Communications in Hong Kong. SIM cards in Hong Kong

It is important for a modern person to always stay in touch, no matter where he goes. Today we will look at how things are going with mobile communications and the Internet in Hong Kong. Naturally, there are a lot of offers on the market, but what to choose, how to guide an inexperienced tourist so as not to make a mistake and not spend too much? What do Hong Kong cellular companies offer, what should you look for when buying a SIM card?

Cellular communications in Hong Kong

The mobile market here is vast, there are many offers. There are five largest providers:

PCCW.
CSL.
China Mobile HK.
Smartone.
Three.

Since there is a lot of competition in the market, the tariffs are not very different from each other, so when choosing a SIM card it is better to focus on the quality of communication, and then on the cost of services. Every tourist can buy a starter package at the airport, in branded communication stores, and in 7-Eleven supermarkets. In most cases, a passport is not required upon purchase, but in a company salon they may be asked to present it.

Local SIM cards in Hong Kong. More about tariffs

Mobile operator PCCW offers an interesting option for those who come to Hong Kong for a short time, just 5-8 days. If so, then you can buy the Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card. By paying 25 Hong Kong dollars for a SIM card (credited as bonuses) and topping up your account, you will be able to use the mobile Internet for five days (1.5 GB), you will have free minutes and SMS locally and the ability to make calls for 0.45 HK$. If you wish, you can take a SIM card with a validity period of 8 days, it will be 10 local dollars more expensive, but the subscriber will receive more mobile traffic - 5 GB. In addition, you can connect to the Wi-Fi network from this operator for free. By the way, free wireless Internet in Hong Kong is everywhere: in shopping centers, in cafes, in the subway, at the bus stop, in the park. Therefore, in any case, you will not lose contact with the outside world and will learn the necessary information. Although, we do not recommend relying entirely on Wi-Fi; good mobile Internet in a foreign country certainly won’t hurt.

The CSL operator offers attractive conditions for tourists, but the quality of communication is worse; it is worth buying a SIM card if you are not going to leave the central areas of the city.

If the package for 5-8 days does not suit you, pay attention to China Mobile HK, the starter package will cost 98 Hong Kong dollars, the SIM card is valid for 90 days from the date of activation. The connection is of high quality, but more expensive than PCCW.

SmarTone can be selected for calls to Russia (10 HK$ per minute). The most expensive operator of all is Three, but the quality of communication and mobile Internet is excellent.

If you don’t want to waste time searching for a favorable tariff, you can choose from the offers of Russian providers, more about this.

Roaming in Hong Kong: comparing operator tariffs

Russian operators also offer mobile Internet connections for tourists traveling to Hong Kong. Briefly about offers and prices.

The most expensive offer is from Comfort Way; for 1 MB a tourist will pay 147 rubles. In second place in cost is the mobile operator Tele2 - 30 rubles for the same amount of traffic. Megafon offers 1 MB of mobile Internet for 7. By connecting to the service from MTS, subscribers will be able to use cheap traffic (only 4.5 rubles per megabyte). Mobile operator Beeline offers Internet for 5 rubles per megabyte. At first glance, these are very advantageous offers from MTS and Beeline, but there is an opportunity to get high-quality communication services even cheaper - purchasing a starter package GLOBALSIM. The operator offers a unique opportunity - communication in 140 countries for free (incoming calls) or by minimum cost (outgoing at 35 cents per minute). There is no daily fee for services; you can choose a suitable Internet package (for a day, a week, a month). Today GLOBALSIM offers tourists the most . The operator also has a unique Smart Data Internet package. For just $19 you get 1 GB or for $35 you get 2 GB of traffic for a month, which can be reconnected after you've used it up. When crossing the border between countries, the package is not disabled.

Let's talk about the Internet in Hong Kong, or as another name for Hong Kong. We will consider the option of mobile 3G and 4G Internet for a smartphone or tablet in this financial center, one can safely say of the world. Russians make a lot of business trips and trips. Hong Kong is also very interesting from a tourism point of view, so I think the information will be useful.

