Hong Kong travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The UK-style three-pin plugs are standard.

Language

The official languages in Hong Kong are English and Cantonese. The other main language is Mandarin.

Money

The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), which 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 money changers charge commission, as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills in Hong Kong, but waiters will still expect a few dollars in addition to this. If no service charge is included, a 10 percent tip is expected. Taxi fares are rounded up to the nearest dollar; usually automatically by the driver.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong, though visitors should protect themselves from mosquito bites as there is some risk of chikungunya. Healthcare is first class but travellers should expect to pay cash; comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to cover expenses.

Safety

Hong Kong is considered a safe destination but caution should always be exercised when travelling. Pickpockets are likely to target unsuspecting tourists so it's best to leave valuables locked up in hotel safes when possible. All street protests and political gatherings should be avoided. The typhoon season is usually between April and October, and the accompanying heavy rains may cause flooding and landslides.

Local customs

Littering and spitting are illegal in Hong Kong and will incur spot fines. The concept of 'face' is very important, so visitors should avoid causing someone to lose face by publicly insulting them or contradicting them in front of others as this is considered very impolite. The Chinese have great respect for hierarchical relationships.

Doing business

Despite its close proximity to China, Hong Kong's business culture is worlds apart and more akin to the West. However, one regional aspect is the concept of 'saving face', which is an awareness of positive appearances and perceptions of other people or companies. Bad news should never be presented in front of others and keeping one's cool is vital. Open displays of emotion such as anger and irritation are frowned upon, as is causing embarrassment to another person.

Business culture in Hong Kong is quite conservative. Dress styles are formal and deference to senior members of companies is vital; business suits are usually in dark colours. Foreigners should avoid wearing bright ties, or blue or white coloured clothes as these colours are associated with mourning. When greeting business associates, foreigners should either shake hands or, if no handshake is offered, bowing is appropriate.

Respect for personal space is important and physical contact should be avoided. Gifts are given during introductions but never opened in front of the giver. Watches as gifts are inappropriate as they are associated with death. The business languages in Hong Kong are both Cantonese and English, though English is the preferred language in business communications and contracts with large corporations. Tone should always be even and measured, and cultural sensitivity and etiquette are vital.

When tea is served at a business meeting, it's impolite to take a sip until the host has taken their first. Business in Hong Kong is conducted efficiently and punctuality is vital. If meeting attendees are late, effusive and repeated apologies are in order, regardless of whatever factors caused the delay. It is customary to exchange business cards (printed in English on one side and Cantonese on the other) at the start of a meeting. Business cards should be given and received using both hands, with the Cantonese side facing the recipient. It's common to greet the more senior person first.

Business entertainment is usually in the form of a lunch or dinner organised by the hosting partner, and food is also normally ordered and paid for by the host. Finally, the phrase 'have you eaten,' is a subtle form of greeting which generally means 'are you well?'. Business hours run from 9am to 5pm during the week and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Duty free

Travellers to Hong Kong over the age of 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following: 1.1 litres of spirits with 12 percent or more alcohol content; and 100 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g of tobacco.

Communications

The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. Free WiFi access is available at most coffee shops, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.

Passport & Visa

All foreign visitors to Hong Kong must be in possession of onward or return tickets (except when in transit to mainland China or Macao), the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Hong Kong, for a maximum stay of up to 60 days.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (two months, if in possession of a Hong Kong Travel Pass).

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Hong Kong, for a maximum stay of 60 days.

Useful contacts

Hong Kong Tourist Office: +852 2508 1234 or www.discoverhongkong.com

999 (General Emergency)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 495 2266.

Chinese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.

Chinese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3434.

Chinese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 4780.

Chinese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.

Chinese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 1707.

Chinese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 4749631.

Embassies / consulates in Hong Kong

United States Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2523 9011.

British Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2901 3000.

Canadian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2810 4700.

Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2827 8881.

South African Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2577 3279.

Honorary Irish Consulate, Hong Kong: +852 2527 4897.

New Zealand Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2525 5044.