With the rise of cross-border remote work, overseas business expansion, and the need to register on international platforms, more and more users from Mainland China are looking to get a Hong Kong phone number. However, Hong Kong SIM cards are subject to real-name registration, and the application process is different from that in Mainland China. This guide covers the 4 most practical options available today, and explains how to apply for a Hong Kong number via IntBell.
1. Must-Know Before You Apply: Hong Kong SIM Real-Name Registration Rules
Starting February 2023, all prepaid SIM cards used in Hong Kong must complete real-name registration before service can be activated. Individual users can register up to 10 prepaid cards per operator, while postpaid monthly plans have no limit. Registration must be done with the original copy of your own identity document – we do not recommend buying second-hand cards that claim to be “pre-registered”.
Additionally, some prepaid cards cannot be activated in Mainland China starting June 2026, so we recommend activating them in Hong Kong or in approved roaming locations in advance.
2. 4 Application Options
1. Hong Kong Physical Prepaid SIM Card
After arriving in Hong Kong, you can buy a CSL, SoSIM or 3HK prepaid card at convenience stores such as 7-11 or Watsons, upload your Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao to complete real-name registration, and activate it on the spot. This option is suitable for users who have plans to visit Hong Kong soon. Note that some cards cannot be activated in Mainland China.
2. China Mobile “JegoTrip” APP
Download the JegoTrip APP, and you can purchase a Hong Kong number using your Mainland ID card and a Mainland mobile number under the same real name, for around 88 RMB/year. This number is a virtual recycled number, and does not support registration on platforms such as Google or Facebook. Calls must be made through the APP. This option is suitable for users who only need to receive calls short-term.
3. IntBell VoIP Number
If you need a Hong Kong number to contact overseas clients and build a localized business presence, IntBell is the better option for cross-border business. No physical SIM card is required – you can make and receive calls over WiFi or cellular data. It supports numbers from multiple countries, international SMS, and calling 200+ countries/regions worldwide. Payment methods include PayPal, credit card, Alipay, Apple Pay, USDT and more.
Application process: Register an IntBell account → Go to “Phone System” → Click “Buy Number” → Filter country/region as “Hong Kong” → Select a number and pay. Numbers from the US, Canada, UK and Australia are available for instant use; Hong Kong numbers require submitting business documents to customer service for manual application, with a review period of approximately 7-10 working days. We recommend preparing your documents in advance.
4. eSIM (Club SIM)
Users whose phones support eSIM can apply for Club SIM online, scan the QR code to activate, with zero monthly fee. Starting June 2026, the number retention rule has been adjusted to a minimum of 15 HKD/year; registration fee is approximately 53 HKD. This option is suitable for users who want low-cost service and have eSIM-compatible devices.
3. Option Comparison
| Option | Need to Visit Hong Kong | Annual/Retention Cost | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Physical Prepaid SIM | Yes | ~7-20 HKD/year | Those visiting Hong Kong soon |
| JegoTrip | No | ~88 RMB/year | Short-term call receiving |
| IntBell | No | Monthly fee + call charges | Cross-border business |
| Club SIM eSIM | No | ~15 HKD/year | Low-cost users with eSIM support |
4. How to Apply for a Hong Kong Number via IntBell
- Visit the IntBell official website to register an account and choose the plan that suits you.
- After logging in, go to “Phone System” and click “Buy Number”.
- Filter “Hong Kong” in the country/region list to view available numbers, features and prices.
- Submit your order after selecting a number. For Hong Kong numbers, contact customer service to submit business documents for manual application.
- After approval, complete payment and you can use the number over WiFi or mobile data.
5. FAQ
Can I apply for a Hong Kong number with a Mainland ID card?
Requirements vary by option. JegoTrip accepts Mainland ID cards; physical prepaid cards usually require the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao; IntBell Hong Kong numbers require business documents.
Can Hong Kong numbers register Google, Facebook?
Physical SIM cards and some VoIP numbers usually can, but virtual numbers may trigger platform risk controls. We recommend testing before long-term use.
Can I apply without leaving Mainland China?
Yes. JegoTrip, IntBell and Club SIM eSIM can all be applied for online.
Why does IntBell Hong Kong number require review?
To comply with Hong Kong real-name registration and regulatory requirements, Hong Kong numbers require manual review of business documents, which usually takes about 7-10 working days.
6. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
- Do not buy second-hand cards that claim to be “pre-registered”.
- Virtual numbers may be flagged by some platforms, so test before committing.
- Pay attention to activation location restrictions – some prepaid cards cannot be activated in Mainland China.
- IntBell Hong Kong numbers require business documents and take time to review, so don’t wait until you urgently need one to apply.
Summary
There are now multiple ways for Mainland users to apply for a Hong Kong phone number: choose JegoTrip for short-term call receiving, physical SIM or eSIM for low-cost number retention, and IntBell VoIP numbers for cross-border business. If you need a Hong Kong number to contact overseas clients, send international SMS, or manage multi-country communications, IntBell supports purchasing numbers from 200+ countries/regions worldwide, all manageable from one platform.
Visit the IntBell official website to learn more about Hong Kong numbers and other cross-border communication solutions.