General Information About Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR began as a sparsely populated island with a few fishing
villages. Today, Hong Kong SAR is one of the world's busiest commercial
and financial markets, as well as a major manufacturing centre and container
port. It is the global gateway to China and easily accessible to other
parts of the world. From the early days, when local clans fought for survival,
Hong Kong SAR's unique character has unfolded. Its determination to succeed
has emerged. The cultures and traditions of East and West, of ancient
and modern, are united in Hong Kong SAR, creating a dynamic and cosmopolitan
society.
Population
With a population of almost 7 million, of which 95% are Chinese, the official
languages are Cantonese and English, with a large percentage of the population
being bilingual. Cantonese is the most widely spoken local dialect and
Putonghua is increasingly being used. Street signs, menus and tourist
publications are bilingual.
Geography
Hong Kong SAR is a small territory of just 1,091 sq km, nestling on the
southern coast of China. It is made up of Hong Kong Island (78 sq km),
the Kowloon Peninsula (46 sq km), and the New Territories plus 260 outlying
islands (967 sq km).
Climate
Hong Kong SAR has a subtropical climate. Clear and sunny days are the
norm in autumn. The average temperature in September and October lies
between 18-28 °C (64-82 °F). Short sleeves and light jackets are
most suitable at this time of year.
Time Difference
Hong Kong SAR time is GMT plus 8 hours.
Food
Dining out in Hong Kong is a gourmet's delight, an exciting adventure
with a limitless choice of restaurants and dishes. There are more than
30,000 restaurants in Hong Kong SAR, providing visitors with a truly international
eating experience. Visitors will find restaurants offering cuisine of
regional China and spices of our Asian neighbours, as well as classic
dishes of continental Europe, and nouvelle and traditional cuisine of
North America. In Hong Kong SAR, seafood is a passion; only the best and
the freshest is offered. The range of restaurants is immense with high
standards.
Shopping
Hong Kong SAR is the shopping gateway of the world. Its diversity will
astonish even the most seasoned shopper. It is a haven for choice —
from fashion to furniture, antiques to jewellery, and cameras to computers.
The range of choice extends to the shopping environment and there are
designer boutiques and street stalls, classic shopping malls and frenetic
markets, modern art galleries and antique shops, which are open every
day of the week. Nothing could be simpler than shopping in Hong Kong SAR.
Tipping
Most restaurants add 10% service charge automatically and waiters also
expect to pick up loose change. Larger gratuities are expected when there
is no service charge. Small tips are common for bellboys, doormen and
cloakroom attendants. Taxi drivers also tend to pick up loose change as
a tip.
Currency Exchange/Credit Cards
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). It is pegged to the
US$ at approximately HK$7.8 to US$1. Most foreign currencies and traveller's
cheques can be changed at banks, money-changers, hotels and major retail
outlets. Banks usually offer the best exchange rate. 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. For some purchases, the cash
price may be lower than the credit card price.
Office and Banking Hours
Most offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays. Major banks are
open from 09:00 to 16:30 on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays.
Banking and ATM facilities are available within the Hong Kong Convention
and Exhibition Centre.
Security
The local police force has made the Hong Kong SAR one of the safest cities
in the world. However, delegates are advised to carry some form of identification
with a photograph at all times.
Electricity and Water
Local voltage is 220V at 50Hz. Adapters can be easily bought, and most
hotels have multi-voltage fittings for electric razors. All water direct
from government mains supply meets World Health Organization standards.
Bottled water is widely available.
Public Transport
Hong Kong SAR is geographically compact with plentiful metered taxis,
day and night, which are inexpensive; meters are clearly displayed. Excellent
public transportation in the form of buses, trams and the Mass Transit
Railway (MTR) is relatively cheap and frequent. The famous Star Ferry
operates from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central District and Wan Chai.
From Hong Kong SAR airport at Chek Lap Kok, you can reach Central District
by the Airport Express Line (AEL) in about 30 minutes. Hong Kong SAR's
fast, air-conditioned Airbus can also take you directly from the new Airport
terminal to convenient points including Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan
Chai, Causeway Bay, Taikoo Shing and Kowloon MTR Stations, which are close
to most major hotels. The Airbuses leave from the airport every 10 to
15 minutes and the fare ranges from HK$13 to HK$48.
In-town check-in facilities are available at Hong Kong AEL Station and
Kowloon AEL Station. Hotel shuttles run between major hotels on Kowloon
and Hong Kong Island, and the Hong Kong and Kowloon MTR Stations. Please
check with your hotel front desk for more information.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is within walking distance
of the Wan Chai MTR Station.
Airport Departure Tax
Passengers (12 years of age or older) must pay HK$120 on departure; Children
younger than 12 years are exempt from the tax. For more information about
visiting Hong Kong SAR, please visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board website:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong SAR
for a short-term stay ranging from 14 days to 3 months. If you need advice
on individual cases, please address your enquiries to:
- Any Chinese diplomatic and consular mission; or
- Immigration Department, HKSAR, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR
Tel: (852) 2824 6111
Fax: (852) 2877 7711
Web site: www.immd.gov.hk
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