Hong Kong +852
To call Hong Kong from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 852, then the local number. In full: +852 5123 4567.
The country calling code for Hong Kong is +852. A number starting +852 or 00852 is a call to or from Hong Kong. From abroad: +852 5123 4567.
To call Hong Kong from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 852, then the local number as is. The +852 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Hong Kong from abroad
011 852 5123 456700 852 5123 45670011 852 5123 4567+852 5123 45675123 4567 is a real-format Hong Kong mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, as is.
Hong Kong area codes
In Hong Kong, landlines usually include an area code after +852 (as is). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
2123 4567from abroad+852 2123 45675123 4567from abroad+852 5123 4567Landline numbers in Hong Kong have 8 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 8 digits. There is no national prefix to drop: dial the full local number after +852.
Calling abroad from Hong Kong
To call another country from Hong Kong, dial the exit code 00 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Hong Kong to the United States, for example: 00 1 201 555 0123.
A Hong Kong number in international format is written +852 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Cheapest ways to call Hong Kong
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Hong Kong for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +852?
Hong Kong has the country calling code +852.
How do I call Hong Kong from the United States?
Dial 011, then 852, then the local number as is — for example 011 5123 4567.
What does +852 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Hong Kong. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +852 mobile or landline?
The +852 code identifies the country, not the line type; Hong Kong landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Hong Kong
4 mobile network operators run their own networks in Hong Kong. The largest is CMHK, with about 5.00 million subscribers. Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by China Mobile
Owned by Hong Kong Telecom
Owned by Hutchison Telecom
Owned by Sun Hung Kai Properties
- 3G has been switched off on CMHK, csl. A phone that only works on 3G will get no data there and may not be able to call: check that yours supports 4G with voice (VoLTE) before you go.
- 2G is gone on CMHK, csl, 3, SmarTone, which also affects old feature phones and some smartwatches or car trackers.
- Planned switch-offs: SmarTone (3G, 2026-10-09).
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Hong Kong: 5G 2100, 5G 28000, 5G 3500, 5G 4700, 5G 700, 5G 850, LTE 1800, LTE 2100, LTE 2600, LTE 900. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
- Moving there? Mobile number portability has existed since 1999-03-01, a transfer takes about 2 day(s) and costs free.
Also available: virtual operators (MVNOs) that rent capacity on these networks — CITIC Telecom 1616, China Unicom, Truphone, China-Hong Kong Telecom, CMCC HK, HuiYinBi Telecom (Hong Kong) Limited, Multibyte Info Technology Ltd, CTExcel, Webbing Hong Kong Ltd, South China Telecommunications (H.K.) Limited.
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Getting a SIM card in Hong Kong
What visitors and new residents need to know before buying a local SIM or eSIM in Hong Kong, with a source for each point.
Buying a SIM as a visitor
Yes. Since 1 March 2022 every SIM card, pre-paid included, must be real-name registered before activation; existing pre-paid cards had to be registered by 23 February 2023. Visitors register online by scanning a passport or other travel document and declaring that they hold no HKID and have used no other document. The limit is 10 pre-paid cards per individual per operator. A government proposal of July 2025 would cut this to 3 per operator and add new offences; the amendments were meant to go to the Legislative Council in 2026. No evidence that they were in force as of September 2026.
Source: ofca.gov.hk · web.three.com.hk · hongkongfp.com
Where to buy it
Prepaid tourist SIMs are sold in the airport arrival halls (7-Eleven, 1O1O and other shops) and at city convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle K. The card is registered online with the passport after it is inserted in the phone.
Source: hk-cityguide.com · web.three.com.hk
Getting a monthly contract as a resident
For SIM-only plans, China Mobile Hong Kong asks for an identity document, a payment method (Visa/Mastercard credit card or UnionPay) and a valid proof of address. Customers without an HKID may use an original valid travel document (BN(O) not accepted); HKID holders must register with their HKID.
Source: 1cm.hk.chinamobile.com · ofca.gov.hk
Scam calls and texts
Call the police Anti-Deception Coordination Centre's 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222. Suspicious phone numbers, websites and accounts can be checked with the police 'Scameter' tool (CyberDefender). Do-not-call: OFCA runs three Do-not-call Registers (pre-recorded telephone messages, SMS, fax); a number is registered by calling 1835000 from that number.
Source: adcc.gov.hk · cyberdefender.hk · ofca.gov.hk
WhatsApp and calling apps
None known for the public. The only documented restriction: since October 2024 civil servants may not use WhatsApp Web, WeChat or Google Drive on government work computers; mobile phones are exempt and the general public is not affected.
Source: hongkongfp.com
Checked on 28 September 2026 against the sources linked on each card (regulators, government portals and operators first). SIM and ID rules change often: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Staying connected in Hong Kong
With 365 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, almost everyone in Hong Kong has a mobile — a WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call is usually the easiest way in. Internet use is high (96 %), so app-to-app calls over Wi-Fi are a safe bet.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.
Free and premium numbers in Hong Kong
+852 800 123 456Free from inside Hong Kong (numbers starting with 800). From abroad these numbers are often unreachable or charged at the international rate.
+852 900 12 345 678Surcharged services — ranges starting with 900. Do not call back an unknown missed call from such a range: the cost is far above a normal call.
Number ranges: ITU-T national numbering plan for Hong Kong via Google libphonenumber.