CMHK eSIM and SIM cards: Detailed Guides for Tourists

CMHK is one of the leading mobile network operators in Hong Kong. This article will explore what CMHK eSIM and CMHK SIM Cards are, how they work, where to buy them, and how to use them. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to choose the best eSIMs options for your needs. 

I. Quick facts about CMHK 

CMHK stands for China Mobile Hong Kong, founded in 1997, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile, the largest telecommunications operator in China. CMHK offers various mobile services such as 5G, and 4G networks, as well as home broadband, smart home, and roaming services to meet the needs of different customers. CMHK also has a loyalty program named Privilege Club, which rewards customers with points and benefits.

II. CMHK coverage and speed in Hong Kong

Based on the latest report on Opensignal, CMHK has good coverage and speed in Hong Kong, especially for 5G and 4G networks. 

Regarding 5G download and upload speed experiences, CMHK ranked first on both:

• Its average 5G download speed reached 164.4 Mbps.
• Its average 5G upload speed stood at 29.4 Mbps.

But in terms of 4G availability, based on the Opensignal report in 2021, CMHK is the joint winner with a score of 95.3%, meaning that its users were able to connect to 4G services almost all the time.

CMHK also ranked second in 5G video experience, with a score of 77.4 out of 100, indicating that its users enjoyed a high-quality video streaming experience on their mobile devices.

Here is the CMHK 5G Coverage map in Hong Kong:

III. CMHK vs. other Hong Kong mobile operators

According to OpenSignal statistics from May 2023, CMHK now wins both the 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload Speed awards, previously 5G Upload Speed award was jointly won by csl. CMHK had a commanding advantage of 36.6 Mbps over the runner-up csl and SmarTone and 56.5 Mbps over the third place. 

CMHK is an excellent choice for tourists who want to have the best 5G experience in Hong Kong. With CMHK, you can easily access the internet with high-speed data and reliable network coverage. 

Let’s make a brief comparison of certain indicators among the best mobile operators in Hong Kong:

Mobile operator	5G Video Experience(in 0-100 points)	5G Games Experience(in 0-100 points)	5G Voice App Experience(in 0-100 points)	5G Download Speed( in Mbps)	5G Upload Speed (in Mbps)
3	76.4	90.7	81	107.9	17.1
CMHK	77.4	89.6	83.6	164.4	29.4
csl	75.7	92.5	84.3	127.8	25.9
SmarTone	77.1	88.4	83.1	127.3	28.2

IV. Best prepaid CMHK SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists & costs

CMHK offers both prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs for local customers and travelers to Hong Kong as well. And this section will be focused on CMHK SIM and eSIM cards for tourists only.

1. CMHK Hong Kong SIM cards for tourists

China Mobile has many SIM card lines, including SIM cards for Hong Kong and Macau, Greater China (China, Hong Kong & Macau + Taiwan at times) & travel SIM cards. Here is a summary of the SIM cards CMHK provides:

• For Outbound Travelers (Mainland China): These are SIM cards that allow travelers to enjoy data and voice services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The prices and validity periods vary depending on the service type. For example, a 4G/3G Big Bay Area 10-day Prepaid SIM Card costs 78 HKD with 3GB shared data (in Mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong), 100 Mins Voice Call, and 100 SMS. 
• For Local Users/Travelers: These are SIM cards that allow you to enjoy data and voice services in Hong Kong. The prices and validity periods vary depending on the service type. For example, a Hong Kong Tourist 7-day SIM Card costs 78 HKD and provides 7 days of unlimited speed for the first 7GB, followed by up to 384 Kbps + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data and 200 minutes of local voice call. 
• For Foreigners Living in Hong Kong: These are SIM cards that cater to the needs of foreigners living in Hong Kong, such as Thais, Filipinos, Indonesians, etc. The prices and validity periods vary depending on each type of SIM Card. For example, the Kabayan 4G Super Data Prepaid SIM Card costs $60 and provides 5GB local data usage and free IDD calls to the Philippines for 30 days.

