The people of Hong Kong use both cell phones and landlines, but cell phones in Hong Kong are much more common. Hong Kong has the highest number of cell phones per capita in the world. By the end of 2012, there were 16,685,000 public mobile subscribers including SIM cards. This equates to approximately 2 cell phones per person.
Landlines in Hong Kong are similar to landlines in North America in that many people no longer use them. With the heavy integration of cell phones in Hong Kong, landlines, more specifically pay phones, have become obsolete. However, it is still acceptable in Hong Kong to enter a place of business and ask to use the landline.
Store owners are also willing to let people use the phone with the hope the person will end up buying something within the store.