And so, a tourist card for Hong Kong came into our review. FreeRoaming. Although it also operates in another 70 countries around the world. The most important advantage of this offer is payment only upon use. There are absolutely no mandatory payments, we only pay when we need the Internet. A roaming SIM card is also interesting in terms of connection; you can simply buy it, install it in your phone, modem, tablet or mobile Wi-Fi router and you can already use it. Voice calls and SMS are also available. In Hong Kong, the tariffs will be as follows:

FreeRoaming operates under an agreement for the provision of cellular communication services with local operators. Let's briefly talk about them.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region in China and the leading financial center of Asia, fascinating with its large skyscrapers and their number. Mobile communications are provided by three mobile operators: CSL, China Mobile HK and Three.

China Mobile Hong Kong is an operator owned by the Chinese mobile company China Mobile Limited. Operates under the brand “Peoples”. It began operations in 1997 and quickly became a leader in Hong Kong's wireless communications industry. Works in 2G, 3G(TD-SCDMA), 4G (LTE FDD and TD-LTE).

CSL Mobile- Hong Kong's first mobile operator, founded in 1983. In 1993 launched GSM standard services. And Hong Kong's first 4G LTE network. Currently works in 2G, 3G (HSPA+) and 4G (LTE, LTE-Advanced) standards

Three is a mobile operator in Hong Kong, founded in 2004, and began operating in two communication standards: GSM and CDMA. Currently operating in 2G (GSM), 3G (HSPA+) and 4G (LTE), it controls most of Hong Kong's radio spectrum. It serves 3.5 million subscribers, thereby occupying the second position in terms of the number of clients.

When you get off the plane and turn off the corresponding mode on your phone, the FreeRoaming card will catch the network of one of the listed mobile providers. After this, the Internet in Hong Kong will work and you will always stay in touch. Buying a SIM card is easy, just place an order on the website. Have a good trip!

You can use any unlocked (“unlocked”) phone standard GSM 900/1800 (these are the ones used in Russia).
If for some reason your phone is locked, you can unlock it using the instructions on this site (in English).

Where can I buy a SIM card?

7-Eleven sells SIM cards from all operators. Also in stores: CSL Limited, 1010 Centre, One2Free Shop, CSL Care Centre, PCCW Shop, Mannings, Wellcome, Circle K, Daily Stop and others.
At the International Airport you can buy a SIM card from company “3”: on the departure floor in the corridor G (sellers speak excellent English). SIM cards from other operators can be purchased at 7-Eleven.

Features of Hong Kong mobile communications:

— Thanks to fierce competition, the difference between tariffs is insignificant, so many people, when choosing an operator, focus on the quality of network coverage. Therefore, many Hong Kongers also use mobile Internet and do not connect the usual landline home Internet.

— Often the call is paid not by the one who calls, but by the one who is called. Sometimes both.

— Most Hong Kong SIM cards cost around 100HK$, part of which goes to the account

— SIM cards are valid only for 6 months after activation, but each account replenishment extends the possible life of the SIM card.

— When purchasing a SIM card, a passport is not required, since mobile operators in Hong Kong do not provide services on credit

— If you make few calls, you can buy not a SIM card, but a so-called “calling card” - you need to activate it on your phone according to the instructions and then you can call abroad or within Hong Kong and save significantly on this.

— Activation for the SIM card is not required - you just need to insert it into the phone and after that you will receive an SMS with your phone number, balance, and so on.

— All operators sell 3G cards and 2G cards separately, as stated on the packaging

How to top up your balance:

Can buy a "voucher"- a small envelope containing a piece of paper (voucher) with a code that needs to be activated and then the amount written on the envelope will be credited to the account. Envelopes are sold at cost, meaning if you buy a voucher for HK$50, you should only be charged HK$50 and no more. You can buy them at almost any store (at least any store that sells phones or 7-Eleven). Different operators have different vouchers!

You can top up your balance using credit card.

The balance can be replenished via ATMs.

Type of tariffs:

Two types of tariffs are common - a prepaid tariff or “prepaid SIM” (first you put money into your account, then it is gradually debited for calls, SMS, etc.) and a tariff with a subscription fee, or “contract SIM card” (first you put money into your account , and at the beginning of the month a certain amount is debited from it, which gives you a number of unaccounted minutes of conversation, SMS, and so on).
The prepaid rate is best for those who do not plan to stay in Hong Kong for a long time.

