The best eSIM for Hong Kong is the one that fits how long you stay. For a stopover or a two or three day city break, a small plan covers maps, messages and the MTR. For a week, pick 5 GB to 10 GB. For two weeks, 20 GB. One thing catches many travellers out: Hong Kong isn't part of most "Asia" or "China" plans, ours included. So if your trip also goes to Macau or mainland China, you add a second eSIM for them. Plan details here come from our Hong Kong eSIM page.
Short on time? Here are three Hong Kong plans for three typical trips: a stopover, a week and two weeks.
Hong Kong 3GB (3 days) · Hong Kong 10GB (7 days) · Hong Kong 20GB (15 days) · data only · See all eSIMs for Hong Kong
What makes an eSIM the best one for Hong Kong?
There's no single best eSIM for everyone. The right one is the plan that fits your trip. Check these points before you buy:
- Data and days: enough data for the length of your stay, so you don't run out halfway.
- Countries covered: Hong Kong only, or Hong Kong plus Macau, mainland China or other stops. Check that Hong Kong is really on the country list.
- Speed: Hong Kong has 5G networks, so a plan that lists 5G makes sense.
- Top-ups: the option to add data instead of buying a new eSIM.
- When the days start: ideally when you land, not when you buy or install it.
- Phone number: most travel eSIMs are data only. Decide if you really need a Hong Kong number.
- Your phone: it must support eSIM and be unlocked.
Our eSIMs for Hong Kong: the details
SimOptions sells eight Hong Kong plans. According to the plan details on the Hong Kong eSIM page, they all work the same way:
- Data and days: 1 GB or 3 GB for 3 days, 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days, 20 GB for 15 days, 50 GB for 30 days, 60 GB for 90 days and 100 GB for 180 days.
- Coverage: Hong Kong only. The plans don't work in Macau or mainland China.
- Speed: 5G where the network has it, and 4G elsewhere.
- Phone number: no. Data only, with no calls or SMS.
- Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you arrive in Hong Kong.
- Top-ups: available, so you can add data if you run low.
- Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.
Every plan is prepaid with no contract, and your QR code comes by email. You don't need to find a shop or register your passport in person.
Which eSIM is best for your Hong Kong trip?
Start with how long you stay. Then check if you go on to Macau, mainland China or other countries, and if you need a phone number. This is where each of our plans works, as shown on the plan details. All of them are data only.
| Our plan | Works in | Data and days | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong only | 1 GB to 100 GB, 3 to 180 days | 4G/5G |
| Macau | Macau only | 1 GB to 100 GB, 3 to 180 days | 4G/5G |
| China | Mainland China only | 1 GB to 60 GB, 3 to 90 days | 4G/5G |
| Asia | 26 countries, such as China and Japan. Not Hong Kong or Macau | 1 GB to 50 GB, 7 to 60 days | 4G |
A stopover or a short city break: 1 GB to 3 GB
Hong Kong is a common stopover on long-haul flights. If you only have a day or two in the city, you mostly need maps, messages and the MTR. Hong Kong 1GB and 3GB last 3 days, so you don't pay for data you won't use.
About a week: 5 GB to 10 GB
A week gives you time for the Peak, Lantau Island and a harbour cruise. Hong Kong 5GB and 10GB both last 7 days. Pick 10 GB if you post a lot of photos, use video calls or share your data with a laptop.
Two weeks: 20 GB
Hong Kong 20GB lasts 15 days. That's enough for daily maps, social media, photos and some video calls on a two-week trip.
A month or longer: 50 GB and up
Working, studying or staying with family? Hong Kong 50GB lasts 30 days, 60GB lasts 90 days and 100GB lasts 180 days. If you run low, top up instead of buying a new eSIM.
Hong Kong and Macau on the same trip
Macau is a short trip from Hong Kong, and many visitors add a day or two there. As each of these plans works in one place only, the simplest setup is two eSIMs: a Hong Kong plan and a Macau plan. You install both at home and switch your data line when you cross. An iPhone can store eight or more eSIMs (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone), so there's plenty of room.
Heading to Macau for a short visit? This plan gives you 3 GB for 3 days there.
Staying longer? See all plans on our Macau eSIM page.
Hong Kong and mainland China
Going on to Shenzhen, Guangzhou or further into mainland China? Our China plans don't include Hong Kong or Macau, so you need a Hong Kong eSIM for Hong Kong and a China eSIM for the mainland. Our guide to the best eSIM for China explains which China plan to pick and whether your usual apps work there.
Hong Kong plus other countries in Asia
Our Asia plans cover 26 countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, but not Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or Vietnam. If your route takes in several Asia plan countries, use one Asia plan for them and a Hong Kong eSIM next to it. Our guide to the best eSIM for Asia lists every country it covers.
You need a phone number
Our Hong Kong plans are data only. You can still call and text with WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage, see how to make calls with a data-only eSIM. Your home SIM also stays on your phone, so you keep getting texts and bank codes on your usual number. If you need a Hong Kong number, you need a local SIM or eSIM from a Hong Kong carrier (see below).
Other ways to get connected in Hong Kong
A SimOptions eSIM isn't your only option. Here is a fair look at the others.
A local SIM or eSIM from a Hong Kong carrier
Hong Kong carriers such as csl, 1O1O, SmarTone, 3HK and China Mobile Hong Kong support eSIM on iPhone. Apple lists 3, Club SIM and HKBN as offering eSIM prepaid plans for international travellers (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service). The upside is a local number. The catch is registration:
- Since 1 March 2022, every SIM card from a Hong Kong provider, prepaid or contract, must be registered with a real name before it's activated (OFCA: Real-name Registration Programme).
