Originally Posted by
jamar
If anyone's wondering, I tried it yesterday and yes, a data-only CMHK SIM can be activated in mainland China without using it in HK first. If you have a TD-LTE device, speeds are pretty decent, too- I'm getting 6-7M down and 1-2M up.
Also, if you top up your CMHK SIM with HK$300 at a time, you get a HK$100 bonus per top-up, which makes it a bit more cost-effective.
If you travel between HK and China much, or even if you just value convenience, I have to say I love the CMHK cross-border king SIM (that I bought in HK at a 7-11 type store).
It's a bit more expensive, to initially buy, as well as the packages, but you can top-up online to extend validity, data packages can be used in China or HK from the same bucket, and you can check your usage online too.
Not to mention... 3G on iPhone 5s/6 and access to Google and other Great Firewall blocked sites. No need to keep toggling VPN.
I've used local sims before and this is so much easier, unless you're trying to save some money or will be in China long term and need more data.