Compare Prepaid SIMs for Visiting Hong Kong: CSL vs. SmarTone vs. CMHK vs. 3HK

What is CSL?

CSL is a popular provider from Hong Kong Telecom for tourists seeking SIM cards and eSIMs.It is Hong Kong’s first mobile operator established in 1983.CSL offers various services and products to its customers, such as 5G, roaming, prepaid, postpaid, data, voice, and broadband. CSL Mobile claims to have the best 5G network coverage in Hong Kong, covering all MTR lines, country parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and significant cycle tracks. CSL Mobile also provides roaming solutions to more than 300 destinations worldwide.

CSL Coverage and Speed in Hong Kong

CSL is a dependable 5G provider in Hong Kong with great wireless coverage. CSL has a lot of 5G spectrum, which means they have coverage for almost everyone both inside and outside Hong Kong. The provide fast and widespread internet in Hong Kong through 5G infrastructure and WiFi coverage.

Many customers praised csl for its fast and reliable 5G network, especially in indoor areas and crowded places. They also appreciated the wide coverage of csl Wi-Fi hotspots and the affordable price plans for 5G services.However,some customers complained about the poor 4G network performance of csl, especially in rural areas and underground stations. They also reported frequent network drops, slow data speeds, and unstable connections.

CSL Prepaid SIM Plans and Pricing for Tourists

CSL provides two SIM cards tailored for short-term visitors, featuring unlimited calling time within Hong Kong. Both plans now offer enhanced data allowances and are valid in both Hong Kong and Macau, including access to CSL WiFi.

• 12 GB data for 7 days = HKD 88

• 24 GB data for 15 days = HKD 118

Key Features:

• You get free access to internet service throughout Hong Kong.

• VoLTE service is ideal for faster call connections and video calling if you have a compatible mobile phone.

• It gives you an additional 3 GB of mobile data for 5 days.

>>Buy CSL 5G Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card

CSL Pros and Cons

What is SmarTone?

SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited, listed in Hong Kong since 1996 and a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, is a leading telecommunications provider with operating subsidiaries in Hong Kong, offering voice, multimedia and mobile broadband services, as well as fixed fibre broadband services for both consumer and corporate markets.

SmarTone has been at the forefront of 5G development in Hong Kong since May 2020, with the launch of its territory-wide 5G services.They provide a wide range of mobile services, including fast and stable network coverage, exclusive offers, and both prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs for locals and travelers in Hong Kong.SmarTone also has a subsidiary in Macau that provides services over a 4G and GSM/3G/HSPA+ network. Its dedication to quality service and customer satisfaction has earned it a solid reputation in the telecommunications industry in Macau.

SmarTone Coverage and Speed in Hong Kong

SmarTone claims to have the widest 5G coverage in Hong Kong, including major ports, MTR stations, business districts, malls, country parks, highways, and vehicular tunnels. SmarTone's 5G network also covers all 18 districts of Hong Kong. 

The beauty of 5G lies in three distinct qualities. Ultra-fast download and upload speeds mean your everyday entertainment from watching movies to downloading large files can go as smooth as can be, while uploading presentations at work is a breeze. Meanwhile, amazing network capacity and its super low latency means no more lagging for online shopping and online multiplayer games while delivering perfect HD experience. Even in multi-person video conferencing, both video and audio are synchronised as if meeting face-to-face. With 5G, you can always achieve more.

SmarTone claims to have download speeds of up to 700 Mbps in urban areas. However, indoor environments may experience interference. 

SmarTone Prepaid SIM Plans and Pricing for Tourists

Here is a table of SmarTone’s prepaid plans available in Hong Kong for tourists to refer to:

In summary, the $98 China-HK-Macau plan is the best for frequent short-term travel in the region. The $118 local plan is best to retain HK numbers overseas.

Key Features:

• Local data charged on an hourly basis, pay as you go.

• It includes roaming data in China, Hong Kong, and Macau, also Europe and America countries.  

>>Buy SmarTone Prepaid SIM Cards

SmarTone Pros and Cons

What is CMHK?

China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited or CMHK, is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Mobile. The company was incepted in January 1997 and was the first PCS operator to launch such services in Hong Kong. CMHK is currently the largest telecommunications operator in Hong Kong. 

CMHK offers a variety of services, including:Voice, data, and international roaming.They offer these services through 5G, 4G LTE, 3GHSPA, and other technologies. CMHK's 5G network was ranked Hong Kong's number one for 5G network reach and 5G video experience in the first half of 2022. 

CMHK Coverage and Speed in Hong Kong

China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) is known for its fast speeds and extensive coverage in Hong Kong.CMHK has 5G coverage in Country Park, including Mount Parker, Yuen Ng Fan, Lai Chi Wo, Tai Lam Chung, Tai Long Au, Shek Pik, Wu Kau Tang, Golden Hill, and Kowloon Hill. 

CMHK's average 5G download speed was 164.4 Mbps, which was 36.9 Mbps faster than the second-place operators. CMHK's 5G upload speed was 29.4 Mbps, which was slightly faster than the other operators. 

CMHK Prepaid SIM Plans and Pricing for Tourists

Here is the detailed information for prepaid Hong Kong SIM card plans from CMHK:

Key Features:

• CMHK is the only company in Hong Kong offering 5G prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

• MySIM prepaid cards are contract-free and don’t include the administrative fee in their price for users to customize their plans.

