Overview
Lying at the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton), and is just south of the tropic of Cancer. 
The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 square kilometres, comprising Hong Kong Island (77.5 square kilometres); Kowloon (45.5 square kilometre); and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands (955 square kilometres).
Today Hong Kong has become a great international trading post, a powerful manufacturing base and one of the world’s largest financial centres.
Hong Kong is mainly composed of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
The Hong Kong Island is the most thriving place of the whole of Hong Kong and is also the seat of the Hong Kong Government bodies. On both sides of the streets, there are flourishing commercial towers and shopping centres, offices of the world famous financial bodies, shipping institutions and the headquarters of trade companies, and consulate of various countries and regions. The renowned Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay are all located here, which are Hong Kong’s main tourist area and residential quarters of the first class.
Kowloon is one of the centres of industrial and commercial activities. The Victoria Harbour, one of the three natural deep water harbours of the world is situated between the Kowloon Peninsula and the Hong Kong Island. By utilizing the excellent advantages, Hong Kong has gradually developed into one of the world shipping centres.
Hong Kong has the big city specials like smog, odour, 14 million elbows and an insane love of clatter. But it’s also efficient, hushed and peaceful: the transport network is excellent, the shopping centres are sublime, and the temples and quiet corners of parks are contemplative oases.
The best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting flummoxed and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi-Asian and Western elements. It’s about savouring new tastes, weaving through a human gridlock and humming some dumb Canto pop tune while slurping your noodles.
Languages
About 95 per cent of population is Chinese. Chinese and English are the two official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin, Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken. Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries, speak English.
Climate
- Spring (March to mid-May):
Temperature and humidity rising and jackets or sweaters are suggested. Average temperature is 23°C (73°F), humidity around 82%, sea temperature 22.3°C (72°F) - Summer (late May to mid-September):
Hot and humid, temperatures may rise upto 33°C (91°F) and humidity up to around 90%. Sleevless cotton clothing for indoors and an umbrella for outside suggested. The average temperature is around 28°C (82°F), humidity 80%, sea temperature 28°C (82°F) - Autumn (late September to early December):
Temperature and humidity drop with plenty of clear, sunny days. Sweaters and light jackets are suggested with average temperature 23°C (73°F), humidity 72% and sea temperature 17°C (63°F) - Winter (late December tp February):
Cool with low humidity requires for suits, light woollens and sometimes overcoats to be woren. Average temperature is 17°C (62°F), humidity 72% and sea temperature 17°C (63°F)
Electricity
The voltage in Hong Kong is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. Most hotels provide adaptors.
Drinking Water
Tap water is drinkable. It meets the United Nations World Health Organization standards. Bottled water is widely available in hotels and supermarkets.
Time zone
Hong Kong time is GMT plus 8 hours, which is the sam time as most places on mainland China.
Business hours
Regular office business hours are weekdays 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm. Major banks are open weekdays 9:00am-4:30pm, Saturdays 9:00am-12:30pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The vast majority of shops are open every day mostly between 10:00am-7:00pm. There are lots of exceptions as stores in busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui stay open even later, perhaps until 9:30pm.
Taxes
Taxes are assessed only on automobiles, gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol.
Air Passenger Departure Tax & Surcharges
All passengers age 12 and above departing Hong Kong International Airport must pay a HK$120 Air Passenger Departure Tax, which is normally included in the price of the airline ticket. Passengers who arrive and depart the same day from Hong Kong are exempt from the tax.
In order to maintain the current standards of safety, security and passenger services, passengers departing Hong Kong International Airport need to also pay a security charge of HK$33.
Postal services
The main post offices are on Hong Kong Island, next to the Star Ferry and in Kowloon at 10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Both are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. All post offices close on Sunday and public holidays.
Telephone services
Telephones in Hong Kong are advanced, economical and easy to use. Local calls are free, and many stores and restaurants offer the use of a telephone free of charge to the patrons.
Calls from public coin phones cost HK$1. Most hotels have International Direct Dialling (IDD) and some may charge a handling fee for local and/or international calls.
- The international dialing code for Hong Kong is 852.
- When making international calls to Hong Kong add 852 and omit the leading None.
