About Hong Kong
Hotel quarantine is lifted for Hong Kong. However, you need to wear a mask on public areas and transport. Check here for details about procedure for entering into Hong Kong. |
Hong Kong is a vibrant city renowned for great attractions and varied activities. It has amazing skyline, splendid shopping areas and beautiful natural parks.
LOCATION
Situated at the mouth of the Pearl River on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, covering an area of 1,104 sq. km. Running up to the boundary with Mainland China, the New Territories contains 262 outlying islands, including Lantau where the airport is located.
VISA REQUIREMENT
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most immigration-friendly cities as travelers from some 170 countries and territories enjoy visa-free access to the city for stays of between seven and 180 days. However, all visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong. For further details of visa requirements, please check with the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
WEATHER
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. For more information about the Hong Kong weather, please visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.
MONEY
Currency
The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.70 HKD to 1 USD. Currency for Hong Kong dollars can be exchanged at authorised money exchangers in town, or at the Hong Kong International Airport, where the currency exchange counters are open from early morning to late at night. 24-hour automated teller machines are also conveniently located throughout the territory.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Diners Club are also widely acceptable at hotels, retail shops and restaurants.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION
Most hotels provide broadband Internet access or wifi. Free wifi is also available from MTR stations, Hong Kong International Airport .
There are also free wifi hotspots across the city in locations such as major tourist attractions, shopping malls, museums, government buildings which offer wireless internet connection completely free or free for a period of time.
ELECTRICITY
The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts, but you will need a transformer for any appliance or electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-type plug. Inexpensive adaptors can be bought at supermarkets or grocery stores in Hong Kong.
BUSINESS HOURS
The normal office hours in Hong Kong are 9am – 5pm or longer on weekdays, and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. Major banks are open 9am – 4:30pm on weekdays, 9am – 12:30pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Most retail shops open every day throughout the year and some only close during the Chinese New Year holiday. Generally, shops open from 10am to7pm. Shops in business districts like Central close as early as 7pm, while shops in some busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui stay open until 10pm or even later, particularly on weekends.
Majority of the restaurants, especially those in busy retail areas, stay open until 11pm or later, while some bars and clubs in areas such as Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui keep going through the night.
LANGUAGES
Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong, and all official documents and signs are bilingual. Over 88% of the people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, though English is also widely used in the Government and by the legal, professional and business sectors as well as tourist areas. Most people in the retail and servicing industries are able to communicate in English.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Taxis: A taxi ride from the Hong Kong International Airport to the Tsim Sha Tsui costs around HK$ 400 and takes approximately 40 minutes. Urban taxis are red and the current rates are HK$24 for the first two kilometers and HK$1.70 for each additional 0.2 kilometer travelled. Additional charges for waiting time, luggage and tolls may apply. Further information is available from the Hong Kong Transport Department.
Airport Express: Airport Express is the fastest train service connecting the Hong Kong International Airport and downtown Hong Kong. Trains depart every 12-minutes from 0550 to 0115 hours daily, with the last train leaving the Airport Station at 0048 hours. The Airport Express takes 20 minutes to Kowloon and 24 minutes to Central. A complimentary connecting bus service to major hotels is provided for Airport Express passengers. Passengers can also enjoy free porter service at all Airport Express stations.
To learn more, please visit http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/tf_index.html
Mass Transit Railway (MTR): MTR is the main public transportation in the urban area. You can plan your trip with MTR Trip Planner from MTR website.
Bus: There are a number of public buses companies operating around the city. Check out the Transport Department website for details.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION ON HONG KONG
More information about visiting Hong Kong is available from the government GOVHK website.
BEYOND HONG KONG
Hong Kong is also a perfect starting point to the Pearl River Delta and other cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai. Check out Hong Kong Tourism Board website for details.