Mobile operators in Hong Kong:

Operator "PCCW"

Let's consider one of 3G prepaid tariffs .
Name: PCCW mobile 3G Rechargeable SIM Card
Initial cost: 48 / 79 HK$
3HK$ / 1 Mb
Mms: 3HK$ / 1 Mb
SMS to the phone of the same operator (“PCCW”): 0.1HK$/sms
0.7HK$/sms
SMS to phone abroad (to China): 0.5HK$/sms
1.8HK$/sms
0.06HK$/min (from 21.00 to 11.59) and 0.12HK$/min (12.00 to 20.59)
(the first method - see below): 9.90HK$ / min (plus the same fee is charged for a call, i.e. 0.06HK$ / min or 0.12HK$ / min).
Cost of a minute of conversation when calling to Russia(in the second way - see below): 10.40HK$ / min (plus the same fee is charged for a call, i.e. 0.06HK$ / min or 0.12HK$ / min).

You can call to Russia and other countries three ways :
1. Dial [country code][city code][phone number]. This method is the cheapest.
2. Dial [country code][city code][phone number]
3. Dial [+][country code][city code][phone number]

Notes:
— One SMS consists of 160 English or 70 Chinese characters with spaces.
— Service fee is 2.5 HK$ per month
— For local calls, the fee is deducted from the account after 1 minute, for international calls – after 30 seconds.

Let's consider one of tariffs with subscription fee (Tariff plan):
Title: Web & Talk Tariff Plan. It is available in different variants - for 149 / 199 / 299 / 399 / 478 / 499HK$. Consider the option for 149HK$. It includes:
Internet: 100 Mb
Voice communication: 1200 min
Video communication: 60 min
SMS (online): unlimited
Service "China - Hong Kong"

Notes:
— Service fee is HK$12 per month

Operator "3" ("Three")

Let's consider one of prepaid tariffs (prepaid SIM), which is suitable for any traveler who does not plan to stay in Hong Kong for more than a month, but wants to stay in touch and have access to the Internet.
Name: HSDPA Broadband Access Rechargeable SIM
Initial cost: 68 / 98 / 298 HK$
Cost of information (in Hong Kong): 2HK$ / 1 Mb (the maximum that can be withdrawn is 28 HK$ per day and 298HK$ per month. Anything above is free)
Cost of information (in roaming): 0.11HK$/KB
SMS to the phone of the same operator (“3”): 0.8HK$/sms
SMS to the phone of another local operator: 0.8HK$/sms
SMS to phone abroad all over the world: 3HK$/sms
Cost per minute of call in Hong Kong: 0.3HK$/min
Cost of a minute of conversation in roaming(you need to call: **125*001[country code][city code](phone number)#. If you are in or you can also call directly, just dial “+” and the phone number). Read more.
—while in China with this Hong Kong SIM card:
—all incoming calls will cost 8HK$/min
— all outgoing calls will cost 8HK$/min
— all calls within China will cost 6HK$/min
— all calls to other countries (including Russia) will cost 19HK$/min

— while in Macau with this Hong Kong SIM card:
—all incoming calls will cost 7.8HK$/min
— all outgoing calls will cost 5.8HK$/min
— all calls within China will cost 8.8HK$/min
— all calls to other countries (including Russia) will cost 19HK$/min

— while in or with this Hong Kong SIM card:
— all incoming calls will cost 9.8HK$/min
— all outgoing calls will cost 9.8HK$/min
— all calls within China will cost 9.8HK$/min
— all calls to other countries (including Russia) will cost 25HK$/min

Let's consider the tariffs with subscription fee (Tariff plan):
The simplest tariff plan ( 3G Basic Monthly Plan) costs 51 or 68HK$. For this money you will have 800 or 1200 minutes of voice communication, 15 text messages (for a tariff of 68HK$). Read more.

