i will need to pick up a simm card to make calls to HG.
since I will be in HK for only about 7 days, i want to pick up the minimum.
what is the minimum minutes and how much would it cost?
Also, how late do the phone shops stay open in TST? I will be arriving in HK around 9-10 PM.

Can pick up sim cards at any 7/11...and min I believe is HK$50

A Three mobile SIM card costs $68 and inc's $10 stored value.

The SIM card and it's number will remain valid for minimum 6 months whether you recharge it or not. Every time you recharge the SIM with more pre paid value, the 6 month period starts again. In other words, re charge it within every 6 months and it will last indefinitely.

You can buy additional stored value at 7/11s for $100. This gives you $110 store value because you get $10 recharge bonus. If you only plan to use the phone to make local HK calls to agents etc then $120 (original $10 that comes with the SIM + extra $110) will probably do you for the week. Local calls in HK are very cheap. Texting is relatively expensive.

If you come back to HK within 6 months and want to keep the same number active, go to a Three shop and buy a SIM and a $300 recharge card (not 3x $100... buy a $300 card). This gives you $400 credit for only $300 which is the best value. The value will remain on the card for your next visit. Just remember to add more value at least once every 6 months to keep the number active. There are Three shops everywhere in HK. Google for closest option. There are a few in TST and they are open until at least 10pm. Maybe later (not sure???). I guess all / most Three shops are open until at least 10pm.

I have had the same number more than 10 years  so it's very convenient for you and for WGs you like.

Another tip to consider, go to Fortress. They always have basic phones on special for $100 - $150. No contract, not locked to any network. Put your punting SIM card in a punting phone. Nice and clean way to do things. Fortress stores all over HK, just google for one near your hotel.

[ Last edited by  TonyToro at 29-12-2010 08:29 ]

My last trip to HK I used the PCCW prepaid local only card. It cost $48 HKD. It cost 6 cents a minute non prime time and 12 cents a minute prime time. It lasted me all 2 months in HK.

http://www2.pccwmobile.com/porta ... geable_SIM_Card.jsp

1.) Would I have to be in Hong Kong in order to recharge it?  For example, I want to keep the same phone number for convenience, but I only go to Hong Kong every 18-24 months.  Can I recharge it online just to keep my phone active?  In a more likely scenario, I may give the sim card to my brother or sister the next time they go to Hong Kong.

2.) I'll need a data plan.  I have a jailbroken iPhone and want to use 3G/EDGE with Google Maps to find all the 141 walkups and hotel girls since I'm only familiar with Tsim Sha Tsui.  I have China Mobile bookmarked http://www.hk.chinamobile.com/p_prepaid_iddtalk_en.jsp -- Is this the right card?

with all the technology in the world why is it that the basic travelling phone is too much cost to take from one country to the next.  the same is true of the iphone, if not even more so, since it uses data roaming constantly.  a central hub on the internet that synchronizes phones and costs would be ideal.