Hong Kong Travel Tips

An Introduction
At the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong covers Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 262 outlying islands. Between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula lies Victoria Harbour, one of the world’s most renowned deep-water harbours.

The Gay Scene
Homosexuality is legal in Hong Kong and public opinion shows increased awareness about and tolerance for LGBT people. However, there are only limited anti-discrimination laws and no legal recognition of same-sex couples. Since 2006, there is an equal age of consent of 16, for both heterosexual and homosexual sex.

Climate
Hong Kong’s climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceeding 31 degrees Celsius in summer. It is warm, sunny and dry in autumn, cool and dry in winter, and hot, humid and rainy from spring to summer.

Shopping
For sheer variety of products and brands in all price ranges, Hong Kong is a unique shopping experience. From glitzy malls to funky street markets, and trendy boutiques to traditional Chinese product stores and themed shopping districts, you can find everything from the latest designer fashions and electronic gadgets to best-value antiques and collectibles.

Banking
Banks are open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Cashpoints (ATMs) are available at all times.
Major currencies can be exchanged in most banks, money changers and hotels. If cashing Travelers checks you will require your passport.
Almost all hotels and other businesses will accept foreign currency, but be warned hotels usually charge a lower rate of exchange than offered by Banks or Money Changers.

Immigration
In general, 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. Hong Kong has all along adopted a liberal and open immigration policy. Nationals of about 170 countries and territories are allowed visa-free visits to Hong Kong for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days.

Traveling To Hong Kong
Hong Kong is major international transport hub served by more than 80 airlines and numerous cruise lines, and by ferries and trains from Mainland China.

Getting About
Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world’s most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way.For convenience, use the Octopus Card, an electronic stored-value card that is accepted on most public transport.

Electrical Appliances
Hong Kong uses type G and M electrical plugs with a voltage of 220 V at 50 Hz.

Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 to 10 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic,10 per cent is acceptable. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and  washroom attendants.