One data sim card for Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Maylasia

Question

I will be in these countries for about 30 days (starting in Hong Kong). Is there a sim card that works for all four countries that I can buy from the airport? If not, whats the best spot to find one? Will be staying in the Kowloon area and travel by MTR. And how much should I expect to pay for 10gb or less of data? It will only for map navigation, and social media apps for communication.

Answer

For traveling to multiple countries in Asia, such as Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia, there are a few options for a single data SIM card, but availability and reliability vary depending on the country.

Key points:

Most local SIM cards are country-specific and may not work outside their country. For example, a Hong Kong SIM usually does not provide data in mainland China without roaming charges.
Multi-country or regional travel SIM cards do exist and are often sold as “Asia travel SIM” or “International SIM,” but the data speeds and coverage in China can be limited due to government restrictions on foreign SIMs.
eSIMs are also an option for multi-country travel, but make sure your phone supports eSIM and that the provider covers China, as China has stricter telecom regulations and not all eSIM providers work there.

Where to buy:

Hong Kong International Airport: There are stores and vending machines selling SIM cards for Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Ask specifically for a multi-country card or check if the provider supports China.
City shops in Kowloon: Retailers like 7-Eleven, China Mobile stores, or local telecom shops sell prepaid SIMs. If multi-country SIMs are unavailable, you may need separate SIMs for China and the other countries.
Online purchase before travel: Websites like Klook, SimOptions, or Airalo sell international SIM cards or eSIMs that can be activated in multiple Asian countries.

Pricing guidance:

For around 10GB of data, expect to pay roughly USD 15–30 per country if buying separate SIMs.
Multi-country SIMs may be slightly higher, around USD 25–40 for 10GB, depending on provider and coverage.
Data-only SIMs are generally cheaper than plans with local calling.

Recommendation:

For simplicity, consider buying a Hong Kong SIM for your first days and a China-specific SIM once you enter mainland China, as coverage and app compatibility are best this way.
For Singapore and Malaysia, you can either buy separate local SIMs upon arrival or get a regional travel SIM that covers both countries.
Ensure your phone is unlocked for international SIM use.

In summary, a single SIM card for all four countries is possible but may have limitations in China. The most reliable approach is a combination of country-specific SIMs or carefully chosen eSIMs with confirmed China support.

One data sim card for Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Maylasia

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