- If you don't have a Hong Kong ID card, you register with another valid ID, such as your passport (OFCA: registration FAQ).
- Without the "iAM Smart" app, the carrier checks your details by hand, and how long that takes depends on the carrier.
- OFCA warns against buying prepaid SIM cards that are sold as "already registered".
Our guide to eSIM providers in Hong Kong compares csl, 1O1O, SmarTone, 3HK and China Mobile Hong Kong, including csl's tourist SIM and how 3HK registration works.
Global eSIM apps
Many global eSIM sellers have Hong Kong plans too, and most are data only. Compare them on the same points as above: data, days, countries covered, speed, top-ups and when the days start. If a plan is sold as "Asia" or "China", check that Hong Kong is really on its country list.
Your home carrier's roaming
Check your own plan before you buy anything. If you're from Australia, the US, the UK or Canada, your carrier sets its own roaming prices for Hong Kong. Some plans include data abroad, often at reduced speed or for a daily fee. If roaming is expensive or your allowance is small, a Hong Kong eSIM next to your home line gives you local data at a fixed prepaid price. Turn off data roaming on your home line so it can't use data by mistake.
Is your phone compatible?
Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. On iPhone, eSIM works on the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later (Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM). Many iPhone models bought in Hong Kong, Macau or mainland China use two nano-SIM cards instead of eSIM, so check yours if you bought it there (Apple: Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards). For Android phones, see our guide to checking eSIM compatibility. If you bought your phone from a carrier, ask it to unlock the phone before you travel.
How to set up your eSIM for Hong Kong
- Buy your plan on the Hong Kong eSIM page. Your QR code comes by email.
- Install it at home on Wi-Fi before you fly. Step-by-step help: how to install an eSIM and Apple's guide to setting up eSIM on iPhone.
- Label the line "Hong Kong" so you can tell it apart from your home line. Going to Macau or mainland China too? Label those eSIMs as well.
- When you land, the eSIM connects automatically. Choose it as your line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data and pick the travel eSIM (Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM).
- Turn off data roaming on your home line, so it can't use data abroad. More on running two lines: how to set up a dual eSIM.
No signal after you land? Our guide on what to do when your eSIM is not activating walks you through the fixes.
Top places to visit in Hong Kong
Hong Kong packs skyscrapers, harbour views, temples, beaches and hiking trails into a small space. Here are five places worth a visit, with a connection tip for each.
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
The giant bronze Buddha sits on a hilltop at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, next to Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path. Most visitors get there on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung. It stretches 5.7 km and the ride takes about 25 minutes, with views over the airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (Hong Kong Tourism Commission). Not into heights? You can also go by bus. Check the cable car's opening hours on your phone before you set off.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park, on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, was established in 1977. It's a theme park with animals, rides and shows, split into two areas: The Waterfront, home of the Grand Aquarium, and The Summit, up on the headland (Ocean Park Hong Kong). Show times and ride closures change, so check the park's website on the day.
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour sits between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, with one of the world's best-known skylines on both sides. The easiest way to see it is the Star Ferry between Central or Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui (Star Ferry). In the evening, "A Symphony of Lights" lights up buildings on both sides of the harbour with music. Take your photos from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and share them straight away.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is at Penny's Bay on Lantau Island, so you can combine it with a trip to the Big Buddha. Expect Disney characters, rides, parades and night-time shows (Hong Kong Disneyland). Buy tickets online before you go, and keep your data on for maps and show times.
Victoria Peak
For the full view of Hong Kong, head up to Victoria Peak on the western half of Hong Kong Island. Ride the Peak Tram or take a bus or taxi, then walk to the viewing terraces or around the Peak Circle Walk. Go just before sunset to see the city in daylight and after dark. The tram can get busy at that time, so leave some extra time.
Planning the rest of your trip? Our Hong Kong travel guide has more ideas.
FAQs
What is the best eSIM for Hong Kong?
It depends on your trip. For a stopover or a few days, Hong Kong 1GB or 3GB. For a week, Hong Kong 5GB or 10GB. For two weeks, Hong Kong 20GB. Compare any plan on data, days, speed, top-ups and whether Hong Kong is really on its country list.
Does a Hong Kong eSIM work in Macau or Shenzhen?
Not our Hong Kong plans: they cover Hong Kong only. For Macau, add a Macau eSIM. For Shenzhen and the rest of mainland China, add a China eSIM. Install both at home and switch your data line when you cross the border.
Do Asia or China eSIMs cover Hong Kong?
Not ours. Our Asia plans cover 26 countries without Hong Kong, and our China plans cover mainland China only. Other sellers' plans differ, so always check the country list before you buy.
Do I need to register my passport for an eSIM in Hong Kong?
For a SIM or eSIM from a Hong Kong carrier, yes. Real-name registration has applied since 1 March 2022, and visitors without a Hong Kong ID card use another valid ID, such as a passport. With our Hong Kong travel eSIM, you don't need to visit a shop or register your passport in person.
Can I get a Hong Kong phone number with a travel eSIM?
Not with our Hong Kong plans, which are data only. For a local number, you need a SIM or eSIM from a Hong Kong carrier such as csl, SmarTone or 3HK, with real-name registration.
Do Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work in Hong Kong?
Yes, they normally do. Freedom House notes that mainland China's internet censorship does not yet apply in Hong Kong (Freedom House: Hong Kong). Going on to the mainland is different: read our guide to the best eSIM for China.
Can I top up my Hong Kong eSIM?
Yes. Top-ups are available on our Hong Kong plans, so you can add data instead of buying a new eSIM.
When should I install my eSIM for Hong Kong?
Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. It activates automatically when you arrive in Hong Kong, so your days start then. If you don't use it within a year, it becomes invalid.