SIM cards and eSIM in Hong Kong

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App Store Play Store See plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration: Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.
Tourist plans and prices: CMHK tourist prepaid includes 7 GB and costs around 78 HKD ($10).
Where to buy: Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
Local eSIM: Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.

Good to know

Some mainland-owned carrier plans may filter internet services; choose another network if open access matters.

Local carriers

csl
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
SmarTone
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
3HK
Good-value option when price matters most.
China Mobile Hong Kong
Good-value option when price matters most.
Birdie
Good-value option when price matters most.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→

Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki: retrieved 30 Jul 2026, indexed ~1 month old; source of the airport layout, the Ap Liu Street tip and the 3/SoSIM eSIM route | Traveltomtom: 7 Jun 2026, prices stated updated for 2026, source of the CMHK censorship and throttling warnings | Holafly: ~Jun 2026 (eSIM seller, used for the csl price range) | BitJoy: 17 Apr 2026 (EXCLUDED source; its March 2022 registration date is corroborated elsewhere) | ZetSIM: 19 Jun 2026 (eSIM seller) | Cambodianess: undated, reports the registration law's limits and penalties | HK Express: undated, confirms the csl real-name registration portal

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Hong Kong?

Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.

What is the best eSIM for Hong Kong?

Guac eSIM covers Hong Kong with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Hong Kong

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App Store Play Store See plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration

Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.

Tourist plans and prices

CMHK tourist prepaid includes 7 GB and costs around 78 HKD ($10).

Where to buy

Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.

Local eSIM

Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.

Good to know

Some mainland-owned carrier plans may filter internet services; choose another network if open access matters.

Local carriers

csl

Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.

SmarTone

A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

3HK

Good-value option when price matters most.

China Mobile Hong Kong

Good-value option when price matters most.

Birdie

Good-value option when price matters most.

Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Hong Kong?

Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.

What is the best eSIM for Hong Kong?

Guac eSIM covers Hong Kong with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.