3 Best SIM Cards for Hong Kong and Macau in 2024
To everyone thinking about traveling to Hong Kong or Macau, "ni hao" (Nei Hou) = hello! Are you making good preparations for your trip? Hong Kong and Macau are special administrative regions in southern China, and are popular travel destinations where history and modernity intersect. Hong Kong is home to Hong Kong Disneyland and the world-famous night view of Victoria Peak, while Macau is known as the "Las Vegas of Asia" and is lined with luxurious casino resorts. Historical tourist spots such as Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul's are also attractive.
In order to enjoy these tourist spots, map apps, restaurant searches, and updating social media are essential. This time, we will introduce how to choose a convenient SIM card during your stay in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as some tips for using it smoothly.
1. Choosing a SIM card for Hong Kong and Macau
Coverage and network stability
A stable connection is important not only in the main areas of Hong Kong and Macau, but also in the suburbs and tourist spots. For example, choose a carrier that can be used comfortably in tourist spots such as Victoria Peak and Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong, and casino resorts and historical sites in Macau. This will allow you to update map apps and social media smoothly.
How to choose a plan
It is important to choose the best data plan based on how much you plan to use the internet during your trip. If you plan to use social media, navigation apps, or video streaming a lot, we recommend a large-capacity data plan. 4G LTE high-speed connections are widely covered, allowing you to enjoy the internet smoothly. If you plan to mainly use the internet for light web browsing and email checking, a small-capacity plan will be sufficient.
Choose your rate plan
For short stays, a daily plan is convenient, while for long stays, a flat monthly plan is economical. By choosing a plan that suits your stay style and communication needs, you can create a comfortable communication environment while efficiently reducing costs.
2. How to purchase a SIM card in Hong Kong and Macau
Where to buy a SIM card
SIM cards can be purchased at airport sales offices, official carrier stores, shopping malls and tourist information centers in the city. You will often be asked to show your passport, so don't forget to bring it with you. After purchasing, we recommend that you check that the Internet is working properly on the spot.
Using eSIM
Buying an eSIM in advance means you can access the internet as soon as you arrive at the airport, saving you a lot of time. With an eSIM, you can pre-configure it online, so you can start your trip smarter without the hassle of swapping SIM cards.
■ You can purchase the VOYAGE eSIM, an eSIM for travel to Hong Kong and Macau, in advance in Japan , here
Recommended SIM cards for Hong Kong and Macau
■ China Mobile Hong Kong SIM
China Mobile Hong Kong is Hong Kong's largest telecommunications operator, offering reliable mobile communications. It boasts strong coverage throughout Hong Kong, with 4G LTE connections being the norm. For travelers, prepaid plans for short stays are available, offering convenient packages that include data, calls and SMS. By choosing a plan that suits the length of your trip, you can ensure a comfortable internet environment.
■ CTM Macau SIM
CTM (Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau) is the largest telecommunications operator in Macau and offers reliable mobile services. It has strong coverage throughout Macau and 4G LTE connections are widespread. It offers short-term prepaid SIM cards for tourists, with some plans that can be used in both Macau and Hong Kong. CTM is a convenient choice, especially for travelers who value connectivity during their stay in Macau.
■ Vodafone Hong Kong SIM
Vodafone is a major telecommunications company based in Spain, and is available in Hong Kong and Macau. It offers particularly wide coverage, and has a wide range of prepaid plans that focus on data communication for short-term travelers. If you travel frequently to Macau and the surrounding areas of Hong Kong, Vodafone is a convenient choice.
*When purchasing a SIM card, it is important to choose a plan that suits your length of stay and communication needs. Also, be sure to check the plan details at the store before purchasing, and ask the staff if you have any questions.
Things to note when purchasing SIM cards in Hong Kong and Macau
Preparation for purchasing a SIM card
When purchasing a SIM card in Hong Kong or Macau, you can do so at a carrier's shop or at the airport. You will often be asked to show your passport, so don't forget to bring it with you. Credit cards are the norm, but you may also need to pay in cash, so it's a good idea to have Hong Kong dollars (HKD) or Macau patacas (MOP) ready.
Activation Procedure
After purchasing a SIM card, you will need to activate it. This usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, so make sure you have plenty of time. If you want to use it right away, it's convenient to set up an eSIM in advance so you can use the internet as soon as you arrive.
Check your SIM card type
The latest smartphones are compatible with nano SIMs, but older models require a micro SIM or standard SIM. If you have an eSIM-compatible smartphone, you can set it up hassle-free by simply scanning a QR code. Check in advance which SIM type is compatible with your device, and be prepared to start using it smoothly when you arrive.
Confirmation of SIM unlock
In order to use a local SIM card or eSIM, your smartphone must be unlocked. Make sure to check that your SIM has been unlocked before you travel, and if necessary, complete the procedure early. This will allow you to use communications without any problems during your stay in Hong Kong and Macau, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable trip.
■The eSIM "VOYAGE eSIM" for traveling to Hong Kong and Macau can be purchased in advance in Japan here .
Travel light and comfortably with an "eSIM" when traveling to Hong Kong and Macau!
There are many benefits to using an eSIM when traveling to Hong Kong or Macau. We'll explain its convenience in detail in the following three points.
1. Smart settings for hassle-free operation
With eSIM, you can easily set it up by scanning a QR code, without the hassle of inserting a physical SIM card. You can immediately use the Internet wherever Wi-Fi is available, and there is no need to search for a mobile phone shop after arriving. There is no risk of losing your SIM card, so you can prepare for your trip stress-free.
2. Fast and stable connections for a comfortable journey
eSIM provides a high-speed and stable communication environment wherever you are in Hong Kong or Macau. Not only can you easily find tourist spots and restaurants using map and translation apps, but you can also smoothly access the Internet even in places without Wi-Fi. This allows you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind wherever you are.
3. Reduce luggage and hassle! No need to worry about overspending
With eSIM, you don't need to carry a Wi-Fi router around with you, and you can complete your communications with just one smartphone, reducing the amount of luggage you need to carry. There's no need to pick up and return the router, or charge it, so you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping with ease. Furthermore, by choosing a prepaid plan, you can use it without worrying about overspending and stay within your budget.
Take advantage of the convenience of eSIM and make your trip to Hong Kong and Macau even more comfortable!
■ Recommended for traveling to Hong Kong and Macau ! If you want an eSIM , try "VOYAGEESIM"
VOYAGEESIM for Hong Kong & Macau
Click here for a list of products
You can choose from 3GB for 3 days , 5GB for 5 days , or 7GB for 7 days plans.
With "VOYAGEE SIM", you can complete everything online without having to replace the SIM card you are using in Japan. No need to wait for a purchase! After purchasing online, simply scan the QR code at the local airport in a Wi-Fi environment and set it up. Your smartphone will immediately be able to use data communications in Hong Kong and Macau. A simple, convenient, and smart way to ensure a comfortable communication environment!
*The communications service provider for this product is Billion Connect. Ltd.
summary
In this article, we have introduced in detail the recommended SIM cards for a comfortable trip to Hong Kong and Macau, especially the convenience of "eSIM" and points to note when using them. To make your stay in Hong Kong and Macau even more convenient and comfortable, we recommend you consider using an eSIM from "VOYAGE eSIM". With a stable communication environment, you can smoothly use map apps and check tourist information, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. This will ensure that you have a wonderful experience and a fulfilling time. May the wind blow your way! Have a good trip!
*The contents of this article are based on information available at the time of writing. Please be sure to check the latest information for yourself.
