SIM Card Guides

Prepaid Hong Kong SIM card: How to stay connected in 2025

A Hong Kong SIM card is one reliable way to stay connected on your trip. Explore various options, plans, tourist requirements, and a digital travel solution.

Hong Kong is one of the most connected cities in the world, with over 40,000 public WiFi services. However, due to time-limited connections and security issues, public WiFi isn’t always the best way to stay connected.

This article shows you how to get a Hong Kong SIM card instead. Below, we cover the best SIM card options, how much they cost, and why you should consider an unlimited data travel eSIM to use mobile internet in Hong Kong.

In this article

Where can I buy a SIM card for Hong Kong?

For travelers to Hong Kong, there are two main options for staying connected: purchasing a Hong Kong tourist SIM card before your travel or buying a Hong Kong SIM card upon arrival. Both have advantages, and the right choice depends on your needs, preferences, and how quickly you want to connect.

Buying a Hong Kong SIM card before your trip

Local companies don’t deliver their SIM cards internationally because you need to register your SIM before using it. However, you can order a generic Hong Kong travel SIM card from third-party online retailers like Amazon, SimCorner, and SimOptions. You will still be responsible for the registration and activation process.

On the bright side, getting an eSIM before you travel is an alternative solution to ensuring your internet access before you land.

An eSIM, or a virtual SIM card, is a digital version of a physical SIM card downloaded directly to your phone. Your primary SIM card and your number stay intact and functional. With an eSIM, you can avoid high roaming charges and enjoy an easy online activation process.

It will be delivered instantly by email, and you can install it in seconds by scanning a QR code. You only need to activate it once you’re in Hong Kong. That’s all.

Requirements:

An unlocked mobile phone
A mobile phone that supports eSIM technology (most new ones do)

Buying a Hong Kong SIM upon arrival

Worried that your mobile phone doesn’t support eSIM? Getting a Hong Kong SIM card for tourists is the second-best option for staying connected easily. Here is where you should look for a local prepaid SIM card in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong International Airport: Kiosks and mobile carrier stores are near the arrival hall, where you can purchase a SIM card right after landing.
Convenience stores: Major chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and VanGO stock prepaid SIM cards. These stores are widespread across Hong Kong, including in popular shopping districts, making it easy to find SIM cards throughout the city.
Telecom provider shops: Official stores for providers like CSL, China Mobile, and Three Hong Kong offer a range of options, including tourist data packages. These shops are commonly found in malls and busy commercial areas.
Visitor centers: Some visitor information centers in popular tourist spots, such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui, also sell SIM cards, providing a convenient option for tourists exploring the city.

Important: Hong Kong’s Real-name Registration Programme, introduced in 2022, requires all SIM card users, including tourists, to register their identity before activation. Visitors can register using their passports at the point of purchase.

Best Hong Kong SIM card providers

Several network operators in Hong Kong offer reliable Hong Kong tourist SIM card packages designed to help visitors use their mobile phones and avoid paying for roaming data. Here are some of the best network operators to choose from.

China Mobile prepaid Hong Kong SIM cards

China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) is a leading carrier offering a range of prepaid SIM cards tailored for tourists. The 5G Hong Kong Tourist SIM card covers Hong Kong and Macau, while the rest work only in Hong Kong. Data allowances range from 5 GB to 60 GB with varying voice minute allowances for 28 to 148 HKD (~$3 to ~$19 USD). Validity periods for tourist SIM card packages start from one to 15 days.

Where to buy a China Mobile SIM card in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong International Airport (China Mobile kiosks)
Official China Mobile provider stores in the city center
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Watson)

Three prepaid Hong Kong SIM cards

Three is a well-known British telephone company with a whole division covering Hong Kong. These SIM cards provide flexibility with no contracts or administrative fees. There are many options, including 2 GB to Hong Kong SIM cards with unlimited data allowances and varying voice minute allowances. Prices range from 19 to 498 HKD (~$2 to $63) with mainly 30-day validity periods.

Where to buy a Three SIM card in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong International Airport
3HK mobile stores across Hong Kong
7-Eleven
Third-party retailers (Hutchinson Telecom)

CSL Hong Kong

CSL Hong Kong offers only two tourist SIM card options worth mentioning. One is valid for 10 days and offers 12 GB for HK and Macau and unlimited voice minutes for 88 HKD (~$11). The other keeps your mobile phone connected for 30 days and offers 32 GB for HK and Macau and unlimited voice minutes for 118 HKD (~$15).

Where to buy a CSL SIM card in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong International Airport (CSL kiosks)
Official SCL retail stores across Hong Kong (major malls and MTR stations)
Convenience stores (7-Eleven and Watsons)
City supermarkets and Wellcome

How much does a Hong Kong prepaid SIM card cost?

A short-term Hong Kong travel SIM card (valid for 1-30 days) typically costs 28 HKD to 150 HKD (~$3-19). Meanwhile, long-term Hong Kong prepaid SIM cards (valid for several months or even a year) range from 120 HKD to 270 HKD (~$15-35).

With all of them, however, you must go through a registration process for your SIM card. This can take up some of the time you don’t want to spend getting a reliable internet connection. If you want a quick, easy, and affordable alternative, you’re looking for eSIM plans instead.

Holafly eSIM for Hong Kong: A great alternative

The Holafly eSIM for Hong Kong uses the best local networks, such as CSL and Three Hong Kong, guaranteeing good speed and coverage in the region. This means you will have the same connection quality as using a Hong Kong SIM card with unlimited data, but without the hassle of registering your SIM and phone and looking for a point of sale.

Plus, you get all the benefits of choosing a trusted, international eSIM company:

Convenient purchase with 500 MB daily for hotspot sharing
24/7 support available to all customers to assist with setup or issues
Multi-country coverage for when you plan on visiting multiple destinations at once (China, Japan, or South Korea, for example, you can choose a regional eSIM for Asia
Easy and quick Holafly top up for eSIM
No registration needed in Hong Kong
Excellent speed and coverage
Holafly Plans: With coverage in 170+ global destinations, 5G speeds, unlimited data and hotspot, our monthly eSIM subscription is the ideal option for Hong Kong expats and international travelers.

Important: You will notice that many SIM providers in Hong Kong also offer eSIM services. However, check if your phone is eligible for their eSIM. For example, CSL eSIM doesn’t support Google Pixel phones, most Samsung phones, and several Apple devices.

Travelling beyond Hong Kong? Learn how to get a SIM and which is the best option for various locations with our guides for:

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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