Skip to Content

Hong Kong: 7 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Hong Kong – known for being a financial center, neon lights & its skyline.

The country, territory, city-state, Special Administrative Region, or however you want to refer to it, is also known for its (street) food.

While Hong Kong has many impressive skyscrapers, just looking at them is not the only thing to do there.

You can even go to Disneyland in Hong Kong… but there are more attractions.

For example, heading to the top of Victoria Peak (Mount Austin) will give you a fantastic view of the city, especially when the sun is setting.

If you love cheap food, which my boyfriend certainly does (he is from Hong Kong, by the way), Temple Street Night Market.

And if you are into hiking, go on a hike on Dragon's Back (Shek O Peak).

As you can see, there is something for everything in Hong Kong.

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Hong Kong – International roaming can be expensive.

That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs & even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.

Luckily, SIM cards are not too expensive in Hong Kong – the same applies to mobile data rates.

So, how much do SIM cards cost in Hong Kong?

You can get a Hong Kong SIM card for between 33 HKD (4.25 USD) and 298 HKD (38.30 USD) from China Mobile (CMHK), CSL Mobile (by HKT), 3 (Three) & SmarTone in their stores (+1O1O stores for CSL SIM cards). Resellers, like 7-Eleven and Circle K, sell SIM cards too. SIM cards are also sold at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

If you are flying into Hong Kong International Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.

Buying a SIM Card at Hong Kong International Airport Guide (logos of China Mobile and CSL Mobile)

Now, these prices may seem a bit high, especially compared to countries in Southeast Asia.

But they are still (way) cheaper than international roaming.

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Hong Kong. Let's go.

Buying a SIM Card in Hong Kong Guide (logos of SmarTone, csl., China Mobile & 3 (Three), 7-Connect, Club SIM & SoSIM))

Original publication: 15th of December 2019. Last updated: 15th of March 2023.


Table of Contents

In This Guide Show

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Hong Kong?

Anyone 16 years old or older living in or visiting Hong Kong can buy a Hong Kong SIM card from the mobile network operators (China Mobile (CMHK), Hong Kong Telecom (CSL Mobile), 3 (Three) & SmarTone) with some restrictions.

The main restriction is that you can only have ten active SIM cards PER mobile operator in your name in Hong Kong.

So if you somehow need 40 prepaid SIM cards, you can… but I bet questions will be asked 🗿.

I am not sure if you get ten SIM cards per sub-brand too (such as Club SIM and 7-Connect by CSL), but you are free to try out.

Besides that restriction, you are free to use Hong Kong SIM cards.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations (introduced in 2021 and enforced from March 2022).

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Hong Kong).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Hong Kong?

You can get a Hong Kong SIM card in China Mobile (CMHK), 1O1O & CSL (both for CSL SIM cards), 3 (Three) & SmarTone stores. Resellers, like 7-Eleven and Circle K conveniece stores, also sell SIM cards. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

If you are flying into Hong Kong International Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.

Buying a SIM Card at Hong Kong International Airport Guide (logos of China Mobile and CSL Mobile)

You can expect to pay the following for Hong Kong SIM cards:

  • China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK): 33 HKD, 48 HKD, 80 HKD, 98 HKD & 198 HKD
  • CSL Mobile by Hong Kong Telecom: 48 HKD, 59 HKD, 78 HKD, 100 HKD, 180 HKD & 298 HKD (includes 7-Connect & Club SIM)
  • 3 (Three) Hong Kong: 33 HKD, 48 HKD, 98 HKD, 168 HKD, 248 HKD & 298 HKD (includes SoSIM)
  • SmarTone Hong Kong: 48 HKD, 65 HKD & 118 HKD

For up-to-date HKD:your currency (let's say NTD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Can You Use Your Phone in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Hong Kong. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).

Traditional European frequencies are used in Hong Kong, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Hong Kong.

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Hong Kong or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Hong Kong (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has four mobile network operators, with a handful of sub-brands, offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK – 中國移動香港有限公司)
  • CSL Mobile by Hong Kong Telekom (HKT (香港電訊有限公司) – 香港移動通訊有限公司) – includes 7-Connect & Club SIM
  • 3 (Three) Hong Kong (3香港) – includes SoSIM
  • SmarTone Hong Kong (數碼通)

The following frequencies are used in Hong Kong:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 4700 MHz (n79)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Hong Kong, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

VoLTE & VoWiFi in Hong Kong

Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are available in Hong Kong. All Hong Kong mobile operators (China Mobile (CMHK), Hong Kong Telecom (including CSL Mobile, 7-Connect & Club SIM), 3 (Three) & SmarTone) offer both services.

This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Hong Kong (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).

VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.

5G NR in Hong Kong

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Hong Kong since April 2020. It is available on the China Mobile (CMHK), Hong Kong Telecom (CSL), 3 Hong Kong & SmarTone networks. Prepaid customers can use 5G NR (on select plans).

Best SIM Card in Hong Kong

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Hong Kong, I recommend going with China Mobile (CMHK) or CSL Mobile. China Mobile has the fastest 4G/LTE & 5G NR speeds. CSL Mobile has more attractive data-featured plans.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Hong Kong SIM Card Reviews

Recently, I visited Hong Kong and tried out China Mobile, CSL Mobile, 3 & SmarTone.

While I give my opinions and recommendations in this guide, I share more of my personal experiences in my reviews (else… they would not be reviews 🤪).

I recommend reading the reviews after deciding which Hong Kong SIM card will be the best for you, after reading more about the SIM card you are interested in, or after your personal comparison.

