Hong Kong SIM Card, eSIM, or Pocket WiFi – Which One is Best to Use?
On our first trip to Hong Kong, we didn’t get our SIM card, pocket WiFi, and even our Octopus Card before our flight since we thought we could just get them upon arrival. But we regret not doing so because it took time and effort to find them. So, learn from us and secure these Hong Kong travel essentials prior to your trip.
Now, should you get a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in Hong Kong? Read on to make the right choice!
Hong Kong SIM card and eSIM
What is a Hong Kong SIM card and eSIM?
A Hong Kong SIM card is a small chip inserted to your phone so you can communicate in Hong Kong through text, call, or mobile data. SIM cards are usually produced by telcos and internet service providers (ISPs) in that particular country.
A Hong Kong eSIM, on the other hand, functions like a regular SIM except that you don’t need to insert a physical chip to your phone. A QR code is usually sent for you to install and activate an eSIM compatible phone. eSIMs are also provided by telcos and ISPs of the destination country.
What is the best Hong Kong SIM card and eSIM?
Here are some of the best Hong Kong SIM cards and eSIMs you can purchase online:
1. TripRoaming 4G SIM Card
This 4G SIM card is offered by TripRoaming, a leading global connectivity company based in Hong Kong. It features unlimited 4G mobile data, which you can use across Hong Kong for 2 to 14 days, depending on your chosen validity. The SIM can be delivered to your address in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Mainland China.
Price: HK$18 (US$2.30) valid for 2 days
2. China Mobile 4G SIM for China, Hong Kong, & Macau
This 4G SIM card is provided by China Mobile, one of China’s largest mobile telcos. It features unlimited mobile data across China, Hong Kong, and Macau with validity options from 3 to 10 days. You have the option to pick up the SIM card at Hong Kong International Airport or have it delivered to you.
Price: HK$35 (US$4.48) valid for 3 days
3. 4G SIM Card for Hong Kong, Macau & Mainland China
This 4G SIM card is provided by TripRoaming with csl, 3hk, and Smartone as the local operators. It features mobile data for Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China with a validity of 3 to 30 days. It will be delivered to your address in these destinations.
Price: HK$68 (US$8.70) valid for 3 days
4. Hong Kong Telecom eSIM
This Hong Kong eSIM is provided by Hong Kong Telecom, one of the largest telcos in Hong Kong. It features unlimited 4G/5G data across Hong Kong with validity options from 3 days to 30 days.
Price: HK$48 (US$6) valid for 3 days
5. Ubigi eSIM
This Ubigi eSIM is one of the largest eSIM providers in over 200 destinations worldwide including Hong Kong. This particular eSIM features 3GB data for 15 days in Hong Kong and Macau. It has no hidden fees or roaming charges and data sharing is allowed.
Price: HK$70 (US$9) valid for 15 days
How much is the SIM card and eSIM in Hong Kong?
Depending on the network provider, a Hong Kong SIM card could range an average of HK$23 (US$2.94) to HK$68 (US$8.70) valid for 3 days. On the other hand, a Hong Kong eSIM costs from HK$70 (US$9) to HK$211 (US$27) valid for 15 days.
See a summary of Hong Kong SIM card and eSIM prices below:
Hong Kong SIM and eSIM prices 2025 (online rates)
| SIM Provider | 3 Days | 5 Days | 7 Days |
| TripRoaming | HK$23 | HK$29 | HK$35 |
| China Mobile | HK$35 | HK$50 | HK$64 |
| csl/3hk/Smartone | HK$68 | HK$81 | HK$87 |
| eSIM Provider | 3 Days | 5 Days | 15 Days |
| Hong Kong Telecom eSIM | HK$48 | HK$80 | HK$211 |
| Ubigi eSIM | – | – | HK$70 |
*Do note that the Hong Kong SIM card and eSIM prices are correct as of publication date and may still change. Do check their respective plan listings prior to your Hong Kong trip for the most updated prices.
Where to buy a Hong Kong SIM card?
It’s best to buy your Hong Kong SIM card before your Hong Kong trip to avoid any inconvenience. Most of the Hong Kong SIM cards can be picked up at the airport or delivered to your chosen address.
If you failed to secure your Hong Kong SIM card online, you may still buy your SIM card at the Kowloon Visitor Center, any 1O1O Center, 7-Eleven, Circle K or VanGO convenience stores, csl, and HKT shops. See complete list of HK SIM shops here.
Hong Kong pocket WiFi
What is a Hong Kong pocket WiFi?
