HongKong + Macau commute and shopping

Question

Hi!

It is my first time travelling to Hongkong from India in the month of April. I am staying at Tsim Tsha Sui. I wish to know the following:

1. What is the best SIM card to get and where can I get it;

2. How can I commute within the city and also from HK to Macau and back. I’ve read about the Octopus card and wanted to know if it’s convenient.

3. For shopping mostly street shopping and at other stores, what is the preferred mode of payment.

Answer

1. Best SIM card in Hong Kong:

For a short visit from India in April, you can get a prepaid tourist SIM card which offers data, local calls, and international calls. Popular providers include CSL, 3HK, and SmarTone. These SIM cards are convenient for navigation, messaging, and mobile payments.

You can purchase SIM cards at Hong Kong International Airport upon arrival for convenience.
Alternatively, retail stores and convenience stores in Tsim Sha Tsui, such as 7-Eleven or Circle K, sell tourist SIM cards.
Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports local frequencies.

2. Commuting within Hong Kong and to Macau:

Hong Kong has an efficient public transport system. The Octopus card is highly convenient for MTR, buses, trams, ferries, and even some taxis. It is widely accepted and can also be used in convenience stores for small purchases.

For city travel, use MTR (subway) for speed and reliability, buses and trams for local areas.
To travel to Macau, the best options are the TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet ferries from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui, or take the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle bus.
Return trips follow the same routes. Check schedules in advance, especially if traveling on weekends or public holidays.

3. Payment options for shopping:

In Hong Kong, electronic payments are widely used, but street vendors may prefer cash. Credit/debit cards are generally accepted in stores, shopping malls, and larger restaurants.

Carry small amounts of HKD cash for street shopping, markets, and small purchases.
Octopus card can be used in many stores and for convenience, but not universally at street stalls.
Mobile payments such as AlipayHK, WeChat Pay, and Apple Pay are accepted in some stores, but for first-time visitors, cash and Octopus card are more reliable.

Overall, get a prepaid SIM at the airport or nearby stores, use Octopus for easy commuting, and carry a mix of cash and card for shopping.