Cell-Phone in Hongkong
Oct 25th, 2007, 06:02 AM
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Cell-Phone in Hongkong
I would like to get a pre-paid, rechargable sim card, i.e. number for my mobile in Hongkong. I'd like to call local and German fixed line numbers and be called from them, too.
I understand that there are various providers. Any recommendation? Would like to puchase the card right at the airport as we're going to Macao first. Ah, yes, so it'll have to work there too. I'm still pretty unclear as to how "connected" politically, administratively these two territories are.
Thanks, Sheygetz
I understand that there are various providers. Any recommendation? Would like to puchase the card right at the airport as we're going to Macao first. Ah, yes, so it'll have to work there too. I'm still pretty unclear as to how "connected" politically, administratively these two territories are.
Thanks, Sheygetz
Oct 25th, 2007, 06:22 AM
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Pre-paid phone cards are pretty competitive and all very cheap in Hong Kong. I use PCCW, but I don't think they're the best for you. [Not easy to call from overseas.] I think a card Peoples may fit your need most.
They have several types. The "Super Talk" is cheaper locally (HK$0.05-0.12/min), but cost much more to call international (HK$3.99/min to Germany, based on 6sec charges). The "IDD Talk" is HK$0.25/min to 30 countries and local.
http://www.peoples.com.hk/p_prepaid_...efault_iso.jsp
All of these cards have high roaming charges, so if you use them in Macau, your card will expire in a few minutes. You may want to buy another one in Macau if you are planning to call more than a few times there.
Politically, Hong Kong and Macau are separate "Special Administrative Regions" of China. You need to go through immigration everytime you enter and leave each territory.
Are you taking the Turbojet Sea Express directly from HKG to Macau? If so, you don't actually enter Hong Kong, but will do sterile transfer to the pier for the ferry to Macau.
They have several types. The "Super Talk" is cheaper locally (HK$0.05-0.12/min), but cost much more to call international (HK$3.99/min to Germany, based on 6sec charges). The "IDD Talk" is HK$0.25/min to 30 countries and local.
http://www.peoples.com.hk/p_prepaid_...efault_iso.jsp
All of these cards have high roaming charges, so if you use them in Macau, your card will expire in a few minutes. You may want to buy another one in Macau if you are planning to call more than a few times there.
Politically, Hong Kong and Macau are separate "Special Administrative Regions" of China. You need to go through immigration everytime you enter and leave each territory.
Are you taking the Turbojet Sea Express directly from HKG to Macau? If so, you don't actually enter Hong Kong, but will do sterile transfer to the pier for the ferry to Macau.
Oct 25th, 2007, 06:56 AM
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Wow, that was quick 
Thanks, I've come across this "IDD" quite often in my research, wonder what it means - international direct dialing ???. Anyway, even 3.99 (=40 Eurocents) would be sooo cheap. On my home sim card, that'd be more like 2.80 Euro, i.e. 7 times as much. Now 0.25 HKD is almost nothing, an administrative charge of sorts, very cool
I see the point about Macao and roaming. Mm... while there I'll mostly be phoned, not neccessarily phone myself. Now, if somebody would call a Hongkong mobile number from Germany, when that mobile is in Macao ....? Would it work, would my number be charged with the "distance" Hongkong to Macao (that's how it works here)?
If on arrival I don't get out of transit at all (sterile transfer), would I be able to purchase a Peoples (as in Republic, I presume ;-) ) card at all, or only after imigration?
Sheygetz
Thanks, I've come across this "IDD" quite often in my research, wonder what it means - international direct dialing ???. Anyway, even 3.99 (=40 Eurocents) would be sooo cheap. On my home sim card, that'd be more like 2.80 Euro, i.e. 7 times as much. Now 0.25 HKD is almost nothing, an administrative charge of sorts, very cool
I see the point about Macao and roaming. Mm... while there I'll mostly be phoned, not neccessarily phone myself. Now, if somebody would call a Hongkong mobile number from Germany, when that mobile is in Macao ....? Would it work, would my number be charged with the "distance" Hongkong to Macao (that's how it works here)?
If on arrival I don't get out of transit at all (sterile transfer), would I be able to purchase a Peoples (as in Republic, I presume ;-) ) card at all, or only after imigration?
Sheygetz
Oct 25th, 2007, 07:06 AM
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1. Yes, IDD means "International Direct Dialing". A popular term in Hong Kong meaning basically international long distance. [Before there was IDD, people have to call an operator, tell them number, and have it ring back, etc...]
2. If you use your HK SIM card in Macau, you'll be charged the high roaming fees, even if you're just receiving calls. At that rate, you might just as well keep using your German SIM in Macau. Or get a local one in Macau.
3. I have never done the sterile transit to the pier at HKG. I don't think you'll have access to any of the cellular or convenience stores with SIM to sell, though I may be wrong.
Just want to say that because the ferry from HKG to Macau is so infrequent, it may not be the best way to go, depending on your actual arrival time at HKG. It <b>may</b> be faster to go to the city and take the regular ferry instead. Know that you have that option.
2. If you use your HK SIM card in Macau, you'll be charged the high roaming fees, even if you're just receiving calls. At that rate, you might just as well keep using your German SIM in Macau. Or get a local one in Macau.
3. I have never done the sterile transit to the pier at HKG. I don't think you'll have access to any of the cellular or convenience stores with SIM to sell, though I may be wrong.
Just want to say that because the ferry from HKG to Macau is so infrequent, it may not be the best way to go, depending on your actual arrival time at HKG. It <b>may</b> be faster to go to the city and take the regular ferry instead. Know that you have that option.
Dec 13th, 2007, 02:24 PM
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After the trip I can vouchsafe that you can get HK sim cards in the transfer area of the airport. Just look for shops selling mobiles and computer stuff.
I got an IDD sim (I actually had to be very specific about that, as the sales guy, although he actually had them in his stack, didn't know or care about the difference) from "3" (yes, that's the provider) with a credit of 98 HKD. It comes with basic instructions on how to activate, change lingo to English and check balance.
I was able to use it in Macau, but as expected that was rather expensive. Once in HK I chatted away to Germany - it was actually cheaper than a local call would have been here, amazing really. 2.5 EuroCents per minute, around 3 US-Cents I suppose!
I still have a credit of 65 HKD or so valid until May. Will have to return soon I guess ;-)
Hendrik
I got an IDD sim (I actually had to be very specific about that, as the sales guy, although he actually had them in his stack, didn't know or care about the difference) from "3" (yes, that's the provider) with a credit of 98 HKD. It comes with basic instructions on how to activate, change lingo to English and check balance.
I was able to use it in Macau, but as expected that was rather expensive. Once in HK I chatted away to Germany - it was actually cheaper than a local call would have been here, amazing really. 2.5 EuroCents per minute, around 3 US-Cents I suppose!
I still have a credit of 65 HKD or so valid until May. Will have to return soon I guess ;-)
Hendrik
Dec 13th, 2007, 03:26 PM
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I bought one (the IDD one I believe) at the HK airport last week at a cell phone shop there. It was $HK 68 and I talked a bit all weekend and was still only able to use up $HK 9 of it. The 0.25 for 30 countries was a great deal.