I continue the mini-guide to Hong Kong. Today I’ll tell you where and what kind of SIM card to buy in Hong Kong in order to stay in touch while traveling around this country.
It must be said that free Wi-Fi access is available in quite a few places in Hong Kong. These are parks, restaurants, cafes, museums, exhibitions, and the airport. But there are some restrictions here - connection time may be limited to 15 minutes, and mandatory registration using a cell number may be required.
If you are going on an independent trip to Hong Kong, then you may need a Hong Kong tourist map – Discover Hong Kong SIM card . It will be cheaper than if you stayed in touch with your family in Russia using SIM cards from Russian cellular network operators - MTS, Megafon, Tele2, Beeline, etc.
The price of the SIM card you purchase in Hong Kong will include Internet traffic and free calls within the country. You will be able to update your Facebook status as soon as you land in Hong Kong using a Hong Kong Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (available at the airport terminal).
Just connect and use - there are no additional subscription fees.

You can choose a prepaid package to suit your internet needs while traveling in Hong Kong:
5-day rate: HK$88/ 1.5 GB approximately 792 Russian rubles for 1.5 Gb.
8-day rate: HK$118/ 5 GB approximately 1062 Russian rubles for 5 Gb.

Stay connected while on holiday in Hong Kong with 4G.

SIM cards support 4G communication, which means that you will have fast access to the Internet in Hong Kong and Macau (the SIM card is valid for the territory of Macau).
The 1.5 GB or 5 GB traffic included in the tariff can be used both in Hong Kong and in Macau at 4G speed – for online searching, communicating on social networks, making calls via Viber, Whatsapp and is ideal for uploading your travel photos to Instagram and FaceBook.
If you do not have enough Internet traffic on the purchased card, you can additionally purchase Internet traffic at a price HK $48 for 1.5 GB – approximately 432 rubles for 1.5 GB.
Expanded data coverage to mainland China and Taiwan.
You can easily sign up for data roaming services in Mainland China or Taiwan for just $48/day/500MB.
Unlimited use of Wi-Fi csl.

Advantages of connecting to 4-G Internet using a SIM card for guests of Hong Kong.

You will have access to unlimited voice calls within Hong Kong. You can stay in touch with your friends in the city, book restaurants or order a taxi - everything is free and included in the tariff. You also have access to international calls to 35 countries at a favorable rate. Calls to Russia from Hong Kong will be very cheap.*

Where can I buy a tourist SIM card in Hong Kong?

You can purchase a tourist Discover Hong Kong SIM card at any of Hong Kong's 1,010 shopping malls. Also a tourist SIM card Discover Hong Kong can be purchased in the Hong Kong airport building - arrival hall on the 5th floor (Level 5) of Hong Kong International Airport, in 7-Eleven stores (also available in the airport building and also Level 5), Circle K or VanGO and many other stores.

Note:
* The SIM card is sold in 3-in-1 SIM card format, suitable for all phones that require micro, mini and nano SIM cards. The SIM card can be used for up to 180 days.

Detailed description of tourist SIM card tariffs.

Tourist SIM card rates in Hong Kong as of 2018

*Cost of a preferential call IDD 0060 allows you to call to Russia at a rate of HK$ 0.45 per 1 minute, which is 4.05 rubles per minute (to landline and landline numbers in Russia).
To make a call you need to dial:
0060 + Country/Territory Code + Area Code + Phone Number
0060 + Country code + region code + telephone number
Russia code 007

*By IDD 0060 you can only make calls to landlines
The information on the site is for informational purposes only, and the site is not responsible for the provision of tourist SIM card services.
More detailed information about the operation of a tourist SIM card in Hong Kong can be found on the website of the mobile operator CSL Mobile Limited

Free Wi-Fi connection csl.

Additionally, while in Hong Kong, you can easily and free connect to the CSL WI-FI network. This connection is available at Starbucks Coffee, Pacific Coffee, city parks, stores and museums. Exclusive to travelers, this network allows you to download free apps and guides from the Hong Kong Tourism Board website.
In the Hong Kong subway, you can connect to the “MTR Free Wi-Fi Hotspot” network for free - the session time is 15 minutes, the number of connections for one phone is 5 connections per day.

Free Wi-Fi connection at Hong Kong Airport.

At Hong Kong Airport you have the opportunity to connect to the WiFi network for free Airport Free WiFi:

1. Select WiFi network “ #HKAirport Free WiFi”
2. Launch your browser and enter the address of any website on the Internet
3. A page for connecting to the WiFi network will appear, on which you must agree to the terms of use of the network by clicking “ Agree and Continue