MySIM 

MySIM is a 4G/5G SIM card offered by CMHK that provides various features. Customers can choose data and voice packages, and validity periods according to their needs. Customers can also enjoy free roaming data service in mainland China and Macau, free WiFi service at CMHK hotspots, and free incoming calls and SMS.

To use MySIM service, customers need to register online with their personal information and activate their SIM card within 180 days after purchase. Customers can also recharge their SIM cards online, and manage their account via the MyLink app.

SIM Card	Price	Data	Local Minutes	Validity
4G MySIM	33 HKD	5000 minutes of local airtime (First 50GB up to 42Mbps, thereafter up to 128kbps)*	Unlimited	30 days
5G MySIM	48 HKD	3GB	N/A	90 days

*After the re-added plan, it is also 33 HKD with 60GB 42M data + subsequent 128Kbps appointments.

2. CMHK Hong Kong eSIM plans

CMHK offers eSIM service for designated devices that allows them to connect to the CMHK 5G network independently and enjoy the local data entitled under your service plan.

You can use the Dual SIM function on smartphones with a CMHK eSIM. You can also enjoy free roaming data in mainland China and Macau, and free WiFi at CMHK hotspots.

You can apply for eSIM service online here, and enjoy the convenience and flexibility of switching to any of their devices anytime anywhere. You can also share the data and airtime from their mobile service plan via paired devices for free until further notice.

You can check our up-to-date Hong Kong eSIM Compatible Devices List to know if your device supports CMHK eSIM.

V. Where can you buy a CMHK SIM card and eSIM for tourists?

1. Where to buy a CMHK SIM card

You can buy a CMHK SIM card online from their official website, MyLink app, CMHK Online Shop, Customer Centre of China Mobile Hong Kong, and convenience Shops like 7-Eleven or some Circle K stores to purchase, or visit their outlets in Hong Kong or CMHK Shops for face-to-face service.

You also can buy CMHK Sim Cards at Hong Kong International Airport. Depending on your conveyor belt number, you will be directed to either section A (belts 1-10) or B (belts 12-18) in the arrival hall. 

If you choose to take exit B, which you can access by walking from belt 1, you will come across a Global Exchange store just before entering the arrivals hall. This is where you can buy CMHK SIM cards for tourists.

For MySIM SIM cards, you only can buy online or at 7-Eleven and some Circle K stores.

2. Where to buy a CMHK eSIM

You can apply for an eSIM service online. You can also buy a CMHK eSIM card online through the CMHK Website. 

Note: With GIGAGO Hong Kong eSIM, you can get instant mobile data with just a few clicks. Check the GIGAGO Hong Kong eSIM plans and choose from different data plans that suit your needs and budget. 

VI. How to use CMHK Hong Kong eSIM/SIM Card

1. Use CMHK Hong Kong SIM Card 

Here are 2 methods to activate CMHK Hong Kong SIM Card: 

• Method 1: Insert the SIM into a smartphone and turn on the mobile data service in Hong Kong. 
• Method 2: Dial USSD Code *#130#📞 in Hong Kong for free. 

After the activation procedure has been completed, the system will inform you of the following information via SMS: your mobile number, remaining balance, and the expiry date of your Prepaid SIM Card. 

2. Use CMHK eSIM 

Firstly, you need an account that required a Hong Kong mobile number on the CMHK website → Subscribe eSIM service and complete the Service Plan subscription → An email will be sent by the system. 

A QR code will be shown after inputting information for verification. You can then scan the QR code on your devices to activate CMHK eSIM Service.

VII. Call & SMS rates of CMHK in Hong Kong

Call & SMS rates of CMHK vary depending on the type, the destination of the message, and the service plan. The rates often are among the following: 

Call	SMS	MMS	Wifi
0.1 – 0.3 HKD/min	0.2 – 0.6 HKD/SMS	0.5 – 1.5 HKD/MMS	3 HKD/10 minutes

VIII. How to top-up your CMHK eSIM/SIM card

Now CMHK offers free eSIM service with designated Mobile Service Plans. The service is free of charge until further notice.

