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

Hong Kong is one of the most connected cities in the world. It has over 85,500 public WiFi points that are easy to find through the official Wi-Fi.HK app. 

However, WiFi isn’t always the best way to stay connected in Hong Kong. First, you still need a connection to use the WiFi-searching app. Second, WiFi networks in Hong Kong, such as CSL Wi-Fi hotspots, usually offer time-limited connections. Lastly, let’s not forget the security issues of using public WiFi networks.

That’s why, in this article, we show you how to get a Hong Kong SIM card instead. Below, we cover what the best options are, how much they cost, and why you should really consider an eSIM.

Where can I buy a SIM card for Hong Kong?

For travelers to Hong Kong, there are two main options for staying connected: purchasing an eSIM 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 eSIM before your trip

Local companies don’t deliver their SIM cards internationally because you need to register your SIM before using it. That complicates the entire process, but there’s a great workaround if you want to ensure your internet access before you land – get an eSIM before your travel.

Moreover, getting an eSIM for Hong Kong and using it for internet access means you’ll avoid high data roaming fees in a very convenient way.

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.

All you need to do is buy your Hong Kong eSIM online before you leave home. It will be delivered to you 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: 

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

Buying a Hong Kong SIM upon arrival

If your mobile phone doesn’t support eSIM, getting a Hong Kong SIM card for tourists is the second best option to easily stay connected. Here is where you should look for a tourist SIM 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.

Requirement: 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 SIM card tourist 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 Hong Kong

China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) is a leading carrier offering a range of prepaid SIM cards tailored for tourists. Their packages are designed to provide seamless connectivity throughout your stay. The 5G Hong Kong Tourist SIM covers Hong Kong and Macau, while the rest work in Hong Kong only.

CMHK prepaid SIM cards for Hong Kong

Key features

Here are some unique features that set CMHK apart from other companies:

• 5G connectivity: CMHK is the only company in Hong Kong offering 5G prepaid SIM cards for tourists.
• MySIM plans: MySIM prepaid cards are contract-free and don’t include the administrative fee in their price for users to customize their plans.
• Extensive coverage: CMHK has great network coverage across Hong Kong.

Three Hong Kong

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 to choose from.

Three prepaid SIM cards for Hong Kong

Here’s the full list of Three’s extensive prepaid SIM card offers for Hong Kong.

Key features

Here are a few key features that make Three’s offer in Hong Kong unique:

• China number service: You’ll get a SIM card with a dedicated mainland China number and unlimited SMS reception in Hong Kong and China.
• VPN included: Certain data plans have a built-in VPN license, offering secure internet browsing without additional setup.
• Night fever unlimited data: This feature, included in the 365-day plans, allows unlimited mobile data usage from 11 PM to 7 AM.

CSL Hong Kong

CSL Hong Kong offers only two HK tourist SIM options, but they are worth mentioning. One is valid for 10 days, and the other keeps your mobile phone connected for 30 days.

CSL prepaid SIM cards for Hong Kong

Key features

Here are some features that might have you looking into one of the two CSL plans after all.

• CSL Wi-Fi: You get free access to internet service throughout Hong Kong.
• Top-up Day Pass: It gives you an additional 3 GB of mobile data for 5 days.
• VoLTE Service: This is ideal for faster call connections and video calling if you have a compatible mobile phone.

How much does a prepaid SIM card in Hong Kong cost?

A short-term Hong Kong travel SIM card (1-30 days of validity) typically ranges from 28 HKD  to 150 HKD  (approximately 3.6 to 19 USD). 

Meanwhile, long-term Hong Kong prepaid SIM cards ( valid for several months or even a year) range from 120 HKD  to 270 HKD (approximately 15 to 34.6 USD)

Many of these plans include unlimited local calls, free WiFi at hotspots, and specialized features like VPNs or Night fever unlimited data.

On the other hand, with all of them, you must go through a registration process for your SIM card.

This is not convenient and can take up some time and effort that you truly don’t want to spend dealing with an internet connection. If you want a quick, easy, and affordable alternative, you’re actually looking for an eSIM service 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 – more on this below.

Advantages and disadvantages of Holafly virtual SIM cards

Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a Holafly virtual SIM card.

Advantages

• Convenient purchase: Buy your eSIM anytime, anywhere, and stay connected — even during your trip. Holafly offers unlimited plans with 500 MB daily for sharing.
• 24/7 support: Multilingual customer service is always available to all customers to assist with setup or issues.
• Multi-country coverage: Use your eSIM across multiple countries by choosing a suitable plan from Holafly’s catalog. If you plan on visiting China, Macau, or South Korea, for example, you can choose a regional eSIM for Asia and automatically connect to local networks as you travel.
• Easy top-ups: Extend your data package easily with a top-up option before your current eSIM plan expires.
• No registration needed in Hong Kong: Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs require no local registration to activate and connect.
• Excellent speed and coverage: You can enjoy the same speed and network quality as top local carriers.

Disadvantages

• Limited device compatibility: Not all phones support eSIMs. Check the eSIM compatibility list to ensure your device works.

The bottom line

You can get a Hong Kong tourist SIM card at the airport, mobile carrier shops, or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. However, buying a SIM involves completing the Real-name Registration Programme, which means providing your passport details at the point of sale.

If you don’t mind sharing that sensitive information and you have enough time to buy a SIM card, CSL and Three Hong Kong have great network coverage. That is why Holafly eSIM partners with them to use those same networks and offer the same speed and connection quality.

This means that with Holafly, you get the best of both worlds, receiving top-in-class connections and customer services without sacrificing the speed and convenience of using local networks. Holafly eSIMs provide an excellent alternative, offering instant activation and excellent data coverage. 

Get connected instantly

Skip the lines and SIM registration hassles at the airport. Get unlimited data in Bangkok.

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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