At the end of each SIM card section, I will remind you and link to the review of the said SIM card so that you can flow easily to the next part of your assessment.

China Mobile Hong Kong, CSL Mobile, SmarTone Hong Kong & China Unicom Hong Kong SIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

Best eSIM in Hong Kong

3 (Three) offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Note that the Hong Kong mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards as of March 2022 (will be discussed later).

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Hong Kong without personal detail capturing, you can get the Hong Kong (Hkmobile) eSIM from Airalo.

Hong Kong Hkmobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

You have these four options:

  1. Hong Kong/Hkmobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
  2. Hong Kong/Hkmobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Hong Kong/Hkmobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Hong Kong/Hkmobile 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

For an in-depth analysis of the Airalo Hkmobile eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide.

You can also get Hong Kong eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 50 GB/30 days).

Hong Kong eSIMs Nomad

By the way, the 5 GB Nomad Hong Kong eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers, while the 20 GB for 30 days variant is very popular.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

For an in-depth analysis of the Nomad Hong Kong eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide.

Finally, you can get Hong Kong eSIMs from Holafly if you prefer unlimited data plans and do not mind paying a bit more for this advantage:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Hong Kong eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide.

With these eSIMs, you can skip Hong Kong's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Hong Kong!

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

TIP: check out my Best Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Hong Kong, including ones not mentioned above.

Airalo recently heavily improved its Asia eSIM, following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, with six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers, 10 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days to be used in Hong Kong and 13 other Asian countries:

Asialink Asia eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Just like in Europe, many readers tend to visit multiple Asian countries, so they would rather have a travel eSIM covering multiple countries than just one (like Hong Kong).

The Asialink eSIM can be used in 14 countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia:

  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore 1
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

1 currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Airalo Asialink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

With the Asialink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit.

  • Check out my Airalo Asialink review ((being) tested in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, (Singapore), South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand & Vietnam (ongoing review throughout 2023 and 2024, so check back often!)
Airalo Asialink eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Hong Kong and eSIMs worldwide) and my Best Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparion of several eSIMs for Hong Kong.

Best International/Travel SIM Card for Hong Kong

If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for Hong Kong, I recommend going with SimCorner's Hong Kong Travel SIM cards. Consider SimCorner's Asia SIM cards to be used in Hong Kong and 20+ countries, including neighboring China, Macau & Taiwan.

You have the following two Hong Kong Travel SIM cards:

Hong Kong Travel SIM Card SimCorner
© SimCorner

You have these two Asia SIM cards:

Asia Travel SIM Card (6 GB for 8 days) SimCorner
© SimCorner
Asia Travel SIM Card (6 GB for 15 days) SimCorner
© SimCorner

The SimCorner Asia SIM cards and eSIMs can be used in Hong Kong and the following other countries:

  • Azerbaijan 2
  • Bahrain 1
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Guam 1
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Jordan 1
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait 1
  • Kyrgyzstan 2
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Mongolia 1
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Nepal
  • Oman 1
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Qatar 1
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand 2, 3
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

1 for the 8 day version only
2 for the 15 days version only
3 only 500 MB in Thailand – better get the SimCorner Thailand Travel SIM Cards instead

You can also get the SimCorner International Travel SIM card (new: also available as an eSIM) with 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in Hong Kong and 100+ countries, including most of the ones mentioned above (Asia) and in the Americas, Europe & Oceania:

SimCorner International SIM Card Banner
© SimCorner
International Travel eSIM SimCorner
© SimCorner
  • Åland Islands
  • Albania
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Congo, the Republic of (Brazzaville)
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gabon
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Myanmar
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Cyprus
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Svalbard and Jan Mayen
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tonga
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vatican City
  • Vietnam

Instead of spending between 0.34 USD to 384 USD for SIM cards in each country, get a SimCorner travel SIM card (or eSIM) covering numerous countries for just one price!

Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!

SIM Card Registration in Hong Kong

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Hong Kong (as of March 2022). This will be done at the point of purchase OR can be done by yourself (self-registration) online.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Moreover, you can have up to ten active prepaid SIM cards ACROSS all mobile operators in Hong Kong.

This restriction applies to both Hong Kong citizens and non-citizens (including migrant workers and tourists).

What happens when you try going over this limit? I do not know – be my guest and try it 😏.

Hong Kong Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the more popular travel destinations in East Asia.

While it can be affordable if you know the cheap eats and attractions, it can also be an expensive place to be.

The same can be said about mobile data rates in Hong Kong.

The average price for 1 GB of data in Hong Kong is 9.80 HKD (1.25 USD), around the Asian average of 1.47 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.

In fact, Hong Kong is the third most expensive country for mobile data in East Asia, behind South Korea and Japan, but ahead of Macau, Mongolia & China.

Some data-featured prepaid plans can be generous in Hong Kong, but that is not always the case.

While the prices for data-featured plans are low, will you also get slow speeds in Hong Kong?

Absolutely not.

Hong Kong's median mobile download speed is around 58 Mbps.

For reference, the global median is around 31 Mbps at the moment.

Hong Kong has the second-slowest median download speeds compared to its (indirect) neighbors, behind China (92.53 Mbps), Taiwan (58.83 Mbps) & Macau (54.76 Mbps), but ahead of the Philippines (22.35 Mbps).

But the competition is fierce in this neighborhood 😜.

Hong Kong's mobile download speeds have increased by 24.4% year on year.

Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Hong Kong.

