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 (4.20 USD) and 298 HKD (38.10 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.
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.
Original publication: 15th of December 2019. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the 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.
Hong Kong has four mobile operators 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)
Anyone 16 or older living in or visiting Hong Kong can buy a Hong Kong SIM card with some restrictions, and you do have to comply with Hong Kong's SIM card registration regulations.
And if you are younger than 16, you can still get a SIM card if your parents buy one for you (in their name).
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 those restrictions, you are free to use Hong Kong (tourist) SIM cards.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale. Or you can do self-registration online (most salespeople want you to do registration on your own).
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Hong Kong SIM Card (+Prices)?
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 convenience stores, also sell SIM cards. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
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
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned above.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) to your currency (let's say NTD – New Taiwan Dollar) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between HKD and USD (United States Dollar):
- 1 HKD = 0.15 USD
- 10 HKD = 1.30 USD
- 100 HKD = 12.80 USD
- 1000 HKD = 127.90 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Hong Kong
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Hong Kong eSIM, you can get one from 3 (Three).
But remember that you have to comply with Hong Kong's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Hong Kong eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Hong Kong.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Hong Kong only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Hong Kong travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Hong Kong (Hong Kong only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Hong Kong & Asia Five Pack
- Holafly: Hong Kong – all variants include unlimited data
- Nomad: Hong Kong, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide.
Hong Kong Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
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)
Let's see what Hong Kong can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK – 中國移動香港有限公司)
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:
| Price | SIM Card | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 HKD | MySIM 4G SIM | 50 GB 1, 2 | 5000 minutes | 30 days |
| 48 HKD | MySIM 5G SIM | 3 GB | N/A | 30 days |
1 @ 42 Mbps
2 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
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:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | China Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 HKD | 4G Super Talk Prepaid | 46 HKD | 2 GB 1 | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 80 HKD | Data & Voice Prepaid | 78 HKD | 3 GB 1, 2 | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 98 HKD | Local Data Prepaid | 18 HKD | 5 GB 1, 3 | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 198 HKD | 18 GB Local Data Prepaid | N/A | 18 GB | 1200 minutes | 300 minutes | 365 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.
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).
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 Kabayan (the Philippines), My Friend (Pakistan and Thailand) & Rekanan (Indonesia) lines.
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)
While China Mobile does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Hong Kong, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from China Mobile (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Hong Kong or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Hong Kong eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Hkmobile (Hong Kong only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Hong Kong & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Hong Kong – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Hong Kong, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with China Mobile for now.
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).
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).
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.
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:
| Price | Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 HKD | 1 GB | 1 day | *103*100*35# |
| 30 HKD | Unlimited @ 384 Kbps | 10 days | *103*100*09# |
| 38 HKD | 2 GB | 3 days | *103*100*13# |
| 40 HKD | 2 GB 2 | 30 days | *103*100*44# |
| 48 HKD | 3 GB | 5 days | *103*100*07# |
| 68 HKD | 3 GB @ 7.2 Mbps 2 | 30 days | *103*100*16# |
| 88 HKD | 3 GB 2 | 30 days | *103*100*17# |
| 198 HKD | 18 GB 3 | 365 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
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:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 18 HKD | 1 GB | 90 days |
| 150 HKD | 10 GB | 90 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.
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.
CSL Mobile by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT (香港電訊有限公司))
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.
Why not about 1O1O and SUN Mobile?
1O1O is Hong Kong Telecom's premium brand, focusing solely on postpaid customers.
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!).
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.
The following four CSL Mobile regular SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 HKD | 6 GB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes | 30 days |
| 100 HKD | 10 GB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes | 365 days |
| 180 HKD | 28 GB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes | 365 days |
| 298 HKD | 40 GB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes | 365 days |
The following three CSL Mobile New Series SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 HKD | Student 4G Prepaid SIM 1 | 20 HKD | “Unlimited”, 2 GB 2 | 500 minutes | 30 days |
| 78 HKD | PaMa 4G Prepaid SIM | 78 HKD | 2 GB | 500 minutes | 30 days |
| 298 HKD | Gamer 4G Prepaid SIM | 60 HKD | 20 GB | 500 minutes | 30 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!)
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.
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.
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).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the CSL Mobile Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM cards – CSL Mobile's tourist offering.
