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 Cards: 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 or services provided. If it is still within the validity period after a few months, you can buy it again.
- Contract Cards: 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-Macau travel permit, passport, etc. It is necessary to allow enough 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/receiving messages via 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 messages, supports VoWiFi (wifi calling).
When roaming via VoWiFi, you can use local Hong Kong rates (28 HKD/month) to make calls; if not using VoWiFi, you can receive messages at a rate of 6 HKD/year.
When roaming without VoWiFi, there is only the function of receiving messages.
ClubSIM VoWiFi Roaming#
Warning: ClubSIM officially does not support using VoWiFi outside of Hong Kong.
Officially unsupported. Um, cough cough.
To allow ClubSIM to roam via VoWiFi outside of Hong Kong, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Turn off the Wi-Fi Calling GPS permission in the phone system settings, disabling Wi-Fi calling location (prohibiting location information retrieval).
- Turn on Airplane Mode (prohibiting connection to local base stations for roaming).
- Connect to a WiFi that can access the international internet, with 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 directly connect 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 native Hong Kong IP proxies:
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 need to purchase the 28 HKD local calling package.
Since the calling package is limited to local calls, you 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 messages 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 calls to three regions
188 HKD for 20GB + 100 minutes of calls to three regions
288 HKD for 40GB + 100 minutes of calls to three regions
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 at up to 128kbps).
- Prepaid card
- Even without purchasing this package, receiving messages is free.
- Does not support VoWiFi.
- Valid for six months, recharge to renew 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 rise. Please check official announcements and consult customer service.
Yibo Tong Virtual Number#
Only supports WeChat activation, high risk.
WeChat SMS package for 360 days, HK$98/360 days.
- Supports receiving SMS via WeChat.
- Supports making and receiving calls and messages through the Yibo Tong APP.
- Calls are charged based on usage.
- Hong Kong numbers support number portability.
CUniq HK Monthly Card#
Contract card, no data package, basic monthly fee of $9.
Others#
Other cards that support VoWiFi. Currently, only ClubSIM supports prepaid cards.