That would be China Mobile (CMHK), with a median download speed of 66.11 Mbps. Followed by SmarTone (48.14 Mbps), CSL Mobile (by HKT – 45.96 Mbps) & 3 (Three – 32.52 Mbps).

The mobile operator with the best 5G NR speeds is also China Mobile, with a median download speed of 172.19 Mbps. It is followed by 3 (155.81 Mbps), SmarTone (145.20 Mbps) & CSL Mobile (116.80 Mbps).

What I find interesting is that 3 is almost always the slowest in other countries (in terms of 4G/LTE) where it is active.

However, in the countries where 5G NR is active already, it is the fastest or second-fastest.

I guess they learned of their 4G/LTE mistakes 👀.

Anyway, so what about coverage? Which mobile operator has the best coverage?

Honestly, the four mobile operators cover practically all of Hong Kong (mostly because it is a small city-state), with an availability of more than 98.6%.

So which mobile operator is winning the 5G NR race in terms of coverage?

Currently, China Mobile has the best 5G NR reach (6.7 on a 10-point scale), ahead of CSL Mobile (6.5), SmarTone (5.8) & 3 (5.3).

Regarding 5G NR availability, in the places where 5G NR should be available, China Mobile and CSL Mobile are winning the race (22.9%), ahead of 3 (21.4%) and SmarTone (17.7%).

So what about overall network performance by the Hong Kong mobile operators?

China Mobile, CSL Mobile & SmarTone are the winners of the Hong Kong Mobile Experience Awards of May 2022.

Basically, you cannot go wrong with China Mobile, CSL Mobile & SmarTone.

But… for the best overall performance, especially on 4G/LTE, China Mobile is the clear winner (best 4G/LTE coverage and the fastest 4G/LTE speeds).

With average SIM card prices, practically perfect nationwide coverage, incredible mobile download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in Hong Kong.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Currency in Hong Kong

1000 Hong Kong Dollar Bank Note
© Bank of China (Hong Kong (BOCHK))/中國銀行(香港)有限公司 (中銀香港)

Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar with the symbol HKD (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as just $, (rarely), or HK$. For example, 25 HKD = $/元/HK$25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between HKD and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 HKD = 0.13 USD
  • 10 HKD = 1.30 USD
  • 100 HKD = 12.90 USD
  • 1000 HKD = 128.55 NTD

For up-to-date HKD:your currency (let's say NTD – New Taiwan Dollar) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Signup Banner

Hong Kong Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK), CSL Mobile by Hong Kong Telecom, 3 Hong Kong & SmarTone Hong Kong, and go through:

  • Background information
  • Mobile coverage
  • SIM card types, prices, and availability
  • Recharge/top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)

With that being said, let’s see what Hong Kong to offer to us.


China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK – 中國移動香港有限公司)

China Mobile Hong Kong Logo
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

China Mobile Hong Kong (中國移動香港有限公司), just China Mobile but also known as CMHK, is the largest mobile operator in Hong Kong.

As the name implies, it is run by China Mobile from China – the largest mobile operator in China and worldwide, with around 950 million subscribers.

But all Chinese mobile operators, including China Telecom and China Unicom, are run by the Chinese government because… well… reasons.

Anyway, China Mobile has the best overall network in Hong Kong.

China Mobile uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 4700 MHz (n79)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about China Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a China Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* My Review
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

China Mobile has near-perfect coverage in Hong Kong.

While this is true for all the other Hong Kong mobile operators, it is still remarkable.

Below is China Mobile's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

You can get a China Mobile MySIM SIM card for 33 HKD or 48 HKD or a regular China Mobile SIM card between 48 HKD to 198 HKD in (some) China Mobile stores or from resellers, like 7-Eleven and Circle K. SIM cards are also sold at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

If you are flying into Hong Kong International Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.

The following two China Mobile MySIM SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardDataLocal MinutesValidity
33 HKDMySIM 4G SIM50 GB 1, 25000 minutes30 days
48 HKDMySIM 5G SIM3 GBN/A30 days

1 @ 42 Mbps
2 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)

China Mobile Hong Kong MySIM SIM Cards
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

MySIM SIM cards cannot be purchased in China Mobile stores – only at 7-Eleven and (some) Circle K stores.

The following four regular China Mobile SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCreditDataLocal MinutesChina MinutesValidity
48 HKD4G Super Talk Prepaid46 HKD2 GB 1N/AN/A30 days
80 HKDData & Voice Prepaid78 HKD3 GB 1, 2N/AN/A30 days
98 HKDLocal Data Prepaid18 HKD5 GB 1, 3N/AN/A30 days
198 HKD18 GB Local Data PrepaidN/A18 GB1200 minutes300 minutes365 days

1 +unlimited data @ 384 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (annoyingly slow!)
2 @ 7.2 Mbps
3 @ 21 Mbps

You can get these SIM cards in China Mobile stores, but salespeople will often direct you to the nearest 7-Eleven anyway.

China Mobile Kong Kong SIM Cards
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

Finally, you have the China Mobile Hong Kong Tourist SIM card, sold for 88 HKD giving you 80 GB @ 21 Mbps, unlimited data between 23:00 – 7:00 (also @ 21 Mbps), 1000 local minutes & 10 local SMS for 30 days (sold at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) only).

Do note that China Mobile has many more SIM card lines, including SIM cards for Hong Kong and Macau, Greater China (China, Hong Kong & Macau + Taiwan at times) & travel SIM cards (that sometimes can also be used in Hong Kong).

