Are you planning to travel to Hong Kong and thinking about ordering an eSIM card on the internet? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM card for traveling to Hong Kong including a comparison of the best Hong Kong eSIM cards for 2024.
Let me start with telling you that getting connected with a tourist eSIM card when traveling to Hong Kong will make your life so much easier! Based on my own experiences on my recent trip to Shanghai and Hong Kong I had to deal with the internet censorship of China and Hong Kong and it was rather annoying.
You may think, just get a VPN and done. Well, yeah that works if you find the right VPN. I tried several and none of them were satisfying. Keep in mind VPNs use A LOT OF data and they also slow down the internet speed.
Enjoy using data on your phone without any internet restriction and NO VPN NEEDED! How and what? Keep reading…
You can bypass all the internet censorship in Hong Kong without using a VPN by simply buying one of the below recommended eSIM cards for Hong Kong below.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM card for Hong Kong on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date info and prices as per September 2024, including all specifications per eSIM card.
This eSIM guide will explain how eSIM cards work, show you where and when to order an eSIM card for tourists, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, answer all FAQ about using eSIMs, the difference between eSIM cards and local prepaid sim cards in Hong Kong and of course links to directly order your eSIM card for traveling to Hong Kong online.
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In 2023 I visited for example 34 different countries in 1 year so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIM cards I used throughout the year.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIM cards to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Of course Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Hong Kong in 2024.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying eSIM cards for: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Egypt, Dubai, USA, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, international eSIM cards and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling!
Some links in this article about the best eSIM cards for Hong Kong are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Let me start with giving you my eSIM card recommendation for Hong Kong. These are my favorite eSIM cards for traveling to Hong Kong in 2024.
1. Airalo eSIM card with 10 GB - $19 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Hong Kong only
- Valid for 30 days
- 4G/LTE
- $1.9 USD per Gigabyte
Traveltomtom tested the Airalo eSIM card for Hong Kong recently and there was NO VPN needed with an Airalo eSIM for Hong Kong to make all apps work like normal. Airalo has in total 5 different eSIM plans for Hong Kong.
2. Jetpac eSIM card with 20 GB - $28 USD
- 20 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Hong Kong & China + 14 other countries in Asia/Pacific
- Valid for 30 days
- 5G ready
- $1.4 USD per Gigabyte
USE DISCOUNT CODE: TOMTOM10 for an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs.
Slightly more expensive than Airalo are the eSIM plans from Jetpac. However, the eSIMs from Jetpac are valid in Hong Kong, Macao, China, Vietnam and all other amazing tourist countries in East Asia and the Jetpac rate per Gigabyte is in fact lower than Airalo. Therefore Jetpac is also ranked as one of the best eSIMs for visiting Hong Kong.
Both my Hong Kong eSIM card recommendations are data-only eSIM cards and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported.
Is Hong Kong one of your stops on a trip to Asia then you can also look into getting an eSIM card for traveling in Asia. There are eSIM cards that cover multiple countries or simply go for a Jetpac eSIM.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM card for Hong Kong or in general before using an eSIM card.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIM cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIM cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIM cards, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM card for traveling to Hong Kong.
However, you can still order a sim card for Hong Kong on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for Hong Kong in 2024 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.
Comparison of the best eSIM cards for Hong Kong
Note that you can NOT buy an eSIM card on arrival in Hong Kong. All mobile internet providers in Hong Kong only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, no eSIM cards.
Another reason why local prepaid sim cards in Hong Kong are not recommended for tourists is because of the internet censorship in Hong Kong.
Luckily with an eSIM you don't need to worry about internet censorship and there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell eSIM cards for Hong Kong. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Hong Kong from one of the well-known eSIM card providers like Airalo, SimOptions, Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac, Sim Local, etc. that have proven to be reliable eSIM operators.
SimOptions and Airalo have been long time favorites of Traveltomtom, but are they still the best and cheapest? The competition is fierce nowadays...
