Population and Language Electricity
Climate Water
Local Time Sales Tax
Passport and Visa Tipping
Health Business, Banking & Post Office Hours
Safety Medical Services
Currency/Credit card Insurance and Liability
Public Transport To and From the Airport
Telecommunication Airport Departure Tax

Population and Language
With a population of almost 7 million people, of which 95% are Chinese, the official languages are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken local dialect while the popularity of Putonghua is growing. Street signs and menus are generally bilingual. English is also widely spoken especially in shops, hotels and service industries.

Climate
Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with seasonal changes. November is one of the best months to visit Hong Kong, when temperatures are pleasant at 19oC to 24oC, the humidity drops to 60%, and blue skies and sunshine are the norm. A long range weather forecast is available at www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/f5d.htm.

Local Time
Local time in Hong Kong is GMT+8 hours, Eastern Standard Time +13 hours, and Pacific Standard Time+16 hours.

Passport and Visa
Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a liberal visa policy, allowing visa-free entry to nationals of more than 170 countries. For country-specific visa information, please visit www.info.gov.hk/immd/english/topical/e/1.htm For delegates from countries for which visas are required prior to entry into Hong Kong, please check with the closest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

For delegates travelling to other cities in China, an entry visa to China is required. Please obtain your visa from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate within your current place of residence. The travel documents must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of traveling. Travel Agents in Hong Kong can handle applications for visas to China during your stay in Hong Kong. The application usually takes 2 working days, and costs HK$300 (US$39).

Health
Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your health authority as requirements can change without notice.

Safety
Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, day or night. However, as in all big cities, avoid carrying large amount of cash and make use of your hotel's safe box for valuables.

Currency/Credit card
The local currency is Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of US$1 = HK$7.8. Most foreign currencies and traveler's cheques are easily exchanged in Hong Kong at banks, hotels or moneychangers with some handling charges. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong dollar notes are available in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 denominations. Coins come in 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, $2, $5 and $10 denominations.

All major credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit card provider if additional charges are imposed on credit card payment. It can be used to obtain cash advances at banks and ATMs, which are found almost everywhere and provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$).

Public Transport
Hong Kong is so compact that getting around is quick and easy. An efficient public transport system - networks of underground trains (MTR) and railways (KCR), trams, buses and ferries enables visitors to explore Hong Kong on their own safely and conveniently. Metered taxis can easily be hailed on the street, if there is no nearby taxi rank, and fares are quite reasonable.

Telecommunication
Local calls from private phones are free. Local calls from public coin phones cost HK$1 (US$0.1) per 5 minutes. Most hotels provide International Direct Dialing (IDD) service but may charge an extra fee for local and/or IDD calls. Stored value phone cards that allow you to make calls on public card phones are available at the Information Counter of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Tourism Board Information and Gift Centres and most convenience stores. The normal prefix for making overseas calls is "001" but the exact prefix varies with different phone cards. The country code for Hong Kong is "852".

Internet access is generally available in the business centres of most of the hotels and also be found in some of the cafes round the city. Some hotels offer in-room computer data ports for internet access.

Electricity
Local voltage is 220V at 50Hz. Transformers are required for electrical appliances using 110V. The plug/socket system is a 3 pin rectangular type. Both transformers and adaptors may be provided by the hotel, or can easily be bought locally.

Water
Tap water meets the standard of the United Nations World Health Organization. Bottled water is widely available in hotels, supermarkets and convenience stores.

Sales Tax
No sales tax is imposed on goods and services in Hong Kong.

Tipping
Most major restaurants add a 10% service charge, but you are still expected to leave a tip of between 5-10%, depending on how well you feel you have been treated. Taxi drivers tend to round up the fare to the nearest dollar and if not, will appreciate a little extra. Bellboys, porters and washroom attendants will also expect a small tip.

Business, Banking & Post Office Hours
Generally, most offices open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Lunch hour is usually between 1pm to 2 pm. Major banks are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing. Most shops and department stores open daily (including Sundays) from 10 am to 9 pm.

Post offices operate from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Hong Kong Post provides an efficient, inexpensive and reliable postal service. Stamp vending machines are available at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Medical Services
Hong Kong has an excellent health care system, and both government and private facilities are widely available. Many hotels have a doctor on call 24 hours for emergency treatment.

Insurance and Liability
The organizer does not accept responsibility for any individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. You are advised to secure your own insurance policies as necessary.

To and From the Airport

Hong Kong International Airport
(www.hkairport.com) is one of the world's largest and most modern airports. Situated at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island, there are several transport options for getting into the city.

