Low-cost number retention Hong Kong SIM card ClubSIM (supports VoWiFi)

This article introduces the low-cost Hong Kong SIM card ClubSIM and its alternative products.

Concept Explanation#

Hong Kong SIM cards are divided into prepaid cards and contract cards.
Prepaid Card: No contract, for example, a one-month calling package costs 28 HKD, and if you don't purchase it next month, there are no charges and no service provided. If it's still within the validity period after a few months, you can purchase it again.
Contract Card: Package contract with a fixed monthly fee.
Real-name Authentication: SIM cards in Hong Kong require real-name authentication for use in Hong Kong, which can be done via mobile, supporting common documents: Hong Kong ID, Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, passport, etc. It is necessary to allow sufficient time for authentication. Due to poor IT, the authentication process may take a long time (difficult to recognize documents). Tip: The text should not have reflections.
VoWiFi: Simply put, it is making calls and sending texts over WiFi without needing to connect to local carrier base stations.

ClubSIM Features#

Features: Prepaid card, low cost for number retention, can roam to make calls and receive texts, supports VoWiFi (WiFi calling).

By roaming through VoWiFi, you can use Hong Kong local rates (28 HKD/month) to make calls; if not using VoWiFi, you can receive texts at a rate of 6 HKD/year.

When roaming without VoWiFi, there is only the function of receiving texts.

ClubSIM VoWiFi Roaming#

Warning: ClubSIM officially does not support VoWiFi usage outside of Hong Kong.

The official stance is not supportive. Ahem.

To allow ClubSIM to roam via VoWiFi outside of Hong Kong, you must:

Disable the Wi-Fi Calling GPS permission in your phone's system settings, turning off Wi-Fi calling location (prohibiting location information access).
Turn on Airplane Mode (prohibiting connection to local base stations for roaming).
Connect to a WiFi that can access the international internet and has an IP address from Hong Kong (connect to a WiFi hotspot sharing Hong Kong SIM card data; or other Hong Kong proxies that support UDP, especially ports 500/4500).

Remember to clear DNS or restart the device.

It is recommended to connect directly to a WiFi that can access the international internet, using a configured router method. (Using only mobile applications for proxy may not work.)

Ensure that the following domains use a native Hong Kong IP proxy:

csl.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com
hhk.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com
epdg.epc.mnc000.mcc454.pub.3gppnetwork.org
ss.epdg.epc.mnc000.mcc454.pub.3gppnetwork.org
ss.epdg.epc.geo.mnc000.mcc454.pub.3gppnetwork.org

Apple devices require additional proxy:

gspe1-ssl.ls.apple.com

If you don't know how to configure, please use a global proxy.

You must purchase the 28 HKD local calling package to use it.

Since the calling package is limited to local use, it cannot make or receive calls to numbers outside of Hong Kong.

Some users reported that after successfully using Wi-Fi calling to make a call, they switched the network environment to pure mainland Wi-Fi, at which point they resumed China Unicom roaming but could still make and receive calls.

Users also reported that even if they purchased the local SMS package, sending texts is temporarily not supported.

Alternatives#

China Telecom Hong Kong#

No monthly fee, optional unlimited data packages for three regions:

98 HKD for 10GB + 100 minutes of three-region calling minutes

188 HKD for 20GB + 100 minutes of three-region calling minutes

288 HKD for 40GB + 100 minutes of three-region calling minutes

Minimum recharge of 50 HKD every six months to retain the number.

4G MySIM#

HK$33, 30-day package: Unlimited local data^ + 5000 minutes of local calls in Hong Kong (^first 50GB up to 42Mbps, thereafter unlimited up to 128kbps)

Prepaid card
Even without purchasing this package, receiving texts is free.
Does not support VoWiFi
Valid for six months, recharge to extend validity. Minimum recharge of 50 HKD at a time.

Suitable for travelers who visit Hong Kong at least once every six months.

In 2024, renewal prices will increase, and the number retention threshold will also be raised. Please check the official announcement and consult customer service.