>>Buy CMHK Prepaid SIM Cards

CMHK Pros and Cons

What is 3HK?

3 Hong Kong,better known as 3HK, is a telecommunications and internet service provider operating in Hong Kong by Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, operating under the global Three brand. 

3 Hong Kong is one of the major Hong Kong mobile service providers that provide advanced voice, data services via its 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G. They also offer simple services to consumers while they are traveling abroad, such as an extensive roaming facility across multiple countries and regions, due to relationships with top-tier foreign operators and membership in a mobile alliance. Customers can benefit from value-for-money roaming with their flat-rate roaming daily pass. 

3HK Coverage and Speed in Hong Kong

3 Hong Kong claims to have 99% 5G coverage in Hong Kong, including in shopping malls, hospitals, universities, hotels, and highways. 3 Hong Kong's 5G speeds can reach 400–600 Mbps in urban areas, but may drop to 150 Mbps in areas with poor coverage. 

3HK Prepaid SIM Plans and Pricing for Tourists

3 Hong Kong caters to tourists with four prepaid SIM card plans that combine generous data allowances with extensive calling minutes.

• 2 GB for 30 days + 1,000 minutes = $50 HKD 

• 12 GB for 30 days + 2,000 minutes = $100 HKD

• 20 GB for 30 days + 3,000 minutes = $150 HKD 

• 36 GB for 30 days + 5,000 minutes = $200 HKD

They even offer DIY or do-it-yourself plans, which bear no contract and monthly admin fee.  One can avail a package for as low as HK$10 per day. 

3HK allows users to register SIM packages online. You can also choose the SIM type (eSIM or SIM cards) when purchasing SIM plans on 3HK website. 

Key Features:

• You’ll get a SIM card with a dedicated mainland China number and unlimited SMS reception in Hong Kong and China.

• Certain data plans have a built-in VPN license, offering secure internet browsing without additional setup.

• Night fever unlimited data: This feature, included in the 365-day plans, allows unlimited mobile data usage from 11 PM to 7 AM.

>>Buy 3HK Prepaid SIM Cards

3HK Pros and Cons

Where to Buy A Prepaid SIM Card in Hong Kong?

You can get a Hong Kong tourist SIM card at the airport, mobile carrier shops, or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. However, buying a SIM involves completing the Real-name Registration Programme, which means providing your passport details at the point of sale.

Online

This option can be done even prior to your arrival at Hong Kong. You can order a sim card online and have it delivered to your address in Hong Kong. Shopping online requires a little travel pre-planning but allows you to search around for better prices and data plans that meet your needs.

The best website to buy travel SIM cards:

• Trip.com(up to 5.5% super cash back)

• KKday(up to 6.5% super cash back)

• Klook(up to 5% supeer cash back)

You can also pre-purchase and pre-activate an eSIM card for Hong Kong online from providers before your trip. Then, you will be connected as soon as you arrive in Hong Kong without needing to hunt for a physical SIM card.

Saving Tip:

If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits：As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as: Walmart (Up to 4% cashback), Sephora（4% -5% cash back)，Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on. You can save on buying daily necessities, fashion, beauty, electronic products, broadband installation, mobile communication, air tickets, hotels and other aspects of life!

Hong Kong Airports

Kiosks and mobile carrier stores are near the arrival hall, where you can purchase a SIM card right after landing. The Hong Kong International Airport has several SIM stalls right at the arrival halls selling SIM cards including CSL, 3 Hong Kong, and China Mobile Hong Kong. 

Keep in mind that at Hong kong International Airport they do not sell eSIMs. They only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Telecom Provider Shops

For foreigners, buying from the airport is the most recommended option. However, in the event that you didn’t have the opportunity to do so,directly purchasing from providers is your next best chance. You can simply type in the service provider and Google will supply you with the locations of the nearest direct-buy stores.

Official stores for providers like CSL, China Mobile, and Three Hong Kong offer a range of options, including tourist data packages. These shops are commonly found in malls and busy commercial areas.

Convenience Stores

Major chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and VanGO stock prepaid SIM cards. These stores are widespread across Hong Kong, including in popular shopping districts, making it easy to find SIM cards throughout the city.

Visitor Centers

Some visitor information centers in popular tourist spots, such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui, also sell SIM cards, providing a convenient option for tourists exploring the city.

Conclusion: What is the Best Prepaid SIM Card for Hong Kong

After comparing all the prepaid sim cards for tourists the conclusion is that China Mobile is the only provider that offers 5G on tourist sim cards. CSL, Smartone and Three only offer 4G/LTE on prepaid sim cards for tourists.

While CSL might be preferred for strong voice call quality, and 3HK could be a good option for budget-friendly data plans,and 3HK could be a good option for budget-friendly data plans, with SmarTone offering consistent network quality across different usage levels.However, network performance can vary depending on location and specific plan chosen. 

【Read More】

8 Best Hong Kong eSIMs for Tourists to Get Around in 2025

7 Best China eSIMs for Tourists to Get Around in 2025 

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

Booking.com, Ripley's Aquarium, Marriott, Pontins, Trip.com, Ripley's Myrtle Beach, The Brehon, ebookers, Away Resorts, Gleneagle Hotel, Agoda, Extended Stay America, Worldwide Insure, Malmaison, Scotts Hotel, Priceline, Zafiro Hotels UK, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Discovery Cove, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)