Hong Kong eSIM: eSIM Providers in Hong Kong and Which One to Pick for Your Trip

Need an eSIM for Hong Kong? If you're visiting, the easiest option is a Hong Kong travel eSIM: you buy it online, install it at home and it connects when you land. If you live in Hong Kong or want a local number, the main eSIM providers are csl and 1O1O, SmarTone, 3HK and China Mobile Hong Kong. Every local SIM, eSIM included, needs real-name registration before it works. This guide covers each provider, the registration rules, and how to pick a plan for your trip.

Short on time? These are data-only Hong Kong eSIMs you can buy now and install before you fly. Pick the one that matches the length of your trip.

Data-only plans for Hong Kong · 5 GB, 10 GB or 20 GB · See all Hong Kong eSIMs · Visiting more places? Find your destination

eSIM providers in Hong Kong at a glance

Apple's list of carriers that support eSIM on iPhone includes these Hong Kong names: 1O1O, 3, 3SUPREME, BetterRoaming, China Mobile Hong Kong, Club SIM, csl, CUniq, HKBN and SmarTone (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service). The four network operators behind most of them are:

• csl and 1O1O: two brands of CSL Mobile Limited, part of HKT. 1O1O (often typed 1010) is the premium brand.
• SmarTone: eSIM on its own network, with eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone.
• 3HK (Three Hong Kong): eSIM under the 3 and 3SUPREME brands, plus prepaid plans for travelers.
• China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK): eSIM by QR code or carrier app.
• Travel eSIMs: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no store visit, ready before you fly.

Here is what you need to know about each one.

Which Hong Kong carriers support eSIM on iPhone?

Apple splits Hong Kong carriers into groups by how you set up the eSIM:

• eSIM Quick Transfer (move your number from your old iPhone during setup): 1O1O, 3, 3SUPREME, Club SIM, csl and SmarTone.
• QR code or carrier app: 1O1O, 3, 3SUPREME, BetterRoaming, China Mobile Hong Kong, csl, CUniq, HKBN and SmarTone.
• Prepaid plans for international travelers: 3, Club SIM and HKBN.

Bought your iPhone in Hong Kong? Check your model first. Apple says iPhones from the XR and XS Max up to the iPhone 16 series bought in Hong Kong or Macao use two nano-SIM cards, while models such as the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation) bought there use an eSIM (Apple: Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards). To see if your phone supports eSIM, dial *#06#: if you see an EID, it does. More in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.

csl and 1O1O eSIM

csl and 1O1O are run by the same company, CSL Mobile Limited. Both support eSIM on iPhone, by eSIM Quick Transfer or by QR code. If you're already a 1O1O or csl customer, ask your carrier for an eSIM in a shop or through customer service.

csl Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM

For visitors, csl sells the 5G Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card, which it also offers as an eSIM in its online shop. According to csl's terms:

• It comes with a day pass of 3, 7 or 15 days.
• Each pass includes data for Hong Kong and Macau and unlimited local calls in Hong Kong.
• You can top up with another 7-day or 15-day pass.
• Like every local prepaid SIM, it needs real-name registration before it works.

This is a good fit if you want a Hong Kong number for local calls during your stay.

SmarTone eSIM

SmarTone supports eSIM on iPhone by eSIM Quick Transfer, QR code or its app, according to Apple's carrier list. If you're already a SmarTone customer, ask SmarTone about switching to eSIM. Like every local line, a SmarTone SIM or eSIM needs real-name registration. Check SmarTone's own website for the current eSIM plans before you go, as offers change often.

3HK eSIM

3HK (Three Hong Kong) offers eSIM under the 3 and 3SUPREME brands. Apple lists 3 for eSIM Quick Transfer, QR code activation and prepaid plans for international travelers, which makes it one of the few Hong Kong carriers with an eSIM option aimed at visitors.

How 3HK real-name registration works

3HK's registration guide explains the steps for a new prepaid SIM:

1. Put the SIM in your phone, turn on mobile data and turn off Wi-Fi.
2. Open the link in the activation SMS you receive.
3. Choose your ID type and scan your document.
4. Check the details and submit.

HKID card holders can register instantly with the "iAM Smart" app. Otherwise, 3HK checks your documents by hand and sends the activation SMS within 48 hours. If you edit the scanned details yourself, it takes longer.

China Mobile Hong Kong eSIM

China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) is on Apple's list for eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app. It's worth a look if you travel between Hong Kong and mainland China a lot. As with every local carrier, the line needs real-name registration first. Check CMHK's website or a CMHK shop for current eSIM plans.