 

Airport Express
This dedicated airport train provides a fast reliable and frequent service to the city, arriving in Kowloon in 19 minutes and Hong Kong's Central Station in just 23 minutes. An adult round trip ticket, valid for one month, costs HK$180 (US$23), and a one way ticket is HK$100 (US$13). Trains run every 10 minutes from 5:55 am to 12:45 am daily. FREE shuttle-bus services are available between major hotels and both Hong Kong and Kowloon stations.

Hotel Link shuttle buses
Hotel shuttle buses are available at the Ground Transportation Centre Limousine Waiting Lounge. If you have a hotel booking which includes airport transfer, the Hong Kong Hotel Association Hotel Reservation Centre can be found inside the Buffer Hall immediately after the Customs area, or look for the Hotel Pick-up Counters in the Meeters & Greeters Hall. If you have not organized transportation, Hotel Pick-up Counter staff can advise and direct you to the transportation of your choice. It runs every 30 minutes to and from the airport and the fares are:

  • from Airport to Hotel: HK$140
  • from Hotel to Airport: HK$100

    Airbus (CityFlyer)
    These have several routes covering the whole territory. Buses leave every 15-25 minutes with fewer stops than conventional buses. The fare is around HK$45 (US$6) for the 50 minute trip to Hong Kong Island.

    Taxis
    Metered taxis can be taken to almost any destination in Hong Kong, and are readily available from the taxi pick-up area. The flagfall is HK$16.00 (US$2) and HK$1.40 (US$0.2) every additional 250 metres. Taxis only accept HK dollars, and extra charges are incurred for baggage and tunnel tolls. Hong Kong Island passengers pay the two-way Cross-Harbour tunnel toll. A typical journey from the airport to the Central costs about HK$330 (US$42) and takes 40 minutes, and the fare to Tsim Sha Tsui is HK$270 (US$35) and takes 30 minutes. Travel times are approximate, and are dependant on traffic conditions.

    Airport Departure Tax
    All adult passengers must pay an Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) of HK$120 (US$16) - children under 12-year-old are exempt. This is usually included in the price of your ticket.
    Note: Always allow sufficient time (around 2 hours) for Immigration and Customs clearance. Airline departures and arrivals will not be announced. Flight information display boards and monitors are located throughout the airport.


    For more tourist information about Hong Kong, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com

    Disclaimer: All information provided here is for reference only and is subject to change without notice. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the above information is accurate, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

    Population and Language
    With a population of almost 7 million people, of which 95% are Chinese, the official languages are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken local dialect while the popularity of Putonghua is growing. Street signs and menus are generally bilingual. English is also widely spoken especially in shops, hotels and service industries.

    Climate
    Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with seasonal changes. November is one of the best months to visit Hong Kong, when temperatures are pleasant at 19oC to 24oC, the humidity drops to 60%, and blue skies and sunshine are the norm. A long range weather forecast is available at www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/f5d.htm.

    Local Time
    Local time in Hong Kong is GMT+8 hours, Eastern Standard Time +13 hours, and Pacific Standard Time+16 hours.

    Passport and Visa
    Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a liberal visa policy, allowing visa-free entry to nationals of more than 170 countries. For country-specific visa information, please visit www.info.gov.hk/immd/english/topical/e/1.htm For delegates from countries for which visas are required prior to entry into Hong Kong, please check with the closest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

    For delegates travelling to other cities in China, an entry visa to China is required. Please obtain your visa from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate within your current place of residence. The travel documents must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of traveling. Travel Agents in Hong Kong can handle applications for visas to China during your stay in Hong Kong. The application usually takes 2 working days, and costs HK$300 (US$39).

    Health
    Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your health authority as requirements can change without notice.

    Safety
    Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, day or night. However, as in all big cities, avoid carrying large amount of cash and make use of your hotel's safe box for valuables.

    Currency/Credit card
    The local currency is Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of US$1 = HK$7.8. Most foreign currencies and traveler's cheques are easily exchanged in Hong Kong at banks, hotels or moneychangers with some handling charges. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong.

    Hong Kong dollar notes are available in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 denominations. Coins come in 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, $2, $5 and $10 denominations.

    All major credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit card provider if additional charges are imposed on credit card payment. It can be used to obtain cash advances at banks and ATMs, which are found almost everywhere and provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$).

    Public Transport
    Hong Kong is so compact that getting around is quick and easy. An efficient public transport system - networks of underground trains (MTR) and railways (KCR), trams, buses and ferries enables visitors to explore Hong Kong on their own safely and conveniently. Metered taxis can easily be hailed on the street, if there is no nearby taxi rank, and fares are quite reasonable.