- When making international calls from Hong Kong first dial 001+country code+area code+telephone number
Public telephones in Hong Kong vary depending on thier colour coding:
- Yellow telephones only for local calls: accepting 1 or 2 HKD coins
- Yellow telephones for international calls: accepting 1, 2 or 5 HKD coins
- Silver telephones: accepting 1-, 2- or 5- HKD coins
- Telephones accepting magnetic cards and coins for international calls
- Silver telephones accepting credit card and coins
- New telephones accepting magnetic card, credit card and coins.
Banks
Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. 
They close on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere and some HSBC “Electronic Money” machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and travellers’ cheques at the Express Cash ATMs in town.
When to go
October, November and most of December are the best months to visit Hong Kong as the skies are clear and the sun shines. The June to August heat/rain combo might push your endurance but there’s a lot of sunshine and, after all, it’s summer. Hotels tend to offer substantial discounts outside the high seasons of March-April and October-November. Travel can be difficult during Chinese New Year in late January/early February.
Where to stay
Hong Kong has on offer an abundance of hotels for every visitor and every budget. See our Hong Kong for detailed list of Hong Kong hotels and all the available specials.
Where to go
Millions of tourists flock to experience Hong Kong’s wonders every year. Hong Kong’s visitors seek out a wide range of natural, cultural and cosmopolitan attractions. The most popular tourists attractions are following:
- Victoria Peak
From the Peak’s summit, visitors can gaze down on the jungle of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour, where ferries and pleasure junks glide by. At night, the whole area becomes a dazzling spectacle of lights. It is the most enduring tourist attraction in Hong Kong, with the city’s oldest transport, the 112-year old Peak Tram and Hong Kong’s icon and most unusual building, Peak Tower. - Peak Tram
The Peak Tram is still the best way to get to the top of the Victoria Peak. It is a funicular railway that carves a steep 373-meter (about 1224 feet) swathe up the lush hillside. It started operating in 1888 and has, over the last century, served the city well. The track is about 1400 meters (4592 feet) long and runs along the shortest yet most scenic route to the Peak, taking about 7 minutes. The steepest incline, at May Road, is 27 degrees to the horizon. The Peak Tram is scheduled to run daily every 15 minutes, between 7:00am and midnight, including Sundays and public holidays. - Peak Tower
The Peak Tram pulls into the Peak Tower, the icon of Hong Kong, on its last stop. The Peak Tower sits at an elevation of over 396 meters (about 1299 feet) with a commanding view of the spectacular Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the New Territories. Commissioned in 1993 and completed in May of 1997, the tower is a centre of catering and amusement. The most spectacular attraction is the wonder hall, which is called “Believe it or not”. It is the unique chain museum in the world, constructed by Robert L. Ripley in 1930 which portrays the adventurous events experienced by Ripley. There are primitive forest, beauty taking sun bath, frenzied car, turning tunnel, shark aquarium, ultimate cruel torture, marvellous spectacles of human race and animals, complete works of tongue twister and mass media fun station etc. - Open Air Markets
This beautiful and fun open air bazaar livens up around 8pm in a frenzy of light, colour, and the happy, shopping crowds visiting and shopping in the hundreds of small stalls closely lining the street. These stalls have various goods for sale including causal clothing, jeans, neckties, mobile phones, clocks, watches, and many other items. This activity makes Temple Street a livelier and busier bazaar than other open markets in Hong Kong. The shopping here finishes around approximately 11pm. - Ocean Park
Ocean Park is one of the biggest entertainment complexes of its kind in Asia. Its reef aquarium, giant pandas, roller-coasters, Kid’s World and Discovery of the Ancient World combine to offer a fun-filled day. There are over 40 major attractions in this park - Marine Land
Upon entering this marvellous world, you’ll be mesmerized as the exciting mystery of the underwater world unfolds in front of you. Atoll Reef, the most popular attraction of Marine Land, provides a chance to view more than 2,000 fish. There are 250 species of fish; including an 80 year old, 6 foot long Giant Grouper. Atoll Reef also boasts the largest number of Napoleon fish to be found in any aquarium in the world. - Lowland gardens
The most important part of this area is the Hong Kong Jockey Club Hong Kong Giant Panda Habitat.
It opened on May 18, 1999 with an area of 2000 square meters (20 acres). This habitat provides Ocean Park guests a rare opportunity to visit a pair of giant pandas. An An and Jia Jia, were a gift bestowed by the Central Government to the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
The project provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about this endangered species, the survival problems they are facing and, more importantly, how we can help prevent the extinction of the giant pandas. In addition, the Butterfly House, Goldfish Pagoda and Dinosaur Discovery Trail, which takes you back to the pre-historic ages, are all worth visiting. These sights provide education on wild life conservation and help acquaint visitors with nature. - Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is one of the most accessible and picturesque beaches on the southRepulse Bay side of Hong Kong Island located south of Stanley, is famous for its long, broad beach, its clean water, fresh sand, calm tide and gentle waves, and its popularity with locals and visitors, especially in summer. It is the most representative bay in Hong Kong, and it was named after a pirate ship that used to sail here in the 19th century. Several open-air restaurants nearby specialize in the joys of wholesome barbecued food, including the freshest prawns, squid, fish and other seafood delicacies. Repulse Bay also offers a good selection of shopping and entertainment facilities such as Life Guard Club and Sea View Tower with twin ten-meter-high statues of Tin Hau, the Queen of Heaven, and Avalokitesvara, the Goddess of Mercy, both of whom are protectors of fishermen. - Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
Decorated in a riot of colours, Wong Tai Sin is an excellent example of a traditional Chinese temple. Yellow latticework and multicoloured carvings complement the temple’s red pillars and golden roof. - Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a scenic highlight of any trip around Hong Kong Island.
Brightly decorated trawlers, which double as floating homes for Aberdeen’s fishermen, fill a sheltered harbour whose hillsides are decked with woodland and residential towers - not to mention Hong Kong’s famously glitzy floating restaurants. Two magnificent floating restaurants, namely “Jumbo Floating Restaurant” and the “Tai Bak Seafood Boat” are are both anchored in the Aberdeen Harbour, where guests can take a free ferryboat shuttle to reach them for a feast of delicious seafood. - Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre is one of Hong Kong’s defining landmarks, with its distinctive curved three-tier roof and vast expanse of glass walls creating a dramatic vista. - Stanley Market
Stanley Market is a delight for shoppers, filled with stalls, shops and innovative restaurants. Over the years it has become known for its bargains, which includes silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costumes, souvenir, ornaments and a host of fantastic crafts. It is one of the most famous open air markets in Hong Kong. At the western end of the market street is the Tin Hau Temple (temple of the Queen of Heaven), one of the oldest in Hong Kong. It was built in 1767, and during the First World War, villagers took asylum from war in this temple. Since then each year, on the 23rd of March, according to the lunar calendar, on the birthday of Tin Hau, people pour into this temple to pay thier respects. - Western District
Then Western Market is another must see location. The building itself is something of an attraction, with its Edwardian design and architecture. Move farther west and you’ll find that Chinese-style shops dominate the view, with their dried seafood and medicinal herbs. Antiques can also be had here, at the Cat Street Bazaar, where you’ll find and a dazzling array of old coins, watches and stone carvings, sold at the shops and stalls. - Wan Chai & Causeway Bay
Lovely rattan and Chinese furniture await you at Wan Chai and there are shops that sell products especially for export. Causeway Bay is locally known as “Little Japan” because of the major Japanese department stores that specialize in electrical goods, shoes and fashion for the young. - Tai Koo Shing
Over in Quarry Bay, you’ll be able to find one of Hong Kong’s largest shopping complexes - the Cityplaza. It has an ice skating ring, entertainment outlets and the usual retail and department stores. Located right above the Tai Koo MTR Station.
TRAVEL TIPS
Passport & Visa
Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a valid passport. Passports should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas for periods varying from seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality.
Citizens of some 24 countries, including the USA, Japan, and certain Western European and South American nations are permitted one month visa free visits. Three month visa free visits are available to another 23 countries as well as all the Commonwealth countries. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.
Now, frequent business travel to Hong Kong is easier than ever with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Pass. For more details on the Travel Pass, please visit the Immigration Department’s website.
Visas for mainland China can be obtained in Hong Kong. They require one photo and usually take three working days to process. 
Visas can be obtained through the Visa Office of People’s Republic of China, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong, China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, or China International Travel Service HK Ltd.
All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through customs clearance. View a list of dutiable commodities.
Departing 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. Instead, visitors should place such items in check-in baggage. Some personal protection devices like the spray mace, while legal in some countries are prohibited in Hong Kong. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines from HKIA.
Customs Allowance
- Liquor - a one litre bottle of wine or spirits is permitted free of customs duty.
- Ivory - importation and exportation of raw or worked ivory is governed by strict regulation.
- Firearms - to be declared and handed into custody until departure.
