Public Phones
Of course, mobile phones are the (only) way to go nowadays! So, see our mobile phone article.
However, if you have access problems, you might be able to make calls from small shops, kiosks and newsagents. They sometimes have phones on shelves for passers-by to use, sometimes outside, sometime inside. Just call the local number (sometimes international calls are not possible) and pay afterwards – they are metered inside the shop. But these are almost extinct due to the rise of mobile phones.
If you do happen to need and use these public phones, this is a reliable system and there is little chance of getting ripped-off. To make an international call you may have to buy an IP (International Phonecard). ‘IP’ cards can usually be bought from small shops that display a blue and white IP sign.
As you may have now guessed, public phone boxes/booths are not a thing anymore in China. Hong Kong may have a few left. It's an odd omission from the urban landscape.