    Telecommunication
    Local calls from private phones are free. Local calls from public coin phones cost HK$1 (US$0.1) per 5 minutes. Most hotels provide International Direct Dialing (IDD) service but may charge an extra fee for local and/or IDD calls. Stored value phone cards that allow you to make calls on public card phones are available at the Information Counter of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Tourism Board Information and Gift Centres and most convenience stores. The normal prefix for making overseas calls is "001" but the exact prefix varies with different phone cards. The country code for Hong Kong is "852".

    Internet access is generally available in the business centres of most of the hotels and also be found in some of the cafes round the city. Some hotels offer in-room computer data ports for internet access.

    Electricity
    Local voltage is 220V at 50Hz. Transformers are required for electrical appliances using 110V. The plug/socket system is a 3 pin rectangular type. Both transformers and adaptors may be provided by the hotel, or can easily be bought locally.

    Water
    Tap water meets the standard of the United Nations World Health Organization. Bottled water is widely available in hotels, supermarkets and convenience stores.

    Sales Tax
    No sales tax is imposed on goods and services in Hong Kong.

    Tipping
    Most major restaurants add a 10% service charge, but you are still expected to leave a tip of between 5-10%, depending on how well you feel you have been treated. Taxi drivers tend to round up the fare to the nearest dollar and if not, will appreciate a little extra. Bellboys, porters and washroom attendants will also expect a small tip.

    Business, Banking & Post Office Hours
    Generally, most offices open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Lunch hour is usually between 1pm to 2 pm. Major banks are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing. Most shops and department stores open daily (including Sundays) from 10 am to 9 pm.

    Post offices operate from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Hong Kong Post provides an efficient, inexpensive and reliable postal service. Stamp vending machines are available at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

    Medical Services
    Hong Kong has an excellent health care system, and both government and private facilities are widely available. Many hotels have a doctor on call 24 hours for emergency treatment.

    Insurance and Liability
    The organizer does not accept responsibility for any individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. You are advised to secure your own insurance policies as necessary.

    To and From the Airport

    Hong Kong International Airport
    (www.hkairport.com) is one of the world's largest and most modern airports. Situated at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island, there are several transport options for getting into the city.

     

    Airport Express
    This dedicated airport train provides a fast reliable and frequent service to the city, arriving in Kowloon in 19 minutes and Hong Kong's Central Station in just 23 minutes. An adult round trip ticket, valid for one month, costs HK$180 (US$23), and a one way ticket is HK$100 (US$13). Trains run every 10 minutes from 5:55 am to 12:45 am daily. FREE shuttle-bus services are available between major hotels and both Hong Kong and Kowloon stations.

    Hotel Link shuttle buses
    Hotel shuttle buses are available at the Ground Transportation Centre Limousine Waiting Lounge. If you have a hotel booking which includes airport transfer, the Hong Kong Hotel Association Hotel Reservation Centre can be found inside the Buffer Hall immediately after the Customs area, or look for the Hotel Pick-up Counters in the Meeters & Greeters Hall. If you have not organized transportation, Hotel Pick-up Counter staff can advise and direct you to the transportation of your choice. It runs every 30 minutes to and from the airport and the fares are:

    from Airport to Hotel: HK$140
    from Hotel to Airport: HK$100

    Airbus (CityFlyer)
    These have several routes covering the whole territory. Buses leave every 15-25 minutes with fewer stops than conventional buses. The fare is around HK$45 (US$6) for the 50 minute trip to Hong Kong Island.

    Taxis
    Metered taxis can be taken to almost any destination in Hong Kong, and are readily available from the taxi pick-up area. The flagfall is HK$15.00 (US$2) and HK$1.40 (US$0.2) every additional 250 metres. Taxis only accept HK dollars, and extra charges are incurred for baggage and tunnel tolls. Hong Kong Island passengers pay the two-way Cross-Harbour tunnel toll. A typical journey from the airport to the Central costs about HK$330 (US$42) and takes 40 minutes, and the fare to Tsim Sha Tsui is HK$270 (US$35) and takes 30 minutes. Travel times are approximate, and are dependant on traffic conditions.

    Airport Departure Tax
    All adult passengers must pay an Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) of HK$120 (US$16) - children under 12-year-old are exempt. This is usually included in the price of your ticket.
    Note: Always allow sufficient time (around 2 hours) for Immigration and Customs clearance. Airline departures and arrivals will not be announced. Flight information display boards and monitors are located throughout the airport.


    For more tourist information about Hong Kong, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com

    Disclaimer: All information provided here is for reference only and is subject to change without notice. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the above information is accurate, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.