A Hong Kong pocket WiFi or WiFi Egg is a portable wireless device that provides WiFi connectivity to your smartphones and other gadgets. A SIM card is usually inserted to the pocket WiFi to provide network coverage.
What is the best pocket WiFi for Hong Kong?
Here are some of the best available Hong Kong pocket WiFi you may rent ahead online:
1. Uroaming Pocket WiFi
This pocket WiFi provided by Uroaming is one of the widely used pocket WiFi in Hong Kong with an option for 500MB or unlimited 4G WiFi. It can be shared by up to 5 devices with a battery life of 6 hours.
Price: HK$18 (US$2.30) per day (minimum of 3 days)
2. Song WiFi Pocket WiFi
This pocket WiFi from Song WiFi is one of the pocket WiFi devices offering unlimited 4G WiFi across Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. Although it is only shareable with up to 3 devices, the 12-hour battery life is a major plus, especially if you’re traveling in Hong Kong for long periods.
Price: HK$31 (US$3.97) per day (minimum of 3 days)
How much is the pocket WiFi rental in Hong Kong?
A Hong Kong pocket WiFi could cost an average of HK$18 (US$2.30) to HK$31 (US$3.97) per day, which can be shared with up to 5 devices. See a summary of Hong Kong pocket WiFi rentals rates below:
Hong Kong pocket WiFi rental prices 2025 (online rates)
| Service Provider | Battery Life | # of Devices | Cost Per Day |
| Uroaming | 6 hrs | 5 | HK$18 |
| Song WiFi | 12 hrs | 3 | HK$31 |
*The Hong Kong pocket WiFi prices above are accurate as of publication date. See the respective listings for the most updated Hong Kong pocket WiFi rates.
Where can I rent a pocket WiFi in Hong Kong?
We recommend that you secure your pocket WiFi online before your Hong Kong trip to avoid any hassle. Most pocket WiFi rentals have designated pick-up locations like the Arrival Hall A, Level 5, Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport for Uroaming, Song WiFi, and WiFiBB. Other pocket WiFi devices can also be delivered to you for free or at an additional cost.
If you failed to get a pocket WiFi online, you may still proceed to Counter A05 of Arrival Hall A to rent a pocket WiFi from Song WiFi upon arrival at Hong Kong Airport.
Hong Kong SIM card vs eSIM vs Pocket WiFi
The question is, “Is it better to get a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in Hong Kong?” It actually depends on several factors including your budget, number of users, and travel duration.
Which one is cheaper?
If we compare the average daily costs, a Hong Kong SIM and eSIM could cost HK$5 per day while a pocket WiFi costs HK$18 per day. Given these amounts, you may initially say that a Hong Kong SIM card or eSIM is cheaper than a pocket WiFi. But you should also know that a pocket WiFI can be shared with up to 5 devices, so it would only cost HK$18 ÷ 5 = HK$3.6 per person per day as opposed to HK$5 per day for the SIM card or eSIM.
This means if there are 5 people traveling together, it’s more practical to rent a pocket WiFi since you can share and divide the costs.
When deciding to get a Hong Kong SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi, you should consider the number of users and your travel duration. This way, you can already estimate the cost and know which one is better to use for your HK trip.
What are the pros and cons?
Hong Kong SIM Card
Pros:
- No need to get a separate device
- Cheaper for solo travelers and couples
- Can keep the SIM card
Cons:
- SIM may take time to set up
- SIM card may have compatibility issues
- May drain your phone battery faster with data usage
Hong Kong eSIM
Pros:
- No need to insert another SIM
- Easy to buy online and activate
- No extra device to carry
Cons:
- eSIM compatibility issues
- Overwhelming for setup if not familiar
- Dependent on phone’s battery life
Hong Kong Pocket WiFi
Pros:
- No need to set up
- Shareable with several devices
- Cheaper if you’re traveling in groups
Cons:
- Bulky and additional device to bring
- Hassle to return the device
- May incur damage fees
What do we recommend to use in Hong Kong as travelers?
For us, since we’re a couple, we always get a SIM card on our travels. However, if you’re a group of 3 to 5 people, it will cost less to rent a pocket WiFi in Hong Kong since you’ll split the total costs with more people, especially if you are budget travelers.
For solo travelers and couples, we recommend getting a SIM card or eSIM. If you’re traveling as a family or in big groups, renting a pocket WiFi will be more practical.
After knowing all these, would you use a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in Hong Kong? Hope you make the right choice!
Exploring more of Hong Kong? Read our Hong Kong guides:
Traveling to other parts of Asia? Read these guides as well: