Setting up Phone contract

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    34

    Setting up Phone contract

    Hi everyone,

    Fresh off the boat!
    Apologies if this information has been posted before but I didn't find much from a quick scan through discussion headers.

    Simply put, how does one set up a mobile phone contract here? I was walking through the malls but did not find any phone shop. Do most people do this online? Also, are there providers you would recommend?

    Thanks a lot,
    MS


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Gold Coast Marina
    Posts
    17,862

    ? Which malls? They don't lurk in the fancy malls aimed at tourists and mainlanders, but the "normal malls" are full of them. Loads next to wan chai mtr exit A, for example or tuen mun town plaza (to cover the other end, you didn't say where you were).
    You can buy a prepaid SIM in 7-11's and activate, port your number when you get a final contract.
    The shops are easiest, nothing online and phone support is dire.


  3. #3

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    2,849

    I would think that most if not all telecom companies have a store locator on their website. And very often you'll find all the companies run stores next to each other on the typical hotspots (in other words, you only need to find one to have them all). The mall downstairs has PCCW, 3, vodaphone, China Mobile and maybe one or two more in adjacent shops.


  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    34

    Hey guys, thank you so much. I actually checked out the malls in ICC and Olympic, which is close to where I am. You are right - they don't set up shop in the new fancy malls.
    A prepaid card is probably the best way to get around this for the weekend.


  5. #5

    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    131

    Hold on to your prepaid card and shop around a bit. There are plenty of sales guys on the streets willing to sell you a contract with a phone thrown in. Your prepaid card phone number is actually portable (transferable) when you get a contract deal.

    You can use this wikipedia list to google for their contact info. e.g. I was able to locate the PCCW sale hotline: 2888 0008, 4.

    Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with PCCW other than I signed a contract with them. $69 a month voice+vmail only, 24 months. I hear that with other companies, 12 month is more than available but I didn't know at the time. Kind of kicking myself now.


  6. #6

    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    34

    hey ClueMinus, thank you - that was really nifty advice.
    I'm still on my prepaid and it is good to know that I have options easily available.
    Cheers!