MNP arrangement. Some carriers also want a My Number card or a supplementary document. If IC-chip reading is used, you'll need the PINs you set when the card was issued.

How long does it take?

Plan on 1 to 2 hours from being called to leaving, longer if you're switching several lines or buying a device on instalments (a credit check adds time). The wait before you're called is separate and depends on the shop.

What is the “頭金 (down payment)”?

A charge that some sales channels add on top of the phone price. The carrier does not set it — it's decided by the individual shop or agency — so the same phone can cost more, or nothing extra, at another shop, a directly-run store or online. You can ask what it is and whether it can be removed.

Can I say no to the options?

Yes. Call packages, warranty, cloud storage, video and music packs and security apps are all optional. The exception is a campaign that requires this month's options for the advertised phone price — in that case you can add them and cancel after the first month, but set a reminder so you don't forget.

They're offering me fiber, electricity, gas and a credit card — should I?

Only if you'd have chosen them anyway. Fiber has a contract term and a cancellation fee, and the install date is often weeks out. Energy plans hinge on a monthly adjustment rate, not just the plan name. A carrier card means a credit check and another card to manage. Taking the leaflet to compare at home is a reasonable answer.

What if I don't have my residence card?

A passport alone is generally not enough for a new line. You need your residence card; some carriers accept it together with a supplementary document (a utility bill, a residence certificate). Check the exact list on the carrier's page before you go, so you don't lose a trip.

Is an unsigned application a contract?

No. If you stop partway — before signing — nothing is active and nothing is owed. If a shop tells you otherwise, treat it as a warning sign and leave.