1. Customs/ Immigration

Departing and transit visitors should note that enhanced security measures are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors are reminded not to carry any sharp objects with a point or blade such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades, or household cutlery in carry-on luggage. Pack them in check-in baggage. From 21 March 2007, restrictions will also apply to carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, which must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and placed in a single (maximum one per passenger) transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre.

For more information, please visit http://www.cad.gov.hk/english/NSM.html  for details.

2. Currency

Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Coins, issued by the government, are bronze-colored for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; silver-colored for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10. Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10.

The exchange rate for HK$ to US$ is around US$1 = HK$7.78 subjected to frustration.

All major banks in Hong Kong have foreign exchange counters. In general, shops in Hong Kong do not accept other currency as payment for goods and services, except some also accept RMB.

3. Banks/ ATMs/ Credit Cards

Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. They close on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere and some HSBC "Electronic Money" machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and travelers’' cheques at the Express Cash ATMs in town.

Many shops in Hong Kong accept both VISA and Mastercard. American Express is also accepted in most shops.

4. GST

NO goods and services tax is charged in Hong Kong.

5. Opening Hours

Normal office hours are 9am-5pm on weekdays, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. Major banks are open 9am-4:30pm on weekdays, and 9am-12:30pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

The vast majority of shops are open every day throughout the year, some only closing 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.

With effect from 1 July 2006, the HKSAR Government is adopting a five-day work week for civil servants. Operating standards are being maintained through extended hours for certain weekday counter services and use of alternative means of government dealings. Emergency and essential services are not affected.

6. Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, including restaurants, karaokes, malls and some bars as well as some outdoor areas (public beaches and swimming pools, transport interchanges and outside escalators, etc).

See http://www.tco.gov.hk/english/legislation/legislation_sa.html  for the List of no-smoking locations.

7. Alcohol

The legal drinking age in Hong Kong is 18. You may be asked to present either a photo driver’s license or a valid passport as proof of age and identification.

8. Safety

Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city day or night. Police officers patrol frequently and they are very helpful. To ensure that your stay is a pleasant one and hassle free, please pay attention to the following points:

• Keep your money, valuables and travel documents in a safe place, like the hotel room safe;

• Attend to your belongings especially when you are in a crowded place;

• Beware of people making dubious offers and those who may try to distract you and take away your belongings; and

• Be wary of people offering gambling or investment opportunities

9. Health

Upon arrival, you will have your temperature taken when you pass through immigration. These measures enable visitors to have an enjoyable and healthy stay in Hong Kong. Join hands to create a healthy and hygienic environment.

Like many international cities, Hong Kong has world-class hospitals providing outstanding care. Visitors are required to pay $570 if they use the Accident and Emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals. The Hong Kong Government assures visitors they will receive the emergency care they require. People who cannot pay immediately will be billed later.

10. Languages

Chinese and English are the official languages. Most people in shops, restaurants and hotels speak some English.

11. Telephones

Local private landline calls are free and cost only HK$1 for five minutes from public telephones. Using your mobile phone in Hong Kong is convenient as most of the telephone systems used around the globe – like GSM 900, PCS 1800, CDMA and WCDMA – operate in Hong Kong.

If you decide not to bring your mobile phone with you, you can always rent a mobile phone when you arrive in Hong Kong at the international airport.

12. International Calling

To make an international call in Hong Kong you must dial 001 or, if you use a stored-value IDD calling card purchased in Hong Kong, another prefix as shown in the dialing instructions provided with the card.

12. Time/ Day

Hong Kong Time is +8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

When writing dates in short-form we write the day before the month. Hence the format is dd/mm/yyyy.

13. Climate

− Subtropical, Hong Kong enjoys seasonal weather changes.
− Late September to early December (18-28oC, 64-82oF)
− The temperate difference is quite high between the day time and the evening also the
indoor and outdoor.

14. Electricity

The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug (Please see below diagram). You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.

15. Tipping

Tipping is not a must in HK, for taxi, we usually round up the last figure; restaurant, we usually round up the last two figures. Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.