Best Way To Get Internet When Visiting Hong Kong

So, you're going to Hong Kong. You own a smartphone, and is bringing your laptop with you just because you want to stay connected to the Internet. If this is your first time to Hong Kong, then you'll be in for a surprise. Unlike the cafes and restaurants in Malaysia, the cafes and restaurants in Hong Kong doesn't encourage their customer to sit there for too long while using their WiFi. So, they don't provide free WiFi.

You'll be able to access WiFi from PCCW hotspot, available in most area especially in McD's or Starbucks. The downside of this is, it only last 24hours and you won't be sitting in a Starbucks or McD's too often right? The prize you pay for their drinks is not exactly cheap also. When you're back in your hotel room, fat chance that you'll be able to find a PCCW hotspot and the Internet from the hotel is damn expensive.

When I went to Hong Kong back in March, I happened to be reviewing the Nokia E7 which I now use. Before, I fly to Hong Kong, I've researched the prepaid SIM card available there. After, much searching, I found the one that most suitable for me. It's '3' International Roaming Rechargeable SIM Card (they called it rechargeable instead of prepaid).

Why is this prepaid or rechargeable SIM card the best for me?

First, it doesn't cost much to buy. HK$98 – With extra $52 voice stored-value and totally $55 worth FREE. The $55 FREE is actually Free 20mins voice call, 10 SMSes and 10 MMS. Which means, most of the stored-value can use only for wireless data alone.

It gives me wireless data access with HKD$2/MB with Daily Max Cap HK$28. This basically means you get unlimited data for HK$28 per day. I used my Nokia E7 as a modem for my laptop when I was back in my hotel room to write a blog post, stream YouTube, Facebooking and Tweeting without any hindrance and the value in the prepaid card still available. The 3G connection is very fast too, beats any local provider here in Malaysia.

Using my Nokia E7 as a modem.

There are a few new rechargeable SIM package added too. There's 3G Rechargeable SIM Card for iPad and HSDPA Broadband Access Rechargeable SIM card, this one if if you have a wireless broadband modem or your phone able to support this. If you are using iPhone then you might need to learn how to cut the SIM card into MicroSIM card.

You can get any of these rechargeable SIM cards from OK Circle or 7-11 outlets, which is literally everywhere in Hong Kong. But you might have to search a few outlets for '3' International Roaming Rechargeable SIM Card because stock is quite limited for each outlet. Oh, please don't mistaken the 3G Super Value Monthly Fee Rechargeable SIM Card when you buying, why I purposely chose the former instead, is because once activated HKD$60 will be deducted from the stored value for voice call plan on the latter. Just remember International Roaming, and you'll be save on buying the right SIM card.

The stored value should be able to last you for two days on data, voice, and SMSes due the FREE HKD$55 bonus on voice, SMSes and MMSes. If you stay longer than 2 days, just buy the top up voucher from any authorised '3' agent. The easiest is buy it from convenient stores like OK Circle and 7-11. It's EVERYWHERE!

Hope this little tips of mine will help those of you that like to stay connected when visiting Hong Kong without costing a bomb from data roaming or using the Internet from hotel.