Visa
Any foreign visitors wishing to enter Hong Kong, P. R. China must have a valid passport and obtain a Hong Kong visa before coming. But people of several countries who want to visit Hong Kong temporarily are permitted to enter without a visa according to visa-exemption agreements. For more detailed information, please click here.
Weather
Temperature in mid-May is around 23C (73F) to 28C (78F), humidity around 82%. Shirtsleeves, cotton clothing, a sweater for indoors and an umbrella for outside are suggested.
Business Hour
Usual working hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays (Mon. to Fri.) and 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat. Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00
p.m. including Sundays.
Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat.
Credit Card
Major international credit cards are accepted at most hotels, department stores, restaurants, and shops. Restaurants and shops generally display what cards they accept.
Currency
The currency unit is the Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations. A rough estimate of the exchanged rate is 7.8 HKD to 1 US dollar.
Electricity
Hong Kong uses 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. Regarding the shape of outlet, Hong Kong use 'UK three-pin square sockets' type. Please check up your plug and prepare adapter.
Time Zone
Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and does not have daylight saving time.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 per cent
may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic, 10 per
cent is acceptable. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys,
doormen and washroom attendants.
Airport Facilities
A baggage storage service is available in the departure hall and the arrival
hall. Other services include a bank, moneychangers, gift shops, duty-free shops,
snack bars, restaurants, payphones, a police station, post office, a HK Telecom
International Ltd. Office, HKTA Information Centres and private reception rooms.
Safety
Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city by day or night. Policemen are
very helpful, and those who speak English wear a red label under their shoulder
badge. As in all big cities, avoid carrying large amounts of cash; traveller's
cheques or credit cards are preferable. Make use of your hotel's safe-deposit
boxes.