China Mobile Hong Kong Greater China SIM Cards
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

I only focus on local SIM cards in my guides to make things easier for you (else, I would have discussed way too many SIM cards in my Macau and Thailand SIM card buying guides too – the latter already has 20+ SIM cards per mobile operator).

China Mobile Hong Kong Travel SIM Cards
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

Often, these Hong Kong+ SIM cards are more expensive than the local ones, but they may have more generous starter perks, including more data to be used in Hong Kong.

Still, I will only mention the local ones.

Finally, you have SIM cards targeting migrant workers (although the mobile operators refer to them as Domestic Helpers most of the time), including the Kabayan (the Philippines), My Friend (Pakistan and Thailand) & Rekanan (Indonesia) lines.

China Mobile Hong Kong SIM Cards for Migrant Workers (Rekanan, Kabayan & My Friend)
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

These SIM cards, and the plans offered with them, are often cheaper than the regular China Mobile SIM cards, but they often have (severe) speed restrictions, which makes them not worth it for travelers (but Filipino, Indonesian, Pakistani & Thai visitors could consider them – they include cheap calls and SMS back to those countries).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While China Mobile does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.

Note that the Hong Kong mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards as of March 2022.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Hong Kong (without personal detail capturing), you can get Hong Kong Hkmobile eSIMs from Airalo (four options):

Hong Kong Hkmobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Airalo Asialink eSIM to be used in 14 Asian countries 1 with six variants:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)

1 currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Airalo Asialink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!

I have used, and will be using, the Airalo Asialink eSIM in every country it can be used in.

Airalo Asialink eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Hong Kong.

You can read about them in my Best Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Hong Kong Guide (Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions, Ubigi, Airalo, Asialink, AIS, Hkmobile & 3)

Note that China Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

China Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in China Mobile stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Hong Kong.

To top up your China Mobile SIM card, dial *139*VoucherCode# or call 67001111 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *139*123456#.

Or you can redeem vouchers online.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *#130# to check your China Mobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the MyLink Smart · life app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).

China Mobile Hong Kong MyLink Smart · Life App
© China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

China Mobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: 4G/3G Local Data Packages & 5G Local Data Packages.

I will list all the prices in HKD (Hong Kong Dollar).

To convert HKD to your currency (let's say NTD – New Taiwan Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Signup Banner
4G/3G Local Data Packages – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

The 4G/3G Local Data Packages are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

The following 4G/3G Local Data Packages are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceData 1ValidityActivation Code
18 HKD1 GB1 day*103*100*35#
30 HKDUnlimited @ 384 Kbps10 days*103*100*09#
38 HKD2 GB3 days*103*100*13#
40 HKD2 GB 230 days*103*100*44#
48 HKD3 GB5 days*103*100*07#
68 HKD3 GB @ 7.2 Mbps 230 days*103*100*16#
88 HKD3 GB 230 days*103*100*17#
198 HKD18 GB 3365 days*103*100*14#

1 +unlimited data @ 384 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
2 auto-renews (dial *103*02# to disable auto-renewal)
3 +1200 local minutes and 300 minutes to China

China Mobile Hong Kong 4G 3G Local Data Packages
5G Local Data Packages – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

The 5G Local Data Packages are data bundles (with 5G NR access).

The following 5G Local Data Packages are available, which can be activated on the MyLink Smart · life app:

PriceDataValidity
18 HKD1 GB90 days
150 HKD10 GB90 days

My Review – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

I had the chance to try out China Mobile in early 2023.

It is the country's largest, best & fastest mobile operator (according to reports and my own experiences).

And prepaid users can use 5G NR as well (if you use the MySIM 5G SIM card like I did).

You can read my China Mobile review here.

China Mobile Hong Kong & MySIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK)

  • Name: CMHK Data
  • APN: cmhk

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


CSL Mobile by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT (香港電訊有限公司))

CSL Hong Kong Logo
© CSL Mobile

CSL Mobile by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT (香港電訊有限公司)) is the second-largest mobile operator in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Telecom has numerous sub-brands, including 1O1O, 7-Connect, Club SIM, CSL Mobile of course & SUN Mobile.

CSL Mobile is Hong Kong Telecom's leading brand, so it will get the most focus in this section.

But I will also write about 7-Connect and Club SIM.

Club SIM Hong Kong Logo
© Club SIM

Why not about 1O1O and SUN Mobile?

1O1O is Hong Kong Telecom's premium brand, focusing solely on postpaid customers.

1O1O Hong Kong Logo
© 1O1O

SUN Mobile does have a prepaid line, Flex-Mobile, but it is expensive (compared to the other offers) and throttles speeds @ 1.5 Mbps (slow!).

SUN Mobile Hong Kong Logo
© SUN Mobile Hong Kong

Worry not; you have plenty of options with CSL Mobile itself anyway.

CSL Mobile has one of the overall networks in Hong Kong.

CSL Mobile uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 4700 MHz (n79) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about CSL Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get an CSL Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* My Review
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – CSL Mobile

CSL Mobile has near-perfect coverage in Hong Kong.

While this is true for all the other Hong Kong mobile operators, it is still remarkable.

Below is CSL Mobile's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – CSL Mobile

You can get a CSL Mobile SIM card for between 48 HKD to 298 HKD, the 7-Connect SIM card for 58 HKD, the (7-Eleven) Club SIM SIM card, the CSL New Series SIM card for between 58 HKD to 298 HKD & the Data Monthly SIM for 98 HKD in CSL and 1O1O stores or from resellers, like 7-Eleven and Circle K. SIM cards are also sold at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Note: many 1O1O stores do not deal with prepaid customers (but the one at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) does – click on the link to read my airport SIM card buying guide to save some reading time), but SIM cards should still be available in touristy areas.