The following two CSL Mobile Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM cards are available:
| Price | Credit | Data 1 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 HKD | 30 HKD | 3 GB | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 118 HKD | 48 HKD | 8 GB | Unlimited | 8 days |
1 also in Macau
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).
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.
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)
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).
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Hong Kong because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from CSL Mobile.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Hong Kong in my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Hkmobile (Hong Kong only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Hong Kong & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Hong Kong – unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Hong Kong, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with CSL Mobile for now.
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).
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).
For Club SIM, use the Club SIM app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – CSL Mobile
CSL Mobile, 7-Connect & Club SIM have five data-featured prepaid plans:
- 4.5G Monthly Plans (combo for Club SIM)
- Local Data Passes
- Local Data Passes for CSL Data Monthly SIM & New Series Prepaid
- Local Data Passes for 7-Connect
- Data Packs (for Club SIM)
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.
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:
| Price | Data 1 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 HKD | 20 GB | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 88 HKD | 40 GB | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 128 HKD | 80 GB | Unlimited | 1 month |
1 @ 42 Mbps
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:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HKD | 3 GB | 2 hours | *101*532*4# |
| 18 HKD | 6 GB | 1 day | *101*532*1# |
| 28 HKD | 1 GB | 365 days | *101*835*37# |
| 38 HKD | 2 GB | 30 days 1 | *101*835*1# |
| 38 HKD | 9 GB | 3 days | *101*532*2# |
| 48 HKD | 6 GB 2 | 30 days 1 | *101*835*3# |
| 68 HKD | 10 GB | 365 days | *101*835*38# |
| 68 HKD | 12 GB | 7 days | *101*532*3# |
| 78 HKD | 18 GB 3 | 30 days 1 | *101*835*21# |
| 168 HKD | 28 GB | 365 days | *101*835*39# |
| 238 HKD | 40 GB | 365 days | *101*835*40# |
1 auto-renews
2 +300 local minutes
3 +1000 local minutes
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:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HKD | 3 GB | 2 hours | *101*937*1# |
| 18 HKD | 6 GB | 1 day | *101*937*11# |
| 28 HKD | 1 GB | 365 days | *101*937*2# |
| 38 HKD | 9 GB | 3 days | *101*937*12# |
| 38 HKD | “Unlimited”, 2 GB 1 | 30 days 4 | *101*937*98# |
| 48 HKD | “Unlimited”, 6 GB 1, 2 | 30 days 4 | *101*937*16# |
| 68 HKD | 10 GB | 365 days | *101*937*14# |
| 68 HKD | 12 GB | 7 days | *101*937*13# |
| 78 HKD | “Unlimited”, 18 GB 1, 3 | 30 days 4 | *101*937*17# |
| 168 HKD | 28 GB | 365 days | *101*937*8# |
| 238 HKD | 40 GB | 365 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
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:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 HKD | 1.2 GB | 1 day | *122*532*1# |
| 38 HKD | 2 GB | 3 days | *122*532*2# |
| 58 HKD | 1 GB/30 days (6 GB) | 180 days | *122*532*0# |
| 68 HKD | 3 GB | 7 days | *122*532*3# |
| 90 HKD | 1 GB | 30 days | *122*532*5# |
| 218 HKD | 2 GB | Until SIM card expires | *122*532*4# |
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:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 28 HKD | 5 GB | 90 days |
| 48 HKD | 10 GB | 90 days |
| 98 HKD | 30 GB | 90 days |
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.
APN/Internet Settings – CSL Mobile
- Name: HK Prepaid
- APN: mobile
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
3 Hong Kong (3香港)
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 All-In-One SIM/General Prepaid SIM cards cost 48 HKD or 98 HKD, with 48 HKD or 98 HKD credit, respectively.
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.
Finally, you have the following three 3 4G LTE Data Package SIM cards:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 168 HKD | 2.5 GB | 38 minutes | 2 days |
| 248 HKD | 3.5 GB | 88 minutes | 7 days |
| 298 HKD | 5 GB | 168 minutes | 14 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)
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).
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Hong Kong, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from 3.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Hkmobile (Hong Kong only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Hong Kong & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Hong Kong – include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Hong Kong , APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with 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).
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).
For SoSIM, use the SoSIM app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – 3 Hong Kong
3 has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Local Data Packages for SoSIM SIM card (combo)
- DIY Plans for DIY SIM card (combo)
- Local Data Packages (combo)
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.
