Hong Kong

Location

Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China. The territory is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories (262 outlying islands) covering in total 425 square miles. Population is over 7 million people.

Language

Chinese and English are Hong Kong´s official languages.
 

Climate

Hong Kong´s climate is subtropical with distinct seasons. Typhoon season is May to November. When a typhoon is approaching, warnings and information needed are broadcasted on TV and radio.
Spring (March to May): Temperature and humidity are rising. Cool evenings.
Summer (June to August): Hot, humid and sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The temperature can exceed 31°C.
Autumn (September to November): Breezy, with sunshine and comfortable temperatures.
Winter (December to February): Cool, dry and cloudy, with occasional cold fronts. The temperature can drop below 10°C in urban areas.

Currency

The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). 7.80 HKD equals 1 USD Exchange rates may fluctuate daily. Exchange your currency for Hong Kong dollars at authorized money exchangers. At Hong Kong International Airport, currency exchange counters are open from early morning to late at night. There are 24-hour ATM´s.

Visa Entrance Requirements

All visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong. Visitors from most countries do not require visas and can stay for periods varying from 7 days to 180 days depending on nationality.
All passengers departing from HK International Airport are required to show their boarding pass and travel document to airport security personnel at the 'Departure Immigration Hall'.

Customs
All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through Customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Also, the import/export of dangerous drugs, arms, animals, plants, endangered species, meat and poultry, etc. into or out of Hong Kong is governed by laws. Any import/export of these items must be accompanied by a valid license or permit issued in advance by the relevant authorities, unless otherwise exempted by laws. Some personal protection devices like 'mace' spray, while legal in some countries, are prohibited in Hong Kong. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines from Hong Kong International Airport.

Visa to China
All foreigners require a visa to enter Mainland China. Visas should be obtained from any Embassy or Consulate General of People's Republic of China in your own country before your departure to Mainland China.

Airlines

Hong Kong is a key aviation hub of Asia served by more than 80 airlines providing connections to major cities throughout the world.

Health

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, automatic sensors will take your temperature and if it is high, you will be required to have a quick health check.  Hong Kong has strict laws to maintain environmental hygiene, including fixed penalty fines for littering or spitting.

Hotels

Hong Kong offers a wide variety of accommodation services to suit every budget. Major international chains are well represented along with a large selection of local and regional hotels. Quoted room rates are subject to 10% service charge unless otherwise stated.

Communicating Home

Dial +852 to call a Hong Kong number from overseas. There are no regional codes.
In case of emergency situations call 999.

Time Zone

GMT +8

Safety

Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city by day or night. Police officers patrol frequently.

Shopping

Hong Kong's street markets are where Hong Kong's dedicated shoppers practice their bargaining skills. There are a few for you to explore, such as Stanley Market, Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market.
The vast majority of shops are open every day throughout the year, some only closing during the Chinese New Year holiday. Generally, opening hours are 10am-7pm.
Not only street markets are available but also stylish shopping malls, department stores as well as bustling open-air markets. Most of them open until 9:30pm.
Hong Kong helps the tourists with the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme. This Project is managed by Hong Kong Tourism Board to help visitors find shops that meet high standards. The QTS sign is displayed by shops that have qualified for this exclusive recognition.
Most restaurants stay open until 11pm or later, while some bars and clubs keep going through the night.