VISA/PASSPORT

Visitors to Hong Kong must possess a valid international passport or other internationally-recognized travel document endorsed for travel to Hong Kong. No VISA is required for entry into Hong Kong. Please consult your local embassy for further information. All travel documents must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure.

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) which is divided into 100 cents.

RELIGION

Most Chinese are Buddhists, Confucianists or Taoists, or a combination of all three. The Chinese see no moral conflict in burning incense for Buddha while following the philosophical precepts of Confucius and having their last rites performed by a Taoist priest.

CLIMATE

Hong Kong is a tropical monsoon country with two distinct seasons. The Northeast monsoon brings cold dry winters from December to April while the rest of the year is hot and humid, with tropical monsoon rains in July an August.

CLOTHING

Light cotton clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended for year-round. For formal occasions and entry into certain clubs and fine-dining restaurants, a jacket and tie is suggested for the men, while the women are encouraged to wear a dress. During the winter months, temperatures vary from 10C° to 18C° and warm clothing is a must.

LANGUAGE

The most popular language or dialect used in Hong Kong is Cantonese or Mandarin, while English is widely used in commerce.

ELECTRICITY

220 volts ac, 50 cycles throughout the country. If you are planning to bring your own electrical equipment, please pack a converter. Some hotels also provide converters upon request.

TRANSPORTATION

Hong Kong dense’s population has brought about efficient modes of transportation. One can travel from the Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island vice versa by Star Ferry or water taxis. Double-decker ferries also service Hong Kong and the other principal outer islands. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the fastest way to travel. You can also cross the harbor via the MTR, which operates from 6am to 1am daily. Another interesting form of transportation is the Island Tram, which cugs along the north side of the island, and the Victoria Peak Tram. Taxis operate on meters and starting fare is HK$ 15. If you wish to ride on a rickshaw, you may find them gathered at the ferry terminal on both Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. Please check with your tour guide or hotel concierge for more details.