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:
| Price | Data | Social Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 HKD | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 18 HKD | 2 GB | N/A | N/A | 2 days |
| 25 HKD | 5 GB | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 38 HKD | 60 GB | N/A | 5000 minutes | 30 days |
| 50 HKD | 60 GB | Unlimited 1 | 5000 minutes | 30 days |
| 78 HKD | 60 GB | 50 GB 2 | 5000 minutes | 90 days |
| 103 HKD | 120 GB | N/A | 10 000 minutes | 90 days |
| 139 HKD | 120 GB | Unlimited 1 | 10 000 minutes | 90 days |
1 for Apple TV+, HMVOD, myTV & Netflix
2 Facebook, Instagram, LINE, Signal, WeChat and WhatsApp
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:
| Price | Data | Social Data 5 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 HKD | 1 GB 1 | N/A | 500 minutes | 24 hours |
| 50 HKD | 2 GB 1 | N/A | 1000 minutes | 30 days |
| 100 HKD | 12 GB 2 | N/A | 2000 minutes | 30 days |
| 120 HKD | 12 GB 3 | 12 GB | 10 000 minutes | 365 days |
| 150 HKD | 20 GB 2, 3 | N/A | 3000 minutes | 30 days |
| 200 HKD | 36 GB 3, 4 | N/A | 5000 minutes | 30 days |
| 270 HKD | 100 GB 3 | 20 GB | 10 000 minutes | 365 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 7.2 Mbps (even if you have exhausted your high-speed data allowance – where applicable)
4 +unlimited data @ 2 Mbps after exhausting your data allowance (slow!)
5 for Facebook, Instagram, Line, WeChat & WhatsApp
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:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 HKD | 50 MB | N/A | 30 days |
| 18 HKD | 3 GB | N/A | 2 days |
| 38 HKD | 2.5 GB | 38 minutes | 2 days |
| 38 HKD | 3 GB | N/A | 3 days |
| 38 HKD | 5 GB | N/A | 30 days |
| 48 HKD | 10 GB | N/A | 30 days |
| 88 HKD | 3.5 GB | 88 minutes | 7 days |
| 88 HKD | 5 GB | N/A | 14 days |
| 98 HKD | 30 GB | N/A | 30 days |
| 198 HKD | 46 GB | 500 minutes | 365 days |
| 168 HKD | 5 GB | 168 minutes | 14 days |
| 248 HKD | 70 GB | N/A | 90 days |
| 365 HKD | 120 GB | N/A | 365 days |
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).
- You can read my 3 review here.
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.
SmarTone Hong Kong (數碼通)
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.
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).
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)
While SmarTone does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Hong Kong, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from SmarTone (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Hong Kong or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Hong Kong eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Hkmobile (Hong Kong only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Hong Kong & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Hong Kong – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Hong Kong, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Hong Kong eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with SmarTone for now.
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).
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).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SmarTone Hong Kong
SmarTone has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Local Data Packs
- Monthly Data Packs
- 5G Experience Data Plans (for the 118 HKD starter pack only)
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.
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:
| Price | Data | Validity | (De)Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 HKD | “Unlimited”, 5 GB @ 21 Mbps | 1 hour | *111*602# |
| 24 HKD | “Unlimited”, 5 GB @ 21 Mbps | 1 day | *111*207# |
| 38 HKD | 2 GB @ 21 Mbps | 3 days | *111*208# |
| 58 HKD | 1 GB | 30 days | *111*172# |
| 68 HKD | 3 GB @ 21 Mbps | 7 days | *111*209# |
| 168 HKD | 3 GB | 30 days | *111*198# |
Local Data Packs auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial the (De)Activation Code.
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:
| Price | Data | Validity | (De)Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 HKD | 300 MB | 30 days | *111*171# |
| 148 HKD | 5 GB | 30 days | *111*173# |
| 248 HKD | 10 GB | 30 days | *111*174# |
| 398 HKD | 20 GB | 30 days | *111*175# |
Monthly Data Packs auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial the (De)Activation Code.
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:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 HKD | 5 GB | 30 days | *111*305# |
| 88 HKD | 10 GB | 30 days | *111*306# |
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.
APN/Internet Settings – SmarTone Hong Kong
- Name: SmarTone
- APN: SmarTone
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
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.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.