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Hotel Transport
Hotel bookings do not normally include transportation from
the airport. However, if you have a prearranged hotel booking
that includes an airport transfer, you should leave the Buffer
Hall via the exit market Hotel Transport and look for the
hotel representative waiting outside to meet you. You do not
have to pay the driver as the charge will be included on your
hotel bill.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional
5 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.
Airport Facilities
A baggage storage service is available in the departure hall
and the arrival hall. Other services include a bank, moneychangers,
gift shops, duty-free shops, snack bars, restaurants, payhones,
a police station, post office, a HK Telecom International
Ltd. Office, HKTA Information Centers and private reception
rooms.
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations
of HK$1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations
of HK$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.
Credit Cards
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely
accepted. Check with your credit card company for details
of merchant acceptability and other services which may be
available.
Travelers Cheque
Accepted almost everywhere. To avoid additional exchange rate
charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in
Pound Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking hours
Hours are from 0900-1630 Monday to Friday, 0900-1230 Saturday.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Hong Kong without
incurring customs duty.
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 1 liter bottle
of wine or spirits, 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
If you arrive from Macau, duty-free imports for Macau residents
are limited to half the above cigarette, cigar and tobacco
allowance. The import of animals is strictly controlled.
Prohibited items are firearms, narcotics, copyright-infringed
goods, endangered species and products deriving from them.
Passports and Visas
All visitors are required to hold a valid passport, that must
be valid for at least 1 month after the period of intended
visit required by all.
Visas are not required for Commonwealth citizens, citizens
of most European countries and U.S. citizens for stay less
than 90 days. UK citizens can stay 6 months.
For more information on visas to Hong Kong, visit its Immigration's
Department website at
http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/english/topical/e/1.htm
Getting There
By Air: Major international airlines such as Cathay
Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Qantas
Airways serve Hong Kong.
By Sea: Lines serving the port of Hong Kong are as
follows: Norwegian America, Royal Viking, CTC, Sitmar and
Lindblad Travel. Hovercrafts link Hong Kong with China; there
are also a number of ships sailing to major Chinese ports,
although these are less frequent. Enquire locally for details.
By Rail: The Kowloon-Canton Railway KCR) operates
a service jointly with Chinese Railways from Kowloon to Canton
(Guanzhou), four times a day. There are also services from
Hong Kong to Foshan and Changping. Restaurant cars are only
available if travelling first class. Local KCR trains run
regularly (every 5㪢 minutes) to Lo Wu, the last stop
before the Chinese border.
It is possible to then cross the border to Shenzhen, the
first city in China over the border. To go as far as Lo Wu,
it is necessary to hold a visa for China, otherwise it is
only possible to get to Sheung Shui. Children under 3 travel
free. Children aged 3 an below pay half.
Getting Around
By Ferry: You cannot miss taking a ride on the Star
Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The views of the
island are superb, particularly at dusk when the lights begin
to twinkle through the humidity and the spray. You'll also
get a feel for the frenetic pace of life on Hong Kong's waterways
with ferries, junks, hydrofoils and larger ships looming up
from all directions. You can ride upper deck ($1.80) or lower
deck ($1.50) on the ferry, though in many ways the views from
the lower deck are better, where you are only just above water
level and in the thick of it all. Ferries run every few minutes
between Tsimshatsui and Central (a 7-minute ride; daily 6.30am-11.30pm),
and between Tsimshatsui and Wanchai. There are also similarly
cheap and fun ferry crossings between Hung Hom and Central,
and between Jordan Road (in Kowloon) and Central.
In addition, a large array of other boats run between Hong
Kong and the outlying islands, most of which use the piers
immediately north of Exchange Square.
By MTR: The Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Hong Kong's
underground train system, has four lines and provides cross-harbour
transport. It is more expensive than the ferry, but quicker,
particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than
Tsimshatsui. Good for value is the MTR Tourist Ticket. You
get a map and souvenir ticket included in the price and the
ticket is valid for a few journeys.
By Road:
Minibuses: These can pick up passengers and stop on
request except at regular bus stops and other restricted areas.
Trams: Only available on Hong Kong Island. Peak Tram
on the Island is a cable tramway to the upper terminus on
Victoria Peak, 400m (1300ft) high.
Taxis: Plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon. There is
an extra charge for the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Red taxis serve
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones the New Territories,
and blue ones Lantau Island.
Rickshaws: Gradually disappearing and are now purely
a tourist attraction. It is advisable to agree the fare in
advance.
Car hire: Traffic drives on the left. A wide
selection of self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available,
although car hire is not that popular in Hong Kong.
Health Care
Charges are made for all services and treatment. All visitors
are advised to take out private health insurance. Hotels have
a list of government-accredited doctors. And first-class medicine
is practised. Excellent dental care is also available.
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