[keto1]

I had quite major internet withdrawal recently when I was without any internet in my hotel room due to the exorbitant charge for internet service (HKD$280 per day for my hotel room at Regal Riverside Hotel).

I then noticed that Hong Kong doesnt have many internet cafes. In fact, I only know of two- one in Mong Kok, and one is Tsim Sha Sui. Both were quite far from my hotel too.


This was quite surprising, given most cities I know, like Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, Phuket all have many internet cafes around.

Now, I know many people get internet as part of their hotel room facilities, and many people bring laptops, or mobile phones and use wi-fi. But most people can do that worldwide.

Since Hong Kong is a major tourist city, I assume lack of internet cafes means lack of demand.

So my question to you fellow travellors and longer stayers is:

Do you use internet cafes often? Or do you know people who do?

[Alby]

The hotel you were staying at does not have any internet cafe nearby however in other areas in Shatin and elsewhere there are loads throughout the city.

[MrMoo]

The Internet isn't that popular in Hong Kong because locals prefer talking face to face, the place is so small you can easily visit all your friends. However it's slowly growing in popularity, with free and subscriber WiFi points available in many areas around Hong Kong. For example if you signup with PCCW you can access WiFi from almost every public telephone box, Starbucks, and the MTR.

Megabox has Wifi throughout the shopping area and even extra networks provided by restaurants.

I was surprised on a trip to JiangXi that even the el cheapo hotels there are well equipped. Each room has a modern desktop computer with oodles of software, music and a good Internet connection.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by MrMoo

The Internet isn't that popular in Hong Kong because locals prefer talking face to face

What a ridiculous statement. Hong Kong has one of the highest penetration rates of broadband internet in the world.

[jaykay]

From Regal Riverside just take the bus to New Town Plaza in Sha Tin and on the 6th floor you have Pacific Coffee with terminals as well as a few other restaurants / cafe's. Some bars offer internet browsing and machines and other offer free wi-fi. Dead easy to browse if you want.

[Claire ex-ax]

Echo...

Do you use internet cafes?

[MrMoo]

Originally Posted by PDLM

What a ridiculous statement. Hong Kong has one of the highest penetration rates of broadband internet in the world.

and yet there are very few Internet cafes and hardly any retail is done online. Outside of Trade Link I don't think much business is done online either.

[PDLM]

Why would there be internet cafes when everyone has internet at home? Surely you need internet cafes in markets where people don't have internet at home?

And Wellcome/Pns seem to do a fair few deliveries round my way, which I assume are ordered online, for example.

[MrMoo]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Why would there be internet cafes when everyone has internet at home? Surely you need internet cafes in markets where people don't have internet at home?

There are two markets for Internet cafes, one is tourists, Easy Internet in Amsterdam is a perfect example. The second is locals who either cannot afford their own equipment, don't have the room, or simply don't want the hassle of setting it up, primary example are the gaming rooms around Seoul and South Korea.

And Wellcome/Pns seem to do a fair few deliveries round my way, which I assume are ordered online, for example.

All the super markets offer delivery service, often free, after you have bought the goods in store.

[timklip]

Originally Posted by keto1

I had quite major internet withdrawal recently when I was without any internet in my hotel room due to the exorbitant charge for internet service (HKD$280 per day for my hotel room at Regal Riverside Hotel).

I then noticed that Hong Kong doesnt have many internet cafes. In fact, I only know of two- one in Mong Kok, and one is Tsim Sha Sui. Both were quite far from my hotel too.


This was quite surprising, given most cities I know, like Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, Phuket all have many internet cafes around.

Now, I know many people get internet as part of their hotel room facilities, and many people bring laptops, or mobile phones and use wi-fi. But most people can do that worldwide.

Since Hong Kong is a major tourist city, I assume lack of internet cafes means lack of demand.

So my question to you fellow travellors and longer stayers is:

Do you use internet cafes often? Or do you know people who do?

I live here and have my own home connection, but when I'm out, I'll surf at Pacific Coffee (for free), my local bakery/cafe (also free) or even in some MTR stations if I'm in a hurry...why would I pay for it? I don't know anyone who uses an internet cafe