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Stores
© CSL Mobile

The following four CSL Mobile regular SIM cards are available:

PriceDataLocal MinutesValidity
48 HKD6 GB“Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes30 days
100 HKD10 GB“Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes365 days
180 HKD28 GB“Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes365 days
298 HKD40 GB“Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes365 days
CSL Mobile Hong Kong SIM Cards (New Starter Packs)
© CSL Mobile

The following three CSL Mobile New Series SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardCreditDataLocal MinutesValidity
58 HKDStudent 4G Prepaid SIM 120 HKD“Unlimited”, 2 GB 2500 minutes30 days
78 HKDPaMa 4G Prepaid SIM78 HKD2 GB500 minutes30 days
298 HKDGamer 4G Prepaid SIM60 HKD20 GB500 minutes30 days

1 you do not need to be a student to get this SIM card
2 +unlimited data @ 512 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)

CSL Mobile Hong Kong New Series SIM Cards

You can also get the 7-Connect SIM card, not to be confused with the 7-Eleven Club SIM, for 98 HKD with 1 GB every 30 days (6 GB), valid for 180 days.

CSL Mobile Hong Kong 7-Connect SIM Card
© CSL Mobile

Although this SIM card is slowly being replaced with Club SIM, so you will have a hard time finding one.

As mentioned above, you also have the 7-Eleven Club SIM, costing 58 HKD instead, but you get 20 GB (@ 42 Mbps) and unlimited local minutes for 30 days instead.

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Club SIM SIM Card
© CSL Mobile

Finally, you have the CSL Mobile Data Monthly SIM with 20 HKD credit, 18 GB of data and 1000 local minutes for 30 days, costing 98 HKD (it is indeed not a data-only SIM card, even though the name indirectly suggests that).

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Data Monthly SIM Card
© CSL Mobile

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the CSL Mobile Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM cards – CSL Mobile's tourist offering.

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Cards
© CSL Mobile

The following two CSL Mobile Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM cards are available:

PriceCreditData 1Local MinutesValidity
88 HKD30 HKD3 GBUnlimited5 days
118 HKD48 HKD8 GBUnlimited8 days

1 also in Macau

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Cards HQ
© Hong Kong Tourism Board

Do note that CSL Mobile has many more SIM card lines, including SIM cards for Hong Kong and Macau, Greater China (China, Hong Kong & Macau) & travel SIM cards (that sometimes can also be used in Hong Kong).

CSL Mobile Hong Kong China-Hong Kong-Macau SIM Card
© CSL Mobile

I only focus on local SIM cards in my guides to make things easier for you (else, I would have discussed way too many SIM cards in my Macau and Thailand SIM card buying guides too – the latter already has 20+ SIM cards per mobile operator).

Often, these Hong Kong+ SIM cards are more expensive than the local ones, but they may have more generous starter perks, including more data to be used in Hong Kong.

Still, I will only mention the local ones.

Finally, you have SIM cards targeting migrant workers (although the mobile operators refer to them as Domestic Helpers most of the time), including the abc Mobile, Ceria, Hello Mobile, Hemat, HK Mobile & Your Mobile.

CSL Mobile Hong Kong abc Mobile, Ceria, Hello Mobile, Hemat, HK Mobile & Your Mobile SIM Cards

These SIM cards, and the plans offered with them, are often cheaper than the regular CSL Mobile SIM cards, but they often have (severe) speed restrictions, which makes them not worth it or travelers (but Filipino, Indonesian, Pakistani & Thai visitors could consider them – they include cheap calls and SMS back to those countries).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While CSL Mobile does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.

But, Club SIM, also powered by CSL Mobile, does offer eSIMs (but you have to order them online).

Note that the Hong Kong mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards as of March 2022.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Macau (without personal detail capturing), you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (seven options):

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asia nations, consider the Holafly Asia eSIM to be used in 11 Asian countries with two variants:

Holafly Asia eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Hong Kong.

You can read about them in my Best Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Hong Kong Guide (Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions, Ubigi, Airalo, Asialink, AIS, Hkmobile & 3)

Note that CSL Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – CSL Mobile

CSL Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in CSL stores and (some) 1O1O stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Hong Kong.

To top up your CSL Mobile SIM card, call 171 111 and follow the instructions.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *109# (and *122*1# for 7-Connect) to check your CSL Mobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the csl. app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).

CSL Mobile Hong Kong App
© CSL Mobile

For Club SIM, use the Club SIM app (Android/iOS).

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Club SIM App
© Club SIM by CSL Mobile

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – CSL Mobile

CSL Mobile, 7-Connect & Club SIM have five data-featured prepaid plans:

I will list all the prices in HKD (Hong Kong Dollar).

To convert HKD to your currency (let's say NTD – New Taiwan Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Signup Banner

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

4.5G Monthly Plans – Club SIM

The 4.5G Monthly Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes exclusively for the Club SIM SIM card.

