What you should know before travelling to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a vibrant city to explore and it’s easy to get around. Check out the following tips to prepare for your trip and fully enjoy this bustling metropolis.
HONG KONG IS A BREEZE TO TRAVEL TO
Hong Kong is a key aviation hub serviced by more than 120 airlines that provide connections to major cities throughout the world. Your gateway to the city is the 24-hour Hong Kong International Airport, which is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world. It’s visa-free for many countries, Please contact the Immigration Department for further details.
Hong Kong is a vibrant city to explore and it’s easy to get around. Check out the following tips to prepare for your trip and fully enjoy this bustling metropolis.
HONG KONG IS A BREEZE TO TRAVEL TO
Hong Kong is a key aviation hub serviced by more than 120 airlines that provide connections to major cities throughout the world. Your gateway to the city is the 24-hour Hong Kong International Airport, which is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world. It’s visa-free for many countries, Please contact the Immigration Department for further details.
CUSTOMS
Many visitors transit in Hong Kong or arrive here after visiting other countries. Due to the variations in legislations of different countries, some items which may be considered legal at other points of embarkation or disembarkation can be considered illegal in Hong Kong. Details on the types of items that are illegal in Hong Kong, as well as some further tips on safety and security at the airport, can be found here. Learn more about dutiable commodities and the latest duty-free concessions.
Many visitors transit in Hong Kong or arrive here after visiting other countries. Due to the variations in legislations of different countries, some items which may be considered legal at other points of embarkation or disembarkation can be considered illegal in Hong Kong. Details on the types of items that are illegal in Hong Kong, as well as some further tips on safety and security at the airport, can be found here. Learn more about dutiable commodities and the latest duty-free concessions.
GETTING AROUND
Transportation in Hong Kong is efficient and affordable with multiple options for getting around this easily navigable city.
Airport Express
The MTR’s high-speed Airport Express takes approximately 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Island and is the fastest way to get between the city and the airport. Both Kowloon and Hong Kong stations provide free in-town check-in services for major airlines. Please contact your airline for further information.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the airport’s Arrivals Hall. If you’re travelling to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon you’ll need to catch a red taxi. If you’re headed for the New Territories you’ll need a green taxi, and those going to Lantau Island will require a blue taxi. All taxis in Hong Kong are able to take passengers to and from the airport. Fares are metered and detailed information about charges are clearly displayed inside each cab.
Transportation in Hong Kong is efficient and affordable with multiple options for getting around this easily navigable city.
Airport Express
The MTR’s high-speed Airport Express takes approximately 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Island and is the fastest way to get between the city and the airport. Both Kowloon and Hong Kong stations provide free in-town check-in services for major airlines. Please contact your airline for further information.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the airport’s Arrivals Hall. If you’re travelling to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon you’ll need to catch a red taxi. If you’re headed for the New Territories you’ll need a green taxi, and those going to Lantau Island will require a blue taxi. All taxis in Hong Kong are able to take passengers to and from the airport. Fares are metered and detailed information about charges are clearly displayed inside each cab.
WEATHER
Hong Kong’s weather is pleasant most of the time and doesn’t experience extremes, as its sub-tropical. It does get quite humid in summer (June to August) it is hot, and mostly sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Average Temperature: 26°C - 32°C. You can find detailed information about current and seasonal weather and 7 days weather forecast on the Hong Kong Observatory website.
Hong Kong’s weather is pleasant most of the time and doesn’t experience extremes, as its sub-tropical. It does get quite humid in summer (June to August) it is hot, and mostly sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Average Temperature: 26°C - 32°C. You can find detailed information about current and seasonal weather and 7 days weather forecast on the Hong Kong Observatory website.
CURRENCY
Legal tender is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). 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 HKD1, HKD2, HKD5, nickel and bronze for HKD10. Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HKD10, HKD20, HKD50, HKD100, HKD500 and HKD1000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HKD10.
Legal tender is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). 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 HKD1, HKD2, HKD5, nickel and bronze for HKD10. Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HKD10, HKD20, HKD50, HKD100, HKD500 and HKD1000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HKD10.
EXCHANGE RATES
Since the mid-1980s, the value of the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged at HKD7.8 to the US dollar, and consequent rates of exchange to other currencies. However, the market rate exchange to the US dollar fluctuates marginally. Banks and money changers charge commission. Similarly, commissions are payable in hotels and major retail outlets which provide exchange facilities for their customers.
CREDIT CARDS AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS
ATMs and currency exchange offices are common throughout the city. Hong Kong is a banking mecca; credit cards and electronic payments are accepted in many locations. The local travel card, the Octopus, is also accepted in many places such as convenience stores, restaurants and public transportation as an easy way to pay.
Since the mid-1980s, the value of the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged at HKD7.8 to the US dollar, and consequent rates of exchange to other currencies. However, the market rate exchange to the US dollar fluctuates marginally. Banks and money changers charge commission. Similarly, commissions are payable in hotels and major retail outlets which provide exchange facilities for their customers.
CREDIT CARDS AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS
ATMs and currency exchange offices are common throughout the city. Hong Kong is a banking mecca; credit cards and electronic payments are accepted in many locations. The local travel card, the Octopus, is also accepted in many places such as convenience stores, restaurants and public transportation as an easy way to pay.
BRING AN ADAPTOR AND CHECK THE VOLTAGE
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll likely need an electrical adaptor. Hong Kong uses the UK-style plug, which is three-pronged. Double-check the electrical voltage, as Hong Kong’s may differ from your home country.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll likely need an electrical adaptor. Hong Kong uses the UK-style plug, which is three-pronged. Double-check the electrical voltage, as Hong Kong’s may differ from your home country.
EMERGENCY & USEFUL NUMBERS
In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 999.
In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 999.
SMOKING BAN
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, restaurants, bars, malls and karaoke venues. The smoking ban is also implemented on public transport carriers, within public transport facilities, and in both the indoor and outdoor areas of some premises, including public beaches and swimming pools, escalators, and etc.
Any person smoking or carrying a lighted cigarette (including electronic cigarette), cigar, or pipe in a designated no-smoking area will be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, restaurants, bars, malls and karaoke venues. The smoking ban is also implemented on public transport carriers, within public transport facilities, and in both the indoor and outdoor areas of some premises, including public beaches and swimming pools, escalators, and etc.
Any person smoking or carrying a lighted cigarette (including electronic cigarette), cigar, or pipe in a designated no-smoking area will be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.