Weekend navigation and long-term banking SMS are different needs. Decide whether you need a mainland number before signing up.
What to have ready
Before you start
Mainland telecom services require real-name registration. Accepted Hong Kong and Macao documents and checks depend on the provider and case. Travel data, Hong Kong roaming, and a local number have different capabilities.
What to do, step by step
- List your needs and check whether your current Hong Kong service is sufficient.
- For a local number, check official service points, documents, and attendance requirements.
- Review the plan and cancellation terms before completing your own registration.
- Test SMS, voice, and top-ups and check dormant or unpaid-account arrangements.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Do not buy another person's registered SIM or let your document register unknown numbers.
Update bank contact details before surrendering a linked number.
Decide whether you need data or a local number, then register with your own document.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.