4.5G Monthly Plans can be activated on the Club SIM app:

PriceData 1Local MinutesValidity
58 HKD20 GBUnlimited1 month
88 HKD40 GBUnlimited1 month
128 HKD80 GBUnlimited1 month

1 @ 42 Mbps

CSL Mobile Hong Kong 4.5G Monthly Plans for Club SIM
Local Data Passes – CSL Mobile

The Local Data Passes are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Local Data Passes can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
3 HKD3 GB2 hours*101*532*4#
18 HKD6 GB1 day*101*532*1#
28 HKD1 GB365 days*101*835*37#
38 HKD2 GB30 days 1*101*835*1#
38 HKD9 GB3 days*101*532*2#
48 HKD6 GB 230 days 1*101*835*3#
68 HKD10 GB365 days*101*835*38#
68 HKD12 GB7 days*101*532*3#
78 HKD18 GB 330 days 1*101*835*21#
168 HKD28 GB365 days*101*835*39#
238 HKD40 GB365 days*101*835*40#

1 auto-renews
2 +300 local minutes
3 +1000 local minutes

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Local Data Passes
Local Data Passes for CSL Data Monthly SIM & New Series Prepaid – CSL Mobile

The Local Data Passes for CSL Data Monthly SIM & New Series Prepaid are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for the CSL Data Monthly SIM & New Series Prepaid SIM cards.

Local Data Passes for CSL Data Monthly SIM & New Series Prepaid can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
3 HKD3 GB2 hours*101*937*1#
18 HKD6 GB1 day*101*937*11#
28 HKD1 GB365 days*101*937*2#
38 HKD9 GB3 days*101*937*12#
38 HKD“Unlimited”, 2 GB 130 days 4*101*937*98#
48 HKD“Unlimited”, 6 GB 1, 230 days 4*101*937*16#
68 HKD10 GB365 days*101*937*14#
68 HKD12 GB7 days*101*937*13#
78 HKD“Unlimited”, 18 GB 1, 330 days 4*101*937*17#
168 HKD28 GB365 days*101*937*8#
238 HKD40 GB365 days*101*937*4#

1 +unlimited data @ 512 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
2 +300 local minutes
3 +1000 local minutes
4 auto-renews

CSL Mobile Hong Kong Local Data Passes for Data Monthly SIM Card & New Series Prepaid SIM Cards
Local Data Passes – 7-Connect

The Local Data Passes for 7-Connect are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for the 7-Connect SM card.

Local Data Passes for 7-Connect can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
18 HKD1.2 GB1 day*122*532*1#
38 HKD2 GB3 days*122*532*2#
58 HKD1 GB/30 days (6 GB)180 days*122*532*0#
68 HKD3 GB7 days*122*532*3#
90 HKD1 GB30 days*122*532*5#
218 HKD2 GBUntil SIM card expires*122*532*4#
CSL Mobile Hong Kong Local Data Pass for 7-Connect SIM Card
Data Packs – Club SIM

The Data Packs are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for the Club SIM SIM card.

4.5G Monthly Plans can be activated on the Club SIM app:

PriceDataValidity
28 HKD5 GB90 days
48 HKD10 GB90 days
98 HKD30 GB90 days
CSL Mobile Hong Kong Data Packs

My Review – CSL Mobile

I had to chance to try out CSL Mobile in January 2023.

It is the Hong Kong mobile operator with the most sub-brands and the most data-featured prepaid options in the country.

While CSL Mobile has the best 5G NR availability with China Mobile Hong Kong, prepaid customers could not yet use its 5G NR network.

Even then, I had a good experience with CSL Mobile… but I actually expected more (because I have high standards for Hong Kong, lol).

You can read my CSL Mobile review here.

CSL Mobile Hong Kong & Club SIM Hong Kong SIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – CSL Mobile

  • Name: HK Prepaid
  • APN: mobile

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


3 Hong Kong (3香港)

Three (3) Logo
© Three (3)

3 (Three) Hong Kong (3香港), just 3, is the third-largest mobile operator in Hong Kong.

3 Hong Kong is a popular white label for travel SIM cards and eSIMs (re)sellers.

While you may not know it, it is highly probable that your travel eSIM is using 3 Hong Kong.

Three, as a company, is active in Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Indonesia (as Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison), Italy (as Wind Tre), Macau, Sweden & the United Kingdom.

3 uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in September 2021
  • 3G: 900 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 3500 MHz (n78) & 4700 MHz (n79) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
  • VoLTE: Yes (but not for prepaid customers)
  • VoWiFi: Yes (but not for prepaid customers)

This is what you will learn about 3:

* Coverage
* How to Get a 3 SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* My Review
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – 3 Hong Kong

3 has near-perfect coverage in Hong Kong.

While this is true for all the other Hong Kong mobile operators, it is still remarkable.

Below is 3's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – 3 Hong Kong

You can get a 3 SIM card for 48 HKD or 98 HKD, a SoSIM SIM card for 33 HKD, or 3 4G LTE Data Package SIM Cards for 168 HKD, 248 HKD & 298 HKD in 3 stores or from resellers, like 7-Eleven, Circle K & Watsons. SIM cards are not sold at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

If you are flying into Hong Kong International Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.

The default 3 SIM cards, called DIY, are sold together with plans (starting from 10 HKD).

But you will be required to spend at least 50 HKD in most cases (which can be a plan purchase or 50 HKD credit top-up).

3 Hong Kong DIY SIM Card
© 3 Hong Kong

3 All-In-One SIM/General Prepaid SIM cards cost 48 HKD or 98 HKD, with 48 HKD or 98 HKD credit, respectively.

3 Hong Kong SIM Cards
© 3 Hong Kong

You also have the (3) SoSIM SIM card. For 33 HKD, you get 50 GB (@ 42 Mbps) and 5000 local minutes for 60 days – the most popular 3 SIM card.

They can only be purchased at PARKnSHOP and Watsons.

