Thank you for all the help. One more naive question, do the retail stores where we would purchase the phone also offer contracts with different carriers for comparison? Or, do we buy the phone then hunt up a carrier?

Thanks christep for the warning - no problems with understanding requirements for work permit, residency, etc. Family member is a young adult who chooses to use current meager salary on items other than data plans for smart phone. Smart phone not necessary for work - does fine with basic phone, computer, Ipad and WIFI. Bank of Mom and Dad support the decision to be prudent in phone costs. This may not be possible in Hong Kong, will revise phone practice as required.