For foreigners moving to Hong Kong for work or lifestyle changes, reliable and affordable mobile connectivity is essential to navigate this fast-paced city and stay connected globally. SoSIM, a prepaid SIM card and eSIM service powered by 3 Hong Kong, offers flexible, cost-effective plans tailored for expatriates and travelers. With local data plans for daily life in Hong Kong and international roaming options covering over 150 countries, SoSIM ensures seamless connectivity whether you’re settling into the city or exploring the world. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SoSIM’s products, including detailed pricing for local and international plans, making it the perfect guide for newcomers to Hong Kong.
Why SoSIM is Ideal for Expats
SoSIM is designed for flexibility, offering both physical SIM cards and eSIMs with no contracts or administrative fees. Its robust 4.5G and LTE network coverage ensures reliable service across Hong Kong’s urban centers, tourist hotspots, and beyond. Whether you’re a professional needing data for remote work, a student exploring the city, or a frequent traveler, SoSIM’s local and international plans cater to your needs. Additional features like mobile number porting (MNP), anti-scam protection, and a user-friendly app make it a top choice for foreigners adapting to life in Hong Kong.
SoSIM Product Overview
1. Local Data Plans
SoSIM’s local plans are budget-friendly and packed with value, perfect for expats settling into daily life in Hong Kong:
-
First Month Plan (30 Days):
-
Price: HK$33
-
Includes: 50GB of local data (Fair Usage Policy applies), 1,500 minutes of local calls.
-
Ideal for newcomers setting up work, navigating the city, or staying connected with new contacts.
-
-
Renewal Plan (30 Days):
-
Price: HK$45
-
Includes:
-
60GB of local data (FUP applies).
-
5,000 minutes of local calls (VoLTE HD quality).
-
30 local SMS.
-
4x 24-hour 4.5G speed boost vouchers.
-
4x 24-hour unlimited YouTube data vouchers.
-
Anti-scam protection to safeguard against fraudulent calls and messages.
-
-
These plans require no contract, allowing you to renew, switch, or cancel anytime via the SoSIM App or website, offering the flexibility expats need.
2. International Roaming Data Plans
For expats who travel frequently or need to stay connected with family and friends abroad, SoSIM offers international roaming plans covering 150+ countries and regions. These plans include daily, 30-day, and 365-day options, with data starting at 500MB per day and scalable add-ons. Below is a detailed breakdown of pricing and data allocations for key regions:
Plan Type
|
Region/Destinations
|
Price (Per Day or Total)
|
Data Allowance
|
Add-On Options
|
Notes/Links
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1-Day Travel Data Pass
|
Asia-Pacific
(24 destinations, e.g., Australia, Japan, Singapore)
|
HK$12/day
|
500MB FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$7 for 1000MB
|
–
|
Greater China
(Mainland China, Macau, Taiwan)
|
HK$10/day
|
500MB FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$6 for 1000MB
|
||
Europe
(46 destinations, e.g., UK, France, Germany)
|
HK$23/day
|
500MB FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$14 for 1000MB
|
–
|
|
USA/Canada/Mexico
(5 destinations, incl. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands)
|
HK$18/day
|
500MB FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$11 for 1000MB
|
–
|
|
Africa
(8 destinations, e.g., South Africa, Nigeria)
|
HK$30/day
|
500MB FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$18 for 1000MB
|
–
|
|
Central/South America
(9 destinations, e.g., Brazil, Argentina)
|
HK$40/day
|
500MB FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$24 for 1000MB
|
–
|
|
Travel Data DIY
|
Customizable regions, days, data (min. 500MB/day, 1-day plans require 1000MB)
|
Varies by selection
|
Varies by selection
|
–
|
|
30/365-Day Travel Data Pass
|
Asia-Pacific
(24 destinations)
|
HK$138/8GB (30 days), HK$198/16GB (30 days), HK$268/17GB (365 days)
|
FUP, then 128kbps (except 365-day)
|
+HK$20 for 1GB
|
Instant activation
|
UK/USA/Canada/Australia/New Zealand
(5 destinations)
|
HK$138/10GB (30 days), HK$198/20GB (30 days), HK$268/30GB (365 days)
|
FUP, then 128kbps (except 365-day)
|
+HK$15 for 1GB
|
Instant activation
|
|
Greater China
(3 destinations)
|
HK$138/10GB (365 days)
|
–
|
+HK$10 for 1GB
|
||
Middle East
(Qatar, UAE, Bahrain)
|
HK$318/6GB (30 days)
|
FUP, then 128kbps
|
+HK$50 for 1GB
|
Instant activation
|
|
Global
(88 destinations, includes bonus Europe data)
|
HK$138/3GB + 6GB Europe (30 days), HK$198/5GB + 13GB Europe (30 days), HK$268/8GB + 22GB Europe (365 days)
|
FUP, then 128kbps (except 365-day)
|
+HK$30 for 1GB global, no Europe add-on
|
Bonus data for UK, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Denmark; subject to change
|
Note: FUP (Fair Usage Policy) limits high-speed data, reducing to 128kbps after exhaustion. Users can top up data via the SoSIM App or My Account portal; see Top-Up Guide for details.
