Why Choose an eSIM for Hong Kong?
No free EU roaming
Unlike European Union countries, Hong Kong does not benefit from free roaming. Your home plan will be very expensive (often $5-10/MB). An eSIM is therefore strongly recommended for all trips to Hong Kong.
IMPORTANT: Hong Kong ≠ Mainland China
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region with its own networks and regulations. Unlike mainland China:
- ✅ No Great Firewall: free access to Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
- ✅ Independent networks: CSL, 3 Hong Kong, SmarTone, CMHK (different from China Mobile, China Unicom)
- ✅ Free internet: no censorship, no VPN needed
If you also travel to mainland China: get a separate eSIM for China (or a regional Asia plan covering both).
Network Coverage in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has excellent 4G/5G coverage (99%) thanks to four major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| CSL |
99% |
Yes |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| 3 Hong Kong |
98% |
Yes |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| SmarTone |
97% |
Yes |
Holafly |
| CMHK |
96% |
Yes |
Various |
Coverage by destination
- Victoria Peak, Central, Causeway Bay: perfect 4G/5G
- Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui: excellent coverage
- Lantau Island (Disneyland, Big Buddha): excellent even in mountainous areas
- Temple Street, Mong Kok: perfect in dense urban areas
- Outlying islands: good coverage, variable in very isolated areas
How to Install Your Hong Kong eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Hong Kong (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Hong Kong eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Hong Kong eSIM 2026"
countryCode="HK"
countrySlug="hong-kong"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$13",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9",
highlight: "Competitive price",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$16",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$29",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$11",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: CSL network (99%), code ESIMP (-10%)
- LinkeSIM: competitive price, 3 Hong Kong network
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi
Conclusion
For all travelers to Hong Kong, an eSIM is strongly recommended as free EU roaming does not apply.
If you choose an eSIM: GoMoWorld 10 GB with code ESIMP offers the best value.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress.
Important: If you also travel to mainland China, get a separate eSIM for China (or a regional Asia plan).
Hong Kong eSIM FAQ