Health Regulations
Vaccination certificates are now required for yellow fever, cholera and typhoid for visitors travelling to Hong Kong. Check with your travel agent well before your departure, however, as requirements can change without notice
International Transport
By land, the only way into Hong Kong is from mainland China either by bus or train. Water is perhaps the most picturesque way to arrive in Hong Kong as there are boats that take you between Hong Kong and destinations in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, as well as Macau. 
Air travellers will be treated to Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong’s giant greenhouse of an airport. Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island is one of the world’s best and most modern airports offering a comprehensive range of facilities and services to the travelling public. Getting to and from the Hong Kong International Airport is easy, convenient and relatively inexpensive.
Railway
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) high-speed Airport Express is the fastest way between the downtown areas and the airport. The line takes passengers from Hong Kong Station adjacent to the Central MTR Station on Hong Kong Island via Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations to the airport in about 23 minutes; trains run every 12 minutes. A free Airport Express shuttle bus service from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations serves major hotels. Both these stations provide free in-town check-in services. Details of train fares and operating hours
Taxis
Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the Arrivals Hall. All taxis can go to and from the airport. All fares are metered and there are fare details inside each cab.
Airport Bus
There are nine convenient Airbus routes called “A” routes that can take you to and from the airport with fewer stops than an ordinary city bus. When you exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right for Airbuses and ordinary city buses (“E” route buses).
Ferries to Tuen Mun
There is also a ferry link from Tung Chung New Development Pier at Chek Lap Kok to the town of Tuen Mun in the New Territories. The ferry operates 6am – 11pm daily.
Charter Coaches and Limousines
Arriving passengers can also book their own personal limousines, mini-vans, vans and group coaches (buses) that will whisk their party to their destination. Operators have counters located in the Arrivals Hall and in the Ground Transportation Centre.
Airport – Mainland China Coach Service
The Hong Kong International Airport is also a hub for ground transport to Mainland China and cities in the Pearl River Delta. Click for more information on coach service to the mainland
Airport – Mainland China Ferries Service
High-speed ferries provide fast and efficient service to nearby cities in mainland China. Book a ticket prior to boarding from the ticketing desks located in the transfer area on Arrivals Level 5 before the immigration counters. Then hop aboard a bus from the airport’s air side (i.e., before immigration) that will take you to the Skypier for your connection to cities like Dongguan, Macau, Shekou and Shenzhen.
Domestic Transport
Airport Transport
After you have reclaimed your baggage and passed through Customs, you will find yourself in the Buffer Hall of Hong Kong International Airport where the Hong Kong Tourist Association Information Centres are located. There you can obtain free visitor publications and any other assistance you may need. 
Hong Kong International Airport is approximately 40 minutes drive by car from all major hotels in Kowloon and about 50 minutes drive via the Cross Harbour Tunnel from all major hotels on Hong Kong Island. If you are making your own way to your hotel, follow the signs directing you to the Transport Terminus for taxis or use the airport coach service. If you have no local currency on arrival, change only enough at the airport to get you to your hotel.
Hotel Transport
Hotel bookings do not normally include transportation from the airport. If you have a prearranged hotel booking that includes an airport transfer, you should leave the Buffer Hall via the exit marked Hotel Transport and look for the hotel representative waiting to meet you.
Taxis
Taxis are numerous and readily available, and fares are low compared with those in most cities. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; green ones in the New Territories and blue taxis on Lantau Island operate at even lower rates. Many drivers speak some English but it is wise to have your destination written in Chinese characters.
Taxi drivers expect a tip, but just round up the fare to the nearest dollar. Drivers cannot pick up or drop off passengers on restricted streets, which are marked with yellow lines. New Territories taxis will pick up and drop off only in the New Territories. If you have any queries or complaints, note the taxi’s number and call the 24-hour Police Hotline on 2527 7177.
Buses
Double-decker buses, which run from 6am untill midnight cover most parts of the territory for fares ranging from HK$1 to HK$30.60 (exact change is required). You’ll find that, in general, the drivers do not speak much English.
Minibuses
Minibuses are small passenger vans which are yellow with a red stripe. They can pick up passengers and let them off anywhere except regular bus stops and the usual restricted areas.
Maxicabs
Maxicabs are yellow with a green stripe. They run along specific routes and have fixed prices; a sign on the front indicates the destination. Pay as you get on.
