Are you planning to travel to Hong Kong and thinking about ordering an eSIM on the internet? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM for traveling to Hong Kong including a comparison of the best Hong Kong eSIMs for 2025.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM 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 April 2025, including all eSIM specifications.
Find out where and when to order an eSIM, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, answer all FAQ about using eSIMs and more.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Comparison of the best eSIMs for Hong Kong
- Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Hong Kong
- Where to buy an eSIM for Hong Kong?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Hong Kong?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Hong Kong
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIMs?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with a Hong Kong eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with a Hong Kong eSIM?
- Does a Hong Kong eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on a Hong Kong eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Hong Kong with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Let me start with telling you that getting connected with a tourist eSIM 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, good luck finding a VPN that actually works. I tried several VPN's and none of them were satisfying. Keep in mind VPNs use A LOT OF data and they also slow down the data speed.
You can simply bypass all the internet censorship in Hong Kong by getting an eSIM for Hong Kong.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Hong Kong in 2025.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs 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
Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Hong Kong read the following carefully:
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!
1. SimOptions eSIM for Hong Kong - 20 GB for $24.90 USD
- 20 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Hong Kong only
- Valid for 30 days
- 5G ready
- $1.25 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order a Hong Kong eSIM from SimOptions.
2. Sim Local eSIM for Hong Kong - 10 GB for $16.5 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Hong Kong only
- Valid for 30 days
- $1.65 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order an eSIM for Hong Kong from Sim Local.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% discount on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the code TRAVELTOMTOM at check out.
Both my Hong Kong eSIM recommendations are data-only eSIMs 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 for traveling in Asia. There are eSIMs that cover multiple countries.
Comparison of the best eSIMs for Hong Kong
On arrival in Hong Kong you can not buy an eSIM for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available as of April 2025.
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 the internet censorship in Hong Kong and there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell eSIMs for Hong Kong.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Hong Kong from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable eSIM operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.
The competition is fierce nowadays... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM 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.
SimOptions is always one of Traveltomtom's top recommendations read our honest SimOptions review for more info about this eSIM provider.
Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM plans for Hong Kong for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
- 50 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD
SimOptions also offers Three HK eSIMs but they are rather expensive and have no extra service than normal data-only eSIMs.
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Hong Kong.
SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate in Hong Kong. But all Hong Kong eSIMs from SimOptions are 5G ready. These eSIMs are data-only and do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.
The validity of all the above SimOptions eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Hong Kong. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Sim Local
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested Sim Local eSIMs. Find al the pros and cons of Sim Local in our extensive review.
Here are all the Sim Local eSIM plans for Hong Kong:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7.50 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $16.50 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $32.75 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Hong Kong via Sim Local.
All the Sim Local eSIMs for Hong Kong are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.
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: China, Macao and Taiwan. Jetpac also offers airport lounge pass and a free VPN subscription. Read more about it in our independent Jetpac review.
Here are the Jetpac Hong Kong eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $8USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $60 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $75 USD
Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac Hong Kong eSIM.
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 eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. Jetpac does not support 5G in Hong Kong, so max data speed is 4G/LTE.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM 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 eSIMs 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.
Airalo
Airalo is another very reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM for Hong Kong through Airalo is done fast and easy.
Why using Airalo?
Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.
Traveltomtom recently used an Airalo eSIM for Hong Kong as well as in mainland China and it was the perfect way to go around all the internet censorship in China and Hong Kong. With an Airalo eSIM I had no problems using TikTok and other apps that are blocked, no VPN needed.
Here are Hong Kong eSIM plans from Airalo for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 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 for Hong Kong from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIMs for Hong Kong are from Hkmobile and operate on the CSL 4G/LTE network in Hong Kong. The Airalo Hkmobile eSIMs do not support 5G.
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. But there is a very extensive 5G network in Hong Kong.
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 2025, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.
All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM 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.
Saily
Saily is an eSIM provider part of NordVPN family. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed Saily eSIMs and was pleased with the reliability and its performance.