3 Hong Kong SoSIM SIM Card
© 3 Hong Kong

Finally, you have the following three 3 4G LTE Data Package SIM cards:

PriceDataLocal MinutesValidity
168 HKD2.5 GB38 minutes2 days
248 HKD3.5 GB88 minutes7 days
298 HKD5 GB168 minutes14 days

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the 3 HK Visitor Prepaid SIM – 3's tourist offering.

For 128 HKD, you get unlimited data, unlimited on-net minutes & 500 local SMS for 3 days (if you dial *127*388#).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is possible to get a 3 (DIY) eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card (but this does not count for SoSIM).

Note that the Hong Kong mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards as of March 2022.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Nomad without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):

The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

Nomad General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Nomad APAC eSIM (Asia-Pacific) to be used in 7, 12, or 15 countries, depending on the plan, with nine variants:

Note: only the 7 Countries Plan and 15 Countries Plan can be used in Hong Kong.

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.

Nomad APAC eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

I have used, and will be using, the Nomad APAC eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).

Nomad APAC eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Hong Kong.

You can read about them in my Best Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Hong Kong Guide (Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions, Ubigi, Airalo, Asialink, AIS, Hkmobile & 3)

Note that 3 offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – 3 Hong Kong

3 top-up vouchers are sold in 3 stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Hong Kong.

To top up your 3 SIM card, dial ##105*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial ##105*123456#.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial ##107# to check your 3 balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the SIM World app (Android/iOS).

3 Hong Kong SIM World App
© 3 Hong Kong

For SoSIM, use the SoSIM app (Android/iOS).

3 Hong Kong SoSIM App
© SoSIM by 3 Hong Kong

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – 3 Hong Kong

3 has three data-featured prepaid plans:

I will list all the prices in HKD (Hong Kong Dollar).

To convert HKD to your currency (let's say NTD – New Taiwan Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Signup Banner

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Local Data Packages for SoSIM – SoSIM

The Local Data Packages are combo bundles (yes, really) with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes exclusively for the SoSIM SIM card.

Local Data Packages for SoSIM can be activated on the SoSIM app:

PriceDataSocial Data 1Local MinutesValidity
10 HKD500 MBN/AN/A1 day
18 HKD2 GBN/AN/A2 days
25 HKD5 GBN/AN/A7 days
33 HKD50 GBN/A5000 minutes30 days
50 HKD50 GBUnlimited5000 minutes30 days
98 HKD60 GBN/A5000 minutes30 days
88 HKD120 GBN/A10 000 minutes90 days
139 HKD120 GBUnlimited10 000 minutes90 days

1 for Apple TV+, HMVOD, myTV & Netflix

DIY Plans for DIY – 3 Hong Kong

The DIY Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes exclusively for the DIY SIM card.

DIY Plans can be activated on the SIM World app:

PriceDataSocial DataLocal MinutesValidity
10 HKD1 GB 1N/A500 minutes24 hours
50 HKD2 GB 1N/A1000 minutes30 days
100 HKD12 GB 2N/A2000 minutes30 days
120 HKD12 GB 312 GB10 000 minutes365 days
150 HKD20 GB 2, 3N/A3000 minutes30 days
200 HKD36 GB 3, 4N/A5000 minutes30 days
270 HKD100 GB 320 GB10 000 minutes365 days

1 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
2 +unlimited data @ 384 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
3 +unlimited data between 23:00 – 7:00 at full speeds (even if you have exhausted your high-speed data allowance – where applicable)
4 +unlimited data @ 2 Mbps after exhausting your data allowance (slow!)

3 Hong Kong Data Packages
Local Data Packages – 3 Hong Kong

The Local Data Packages are combo bundles (yes, really) with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.

Local Data Packages can be activated on the SIM World or SoSIM apps:

PriceDataLocal MinutesValidity
18 HKD50 MBN/A30 days
18 HKD3 GBN/A2 days
38 HKD2.5 GB38 minutes2 days
38 HKD3 GBN/A3 days
38 HKD5 GBN/A30 days
48 HKD10 GBN/A30 days
88 HKD5 GBN/A14 days
88 HKD5 GB88 minutes8 days
98 HKD30 GBN/A30 days
198 HKD46 GB500 minutes365 days
168 HKD5 GB168 minutes14 days
248 HKD70 GBN/A90 days
365 HKD120 GBN/A365 days
3 Hong Kong Local Data Packages for General & All-in-One SIM Cards

My Review – 3 Hong Kong

I had the chance to try out 3 in early 2023.

3 is often the worst mobile operator in the countries it operates in (except for Ireland somehow).

And that is (unfortunately) the case in Hong Kong too.

While 3 often had an excellent 3G network, its 4G/LTE network greatly lacked.

But with the rollout of 5G NR, 3 has been buying a lot of spectrum to build a fantastic network.

And the same is happening in Hong Kong.

Unfortunately, 5G NR could not be used by prepaid customers when I was in the country, so I was on its 4.5G network (which was often a glorified 3G network in terms of speed).

3 Hong Kong Review by Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – 3 Hong Kong

  • Name: 3HK
  • APN: mobile.lte.three.com.hk OR mobile.three.com.hk (depends on the SIM card you have)

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


SmarTone Hong Kong (數碼通)

SmarTone Logo
© SmarTone

SmarTone Hong Kong (數碼通), just SmarTone, is the smallest mobile operator in Hong Kong.

SmarTone is also active in Macau (but the prepaid offering is sad over there).

SmarTone uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in October 2022
  • 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 850 MHz (n5), 900 MHz (n8), 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78) & 4700 MHz (n79)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about SmarTone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a SmarTone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* My Review
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – SmarTone Hong Kong

SmarTone has near-perfect coverage in Hong Kong.

