Page 18 - HKUST Student Guide 2022

LIVING IN HONG KONG
TELECOMMUNICATION
Mobile Phone
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card or a Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM
card which offers free local calls, free WiFi, bundles of mobile data, as well as
affordable international calls and SMS messages. Before purchasing one, you
should check carefully the validity of the prepaid cards as it varies from days
to months. They are available at the airport as well as at major convenience
stores.
Once settled, you may consider subscribing to a monthly plan offered by a
local mobile phone network provider to enjoy reasonable rates.
Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/get-online.html
Choice of Service Providers
https://www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/operators_information/
telecommunications_services_providers/index.html
WiFi
WiFi are widely available in Hong Kong. Usually, you will be able to access
free wifi in Hong Kong International Airports, major tourist attractions, MTR
stations, parks and gardens, sports venues, museums, shopping malls and
restaurants.
Wi-FI.HK App
App store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wi-fi-hk/id899066359?ls=1
Google play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wtia.
wifihk&hl=en
GETTING AROUND
Public Transportation System
Hong Kong’s public transportation system is considered to be world-class
in terms of its management and efficiency. Once you are oriented, getting
around by public transportation is relatively easy. As a general rule, the Mass
Transit Railway (MTR) is always a safe bet for traveling efficiently. This is
especially so during peak hours when roadways can become congested.
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Taxi Service
Taxis running in the city are red in color, while those in the New Territories
are green and those on Lantau Island are blue. Red taxis can travel anywhere
(except South Lantau Island), while the green and blue taxis can operate
only within their respective areas. All taxis are metered, and you should refer
to the meter for the exact charge. Taxi fare information is listed on the inside
of the taxi, or available from the Hong Kong Transport Department’s website.
Charges in addition to the meter charge may include a tunnel toll if the
journey passes through paid tunnels and there will be a luggage fee of HK$6
per piece.
Passengers are required by law to wear a seatbelt, when available, whether
sitting in the front or rear. Foreign currencies, credit cards or Octopus cards
are not normally accepted. Tipping is not necessary except for rounding
to the nearest dollar. All taxis can travel to and from the Hong Kong
International Airport.
If you encounter any problems with the taxi service, such as possible
overcharging, take down the taxi driver’s name and license plate number as
shown on the Taxi Driver Identity Sign on the cab’s dashboard to lodge your
complaint.
MONEY MATTERS
Banking
Most international banks have branches in Hong Kong. On campus, there are
two banks: Hang Seng Bank and Bank of China.
Electronic Payment
ATMs are widespread in Hong Kong. Most terminals are linked to
international money systems, including Cirrus, Maestro, Plus, Visa Electron,
UnionPay, as well as the Visa and MasterCard credit systems. However, you
should note that there are two ATM systems in Hong Kong: one is linked to
the Bank of China and its partners, and the other is used by HSBC and other
international banks. You may be charged a fee if you use an ATM machine
operating on a system not linked to your bank.
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