100% or at least if what the noramal amount should be isnt known, just pass on the 1st couple of cabs to get a feel. But in HK as in some other places if they wont turn on the meter and Im not sure of the proper cost Id just wave them on. If I know the amount and the cabbie is asking pretty close to that amount then that can work as well.

I always feel something isnt right if they wont put on the meter. Its also good to know apx the way they should be driving least they take the round about way to get to ones destination and run up the meter.

Sorry OP I have no idea why you agreed to pay that price and went with that cab, knowing you were being ripped off. Maybe if you were running extremely late and had to be somewhere and there werent any other cabs passing by for the past 5-10 mins, I could understand having no choice. But not in this case