3. Physical SIM vs. eSIM
SoSIM offers two formats to suit different preferences:
-
Physical SIM Card: Available at over 400 retail locations (e.g., Parknshop, Watsons, Hung Fook Tong) or online via the SoSIM website. Insert and activate after purchase.
-
eSIM: Purchased online through the SoSIM eShop, activated by scanning a QR code. Compatible with devices like iPhone (XS and later), iPad (2018+), and select Android models (e.g., Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy).
eSIMs are particularly convenient for expats who want to set up their plan before arriving in Hong Kong, ensuring instant connectivity upon landing.
4. Additional Features and Services
-
Mainland China Number Service: Ideal for users needing a Mainland China number for banking, payments, or verifications. Details at china-number.html.
-
Mobile Number Porting (MNP): Transfer an existing Hong Kong number to SoSIM without fees, ensuring continuity for work or personal contacts. See MNP Guide.
-
Anti-Scam Protection: Included in local plans, this feature protects against fraudulent calls and SMS, crucial for newcomers.
-
SoSIM App: Manage your plan, top up, renew, or check usage via the app, available on Apple App Store, Google Play, and Huawei AppGallery.
-
MoneyBack@SoSIM Rewards: Earn rewards for activation, top-ups, and data usage, redeemable for discounts or perks. Visit Rewards Page.
-
Auto-Activation: Set up roaming plans via the SoSIM App or My Account to ensure seamless connectivity during travel. Enable “Data Roaming” and “VoLTE” and disable Wi-Fi for optimal performance.
5. Purchasing and Activation Process
-
Purchase Channels:
-
In-Person: Available at 400+ retail stores, including Parknshop, Watsons, and Hung Fook Tong.
-
Online: Buy physical SIMs or eSIMs via the SoSIM website or WeChat Mini Program. eSIMs are delivered instantly via email.
-
-
Activation Process:
-
Insert the physical SIM or scan the eSIM QR code.
-
Complete real-name registration (mandatory since March 1, 2022, requiring a passport or ID; processing may take a few days).
-
Activate within 60 days of purchase to avoid deactivation.
-
-
Management: Use the SoSIM App or website to top up, renew, or switch plans effortlessly.
6. User Experience and Feedback
SoSIM is praised for its affordability and reliable network coverage, particularly in Hong Kong’s urban areas and tourist hotspots. Expats appreciate:
-
Competitive pricing, with the HK$33 first-month plan offering excellent value.
-
Flexible roaming plans for frequent travelers.
-
Easy-to-use app for plan management.
However, some users note:
-
Real-name registration may delay activation, so plan ahead.
-
Overseas top-ups may require the website instead of the app, which can be less convenient.
-
eSIM users should activate plans before travel for seamless setup, especially for short stopovers (e.g., transiting through Taiwan).
7. Privacy and Security
SoSIM prioritizes data privacy, using personal information solely for service delivery and real-name verification, in compliance with Hong Kong regulations. Data may be shared with partners like 3 Hong Kong for operational purposes. Review the Privacy Policy for details.
8. Cancellation Policy
-
Canceling deactivates the SIM number, with no access to historical messages.
-
Reapplying within 30 days retains the original number (including upgrades/downgrades).
Tips for Expats
-
Pre-Arrival Setup: Purchase an eSIM online and activate it upon landing to stay connected immediately.
-
Roaming Plans: Choose daily plans for short trips or 30/365-day plans for extended travel. Add-ons provide cost-effective data boosts.
-
Dual SIM Users: Ensure correct settings to avoid conflicts, especially with eSIMs.
Conclusion
SoSIM is a versatile and cost-effective solution for foreigners in Hong Kong, offering robust local plans for daily life and comprehensive international roaming options for global travel. With competitive pricing, no contracts, and features like anti-scam protection and MNP, SoSIM is tailored for expats seeking reliable connectivity. Whether you’re working in Central, exploring Lantau Island, or traveling to Europe, SoSIM keeps you connected effortlessly.
Ready to get started? Visit SoSIM’s website or a nearby Parknshop to purchase your SIM or eSIM. Download the SoSIM App, activate your plan, and embrace Hong Kong’s dynamic lifestyle with confidence!