How to get mobile internet in Hong Kong in 2025

Staying connected is essential to any travel experience, Hong Kong is no exception. But what’s the best way to do so? Follow along as we take a look at eSIM cards, data roaming, pocket WiFi, local SIM cards, and free WiFi. By the end of this article, you will be able to choose the best option to connect to the internet in Hong Kong.

Internet access in Hong Kong

You may have questions on whether or not you’ll be able to access the internet at all in Hong Kong, especially considering the strict internet censorship in China. However, the Hong Kong government has maintained a mostly free and open internet, and the overall censorship situation is much better compared to mainland China.

You can access Google, Facebook, YouTube, and similar websites in the country without needing a VPN. This said, Hong Kong authorities have banned several anti-government and politically sensitive websites based on national security law. With that in mind, let’s get to the best options to stay connected.

eSIM cards for Hong Kong

The eSIM card, or virtual SIM card, is the latest step in the evolution of traditional SIM cards. It works like the traditional SIM, but the eSIM is completely digital, so you don’t have to fiddle around with any plastic cards. This also makes it super quick and easy to get, as you can simply buy an eSIM online and activate it within a couple of minutes.

eSIMs connect you to local Hong Kong internet service providers, so you’re sure to get the best coverage and connection speed possible. 

You can get the eSIM either from local telecommunications companies or from an international eSIM provider. Most travelers prefer the latter, as international services are oriented towards travelers and make it easier to use the eSIM and get customer support if needed.

Where can I get an eSIM card with mobile data for Hong Kong?

Holafly offers some of the best Hong Kong eSIM plans around. All Holafly plans include unlimited data and up to 500 MB of data sharing daily. The plan duration choice is completely flexible, allowing you to choose any number of days from 1 to 90. That way, you can cover your trip exactly without having to pay for any days you don’t need.

On top of that, Holafly offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, has a flexible refund policy, and is the best-rated eSIM by users, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 over more than 50,000 reviews.

If you’ll be traveling to more than one country in the region, you can get the Holafly Asia eSIM bundle that provides coverage in Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Taiwan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Macau, and Laos — all with a single eSIM plan.

Many payment methods are available for this destination, such as debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, G Pay, Apple Pay, and even Alipay. This last option is only available on the Holafly app.

How do I activate the Holafly eSIM card?

An eSIM card is very easy to set up. After you complete the purchase, you will receive a QR code on your email. Scan it when you arrive in Hong Kong and follow the prompts to get connected in no more than a few minutes. If you use an iPhone, you will be able to download the Holafly eSIM app for your iPhone and activate the eSIM through the app.

Keep in mind that eSIMs can only work on eSIM-compatible devices. Most modern phones do support eSIM technology, but do check to make sure before you buy an eSIM.

Connectivity made easy

Activate your Hong Kong eSIM in a few simple steps and manage your plan through our dedicated app.

Buy your eSIM

SIM card for Hong Kong

You can use a physical travel SIM card if your phone doesn’t support eSIMs. It’s best to only buy them from official cell service provider stores in Hong Kong. Thankfully, you can find these stores at the Hong Kong International Airport, so you don’t have to spend time looking anywhere else. Here are the main SIM cards to look for:

• China Mobile
• Three Hong Kong (CK Hutchison)
• SmarTone
• HKBN (Hong Kong Broadband Network)
• CSL (Hong Kong Telecom)

You’ll find all of these at the exit of Hong Kong International Airport, with multiple data options and prices to choose from. The information is available in English and local native languages (Chinese and Cantonese). The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar.

Data roaming in Hong Kong

You can connect to the internet with your regular mobile plan pretty much anywhere in the world, Hong Kong included. That said, your operator won’t charge you the same rate and roaming is infamous for being the most expensive way to stay connected. 

Below is the comparison chart of the most popular operators from the USA and the UK, however, you should check with your operator before your trip if you do plan to use data roaming.

As you can see, international roaming may cost between $2.05 to $15 for every MB you use and, with Vodafone charging $6 per day. 

Unless you use pretty much no data at all, using an eSIM like Holafly will always end up being cheaper. Holafly eSIMs connect carriers like Hutchison Telecommunications / Hong Kong Telecommunications, ensuring the best possible connection.

Pocket WiFi in Hong Kong

Pocket WiFi is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a portable, battery-powered router that you can have in your pocket. You can either purchase the device and buy data plans whenever you need internet, or rent the device that comes ready with a fixed amount of data.

The main upside of using pocket WiFi is that you can keep multiple devices connected to the same network at all times. This makes it a popular option for groups of travelers that can then split the costs.

This option is rarely used by solo travelers or couples anymore because it’s simply more expensive than eSIMs or local SIM cards. On top of paying for the rental, you also need to pay for the delivery, insurance, and additional devices. This can easily balloon the price to more than $100 for a week of internet in Hong Kong.

Free WiFi

Free WiFi shouldn’t be your main form of connection. You have to rely on businesses offering free internet to get connected and can’t use it on the move, not to mention the fact that most free WiFi networks are slow and unsafe.

While free WiFi is easily accessible in the city, you’ll often need to buy a coffee, lunch, or other goods to use it. So if you’re doing it just for the WiFi, it’ll end up being costly in the long run. You can use free WiFi to get online to buy an eSIM or get directions to your hotel, but it should only be used for a short time until you can get a reliable primary internet source.

What’s the best way to connect to the internet in Hong Kong?

Still can’t decide which option suits you best? Let’s have a quick overview in the table below.

With all this in mind, we can conclude that using an eSIM in Hong Kong is the best option for staying connected. It’s easy to set up and use, as everything can be done online within minutes. No plastic cards or rental devices required. 

Stay online with Holafly

Holafly includes unlimited data with all its plans while allowing you to choose any number of days for your plan. It also offers 24/7 customer support, which gives you peace of mind whenever you travel, knowing that help is never more than a couple of minutes away.

Avoid excessive roaming fees

Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Austria. Use local networks at local rates.

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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