Climate
Hong Kong’s climate is subtropical with distinct seasons. It is autumn when you visit Hong Kong in October. The average temperature is 23°C – 28°C and the relative humidity is at 75%. For the most updated information, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory.
Dial-a-Weather
You may dial 1878-200 and press ‘1’ for Cantonese, ‘2’ for Putonghua and '3' for English to check the latest situation.
Electricity
The voltage in Hong Kong is 220V, 50Hz. 3-rectangular-pin sockets are used and most hotels provide adaptors for electrical appliances.
Public Transport
Hong Kong is a compact city, getting around is quite easy. Fleets of taxis, buses, trams, ferries, complemented by the excellent Mass Transit Railway (MTR) underground system, will enable participants to travel between their hotels and other areas in the city, safely and conveniently.
Airport Express
Fare: HK$100/trip, HK$180/round trip. The Airport Express is a dedicated airport railway line providing fast and reliable service operating daily from 5:50 am to 1:15 am (last train departs from Airport or Hong Kong Station at 0:48 am) at 12-minute intervals. The train journey to or from downtown Hong Kong takes approximately 24 minutes.
Taxis
Rates start at HK$20.00 on flag fall (first 2 km) plus for every 200m onwards, HK$1.5 for meter fare below $72.5 and HK$1.0 for meter fare of HK$72.5 and above. Pay in HK$ only the fare shown on the meter plus any additional charges when applicable, e.g. luggage, tunnel tolls. Charges are displayed in the taxi. Passengers have to pay the two-way Cross-Harbour Tunnel Toll on cross-harbour trips.
Smoking Restrictions
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, including restaurants, karaoke lounges, malls, bars, clubs, nightclubs, bathhouses, massage establishments and mahjong-tin kau premises. Smoking is also banned in some outdoor areas, such as public beaches, swimming pools, transport interchanges and outside escalators, etc.
Travel and Tourism
For more information on Hong Kong, we recommend you to visit the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Water
Water runs direct from taps satisfies the United Nations World Health Organization standards. Bottled water is widely available in hotels, supermarkets and convenience stores.
Currency and Credit Cards
The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$). The Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of about US$1=HK$7.8, although the rate may fluctuate slightly. All major currencies and travellers' cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels or moneychangers with some handling charges. Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong and can be used to obtain cash advances at banks and automatic teller machines.
Emergencies
Emergency numbers
In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire extinguishing service and other emergency services by dialing 999.
Lost Passport
If you lose your passport, make a 'lost report' at the nearest police station (dial Police Hotline 2527 7177 for locations). Then contact your consulate to have your passport replaced.
Lost or Stolen Wallet
If your wallet or valuables are lost or stolen, please notify your hotel immediately and report to the police. Keep a separate record of your credit card number(s) and report the loss to your card issuer(s) as quickly as possible. Most issuers have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.
Safety
Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city by day and night. As in all big cities, avoid carrying large amount of cash. Make use of your hotel's safe for valuable items.
Shopping and Dining
The vast majority of shops are opening every day throughout the year while some only close during the Chinese New Year holiday. Generally, opening hours are 10am - 7pm. However, many stores in busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui stay open until 9:30pm or even later, particularly on weekends. Shops in Central close as early as 7pm.
Most restaurants stay open until 11pm or later, while some bars and clubs in trendy nightlife areas like Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui keep going through the night.
Time
The local time in Hong Kong is GMT + 8.
Departure Tax
The Air Passenger Departure Tax in Hong Kong is currently HK$120 for persons aged 12 and above, which is normally collected upon issue of tickets. Children under 12 years of age are not required to pay the tax.
Language
The official languages are Chinese and English, with Cantonese being the most widely spoken Chinese dialect. All major signage is in Chinese or bilingual. English is widely spoken in Hong Kong.
Sales Tax
There is no sales tax on goods and services in Hong Kong.
Telecommunications
Local calls from public telephones cost HK$1 per five minutes. International Direct Dialing (IDD) service is available in most hotels, usually at a charge. Stored-value phone cards enable you to make calls on public telephones. Internet access is available in some cafes in the city and is widely available in the business centres of most of the hotels. For visitors' convenience, free Wi-Fi service is available in some cultural venues, public libraries and the Hong Kong International Airport.
Tipping
Most restaurants will levy a 10% service charge, but waiters will expect tipping with the loose change. Bellboys, porters and washroom attendants will also expect modest tips.
