Hong Kong SIM Card or Pocket WiFi – Which One is Better 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 or pocket WiFi in Hong Kong? Read on to make the right choice!
Hong Kong SIM card
What is a Hong Kong SIM card?
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.
What is the best Hong Kong SIM card?
Here are some of the best Hong Kong SIM cards you can purchase online:
1. DiscoverHongKong Tourist SIM Card
Supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, this DiscoverHongKong Tourist SIM card is probably the most popular SIM card in Hong Kong. It features 3GB Hong Kong and Macau data, free csl WiFi service, and unlimited Hong Kong local calls within the first 5 days. It also has HK$30 credits for IDD calls. Buy this HK tourist SIM card online on Trip.com.
Price: HK$40 (US$5.13) valid for 5 days
2. 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
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. Y5buddy 4G SIM Card
This 4G SIM card is provided by Y5buddy, an equipment rental company based in Singapore. This SIM card features 500MB daily data across Asia-Pacific including Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and more.
Price: HK$160 (US$20.48) valid for 10 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. You also don’t have to insert a physical SIM into your mobile device — just download the app and follow the setup instructions.
Price: HK$102 (US$13) valid for 15 days
How much is the SIM card 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. See a summary of Hong Kong SIM card prices below:
Hong Kong SIM card prices 2024 (online rates)
| SIM Provider | 3 Days | 5 Days | 7 Days |
| DiscoverHongKong | – | HK$40 | – |
| TripRoaming | HK$23 | HK$29 | HK$34 |
| csl/3hk/Smartone | HK$68 | HK$80 | HK$86 |
| Y5Buddy | HK$160 (10 days) | ||
| Ubigi eSIM | HK$102 (15 days) | ||
*Do note that the Hong Kong SIM card 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 are 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 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)
3. WiFiBB 4G/5G WiFi
This pocket WiFi from WiFiBB offers unlimited 4G/5G WiFi across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. It has a battery life of 14 hours and can be shared by up to 5 devices. You may pick up the device at Hong Kong International Airport.
Price: HK$22 (US$2.82) per day (minimum of 5 days)
4. Wifi Egg Company Limited
This pocket WiFi from Wifi Egg Company Limited offers unlimited 4G data WiFi in Hong Kong which can be shared with up to 5 devices. For very large groups, you have the option to choose a WiFi router device which is shareable with up to 32 devices. It also offers free delivery in commercial and industrial places in Hong Kong.
Price: HK$36 (US$4.61) per day (minimum of 5 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$36 (US$4.61) 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 2024 (online rates)
| Service Provider | Battery Life | # of Devices | Cost Per Day |
| Uroaming | 6 hrs | 5 | HK$18 |
| Song WiFi | 12 hrs | 3 | HK$31 |
| WiFiBB | 14 hrs | 5 | HK$22 |
| Wifi Egg Company Limited | *Depends on usage | 5 | HK$36 |
*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 Pocket WiFi
The question is, “Is it better to get a SIM card 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 both costs for a 5-day validity, a Hong Kong SIM costs HK$29 (US$3.71) and a pocket WiFi costs HK$90 (US$11.52). Given these amounts, you may initially say that a Hong Kong SIM card 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$90 ÷ 5 = HK$18 (US$2.30) per person as opposed to HK$29 (US$3.71) for one SIM card.
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 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 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. 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 or pocket WiFi in Hong Kong? Hope you make the right choice!
Exploring more of Hong Kong? Read our Hong Kong attraction guides:
Traveling to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan soon? Read these SIM card or pocket WiFi guides as well:
