About Hong Kong 2014

Weather

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. You can find detailed current and seasonal weather information at the  Hong Kong Observatory website. 

Transport

Flights- For flights information, please visit Hong Kong International Airport website.

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.

MTR -MTR System Map

Taxi - Rates start at HK$22.00 on flag fall (first 2 km) plus for every 200m onwards, HK$1.6 for meter fare below $78 and HK$1.0 for meter fare of HK$78 and above. Pay in HK$ 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.

Octopus Card - Make use of the Octopus Card, an electronic fare card that is accepted by almost all forms of public transport, and at many fast food chains and stores. On-Loan Octopus is refundable along with the HK$50 deposit (minus HK$9 handling fee for cards returned within three months).

Accommodation

Nearby Hotels

[link_to | http://www.bishopleihtl.com.hk |Bishop Lei International House]  4 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://www.conradhotels.com |Conrad Hong Kong]  Pacific Place 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://www.fourseasons.com | Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong]  8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://www.shangri-la.com |Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong]  Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong

[link_to | http://www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk |Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong]  3 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://www.mandarinoriental.com |Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong]  5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://jwmarriotthongkong.com |JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong]  Pacific Place 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://www.themercer.com.hk |The Mercer]  29 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island

[link_to | http://www.upperhouse.com |The Upper House] Pacific Place 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Island

Currency

The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.78 HKD to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. 

Language

Chinese (Cantonese is widely spoken) and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. All official signs are bilingual (using traditional characters). Most shops and restaurants also have English signage, but this may not be common in the more local or rural establishments. 

Electricity

The voltage in Hong Kong is 220V, 50Hz. 3-rectangular-pin sockets are used and most hotels provide adaptors for electrical appliances.

Emergencies

Emergency Telephone

In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 999.

Lost passport

If you lose your passport, make a 'lost report' at the nearest police station. 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 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.

Communications

International Calling Code

Dial +852 to call a Hong Kong number from overseas. There are no regional codes.

Internet Connection

Free WiFi service is available at HK International Airport. There is also Free GovWiFi service is in some government buildings including some public libraries. You can access the Internet for free at many coffee shops in town including Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. The service is also available in some MTR stations and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council' Business InfoCentre. (Check with the Hotel Concierge for a nearby location.) 

Others

Sales Tax

There is no sales tax on goods and services in Hong Kong.

Smoking Restrictions

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, karaokes, malls and bars. The smoking ban is also implemented on public transport carriers, public transport facilities and in both indoor and outdoor areas of some premises such as public beaches and swimming pools, escalators, Hong Kong Wetland Park. 

Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags

To reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, chain and large supermarkets, convenience stores, and personal health and beauty product stores are required to charge HK$0.50 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers. 

For more information about Hong Kong, please click:  http://www.discoverhongkong.com.