Which eSIM Should You Choose for a Trip to Hong Kong?

Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Whether you're strolling through the bustling streets of Kowloon, enjoying the skyline from Victoria Peak, or tasting dim sum and other local street food, you’ll need internet throughout your stay. That’s why getting a travel eSIM is a smart move. With easy setup and instant activation, it gives you fast 4G or 5G internet as soon as you land—no need to hunt down a local SIM card or unreliable Wi-Fi hotspot. Want to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know about how eSIMs work and the best plans available in Hong Kong.

How to Get Internet in Hong Kong?

To use GPS, stay in touch with loved ones, or browse social media, you have several connectivity options while in Hong Kong:

International Mobile Plans

Some mobile providers offer enhanced plans including international destinations or add-on travel options. You might be able to activate a “travel pack” through your regular provider to avoid using a third party. But that’s only if they offer a plan that covers Hong Kong!

Public Wi-Fi and Pocket Wi-Fi

Train stations, airports, restaurants, and hotels often provide free public Wi-Fi. While convenient, these networks come with serious security and data privacy risks. Avoid using them for purchases or sharing sensitive information!

Even though Hong Kong is a highly connected city, relying on Wi-Fi means constantly searching for new hotspots as you move around. That’s why mobile internet is the better option when traveling.

Local SIM Card

You can buy a SIM card at the Hong Kong airport or in local stores, giving you a standard mobile plan with a local number. This might be useful for longer stays, expats, or students—but not ideal for short-term travelers. You may need to wait in line and provide identification to get set up. Plus, you’ll have to switch phone numbers—meaning you may not be reachable on your usual line if a reservation issue arises.

Travel eSIM

Travel eSIMs are digital SIM cards with data plans that can be configured for any destination. They can be purchased remotely and activated instantly via QR code, giving you instant internet as soon as you land. By choosing a Hong Kong eSIM plan, you get 4G or 5G access for your entire trip—while keeping your physical SIM and usual number active.

How Does a Hong Kong Travel eSIM Work?

What Is an eSIM?

The term eSIM stands for “embedded SIM.” Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, an eSIM is built into your device’s hardware (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch). It can be configured remotely to connect to any carrier by downloading an eSIM profile. Just scan the QR code received by email, follow a few steps to configure your network settings, and your eSIM is ready within seconds. Installation guide.

Is eSIM Compatible with All Smartphones?

eSIM is compatible with most modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel…). To check if your phone supports eSIM, you can consult your device manual or go into your network settings to see if the feature is available.

How Does an eSIM Provide Internet in Hong Kong?

Travel eSIMs are sold by international providers who partner with local telecom operators. This enables them to offer data plans in many destinations at competitive prices. Thanks to these agreements, you get 4G or 5G access with no roaming fees.

When you buy a Hong Kong eSIM, you’re actually connected to a local network through a leasing arrangement with the eSIM provider. This means you get the same coverage as a local user—just like using a local SIM but without the hassle.

Can You Make Calls with a Travel eSIM?

Travel eSIMs are usually data-only plans. So while you can’t directly make calls or send texts, you can use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal or FaceTime to stay in touch over the internet. No worries—these apps all work in Hong Kong!

Which Is the Best eSIM Plan for Hong Kong?

You’ve probably seen many eSIM options for Hong Kong. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing:

• Trip duration: Choose a plan that covers your full travel period. Most eSIMs are available for 7, 10, or 30 days.
• Data needs: GPS, messaging, streaming, video calls… Think about how much data you typically use.
• Network quality: Some providers offer better performance in remote areas or high places like Victoria Peak.
• Multi-country travel: Going beyond Hong Kong? Choose an Asia or global eSIM that works across borders.

Comparison Table

Which eSIM to Choose for Asia or Mainland China?

If you plan to visit China or other Asian countries during your Hong Kong trip, consider the UPeSIM Asia 15-country eSIM. It works in China (VPN included), Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Laos.

If you're not going to China, you can also pick the Asia 7-country eSIM which covers Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia.