Getting a SIM card at Hong Kong Airports / Border Gates by Province 2024: Travelers Guide

Latest update: September 2024

Getting a SIM card at Hong Kong Airports / Border Gates by Province: Travelers Guide

One of the convenient options for tourists to get connected when traveling to Hong Kong is to buy a SIM card at Hong Kong airport. However, where to buy SIM cards at the airport, and how about SIM cards’ price? This article will give you details about SIM card at Hong Kong airport. Let’s find out!

In this article

I. Hong Kong Airport Map

There are two airports in Hong Kong currently. The first is Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the second is Shek Kong Airfield. The main airport is Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA):
- IATA code: HKG
- ICAO code: VHHH
Shek Kong Airfield:
- IATA code: None (as it is primarily used for military and general aviation purposes)
- ICAO code: VHSK

Travelers should go to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for better services. Moreover, HKIA is so convenient for travelers because it offers a wide range of international and domestic flights, excellent facilities, and convenient transportation connections to the city center and other destinations in Hong Kong.

II. List of Hong Kong Border Gates

There are 7 border gates in Hong Kong including:

Lo Wu Control Point: Northern part of Hong Kong, near the Lo Wu and Shenzhen area.
Lok Ma Chau Control Point: Northwestern part of Hong Kong, near the Lok Ma Chau and Shenzhen area.
Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point: Northwestern part of Hong Kong, near the Lok Ma Chau and Shenzhen area.
Man Kam To Control Point: Northeastern part of Hong Kong, near the Man Kam To and Shenzhen area.
Sha Tau Kok Control Point: Northeastern part of Hong Kong, near the Sha Tau Kok and Shenzhen area.
Shenzhen Bay Control Point: Western part of Hong Kong, near the Shenzhen Bay and Shekou.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Point (HK Port): The western part of Hong Kong, near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the Tung Chung area.

These border gates provide various entry and exit points between Hong Kong and mainland China, facilitating travel and transportation for residents and visitors alike.

III. How to Get a SIM Card at Hong Kong Airports?

How to Get a SIM Card at Hong Kong Airports?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a SIM card at Hong Kong airports:

Locate a kiosk or shop in the arrival hall that offers SIM cards.
Approach the staff at the kiosk or shop.
Choose a suitable SIM card based on your needs (voice, data, validity period, etc.).
Provide your passport for identification purposes.
The staff will assist you with the activation process.
Pay for the selected SIM card and any associated fees.
Wait for the SIM card to be activated.
Insert the SIM card into your mobile device.
Follow any additional instructions provided by the staff.
Test the SIM card to ensure it works properly and has the desired services (calls, texts, data).
If needed, inquire about topping up the balance or data allowance during your stay.

Remember that these steps are a general guide, and the specific process may vary depending on the service provider and the kiosk or shop you choose at the airport.

IV. Should I Buy a SIM Card at Hong Kong Airports?

These days, many people buy SIM cards at the airport, however, this traditional way takes a lot of time. There is another method for you to get a SIM card, avoid time-consuming, and choose the best options and plans for the trip.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hong Kong Airport SIM cards

Here’s a table outlining the advantages and disadvantages of Hong Kong Airport SIM cards:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Convenient and easily accessible at the airport	Potentially higher prices compared to local shops
Wide range of plans to choose from	Limited options for customizing plans
Quick activation process	Limited validity period of some SIM cards
Provides immediate connectivity upon arrival	May require additional top-ups for longer stays
Reliable network coverage throughout Hong Kong	May not include international roaming by default
Local rates for calls and data	Limited customer service support at the airport
Can be topped up at various locations	Limited ability to compare different service providers

It’s important to note that high prices, limited plans, and SIM card options at the airport are not beneficial for people. So, people should consider carefully when buying a SIM card at the airport.

Alternative Options to Hong Kong Airport SIM cards

There are alternative options available for buying a SIM card when traveling to Hong Kong:

Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
Physical SIM Card at Hong Kong Airport	– Convenient and readily available upon arrival. – Quick activation process. – Immediate connectivity. – Wide range of plans to choose from.	– Potentially higher prices compared to other options. – Limited customization options. – Limited validity period for some SIM cards. – May require additional top-ups for longer stays. – Limited customer service support at the airport.
Local Mobile Network Shops	– More customizable plans and options. – Potentially competitive prices. – Greater flexibility in choosing providers. – Availability of local promotions and offers.	– Requires locating and visiting a physical store. – May involve a longer activation process compared to airport purchase. – Limited support for immediate connectivity upon arrival.
Online Marketplaces	– Wide range of options and providers to compare. – Convenience of online shopping and delivery. – Potential for competitive prices. – Ability to read reviews and ratings before purchasing.	– Delivery time may vary. – Need to ensure the reliability and authenticity of sellers. – Limited support for immediate connectivity upon arrival.
Third-Party Retailers	– Potential for competitive prices. – More flexible plan options. – Availability at various convenient locations. – Ability to compare different providers.	– May require locating and visiting specific stores. – Limited support for immediate connectivity upon arrival. – Availability of specific plans and providers may vary.
eSIM	– Convenience of remote activation and multiple plans on a single device. – Flexibility to switch between plans without physical SIM card swapping. – Potential for future device compatibility.	– Limited device support for eSIM. – Limited availability of eSIM plans and providers. – Additional steps are required for activation and setup.

► Our recommendation: We highly recommend you buy an eSIM or SIM card. Especially, if your devices are compatible with an eSIM, let’s buy one because using an eSIM will be the top option for you to save time, and money, and stay connected with people.

V. Gigago Hong Kong eSIM – Alternative To Getting SIM card at Airports

Gigago eSIM is a top online provider for tourists who plan to travel to Hong Kong. When buying an eSIM from Gigago, you can prevent time-consuming. Moreover, the process of buying one is quite easy.

You just need to access their website for Gigago Hong Kong eSIM, choose the package, pay, and receive the eSIM via your email. Most importantly the price is reasonable for people to use.

What is great about Gigago’s Hong Kong eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $2.90 – $65.50 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Hong Kong, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VI. FAQs

1. Can I buy a SIM card at Hong Kong Airport?

Yes, you can purchase a SIM card at Hong Kong Airport. There are several kiosks and shops in the arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 that offer SIM cards for sale.

2. Which mobile network providers are available at Hong Kong Airport?

The available mobile network providers may vary, but commonly available options include China Mobile Hong Kong, CSL, 3 Hong Kong, and SmarTone. These providers offer various plans and services.

3. What documents do I need to buy a SIM card at the airport?

To purchase a SIM card at Hong Kong Airport, you will typically need your passport for identification purposes. It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport or have the original readily available.

Do I need to activate the SIM card myself?

The staff at the kiosk or shop will assist you with the activation process. They will likely help you insert and activate the SIM card in your device. If you encounter any issues, they can provide guidance and support.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, travelers to Hong Kong can buy a SIM card at the airport if they would like to use it immediately. However, it is not a good plan because the price is quite high. Plus, tourists have to wait for a long time for their turn. Hence, people can consider buying an eSIM to save their budget and experience the best connection.