So before you buy an eSIM card first read all my tips below!
SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Hong Kong. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Hong Kong and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Hong Kong.
Airalo, Holafly, Jetpac and Nomad only sell eSIM cards for Hong Kong.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider that offers eSIMs valid in multiple countries. The Jetpac eSIMs for Hong Kong are also valid in: Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Jetpac is a perfect eSIM card for traveling to Asia, especially since Macau, China, Vietnam, etc. are all including in the Jetpac eSIM for Hong Kong.
Here are the Jetpac Hong Kong eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $11 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $65 USD
Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac Hong Kong eSIM card.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% discount on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the coupon code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
The Jetpac Hong Kong eSIM plan with 20 GB data for just $28 USD makes it also one of the best value eSIM card for Hong Kong as well as for Southeast Asia with a rate of $1.4 USD per Gigabyte.
The Jetpac Hong Kong eSIM cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number and unfortunately the Jetpac Hong Kong eSIMs are not yet 5G ready, so max data speed is 4G/LTE.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM card before your trip to Hong Kong, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Hong Kong or one of the other supported countries. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.
An extra advantage of Jetpac eSIM cards is that they provide a free VPN as well as free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering an eSIM card.
SimOptions is always one of Traveltomtom's top recommendations but the SimOptions eSIM card plans for Hong Kong are more expensive compared to Airalo and Jetpac. However, some SimOptions plans for Hong Kong are 5G ready.
Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM card plans for Hong Kong for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $10.90 USD
- 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM card for Hong Kong.
The first 2 data-only eSIM cards are provided by SimOptions and are only valid in Hong Kong. The other 3 eSIMs are valid in 6 to 26 countries around the world.
Keep in mind that on the Three HK eSIM cards from SimOptions TikTok will most probably be blocked. I once experienced this and other travelers have reported the same back to me. Three HK is a Hong Kong based eSIM card and TikTok is blocked in Hong Kong! If you use a VPN it works.
Also when purchasing a Three HK eSIM via SimOptions you will receive an ID verification request after activating your eSIM. Meaning you will have to send a scan of your passport to Three HK.
Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify which mobile network operator in Hong Kong they use on their eSIMs. That said, some of the SimOptions eSIMs for Hong Kong support 5G.
The eSIM cards for Hong Kong offered by SimOptions do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.
However, the advantage about the Three HK eSIM cards is that they come with a phone number from Hong Kong starting with +852. That means incoming calls and sms are supported.
The validity of all the above SimOptions eSIM cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM card, even if you are not in Hong Kong. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Airalo
Airalo is another very reputable eSIM card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM card for Hong Kong through Airalo is done fast and easy.
Why using Airalo?
Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM card deals.
When it comes to Hong Kong eSIMs Airalo has better plans than SimOptions and is therefore also recommended as one of the best eSIM cards for Hong Kong.
Traveltomtom recently used an Airalo eSIM card for getting connected in Hong Kong as well as in China and it was the perfect way to go around all the internet censorship in China and Hong Kong. With an Airalo eSIM card I had no problems using TikTok and other apps that are blocked, no VPN needed.
Therefore you can understand that Airalo is one of Traveltomtom's top recommendation when it comes to best eSIM cards for Hong Kong.
Here are Hong Kong eSIM card plans from Airalo for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
Click here to order an eSIM card for Hong Kong from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIM cards for Hong Kong are from Hkmobile and operate on the CSL 4G/LTE network in Hong Kong. Unfortunately the Airalo Hkmobile eSIM cards for Hong Kong are not 5G ready as of September 2024.
In pretty much all the amazing places to visit in Hong Kong you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is very good, even on 4G/LTE. There is however already a very extensive 5G network in Hong Kong.
If you want a HKG sim card that supports 5G you have to buy a physical prepaid sim card in Hong Kong on arrival, but these sim cards come with internet censorship.
