Although they are both Chinese cities, just 65 kilometres from each other across the Pearl River estuary, quirks of history mean that Macao and Hong Kong have separate laws, currencies, education systems – and telecommunications networks.
Visitors traveling to Macao from Hong Kong are often surprised to learn that not all Hong Kong SIM cards work in Macao – meaning they either have to turn on data roaming for their overseas or local Hong Kong SIM, or have a prepaid SIM that works for both areas.
In other words, it’s good to be prepared, especially if you want to be able to use the many useful apps that can help you to navigate your way around Macao, locate key tourist destinations and figure out transport.
[See more: Here’s a guide to the hotel and casino shuttle bus services in Macao]
Mobile roaming obviously has its advantages, as it means you can retain your original number and avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards, as well as registration. Roaming services, however, can be expensive depending on your plan, making prepaid SIMs a more affordable option in some cases. (Most smartphones these days also come with a dual SIM option, so you can either switch between your original number and the prepaid one, or have the two operating at the same time.)
How much data you need depends on your Internet habits, but to give you an idea, streaming music for 60 minutes will use up around 80MB. Sending an email (without attachments) will use up a mere 1MB, but watching YouTube for an hour, on standard definition, will eat up around 360MB.
To help you get started, here’s a list of some of the major prepaid SIM cards that are suitable for visitors looking for internet access while in Hong Kong and Macao.
Hong Kong and Macao SIM cards for short trips
5G Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card (China Mobile)
China Mobile’s 5G Hong Kong Tourist SIM card is an ideal choice for visitors who are planning to make a short detour to Macao or mainland China during their time in Hong Kong.
The most basic package is the 1-day card, which comes with 5GB of Hong Kong data, 500MB of Macao data and 30 minutes of Hong Kong voice calls. At the other end of the spectrum, there is a 15-day SIM that gives you access to a total of 75GB of Hong Kong, 7.5GB of mainland and Macao data, and 30 minutes of Hong Kong voice calls. Keep in mind that only the 7-day, 10-day and 15-day SIMs allow for credit recharge.
[See more: What are the best attractions in Macao?]
Prices for the various packages range between HK$28 and HK$128. The China Mobile SIM is available for purchase online, as well as at Hong Kong 7-Eleven shops and China Mobile stores.
Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card (CSL)
Endorsed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, CSL’s Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card is a good option for those planning on a short term stay in Hong Kong and Macao, providing users with plenty of 5G data that can be used in both places.
The SIM comes in two types: a 7-day card that provides 12GB of Hong Kong and Macao data, and a 15-day package that offers 24GB of data for the two SARs. Irrespective of whichever one you select, you’ll have access to unlimited local voice calls in Hong Kong.
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If the preloaded data isn’t enough to cover those pesky Instagram uploads, you do have the option of purchasing additional data passes, as the SIMs are valid for a total of 90 days.
The 7-day SIM package costs HK$88, while the 15-day one is priced at HK$118. To purchase the SIMs in Hong Kong, visit a local 7-Eleven, Circle K, 1010 Centre, CSL shop or the Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre.
Prepaid Data SIM Card (SoSIM)
Recommended by many users on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, SoSIM’s prepaid SIM is perfect for those who intend to stay in Hong Kong and Macao for a few days and don’t want to break the bank. The SIM can be purchased physically or as an e-SIM for HK$33.
When you activate the card, you’ll be given a 50GB cap of Hong Kong data and 1,500 minutes of voice calls for 30 days. You’ll also have a 48-hour window to transfer to the travel data package using the SoSIM mobile app. This optional package grants 5 days of travel data across 24 locations, including Macao, as well as an extra 3GB of Hong Kong data.
[See more: How to use Macao’s LRT train system like a pro]
The travel data cap is rather lowly 500MB, but you can use the SoSIM app to customise your travel data package and purchase other data plans that suit your needs.
SoSIM cards are available online, as well as at the Hong Kong branches of ParknShop, Watsons and Hung Fook Tong.
These Hong Kong and Macao SIM cards offer more flexibility
Greater Bay Area Data Prepaid SIM Card (China Telecom)
China Telecom’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) Data Prepaid SIM Card is perfect for those who are travelling between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China, and don’t want to be hamstrung by a validity period on their mobile data.