Real-name registration: what it means for you

Since 1 March 2022, every new local SIM in Hong Kong, prepaid or contract, must be registered to a real person before it's activated. That includes eSIMs from local carriers. Here's what Hong Kong's telecom regulator OFCA says (OFCA: Real-name Registration Programme):

• Your own ID: you register with your own original identity document. Hong Kong residents use their HKID card.
• Visitors: if you don't have an HKID card, you can use another valid document, such as your passport or travel document (OFCA: registration FAQ).
• Manual checks: without "iAM Smart", the carrier checks your registration by hand and activates the prepaid SIM once that's done.
• Limit: one person can register up to 10 prepaid SIM cards with each carrier.
• Don't buy "registered" SIMs from unknown sellers. OFCA warns against it.

So a local eSIM can work for a visitor, but plan for a registration step and possibly a wait before you can use it.

Hong Kong travel eSIM: get connected before you fly

A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi at home, and it connects when you arrive. Here is what the SimOptions Hong Kong plans include, according to their plan details:

• Data only: no Hong Kong phone number, no calls or SMS. You call and message with apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage.
• Networks: the plans use the csl and SmarTone networks, with 4G and 5G.
• Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Hong Kong.
• No store visit: you don't need to find a shop or register your passport in person.
• Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
• Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.
• Coverage: Hong Kong only. It doesn't work in Macau or mainland China, so add a Macau eSIM or a China eSIM if your trip goes on.

Not sure what you can do without a local number? See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.

How much data do you need for Hong Kong?

The Hong Kong plans range from 1 GB for 3 days to 100 GB for 180 days. As a rough guide:

• A stopover or a 2 to 3 day city break: 1 GB to 3 GB for maps, messages and the MTR.
• Up to a week: 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days.
• One to two weeks: 20 GB for 15 days.
• A month or longer: 50 GB for 30 days, or the larger plans for long stays.

Hong Kong is a common stopover between flights. If you only have a day or two in the city, a small 3-day plan keeps you online without paying for data you won't use.

How to set up your Hong Kong eSIM

1. Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM.
2. Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
3. Install it on Wi-Fi before you fly. On iPhone, open the Camera app, scan the QR code and follow the steps to add the eSIM (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
4. Label the line "Hong Kong" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
5. When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.

Not connecting after you arrive? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.

Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?

A csl, 1O1O, SmarTone, 3HK or CMHK eSIM fits if

• You live in Hong Kong or stay for several months.
• You need a Hong Kong phone number for local calls, apps or services.
• You're fine with real-name registration and a possible wait before activation.

A travel eSIM fits if

• You're on holiday, a business trip or a stopover of a few days to a few weeks.
• You want data the moment you land, for maps, the MTR and messages.
• You'd rather skip the shop and the registration step.
• You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time.

Tips for staying connected in Hong Kong

• Keep your home line on. Most eSIM phones run two lines at once. Keep your home number for calls and security codes, and use the travel eSIM for data. See how to set up a dual eSIM.
• Turn off data roaming on your home line so it doesn't use data abroad.
• Plan for Macau and mainland China. They're separate destinations with their own eSIMs. A Hong Kong plan won't cover a day trip to Macau or Shenzhen.
• Install before you travel. You need an internet connection to download an eSIM, so do it on Wi-Fi at home.

FAQs

Which eSIM should I get for Hong Kong?

If you're visiting, a travel eSIM is the simplest choice. You buy it online, install it before you fly and it connects when you land. If you live in Hong Kong or need a local number, pick a local carrier such as csl, 1O1O, SmarTone, 3HK or CMHK.

Which Hong Kong carriers provide eSIM for iPhone?

Apple lists 1O1O, 3, 3SUPREME, BetterRoaming, China Mobile Hong Kong, Club SIM, csl, CUniq, HKBN and SmarTone. csl, 1O1O, 3, 3SUPREME, Club SIM and SmarTone also support eSIM Quick Transfer.

Does 1O1O support eSIM?

Yes. 1O1O, the premium brand of CSL Mobile, supports eSIM on iPhone by eSIM Quick Transfer or QR code. Ask 1O1O for an eSIM in a shop or through its customer service.

Does SmarTone offer eSIM in Hong Kong?

Yes. SmarTone supports eSIM on iPhone by eSIM Quick Transfer, QR code or app. Like every local line, it needs real-name registration.

Do tourists need to register a SIM or eSIM in Hong Kong?

Yes, for a local Hong Kong SIM or eSIM. You register with your own passport or travel document before the line is activated. A travel eSIM from SimOptions doesn't need a store visit or passport registration.

Do I get a Hong Kong phone number with a travel eSIM?

No. The SimOptions Hong Kong plans are data only. You can still call and message with WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage, and keep your home number on your phone.

Does a Hong Kong eSIM work in Macau or mainland China?

Not the SimOptions Hong Kong plans: they cover Hong Kong only. Add a Macau eSIM or a China eSIM for the rest of your trip. Going on to the mainland? Read our guide to prepaid SIM cards for China.

Can I top up my Hong Kong eSIM?

Yes. The SimOptions Hong Kong plans list top-ups as available, so you can add data if you run low.