For more info about the best 4G/5G network in Hong Kong check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Hong Kong in 2024, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.
All the Airalo eSIM cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Nomad
Nomad has actually the cheapest Hong Kong eSIM cards plans. Traveltomtom tested them out and it worked totally fine as well. Unfortunately there website is not as user friendly as SimOptions and Airalo, but their eSIM card prices are the best.
Why is Nomad not Traveltomtom's first recommendation? The Traveltomtom encountered some issues installing Nomad eSIMs lately.
Nomad offers eSIM cards from Nomad Red and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of CSL and China Mobile Hong Kong.
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
- 20 GB data for 45 days = $25 USD
Click here to order an eSIM card for Hong Kong via Nomad.
The Nomad eSIM cards for Hong Kong are also data-only and do NOT support 5G ready, max data speed is 4G/LTE. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported and these eSIM cards do NOT come with a phone number.
Nomad has the cheapest eSIM cards for Hong Kong and they go as low as $1.25 USD per Gigabyte and these 20 GB data eSIMs are even valid for 45 days. Although many travelers will visit Hong Kong for just a couple days!
These are the Nomad Red specifications.
The Nomad Hong Kong eSIM cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Hong Kong. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Hong Kong:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIM cards for Hong Kong are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.
The Holafly Hong Kong eSIMs are NOT 5G ready, max data speed in 4G/LTE and they Holafly eSIMs use the mobile network of HKT (CSL) and Three HK.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIM cards, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
Imagine being on a 10 hour bus or train ride and after 2 hours you will get a message that you used too much data for the day. Then you have to wait 24 hours for the data speed to be reset to normal.
If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Hong Kong.
Also, the Traveltomtom Team tested Holafly in some another countries and was pretty disappointed with the overall performance. In a certain country Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around constantly had a proper data connection, the Holafly eSIM did not even have signal. Even in big cities the struggle was real and we constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of the hotel or restaurant because the Holafly eSIM was super slow.
I understand it could be a different story in Hong Kong but Traveltomtom was put off a bit by Holafly eSIMs.
Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIM cards? I told you before that I travel full time around the world and I am on the road constantly. In 2022 I visited 62 different countries, in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries.
What is the cheapest eSIM card for Hong Kong?
No other eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM card deal for just $1 USD. It gives you 1 GB data valid for 4 days.
Other cheap eSIM cards for Hong Kong are the Airalo, SimOptions and Nomad eSIMs with 1 GB data valid for 7 days. Nomad charges $4 USD for this plan, SimOptions and Airalo charge $4.5 USD. These eSIMs are only valid in Hong Kong and do not support calling and texting.
Why ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Hong Kong
eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Hong Kong without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Hong Kong with an activated eSIM card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM card later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Hong Kong so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.
eSIM cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Overseas Data Roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is at least 4G/LTE in all the amazing tourist destinations in Hong Kong and actually pretty much everywhere in Hong Kong there is 5G. Unfortunately all the eSIM cards for Hong Kong are not 5G ready.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Hong Kong. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM card for Hong Kong?
Online
You can only buy an eSIM card for Hong Kong on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are lots of eSIM providers for Hong Kong. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers for traveling to Hong Kong in 2024.
When buying an eSIM card for Hong Kong through most of the above recommended providers you only need your email address and your eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed. However, if you buy a Three HK eSIM via SimOptions they will request a verification of your ID and you will have to scan your passport.
On arrival in Hong Kong
None of the mobile internet operators in Hong Kong sell tourist eSIM cards, not on the internet, nor in their stores across Hong Kong or at Hong Kong Airport. Updated info as per September 2024.
When you arrive in Hong Kong and you want to buy a local sim card for tourists then only physical prepaid sim cards are available. Tourists can not get an eSIM card in Hong Kong.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Hong Kong in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Hong Kong, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Are you arriving at Hong Kong Airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for Hong Kong on arrival at the airport. However, as mentioned above there are NO eSIM cards sold at HKG International Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Also expect to pay tourist prices when buying a sim card at the airport. If you buy a prepaid sim card in the city it is much cheaper.
