LOCAL GUIDE

Language

Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong, and many business people communicate in English. Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect in Hong Kong, although there is an increasing use of Mandarin (Putonghua).

Currency

The local currency unit is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$) which is currently pegged to the U.S. dollar at HK$7.8 to US$1. Notes are issued in denominations of HK$1,000, HK$500, HK$100, HK$50, HK$20 and HK$10, while coins are issued by the government. Currency can be changed at banks, hotels or money-changers. There are no restrictions on currencies brought into or taken out of Hong Kong.

Currency converter

Safety and Security

Hong Kong is generally considered a very safe city both at night and during the day. At everywhere, however, protect yourself from pickpockets and carry as little cash as possible; traveller's cheques and credit cards are widely accepted.

Restricted Items

Due to difference in legislations of countries, some items considered legal in other countries may breach the laws of Hong Kong. Please click here for advice to visitors from Hong Kong Police Force.

Water

Water from the public mains in Hong Kong complies with the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. Bottled water, if preferred, is widely available for purchase.

Electricity

Hong Kong operates with 220 volt electricity. The hotel has electrical adaptors and transformers for those guests bringing 110 volt electrical appliances.

Climate

Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, cool to mild winters, and a typhoon season that lasts from May to November. Hong Kong has an efficient typhoon warning system, and there is virtually no threat of danger if you stay indoors when typhoon signals go up. Flights, however, may be delayed or diverted.

Transportation

Hong Kong is relatively small and dense, which makes public transport the best way to get around. The north side of Hong Kong Island and most of Kowloon are well connected by the MTR, Hong Kong’s clean and efficient rapid transit railway system, while the extensive bus system enables you to explore the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. The East Rail Line, which runs from Kowloon to the Chinese border at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau, is a quick way to get to the New Territories.

Tipping

Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is voluntary. You may add 5%–10% more to the bill in restaurants and bars or tip HK$10–HK$20 to service staff if the service is exceptional.

Time

8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.