Tourist Information
Hong Kong is located just a few degrees
south of the Tropic of Cancer and is almost on the same latitude as Hawaii and
Calcutta. The climate here is a pleasant year-round combination of the
sub-tropical and temperate. Winter is a cool, dry season with many bright days.
In the summer monsoon season, days tend to be warm and humid, with occasional
heavy rainstorms. July, August and September is the typhoon season. Hong Kong
has five levels of tropical cyclone warning. They range from 1 (the lowest and
least intense) through 3, 8, 9 and 10 (the highest and most dangerous). Airport
Express and MTR trains run normally during tropical cyclone signals 1 and 3.
When cyclone signals of 8 or above are issued, Airport Express and Mtr
underground services normally run on a limited schedule, depending on the
severity of the actual storm.
For the latest local weather information,
please visit the Hong Kong Observatory website .
Hong Kong's standard unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes are denominated in units of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. There is also a nickel-and-bronze HK$10 coin; plus silver HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5 coins, and bronze 10cents, 20cents and 50cents coins.
ElectricityThe voltage in Hong Kong is 220/240 volts. Most hotels will be happy to provide you with an adaptor on request.
Telephone ServicesCalls from public phones cost HK$1. It is also easy to make IDD/ long-distance calls from public pay phones using coins, your credit card or a stored value phonecard. Available in values of HK$50, HK$150 and HK$200 and usable in all Cardphone boxes, stored value phonecards are one of the easiest and most cost effective ways of making both local and IDD calls.
TippingMost restaurants in Hong Kong add a 10% service charge to their patron's bills. In cases where a service charge is not levied, a 10% tip is generally welcomed. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and washroom attendants at your discretion.
Getting Around via the MTRThe MTR is one of the world's most heavily utilised mass transit systems providing people with a safe, reliable and efficient way of getting around Hong Kong. The MTR network spreads across the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, Tung Chung, South Island, Tseung Kwan O, East Rail, Tuen Ma Line and the Disneyland Resort Lines, the Airport Express and various Light Rail routes.
Other TransportationTaxis, buses, ferries, trams and public light buses are other popular ways of getting around Hong Kong's downtown and outlying areas. Most ferry, bus, tram and public light bus services accept payment via Octopus.
Airport Departure Tax
Adult: HK$120
Children (aged 12 years and under): free
Hong Kong Country Code: 852
|
Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) |
999 |
|---|---|
|
Hong Kong Tourism Board- visitor hotline |
(852) 2508 1234 |
|
Collect calls |
10010 |
|
Telephone directory service |
1081 |
|
IDD and phonecard enquiries |
10013 |
|
Weather |
1878200 |
|
Immigration Department (24hr) |
(852) 2824 6111 |
|
Consulates & visa offices |
|
|
Consumer Council |
(852) 2929 2222 |
|
Hong Kong International Airport (24 hours) |
(852) 2181 8888 |
|
Department of Health |
(852) 2961 8989 |