Here is my vlog about what it looks like buying a prepaid sim card for tourists at Hong Kong Airport.
Keep in mind that these local prepaid sim cards for Hong Kong come with the full internet censorship of Hong Kong which means you are unable to use some of the standard apps or some apps you might experience restriction. The most common internet restriction in Hong Kong is that TikTok is blocked. If you buy a local prepaid sim card in Hong Kong you can only use TikTok through a VPN.
When to order/activate an eSIM card for Hong Kong?
You can order an eSIM card for Hong Kong pretty much any time you want. Most eSIM cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM card. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIM cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
My personal advice is to instal your eSIM card for Hong Kong on the day of departure just before you get into the plane. First off you will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM card, wether that is on WiFi or on 4G/5G from the sim card in your home country.
But once your eSIM card is installed and you hop on the plane you are enjoying data on your phone as soon as the plane lands in Hong Kong.
How do I know all this? Traveltomtom lately visited Hong Kong and also traveled to Shanghai, Dongguan and Shenzhen in China. For more info about my experiences buying a prepaid sim card for tourists at Hong Kong Airport click on the link.
How to activate an eSIM card
Installing and activating an eSIM card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM card plan for Hong Kong you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Hong Kong eSIM card.
But installing an activating an eSIM card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM card on. The QR contains all the information about your Hong Kong eSIM card.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM card is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM card with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM card for Hong Kong
Here are some general tips for using eSIM cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Hong Kong eSIM cards, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM card in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIM cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM card without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Hong Kong. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Hong Kong or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Hong Kong and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIM cards?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM card is if your smartphone supports eSIM cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIM cards.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM card providers?
All the eSIM card providers for Hong Kong recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM card providers reviewed and tested extensively by the Traveltomtom Team. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Hong Kong.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out Traveltomtom's HONEST Review about SimOptions eSIMs.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM card provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Hong Kong eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIM cards for traveling to Hong Kong.
All eSIM card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Hong Kong eSIM card?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM card to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong. An eSIM card can be used next to your physical or eSIM card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM card.
So you can have multiple eSIM cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Hong Kong eSIM card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIM cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Hong Kong eSIM card?
No, unfortunately all the by Traveltomtom recommended eSIM cards for Hong Kong do not support outgoing calls and sms. All the Hong Kong eSIM cards you can buy on the internet are data-only.
If you want to make phone calls in Hong Kong it is adviced to buy a physical prepaid sim card on arrival in Hong Kong or at HKG Airport.
Does a Hong Kong eSIM card come with a phone number?
There are 2 eSIM cards for Hong Kong that come with a phone number. The Three HK eSIM cards you order via SimOptions come with a phone number from Hong Kong that starts with +852. These eSIMs support INCOMING calls and sms, outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
However, the downside is that with these Hong Kong based eSIM cards TikTok is blocked and you will need a VPN to use TikTok.
All of the other Hong Kong eSIM cards that you can buy on the internet do NOT come with a phone number. That is the reason why you can not receive any phone calls or sms.
In the above Hong Kong eSIM card comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM card.
Can I use 5G on a Hong Kong eSIM card?
Yes, the Jetpac eSIMs for Hong Kong are 5G ready. Unfortunately none of the other Hong Kong eSIM cards are 5G ready yet as of September 2024. Which means the max data speed is 4G/LTE. That is a pity because the Hong Kong 5G network is very extensive and there is pretty much 5G everywhere.
Are there eSIM cards for Hong Kong with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Hong Kong are eSIMs with unlimited data. Traveltomtom does not recommend eSIM cards with unlimited data. Below I will explain why.
Always ask yourself if unlimited is truly unlimited? Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Hong Kong and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying!
