Capital:
Time zone: GMT + 8
Telephone services: Country Code: 852
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999 (subject to change)
Tourist information: Hong Kong Tourist Association, 125 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5EA Tel: (020) 7930 4775 Fax: (020) 7930 4777.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all.
Visa information: Visa requirements for all nationals are issued subject to duration of stay. Visitors are advised to check for current information.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: There may occasionally be a risk in rural areas.
Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food.
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) = 100 cents All credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Pound sterling and US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 1000 locations.
Cost of living: Although Hong Kong is a tax haven, commodities and accommodation can be expensive. However, transport is cheap and some luxury items are often cheaper than in Europe.
Languages: Chinese and English, Cantonese is most widely spoken.
Weather: Winter: influenced by the North – Northeast monsoon. Summer: is influenced by the Southwest monsoon. Summers are very hot with the rainy season June – Aug. Spring and autumn are warm with occasional rain and cooler evenings. Winters can be cold.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50.
Post: Airmail to Europe takes 3- 5 days.
Transport: RAIL: More expensive than the ferry, but quicker. BUS: Services are often very crowded. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended but not legally required.
Special information: Hong Kong has reverted to Chinese rule as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic. Contact the Embassy or tourist office prior to travelling for up-to-date information on passport and visa requirements. Usual social courtesies should be applied. When addressing a national of Hong Kong the family name comes first, for example, Wong Man Ying is Mr Wong. Casual dress is acceptable.