Hong Kong and Macau - iPhone 4 PAYG SIM in Hong Kong?

Where can I get the best deal on a PAYG SIM for Hong Kong? I want unlimited data and calling, preferably.

Thanks,




PS. I searched, but didn't find a thread on this (to my surprise).

I M P O S S I B L E.

All prices HKD

Unlimited Calling: does not exist

Unlimited Data - EDGE SPEED ONLY: China Mobile - any prepaid SIM card, $9/day 38/wk 78/30days

3G/HSDPA Unlimited Data: does not exist

Cheapest HSDPA prepaid Data: 3HK

(A) Chepeast local call: China Mobile or PCCW , 0.05/0.12 per minute non-peak/peak

(B) Chepeast International Call: China Mobile or PCCW, 0.25/min local OR LD to 30 countries.

(A) and (B) are different cards.

No single card has the cheapest data + cheapest local call + cheapest LD. You only get one cheapest feature.

All details on respective official websites.

Obviously you would need a SIM cutter if you are buying certain SIM cards.

Obviously, there's no such thing as "prepaid" and "unlimited". But there are caps for charges. For example, I use a prepaid HSPA card from "3", and they do cap maximum daily rate at HK$28, and monthly at HK$298. So, that is technically "unlimited".

But like beep88 says, cheap on one thing means expensive on others. This card charges $0.3/minute for local calls. That's why I use a separate prepaid card from PCCW for voice call that charges $0.06 to $0.12/minute.

Right... forgot about the billing cap for 3HK data on the specific card.

OK. I have a sim cutter, so that is no problem.

I guess my order of preference is fast 3g data speeds (sounds like 3HK caps out at $HK298 a month, which is fine) and a not exorbitant calling charge.

I assume all of the charges you mention are in HK$, not US$, so $0.3 HK is only 3.8 US cents per minute. That is not a problem either, sure, cheaper is always better, but I was more concerned about something ridiculous like my ATT international roaming rate, which is about $US2 per minute, so 3.8 cents is no problem at all.

Sounds like 3HK is the way to go. My question now is how long does the phone number stay active? If I have the sim for six months and don't use it for XX number of days does the number die? Or is it still good as long as I have money on the account? Do I pay something to keep the number active separate from the usage charge?

Thanks for the great info.

OK. I have a sim cutter, so that is no problem.

I guess my order of preference is fast 3g data speeds (sounds like 3HK caps out at $HK298 a month, which is fine) and a not exorbitant calling charge.

I assume all of the charges you mention are in HK$, not US$, so $0.3 HK is only 3.8 US cents per minute. That is not a problem either, sure, cheaper is always better, but I was more concerned about something ridiculous like my ATT international roaming rate, which is about $US2 per minute, so 3.8 cents is no problem at all.

Sounds like 3HK is the way to go. My question now is how long does the phone number stay active? If I have the sim for six months and don't use it for XX number of days does the number die? Or is it still good as long as I have money on the account? Do I pay something to keep the number active separate from the usage charge?

Thanks for the great info.

Most cards expire within 180 days of last recharge. Doesn't matter if you have money on it or if you use it or not. As long as your don't recharge it, it's gone.

Most cards expire within 180 days of last recharge. Doesn't matter if you have money on it or if you use it or not. As long as your don't recharge it, it's gone.

Recharging it should not be a problem. Thanks

Recharging it should not be a problem. Thanks

Indeed, and the nice thing is that minimum recharge is only HK$50 for both PCCW and 3 and can be done online from outside HK. US$7 every 6 months is nothing. The issue is having to remember to do so.