INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG

Visually stunning, Hong Kong offers a warp-speed ‘shop till you drop’ lifestyle combined with enclaves of tradition. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the world’s major business centers. Hong Kong’s 260 outlying islands, few of which are inhabited, provide a tranquil alternative to its frenetic energy elsewhere. Hong Kong Island is an eclectic mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial buildings and traditional temples.

On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China in an arrangement lasting 50 years. Under the ‘one country, two systems’ policy, Hong Kong maintains its own political, social and economic systems. English remains an official language and Hong Kong’s border with China still exists.

For more information on Hong Kong, including maps and brochures, visit these links:

www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/mustknow/index.jhtml

www.discoverhongkong.com/celeisuretips/.

 

Q & A

 

Q: When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?

A: Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. It enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, while the weather from May to mid-September is rather warm and humid. Eighty per cent of Hong Kong's precipitation occurs between May and September, with August registering the highest rainfall.

 

Q: Where is the best area to stay?

A: Hong Kong is compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping and major sights. Hong Kong also has an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There are also a growing number of resort-style hotels in the New Territories that offer relaxing alternatives.

 

Q: Is local transportation easily accessible?

A: Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.

 

Q: Will I be expected to pay tips?

A: Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 5 -10 per cent tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.

 

 

Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong?

A: 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 like the UK. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.

 

Q: Where can I get Internet Access in Hong Kong?

A: Most hotels have Internet access. You can also access the Internet for free at many coffee shops, large shopping malls, major MTR stations and public libraries in town. For people bringing their laptops to Hong Kong, Wireless Broadband service is common at major shopping malls and coffee shops. If you use a modem, note that the BT system used in Hong Kong will gradually be replaced by the RJ system. If you are still using the BT plug, you can buy a BT–RJ adaptor in Hong Kong to solve the connection problem.

 

Q: Is Hong Kong safe for the visitor?

A: Yes, Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world even at night, when people may walk alone with confidence.

 

Q: Is English widely spoken?

A: Very widely spoken. There will be no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and even some taxis.  If you are planning to travel by taxi to places other than major sites, hotels and buildings consider asking someone to write your destination in Chinese to show the taxi driver – just to be on the safe side.