While this is true for all the other Hong Kong mobile operators, it is still remarkable.

However, SmarTone is lacking in 5G NR reach and availability.

Below is SmarTone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – SmarTone Hong Kong

You can get a SmarTone SIM card for 48 HKD, 65 HKD & 118 HKD in SmarTone stores (1/2) or from (some) resellers, like 7-Eleven and Circle K. SIM cards are not sold at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) anymore.

If you are flying into Hong Kong International Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.

SmarTone Hong Kong SIM Cards

The 48 HKD SIM card automatically has the 1 HKD an hour Always On data plan enabled, charging you only 1 HKD for “unlimited” data for an hour (up to 5 GB a day @ 21 Mbps).

The 65 HKD SIM card featured 5 GB a day @ 21 Mbps and 2000 local minutes for 30 days.

The 118 HKD SIM card includes 118 HKD credit, which you can use to buy a plan (and I recommend purchasing one immediately so you do not waste your credit).

Do note that SmarTone has many more SIM card lines, including SIM cards for Hong Kong and Macau, Greater China (China, Hong Kong & Macau + Taiwan at times) & travel SIM cards (that sometimes can also be used in Hong Kong).

SmarTone Hong Kong Greater China & Travel SIM Cards

I only focus on local SIM cards in my guides to make things easier for you (else, I would have discussed way too many SIM cards in my Macau and Thailand SIM card buying guides too – the latter already has 20+ SIM cards per mobile operator).

Dial *111*13*1# to change the system's language to English (*111*13*2# for Cantonese (default) or *111*13*3# for Mandarin).

Dial *111*359# to see your SmarTone phone number.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While SmarTone does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.

Note that the Hong Kong mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards as of March 2022.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Hong Kong (without personal detail capturing), you can get Hong Kong Hkmobile eSIMs from Airalo (four options):

Hong Kong Hkmobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian OR Oceanian nations, consider the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM (Southeast Asia) to be used in eight countries with nine variants:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.

Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

I have used, and will be using, the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad APAC eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).

Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM Review

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Hong Kong.

You can read about them in my Best Hong Kong eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for Hong Kong Guide (Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions, Ubigi, Airalo, Asialink, AIS, Hkmobile & 3)

Note that SmarTone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Heck, you can even use VoNR (Voice over New Radio (5G)), which is still rare (but only if your phone supports 5G NR, of course).

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SmarTone Hong Kong

SmarTone top-up vouchers are sold in SmarTone stores (1/2), grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Hong Kong.

To top up your SmarTone SIM card, dial *111*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *111*123456#.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *111# to check your SmarTone balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the SmarTone CARE app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).

SmarTone Hong Kong SmarTone CARE App
© SmarTone Hong Kong

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SmarTone Hong Kong

SmarTone has three data-featured prepaid plans:

I will list all the prices in HKD (Hong Kong Dollar).

To convert HKD to your currency (let's say NTD – New Taiwan Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Signup Banner

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Local Data Packs – SmarTone Hong Kong

The Local Data Packs are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Local Data Packs can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceDataValidity(De)Activation Code
8 HKD“Unlimited”, 5 GB @ 21 Mbps1 hour*111*602#
24 HKD“Unlimited”, 5 GB @ 21 Mbps1 day*111*207#
38 HKD2 GB @ 21 Mbps3 days*111*208#
58 HKD1 GB30 days*111*172#
68 HKD3 GB @ 21 Mbps7 days*111*209#
168 HKD3 GB30 days*111*198#

Local Data Packs auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial the (De)Activation Code.

SmarTone Hong Kong Local Data Packs
Monthly Data Packs – SmarTone Hong Kong

The Monthly Data Packs are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Monthly Data Packs can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceDataValidity(De)Activation Code
20 HKD300 MB30 days*111*171#
148 HKD5 GB30 days*111*173#
248 HKD10 GB30 days*111*174#
398 HKD20 GB30 days*111*175#

Monthly Data Packs auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial the (De)Activation Code.

SmarTone Hong Kong Monthly Data Packs
5G Experience Data Plans – SmarTone Hong Kong

The 5G Experience Data Plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access for the 118 HKD starter pack only).

5G Experience Data Plans can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
48 HKD5 GB30 days*111*308#
88 HKD10 GB30 days*111*309#
118 HKD12 GB90 days*111*310#
SmarTone Hong Kong 5G Experience Data Plans

My Review – SmarTone Hong Kong

I had the chance to try out SmarTone in early 2023.

It is the country's smallest mobile operator, but it has an impressive network with (extremely) fast (5G NR) speeds.

And prepaid users can use 5G NR as well (if you use the 118 HKD SIM card like I did).

You can read my SmarTone review here.

SmarTone Hong Kong SIM Cards Held by Adu from Phone Travel Wiz

APN/Internet Settings – SmarTone Hong Kong

  • Name: SmarTone
  • APN: SmarTone

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Hong Kong

Getting a SIM card from China Mobile (CMHK) or CSL Mobile would do you well when considering a Hong Kong SIM card.


Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences

Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:

Support Phone Travel Wiz

It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).

Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).

Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Check Out My Resource Page

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience

Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!

Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.

Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling

Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?

In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.

If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!

Learn About Your Phone Travel Options

You can buy local prepaid SIM cardsinternational SIM cardsmobile hotspots, or roam internationally.

Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!

Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter

Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.

Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.

Let's Be Social

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?

A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!

Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is

Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!