In places outside the US and Europe, how do I know if the standard is that one applies to a PhD program with a specific PhD advisor already in mind? Suppose I want to apply to PhD programs at a university outside of the US and Europe.

How do I know if most universities there follow what the US is doing or what Europe is doing?

Elaboration: How do I know if most schools in the country/state want students to first apply to schools before choosing an doctoral advisor (like in the US) or to first contact the faculty members of a particular schools looking for a doctoral advisor before applying to said schools (like in Europe)?

Example: The UK mostly follows Europe. I heard Hong Kong and Japan follow the US.
1) Find a school you want to apply to. 

2) Email the graduate admissions contact person in the department. 

3) In that email, ask politely. 

4) Say thank you.