The Hong Kong Apple Store now has the iPhone 3G for purchase and appears you don't need a contract with 3?
"iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation."
Looks like Hong Kong is the only Apple Store with that statement.
"iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation."

Looks like Hong Kong is the only Apple Store with that statement.