Trains
The Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) is 34 kilometres long and runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon up to the border with China. The furthest you can go by train without a Chinese visa is Sheung Shui. It’s a go way to visit some of the New Territories’ towns and villages.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Hong Kong’s fast, efficient and air-conditioned underground system, runs not only along the north side of Hong Kong Island, but also from Central across the harbour to divide into east and west branches in Kowloon. Stations are located by a X symbol. 
The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a high-speed surface system linking the New Territories towns of Tuen Mun Yuen Long. The LRT runs from 5.30am to 12.30am every day.
Ferries
The Star Ferry, which has connected Hong Kong and Kowloon since 1898, runs regularly between 6.30am to 11.30pm. It is one of the cheapest and most scenic ferry rides in the world. The crossing takes approximately eight minutes. The Hong Kong Ferry Company also provides other regular and inexpensive services which connect Hong Kong Island to other parts of the Kowloon Peninsula and to the outlying islands.
Trams
Since 1904, the tram system has run east to west along the north side of Hong Kong Island and still provides a leisurely, grandstand view. The Peak Tram is one of the most advanced tram systems in the world, taking just eight minutes to climb to Victoria Peak.
Car Hire
Self-drive rental cars are not often used in Hong Kong, but chauffeur driven cars are widely available. Most hotels also have their own limousines for hire.
Rickshaws
The only means of travel in the old days, rickshaws today are used mainly for fun rides and photo sessions. Rickshaw drivers congregate at the Star Ferry on Hong Kong Island and charge for a trip round the block or for a photo session. Negotiate the price first.
Money Matters
Currency
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes issued by two private banks the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. The Bank of China also issues all of the denominations except HK$10. There are silver coins for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5, bronze coins for HK10 cents, HK20 cents and HK50 cents, and a nickel and bronze coin for $10.
The display of net rates of exchange by money changers is a legal obligation but visitors are advised to check them before handing over the money for exchange. Receipt notes must be issued by law. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong.
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.
Credit cards
Cards can be used in most mid to top-range hotels, friendship and department stores, but cannot be used to finance your transportation costs. If cards are not an option then cash will never fail and exchanging currency is relatively easy.
The most widely accepted credit cards in Hong Kong are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB. When signing credit card receipts, make sure you always write an ‘HK’ in front of the dollar sign if there isn’t one already printed there. Some shops in Hong Kong may also try to add a surcharge to offset the commission charged by credit companies, which can range from 2.5% to 7%. In theory, this is prohibited by the credit companies, but to get around this many shops will offer a 5% discount if you pay cash.
Changing Your Money
One of the main reasons why Hong Kong has become a major financial centre is because it has no currency controls. Both locals and foreigners can bring in or take out as much money as they please.
When changing money, avoid the exchange counters at the airport as they offer some of the worst rates in Hong Kong. The rates offered at hotels are only marginally better. Licensed moneychangers such as Chequepoint are abundant in tourist areas and while convenient and taking no commissions per se, the exchange rates offered are equivalent to about 5% commission.
The rates are clearly posted, however if you’re changing several hundred US dollars or more you might be able to bargain for a better rate. Before the actual exchange is made, the moneychanger is required by law to give you a form to sign that clearly shows the amount due to you, the exchange rate and any service charges. The moneychangers operating on the ground floor of Chungking Mansions (Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui) usually offer good rates. 
As counterfeit notes are a problem in Hong Kong, make sure you examine large denomination notes when given to you as change from street vendors. No foreign currency black market exists in Hong Kong. If anyone on the street does approach you to change money, assume it’s a scam.
Money Tips
Nothing beats cash for convenience or risk. It is still a good idea, however, to travel with at least some of it, if only to tide you over until you get to an exchange facility. Banks generally offer the best rates but the three of the biggest (HSBC, Standard Chartered and the Hang Seng Bank) levy a HKD50.00 commission for each transaction for non-account holders.
If you are changing the equivalent of several hundred US dollars or more, the exchange rate improves usually making up for the fee. Hong Kong is littered with branches of these banks, so you should have no trouble finding one.
Important phone list
Directory Enquiries 1081
Overseas IDD and Cardphone Enquiries 10013
Emergency Service (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 999
Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Hotline 2508 1234
General Police Enquiries 2527 7177
Hong Kong International Airport, English (24 hours) 2181 0000
Complaint hotline (including taxi complaint): 25277177
Postal Directory Hotline: 29212222