After You Arrive

Bank Account and SIM Card in Hong Kong

How to open a bank account and get a phone number as a student in Hong Kong. Money is in Hong Kong dollars (HKD).

Example bank

Example account

Recent Transactions

Example: MTR trip, Central to Causeway Bay

-5.90 HKD

Example: set meal at a local cafe

-65.00 HKD

Example carrier

Student SIM

Example card only. Get your Hong Kong identity card (HKID card) first: banks and monthly phone plans ask for it.

Banking

Banks in Hong Kong

People from other countries can open bank accounts in Hong Kong. ATMs are found almost everywhere.

Common Banks

These banks are near Lingnan University.

Hang Seng Bank

HSBC

Bank of China (Hong Kong)

The Bank of East Asia

Opening hours

Most banks open Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings, and close on Sundays and public holidays.

Step by Step

How to Open a Bank Account

Students from outside Hong Kong can open a Hong Kong dollar account at a local bank.

Choose a bank

Pick a bank near your campus or home.

Collect your papers

Passport, visa, HKID card, admission letter, student card and address proofs.

Book an appointment

Most banks ask you to book first.

Fill in the form

Complete the bank's application form at your appointment.

Get your card

Use it at ATMs across the city, such as in Mass Transit Railway (MTR, the city train) stations and malls.

Set up payments

Link your account to an e-wallet or Octopus if you want.

Papers to Bring

This is the list used at Lingnan University, one Hong Kong university. Your bank may ask for other papers.

Essential Documents:

Passport and e-Visa - Your passport and your e-Visa (your visa, sent to you online).
Hong Kong identity card (HKID card) - Once you have it.
Proof of Hong Kong address - Students in a hall (student housing run by the university) get it from their hall or student affairs office.

Additional Documents (If Available):

Admission letter and student card - From your Hong Kong university.
Proof of home address - From the last three months, in English or Chinese, such as a bank statement or a bill for water, power or gas.
Hong Kong phone number and email - The bank uses them to contact you.

Tips

Book an appointment with the bank before you go.

Each bank can ask for different papers, so check first.

Under 18? A parent or the adult who is your legal carer must come with you.

Staying Connected

SIM Cards and Phone Plans

Getting a Hong Kong number is simple: start prepaid, then move to a monthly plan.

How to Get a Hong Kong Number

Three steps from landing to a monthly plan.

Buy a prepaid SIM

Sold at convenience stores. Use it until you have your HKID card.

Get your HKID card

Apply within 30 days of arrival if you may stay more than 180 days. Book a time first.

Sign up for a monthly plan

Bring your HKID card, passport and proof of your Hong Kong address to any phone company.

Good to Know

Most phones work in Hong Kong.
A monthly plan needs your HKID card, passport and proof of your Hong Kong address.

Practical Advice

Tips for Money and Phones

Simple ways to pay, save and stay connected.

Smart Money Habits

Bring cash for the first weeks
Opening a bank account can take time. Bring some Hong Kong dollars or a home bank card.
Watch card fees
Your home bank may charge a fee each time you take out cash or pay abroad. Ask your home bank before you fly.
Change money at a bank
Banks usually give a better exchange rate. Money changers stay open longer but often charge more.

Staying Connected for Less

Use free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi HK hotspots are in many public places.
Start with a prepaid SIM
Buy one at a convenience store when you land, then move to a monthly plan later.