Each new card costs HK$100, giving you HK$100 credit in your account balance. With this balance, you could purchase the 10GB data package for 98 patacas. Alternatively, top up your account for the 20GB and 40GB data packs, which are available for HK$188 and HK$288 respectively. Regardless of which option you select, you’ll have non-expiring data and 100 minutes of free local calls in Macao, Hong Kong and mainland China.
[See more: How to get to Macao’s main attractions from the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal by bus]
One of the advantages of the GBA Data Prepaid SIM is that you have access to a Hong Kong number right off the bat, as well as the option to register for a mainland one as well. This can be especially useful, as some mainland services such as opening a bank account, registering for attractions and activating the wifi in certain hotels require a mainland number.
The China Telecom SIM can be purchased online through its website, HKTVmall or physical locations such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, AT+ Lai Chi Kok, At+ Shatin, the vending machine in West Kowloon Station (level B1) and various phone card stores along Sham Shui Po’s Apliu Street.
DIY Prepaid SIM (3 Hong Kong)
If personalisation is a priority for you, then look no further than the 3 Hong Kong DIY Prepaid SIM. Using 3 Hong Kong’s website, you can create your very own SIM travel data pass by selecting the region, the number of days and the amount of data.
As of writing, each day was priced at HK$11, while each 500MB of data was marked at HK$7. Taking into account the various guidelines, you can expect to pay at least HK$50 for a basic two-day Greater China SIM with 3GB that works in Hong Kong, Macao, mainland China and Taiwan.
[See more: The Internet asked, ‘What can you do in Macao?’ and we answered]
If you’re looking for a more structured option, 3 Hong Kong also offers a 1-day pass, a 30-day package and a 365-day package that work for a range of destinations, including Macao.
Orders for the physical SIM can be made online via the website, although only local Hong Kong delivery is currently available. Alternatively, customers with compatible devices may order an eSIM.
For longer trips, check out these prepaid SIM cards
5G Greater Bay Area 180-Day Prepaid SIM (China Mobile)
Heavy data users who are intending to tour Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong province over the course of several months may consider purchasing China Mobile’s 180-Day SIM for the GBA. Priced at HK$238, this SIM provides you with 20GB of 5G data that can be used in Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland. Other SIMs in this series include ones that are valid for 15 days, 30 days, 90 days and 365 days.
[See more: Six apps you need for your next trip to Macao]
Extra data can be purchased through a range of channels, including the China Mobile Hong Kong website and physical China Mobile stores. The SIM can also be purchased at these two locations, as well as through local 7-Elevens.
China-Hong Kong-Macau 365-Day Prepaid SIM (CSL)
CSL’s 365-Day SIM is worth considering if you’re staying in Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China for an extended period of time.
It gives you 6GB of data that’s valid for a whole year, and there are a number of top-up packages that can be purchased including a mainland, Hong Kong and Macao data pass that gives you an extra 2GB for HK$60. Local data passes ranging from 2-hours to 365-days are available as well.
[See more: Here’s how to get to some of the Greater Bay Area cities from Macao]
To purchase this HK$148 prepaid SIM, visit the online or physical CSL stores or a Hong Kong 7-Eleven.
Hong Kong-Macau and China-Hong Kong-Macau Prepaid SIM Card (SmarTone)
If you’re not a heavy mobile user, SmartTone’s HK$78 HK-Macau Prepaid SIM Card is a decent choice. Upon inserting this SIM, you’ll be subscribed to the HK$68 package, which will give you 5GB of Hong Kong and Macao data, as well as 15 minutes of local voice calls, all of which are valid for a year. Should you find yourself needing more data or voice time, there are several packages that can be purchased, ranging from a single day 1GB pack that costs HK$18 to a 365-day 5GB data and voice pack priced at HK$228.
[See more: How to get the bus from Macao to Hong Kong Airport (and vice versa)]
Alternatively, SmarTone also sells a China-HK-Macau Prepaid SIM for HK$98. With this SIM, the package choices range from a modest 500MB 1-day package that costs HK$18 to a 5GB 365-day data and voice option that charges HK$168.
The two SIMs can be purchased via the SmarTone website or physical shops. Meanwhile, 7-Eleven stores offer the China-HK-Macau Prepaid SIM.
