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China Mobile Simcard - HKG and China

Hi,

We are looking at a trip at these 2 places. Is there lesser selections that covers these 2 places? We found China Mobile. This simcard does it provide both a local HKG and China numbers? Unfortunately we don't have eSim phones.

15 night trip all up. Looking uneconomical to pick up a simcard in each place.

Cheers.

Edited: 1 year ago

For travelers planning to visit both Hong Kong and Mainland China, finding a SIM card that covers both regions efficiently can be challenging due to differences in mobile networks and regulations.

China Mobile offers SIM cards that can work in both Mainland China and Hong Kong, but there are some important considerations:

  • China Mobile has special “cross-border” SIMs or roaming plans that allow you to have service in both Mainland China and Hong Kong under a single SIM. These SIMs typically provide a Mainland China phone number, and in Hong Kong, they work via roaming, so local Hong Kong numbers may not be included.
  • Data allowances and costs may vary depending on whether you are using the SIM in Hong Kong or Mainland China, so it’s important to check the specific plan details before purchase.
  • If having a local Hong Kong number is essential for calling or messaging within Hong Kong, a separate Hong Kong SIM may still be more practical for convenience and local rates.
  • For 15-night trips, China Mobile SIMs with cross-border coverage can be economical for consistent internet access, but voice calls may be more expensive when roaming in Hong Kong compared to using a local SIM.

Other options to consider:

  • Purchasing a dual SIM travel plan from international SIM providers that specifically advertise coverage for both China and Hong Kong.
  • Using a Mainland China SIM for China and adding a Hong Kong prepaid SIM for the Hong Kong portion of your trip, which ensures local numbers and cheaper local call/data rates.
  • Checking if the accommodation provides free Wi-Fi, which could reduce the need for extensive data usage on a single SIM.

In conclusion, China Mobile cross-border SIMs can simplify connectivity across Mainland China and Hong Kong without eSIM phones, but they may not provide a full local Hong Kong number and could incur higher roaming charges. Depending on your priorities for calls versus data, you may choose either a single cross-border SIM or two separate SIMs for better local rates.

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