Where to buy Cell Phones

coolie_15 · 17-02-2005, 04:19 PM

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum...so forgive me if this is a repetetive thread (the search function yielded little info in these threads).

Anyways, I'm basically looking to see where eveyone gets their cellphones. Now being relocated from the US, I want to move on up in the cellphone world, and get cutting edge, or at least closer to it.

1. Any recommendations on shopping for a cell phone (ie. stay away from Nathan Road? etc.)
2. Any particular shops?
3. Best Deals? Low Risk of being ripped off, or fakes?

I'm particularly wanting a Smartphone (ie. Treo 650).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

dicey · 17-02-2005, 04:48 PM

there's a cell phone mall in mong kok. take the mtr exit d2 and head towards the wang on building. should be there somewhere. it's (obviously) a mall full of cell phones so if you look closely you won't miss it.

some shops in there are also selling "grey imports". those are not fake models but made for the market in mainland china which means that you should ask and check (!) if the phone can be switch over to an english interface.

some functions of grey imports may not work properly in hong kong like WAP or other internet-functions.

airpiratehkg · 17-02-2005, 07:05 PM

I have a GSM phone. Just want to buy a new SIM.
Which is better over there pre paid or subscirption. Also who has best signal. Many companies tout thier service but I'd like to know the real situation.

sghkcn · 17-02-2005, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by airpiratehkg:

I have a GSM phone. Just want to buy a new SIM.
Which is better over there pre paid or subscirption. Also who has best signal. Many companies tout thier service but I'd like to know the real situation.

Subscription per minute rates are cheaper but there is a minimum contract of 12 months. If you don't have a HKID like me, then the service provider requires a HK$1,000 security deposit and a local address (not hotel address).

It's really up to you. If you are here for the short term then just get pre-paid.

I am using CSL (Cable & Wireless) and the signal strength is great.

sghkcn · 17-02-2005, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by coolie_15:

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum...so forgive me if this is a repetetive thread (the search function yielded little info in these threads).

Anyways, I'm basically looking to see where eveyone gets their cellphones. Now being relocated from the US, I want to move on up in the cellphone world, and get cutting edge, or at least closer to it.

1. Any recommendations on shopping for a cell phone (ie. stay away from Nathan Road? etc.)
2. Any particular shops?
3. Best Deals? Low Risk of being ripped off, or fakes?

I'm particularly wanting a Smartphone (ie. Treo 650).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Obviously, the reputable stores like Nokia store, PCCW or even Fortress have the highest prices.

I buy my phones from the dodgy looking ones because they are usually cheaper. e.g. my Sony Ericcson T630 for $1380 when it's selling for $1680 retail. Panasonic X100 for $1598 when it's selling for $2088 retail. I don't worry because they all come with warranties. It's just that with lower overheads and running costs they can afford to give you a better deal. Same situation in Singapore, KL and Shanghai.

Maybe if you want to feel safer, buy from the reputable stores - definitely no fakes or gray market imports.

KnowItAll · 18-02-2005, 08:46 AM

One of the best places that I've found is called "Mobile phone direct selling" center. They're all over the place, including Central and Sheung Wan. Have bought several phones from them.

Another very reputable place for online purchases is expansys.

http://www.expansys.com.hk