Hong Kong is the land of the mobile phone. Everybody here, from toddlers to grannies, has at least one, and while you don't necessarily need the latest model, owning one does make life considerably more convenient. There's no limit to your choices, with a number of providers offering inexpensive services, some including GPRS and 3G. To call home, shop around for a good deal that includes International Direct Dial, or purchase a phone card at 7-11 convenience stores (you needn't go far for either, there are outlets everywhere). If you have a tri-band phone with a SIM card, you should be able to use your existing phone in Hong Kong; if not, you can purchase new or second-hand sets at a low cost.

In this technology-happy culture, does it surprise you that Hong Kong is second only to Korea in broadband Internet connections? Even the outlying islands are hooked up, and most areas can receive broadband television as well.

For good old-fashioned landlines, there's one main provider (PCCW) that also does broadband Internet. Local calls are free. When making overseas calls, buy a phone card or set up a plan with the company in advance - you should be calling your family to tell them what a great time you're having, not for money to pay the phone bill!