17 16 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. LIVING IN HONG KONG 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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