A downside of Saily is that they don't specify which mobile network they use in Hong Kong and therefore it is hard to put them in favor of other eSIM providers. That said, Saily eSIMs for Hong Kong are definitely good value for money.
Here are the Saily Hong Kong eSIM plans for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7.99 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10.99 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17.99 USD
Click here for more info or to order a Saily eSIM for Hong Kong.
Unfortunately Saily does not specify which network operator they use in Hong Kong and it is neither really clear if their Hong Kong plans are 5G ready. They just mention on their website: depending on local network provider. Although prices are good, this is essential info that is missing, which is definitely a disadvantage of Saily.
Saily eSIMs are data-only and calling and texting is not supported.
Nomad
Nomad has actually some good and cheap Hong Kong eSIMs plans. Traveltomtom tested them out and it worked totally fine as well.
So why is Nomad not Traveltomtom's first recommendation? The Traveltomtom encountered some issues installing Nomad eSIMs lately.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Hong Kong for 2025:
- 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
- 50 GB data for 45 days = $57 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Hong Kong via Nomad.
The Nomad eSIMs for Hong Kong are also data-only and do NOT support 5G ready, max data speed is 4G/LTE. They operate on the CMHK and the csl network. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported and these eSIMs do NOT come with a phone number.
The Nomad Hong Kong eSIMs 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 = $6.90 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $9.90 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16.90 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $24.90 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $47.90 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIMs 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 eSIMs, 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.
If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs 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.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Hong Kong?
No other eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM deal for just $1 USD. It gives you 1 GB data valid for 4 days.
Other cheap eSIMs 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 for traveling in Hong Kong
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong in 2025 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 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 is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM 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 2025.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
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.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying eSIMs for: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Egypt, Dubai, USA, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling!
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 eSIMs 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 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 for Hong Kong?
Online
You can only buy an eSIM 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 ones mentioned in this guide are the best eSIM providers 2025.
When buying an eSIM 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.
On arrival in Hong Kong
None of the mobile internet operators in Hong Kong sell tourist eSIMs, not on the internet, nor in their stores across Hong Kong or at Hong Kong Airport. Updated info as per April 2025.
When you arrive in Hong Kong and you want to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists then only physical prepaid sim cards are available. Tourists can not get an eSIM in Hong Kong.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Hong Kong in 2025 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 eSIMs 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 for Hong Kong?
You can order an eSIM for Hong Kong pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs 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. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
My personal advice is to instal your eSIM 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, wether that is on WiFi or on 4G/5G from the sim card in your home country.
But once your eSIM 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
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM 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 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 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.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Hong Kong eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM 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 for Hong Kong
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Hong Kong eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM 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 eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
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!
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM 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 in Hong Kong in 2025 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Hong Kong recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM 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 for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs 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.
But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Hong Kong eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Hong Kong.
All eSIM 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?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs 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 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 eSIMs 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?
No, all the eSIMs for Hong Kong are data-only and they do not support any call or sms service.
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 come with a phone number?
No, none of the data-only eSIMs for Hong Kong come with a phone number so you can not receive any calls or sms.
Can I use 5G on a Hong Kong eSIM?
Yes, as of 2025 most of the Hong Kong eSIMs support 5G.
Are there eSIMs for Hong Kong with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Hong Kong are eSIMs with unlimited data. Traveltomtom does not recommend eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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.
However, what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
There are eSIM 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 with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Hong Kong?
eSIMs 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
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs.
More info about the best Hong Kong sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Hong Kong.
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 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 2025 or the best Asia tourist sim cards in 2025.
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.
eSIMs
There are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Hong Kong in a mobile internet provider store
However, as of April 2025 there are still no eSIMs available for prepaid tourist sim cards.
Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Hong Kong to find out if eSIMs 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 on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Hong Kong in 2025.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM 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 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 or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare Hong Kong eSIM 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Hong Kong in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Hong Kong. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.
Data Speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs 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 eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs 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 eSIMs for Hong Kong are limited to 4G/LTE.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs 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 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 for Hong Kong right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs 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 April 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Hong Kong!