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Hong Kong eSIM cards with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Imagine being on a long bus or train ride and suddenly you get a message from your eSIM provider that your data speed is reduced because you used too much data and have to wait 24 hours for your data speed to be restored. Very inconvenient!
Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIM cards for hong Kong with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM card.
However, what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
There are eSIM card for Hong Kong that give you 20 GB data. These eSIMs offer a lot of data and there is no real need for an eSIM card with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Hong Kong in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIM cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong?
eSIM cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Hong Kong, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIM cards
Let's compare eSIM cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards mostly offer bigger data plans than eSIM cards and on top of that local prepaid sim cards come often with unlimited local calls and sms.
Local prepaid sim cards for tourists will often offer you a rate of less than $1 USD per Gigabyte.
First of all a local Hong Kong prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Hong Kong in a phone store or at HKG International Airport but NOT on the internet.
Second, as said multiple time before, a Hong Kong local prepaid sim card comes with internet censorship and for example you will not be able to use TikTok.
Third, they only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists in Hong Kong, no eSIM cards.
More info about the best Hong Kong sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Hong Kong in 2024.
Buying a sim card in Hong Kong city center is pretty cheap, but buying a sim card at Hong Kong Airport is much more expensive, expect to pay tourist prices.
A reminder there is already an eSIM card for Hong Kong with 20 GB data for just $26 USD and it comes with no internet censorship and no VPN needed.
The advantage of a local prepaid sim card from Hong Kong is that they are all 5G ready and they also come with calling time.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Hong Kong. Some of them are great for using in Hong Kong as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, USA, Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Hong Kong you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024 or the best Asia tourist sim cards in 2024.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Hong Kong directly online.
International prepaid sim cards for Hong Kong also come without any internet censorship from and there is no VPN needed.
eSIM cards
There are two different eSIM cards:
- eSIM cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIM cards that you buy in Hong Kong in a mobile internet provider store
However, as of September 2024 there are still no eSIM cards available for prepaid tourist sim cards.
Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Hong Kong to find out if eSIM cards were available for tourists and the answer in every sim card store was clear: NO!
This also counts for the airport. On arrival at the international airport in Hong Kong they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Read all about it in my detailed guide about best prepaid tourist sim card for Hong Kong in 2024.
eSIM cards vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Hong Kong. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.
On top of that you have no issues whatsoever using the internet like you do at home. With an international prepaid sim card or an eSIM card for Hong Kong you bypass all the internet restrictions in Hong Kong and there is no VPN needed.
Isn't that the best thing you heard in a while? :)
Price difference
But what is cheaper? An eSIM card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare Hong Kong eSIM card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Hong Kong, Traveltomtom comes that there is not so much difference between local prepaid sim cards for tourists that they sell in mobile phone stores in Hong Kong and eSIM cards that you buy on the internet.
The cheapest tourist sim cards start around $10 USD and up. You can buy them in the official retail stores of in the city center of every popular tourist destination in Hong Kong, but also in convenience stores. But for $10 USD you get calling minutes and 7 GB data included for use in Hong Kong. There are also prepaid sim card deals for around $12 USD that give you 12 GB data.
Keep in mind when buying a sim card in a convenience store you will have to do the passport registration manually. A bit of a hassle and you have to wait for verification.
This is the price you pay for a prepaid sim card in a sim card store in Hong Kong. So on arrival you will need to locate the nearest phone shop next to your hotel via Google Maps. Bring your passport and get in line for buying a prepaid sim card. A lot of hassle I would say if you are on a holiday. But up to you…
After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. On top of that there are much better deals online and with these eSIM cards as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIM cards for Hong Kong in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM card for Hong Kong. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.
Data Speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM card is that eSIM cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIM cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIM cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
For Hong Kong it is very simple actually since local prepaid sim cards are all on 5G and eSIM cards for Hong Kong are limited to 4G/LTE.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIM cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Hong Kong sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to Hong Kong were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM card for Hong Kong right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIM cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Hong Kong!