Hong Kong

Country or Region Description

When the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule at midnight on June 30, 1997, the change of flag has only added to the uniqueness of this remarkable territory: no other land has changed sovereignty in such a manner before. And whatever the future holds, the territory's charm and almost hypnotic attraction will always remain.

Hong Kong had long been a trading centre linked with global activities, as an entry port and a meeting-place for the exchange of information, especially on the Pacific trade. The very earliest of the "hongs", the great British trading companies, developed Hong Kong as a nerve centre; and with the decline of Shanghai after the Second World War, Hong Kong became the window of China.

A proverbial melting pot where Chinese from many regions mix with people from every corner of the globe, Hong Kong is everything: new, familiar, exotic. Tall high-rise buildings are a backdrop for the traditional junks in the harbour. After dark, the city glitters with entertainment spots, restaurants, theatres and nightclubs.

A new side of Hong Kong presents itself in every corner. You will visit the most interesting sights of this fascinating and cosmopolitan island including: the Victoria Peak (1,300 feet above sea level) for a panoramic view of the city and outlying islands, the splendid beaches of the Repulse Bay Beach, the district of Aberdeen, famous for its floating restaurants and fishing village, where hundreds of people live aboard junks and sampans, and the Stanley Market with super shopping bargains.

Country Facts

Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Area: 1,092 km²

Population: 6,855,125 (July 2004 est.)

Capital: Hong Kong has no capital. Major areas include: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories and 365 outlying islands.

Time: 13 hours ahead of Toronto and New York, 16 hours ahead of Vancouver and Los Angeles

Language: Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official.

Ethnic Groups: Chinese 95%, other 5%.

Religions: Eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD = 100 cents)

Climate

Spring: March-mid May; temperature & humidity rising.

Summer: Late May-mid September; hot & humid.

Typhoon season (July-September). Hong Kong has a very efficient early-warning system for approaching typhoons, which rarely pass directly over Hong Kong.

Autumn: Late September-early December; sunny and clear.

Winter: Late December-February; cool with low humidity.

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz

Country Code: 852

Business Hours:

Banks: 0900-1630 Mon-Fri, 0900-1230 Sat

Offices: 0900-1700 Mon-Sat, 0900-1300 Sat

Shops: 1000-1800 Mon-Sat

Holidays:

The first day of January 1 Jan,

Lunar New Year's Day,

The second day of the Lunar New Year,

The third Day of the Lunar New Year,

Good Friday, The day following Good Friday, Easter Monday,

Ching Ming Festival,

Labour Day 1 May,

The Buddha's Birthday (being the eighth day of the fourth lunar month),

Hong Kong Special Administrative region 1 July, Establishment Day,

The day following Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival,

National Day 1 Oct,

Chung Yeung Festival,

Christmas Day, The first weekday after Christmas Day.

* Also a statutory holiday (one of the 12 statutory holidays is Christmas Day or Chinese Winter Solstice Festival)

Tipping: 10% is the norm, but an additional 5% may be given.

Driving: International drivers license holders are permitted to drive in Hong Kong for a maximum period of 12 months.

Airport: Hong Kong International is 36 km to Kowloon and 45 km to central Hong Kong.

Departure Tax: HK$150 (Appox. CAD$22 / US$19)

Credit Cards: All major credit cards are widely accepted.

Things to know about Hong Kong before you go

Passports and Visas

All visitors to Hong Kong must have a valid passport. Citizens of 25 countries including USA are permitted one-month visa-free visits. Three-month visa-free visits are available to all the Commonwealth countries, including Canada.

Vaccination

Vaccination certificates are not required for visitors to Hong Kong. However, health regulations are liable to change on short notice, and it is advisable to check regulations with carriers when making reservations.

Customs

Visitors may bring into Hong Kong free of duty: 60 cigarettes and 15 cigars or 75 g of other manufactured tobacco and one litre of alcohol.

Currency

Hong Kong currency is traded internationally and can be freely converted into any foreign currencies. The Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) is available in coins and notes. Coins come in 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, and $10 denominations. Notes come in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1000 denominations.

Population & Language

Hong Kong has nearly 6.5 million residents, 96% are Chinese. Consequently, there is a lot of Cantonese spoken. The official languages are English and Cantonese. Nearly all young people, shop attendants, hotel and restaurant staff can communicate in both. There is also increasing use of Mandarin.

Transportation

Taxis

Taxis, the easiest form of transportation, are red on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. If available, a red "For Hire" flag is raised in the windscreen and, at night, the "Taxi" sign on the roof is lit up. All taxis are metered.

A tip is usually expected but just round up to the nearest dollar. Taxis are restricted from picking up and setting down passengers during specified times in "urban clearways", recognizable by single or double yellow lines along roads. Although you can hail a taxi on the streets, sometimes it is easier to pick up one at the hotel or taxi stand.

MTR

The MTR is Hong Kong's convenient subway system. The MTR has been providing a safe, reliable and efficient service to passengers since 1979. Today it keeps over 2.4 million people on the move every weekday, making it one of the most heavily utilized mass transit systems in the world. For more information refer to http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/train/intro.html

STAR FERRY

The Star Ferry is an inexpensive and scenic way to get from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island or vice versa. Ferry service is every 6-10 minutes and offers incredible views of Victoria Harbour, the Peak and both sky lines. A must for first time visitors to Hong Kong.

Refer to http://www.starferry.com.hk/new/en/index.asp

Telephones

As one of the world's leading financial centres, Hong Kong is connected to international telephone, telex and satellite communications system, so you can contact virtually any city in the world. In most hotels, a service charge will be added to your phone bill if International Direct Dial (IDD) is used. An easy method of making calls is to purchase stored value phone cards (HKD$50, $150, and $200) which can be purchased in HKTA's Information and Gift centres.

Travellers' Cheques

You will need your passport when you cash your travellers' cheques. Most foreign currencies and travellers' cheques can be changed at banks, money changers, hotels, and major retail outlets. Some money changers charge a commission of several cents on the dollar, so before handing over your money or signing anything, check how much you will receive in return.

Banking HOURS & Shopping HOURS

Banking hours are normally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, & 9am-12:30pm on Saturdays.

There are no set shopping hours but generally:

Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok commercial districts - 10:00am to 9:00pm

Kowloon/Tsim Sha Tsui East - 10:00am to 7:30pm

Hong Kong Island - Central District -10:00am to 6:00pm

Hong Kong Island - Causeway Bay - Wanchai - 10:00am to 9:30pm.

Clothing

Hong Kong enjoys a generally subtropical Climate.

The weather in brief:

Spring - Jackets or sweaters are suggested.

Summer - Short sleeves, cotton clothing, and an umbrella are suggested.

Autumn - Short sleeves, sweaters and light jackets are suggested.

Winter - Suits, light woollens and sometimes overcoats suggested

Casual attire will suit in most cases, but coat and tie are normally required in first class western cuisine restaurants in the evening.

Medical Facilities

Hong Kong medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dentists, many of whom are trained overseas. Some hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call. For ambulance dial 999. Most hotels have a resident doctor or one on call.