I feel it is more to do with a marketing initiative than anything else.
Such deep discount contracts are typically two or three year no-exit contracts that offer a deep discount on the first year to lock you in at full price over the next two years. So the cost for Physical over a three-year period is typically between 20-30% on the rack rate.
Physical won't be able to pursue you for your dues if you are a non-PR and leave HK after a year, hence the reluctance. I would advise going to a rolling one month contract with a local gym rather than a chain.
Remember the old adage -- If it's too good to be true, it is ................
I wanted to get the answer from someone more knowledgeable. I’m fairly certain the answer is yes.
Is this legal? Can a business discriminated based on residency status?
@KowloonRun - been discussed above..
How could they pursue you? Physical typically makes you pay upfront. Any “financing” is done via your credit card company.
In my last negotiation with Physical the salesperson said , yes, you can by the month. I asked how. They told me to call my CC company. I asked why I would pay interest for three years for the ability to pay by the month. They looked sheepish.