There are different methods to top-up your CMHK SIM card, depending on your payment method and device type. Here are some of the popular ways:

Methods	How to do
Online methods	You can refill your prepaid card online on the CMHK website or the MyLink app. You can choose from various payment options, such as credit card, Alipay, UnionPay, WeChat Pay, or Octopus. You can also set up automatic refill or flexi-fill for your convenience.
Convenient stores	You can purchase a refill voucher from any 7-Eleven or some Circle K stores, CMHK stores, or authorized dealers. Then dial *#105*<16-digit PIN code># to activate the refill amount.
PPS Service	You can use the PPS service to refill your prepaid card by phone or online. You need to register as a PPS user and have a PPS account number and password.
Octopus self-service payment machine	You can use the Octopus self-service payment machine at any CMHK shop or designated locations to refill your prepaid card. You need to have an Octopus card with sufficient balance.

IX. How to check CMHK Balance (CMHK USSD code)

Here are the instructions on how to check CMHK balance usage:  

How to	USSD Code
check the detailed usage information	*122#📞
check the Single-day data roaming usage and the accumulated charges	*122*01#📞
check the latest bill via MMS*	*120#📞
check the remaining balance and expiry date of the SIM card	*#130# 📞

You don’t have to pay for this service in Hong Kong, but you will be charged for GPRS roaming when you use it outside the city. 

Besides, you can check your CMHK balance by:

• Visit the CMHK website → Select Customer Services → Choose Bill Enquiry → Enter your CMHK mobile number & password for login → Check account overview and usage information.
• Dial 12580 – 24-hour Customer Care Hotline and follow the instructions.
• Dial 193193 for listening to the remaining balance and expiry date of your CMHK SIM card.

X. CMHK SIM Card Alternatives for Tourists

Besides CMHK SIM cards, other SIM card alternatives are available for tourists visiting Hong Kong. Here are some popular options:

• csl SIM Card/eSIM: csl is a mobile operator in Hong Kong that offers prepaid SIM cards with no monthly fees or contracts. Their SIM cards can be purchased online or at various channels, such as convenience stores, airport counters, or csl shops. 
• 3HK SIM Card/eSIM: 3HK prepaid SIM Cards have different features and prices, depending on your data, voice, and SMS needs. 3HK SIM Cards also include free access to over 20.000 Wifi hotspots in Hong Kong and roaming data in Macau and China. 
• SmarTone SIM Card/eSIM: SmarTone SIM Card also is a mobile operator in Hong Kong that offers prepaid SIM cards with no monthly fees or contracts. 

Now esimhongkong.net offers eSIM Hong Kong covered by SmarTone, HKT, 3HK.  You can select different data packages, depending on your needs, from 1 GB to 50 GB, with a validity period of 5 to 30 days. This is the most convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected in Hong Kong.

See our Hong Kong eSIM plans here:

You can order your eSIM online and get it activated on your compatible device in minutes. No sim card slot required, no physical store visit needed, and no extra fees charged, you can also pick from different data packages, from 3 GB to 50 GB, with a validity period of 5 to 30 days. This is the most convenient and cost-effective way to stay online in Hong Kong. 

XI. FAQs about CMHK in Hong Kong 

XII. Final words

CMHK has the fastest 5G Download Speed in Hong Kong, also the highest 5G availability, meaning that its customers can connect to 5G more often than other operators. However, CMHK is not the best in every category, and all three mobile operators csl, KHT, and 3HK have better scores and experiences. Therefore, depending on your needs and preferences, you might find one mobile operator more suitable for you.

By the way, CMHK is one of the leading mobile service providers in Hong Kong, offering a wide range of SIM card options for customers. CMHK has all the most innovative and convenient services that you need, whether you prefer CMHK eSIM, a CMHK prepaid SIM Card or postpaid plan, a flexible or customized package, or a local or international service.