wineandbikes

After a ton of research, I determined that there’s really only one way to go for phone service if you’re visiting Hong Kong from the United States for any length of time: get a PCCW International SIM Card and subscribe to the monthly wifi plan.  It will cost you a grand total of $116 HKD (~$20) and give you unlimited Hong Kong Wireless and calls to the United States (and a bunch of other countries) at $.25 HKD (~3 cents) a minute.

The most convenient place to buy your SIM Card is at 7-11 in the Hong Kong airport.  Purchase the $68 HKD PCCW IDD Global Reach card

Note that PCCW Wireless is free in the airport so once you’ve installed your SIM you can subscribe to the PCCW single device WIFI plan here and activate your phone.

Notes:

1) The wireless plan is not the best choice if you think you’ll need wireless while on the move (tram, walking, on the metro) — in that case, the SmartOne Vodafone   3G may be attractive to you, but there are data limits…

2) In order to get the $.25HKD airtime rates internationally, you MUST dial via 0600 + Country Code + Number … so, that means to call the States you dial 0060 + 1 + 212 555 1212, for example.

CAREFUL: If you dial 001 then you will be charged “full boat” or $2.60HKD per minute.  Ouch!  Also note that if you’re calling mobile #s in some countries, additional charges apply.

3) Perhaps obvious, but you’ll need a 2/3G cell phone that’s unlocked.  For my purposes I chose the Google Nexus One — it was by far the most affordable completely unlocked phone that you can buy stateside or abroad.  ($270 v. $400+ for androids with similar capabilities).  So far, it’s been *great*

4) You may want to buy recharge vouchers at 7-11 as well.  When topping up your phone by Credit Card, it takes at least 2 hours for your credit to activate — not exactly convenient if you’re on a call and run out.

5) PCCW only accepts Visa for all transactions.  If you’re travelling extensively it’s probably best to apply for a Capital One Venture card.