Hong Kong Travel Guide
Hong Kong perches on the edge of mainland China occupying an anomalous position as a territory straddling two worlds. Since the handover in 1997 Hong Kong has become a ’Special Administrative Region of China’, no longer a subject of British colonial sovereignty. Past and present fuse to create a capitalist utopia embedded within the world’s largest Communist country.
Hong Kong offers a dense concentration of shops and shopping malls with a cross-pollinated cosmopolitan culture that embraces Nepalese and British cuisines with equal enthusiasm. It is the perfect gateway for travellers to Southeast Asia and China, providing a smooth transition from west to east. As one of the key economies of the Pacific Rim, Hong Kong Island showcases a gleaming landscape of skyscrapers and boasts a highly developed transport infrastructure that makes commuting around it a dream.
Hong Kong consists of four sections: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories form part of the Chinese mainland to the north of Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Island, containing the central business hub, lies on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon. The Outlying Islands comprise a composite of 234 islands.
Climate
The best time to travel to Hong Kong is between October and November, the autumn months when the temperatures are milder. January and February are usually rainy and cold months while June to September temperatures average 86°F (30ºC) with 95% humidity. Some rain and humidity can be expected throughout the year. Even during the height of summer it is worth bringing some warm clothing to combat the fierce air conditioning in shops and offices.
Language
Cantonese and Mandarin are the main dialects spoken in Hong Kong. English is widely used although no longer the medium of instruction in local schools.
Money
The Hong Kong dollar (HK$) is the unit of currency; 1HK$ is divided into 100 cents. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Banks and moneychangers charge commission as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed. Some HSBC "Electronic Money" machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders.
Time
Local time is GMT +8.
Communications
The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. The outgoing code is 001, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Mobile phones can also be rented on arrival at the international airport. Internet cafes are widely available, and access is free at many coffee shops, shopping malls, MRT stations and public libraries in town.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but waiters will expect some loose change, and if no service charge is included a 10% tip is expected. Taxis fares are rounded up to the nearest dollar.
Safety
Hong Kong is a safe travel destination although caution should always be exercised when travelling to a city. Pickpockets are likely to target unsuspecting tourists so one should minimise these incidences through vigilance. Walkers in Hong Kong’s Country Parks have recently been targeted by robbers; it is advisable to stay on marked trails and not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong. Food and water are safe, although visitors should consider only drinking bottled water for the first few days of their stay. Take precautions against mosquito bites as there is a low risk of dengue fever. Hong Kong’s health facilities are first class, but expect payment in cash. Medical insurance is advised.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are standard.
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