About Hong Kong

Situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, Hong Kong is known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. As a destination, Hong Kong offers travellers the opportunity to experience a vibrant living culture featuring a unique blend of East and West.

Instilled with the exciting duality of a modern city's vitality enhanced by a traditional society's historical richness and colour, the cultural fusion and diversity of the city is evident in everything from its shopping, dining, arts, history, entertainment, nightlife, festivals and events. Hong Kong is also blessed with a striking natural beauty, from its iconic harbour to the stunning mountain views, idyllic islands and serene beaches of its great outdoors.

Join the Guided Tours and explore the magnificent city. Let the experts show you the real Hong Kong!

Travel to Hong Kong
Hong Kong International airport is one of the busiest airports in the world with over 100 airlines operating flights to about 180 locations worldwide, including 44 destinations on the Chinese Mainland.

Passport and Visa
Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong.  Hong Kong has a liberal visa policy, allowing visa-free entry to nationals of more than 170 countries and territories. For country-specific visa information, please visit www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm.

For delegates from countries for which visas are required for entry to Hong Kong, please check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. For delegates traveling to other cities in China, an entry visa to China is required.  Please obtain your visa from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate within your current place of residence. The travel documents must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of traveling.

Airport Transfer
Airport Express Line (AEL)
This high-speed rail service takes passengers to and from the Hong Kong Station in Central in about 23 minutes.  Train services are provided daily between 6am and 1am and at 12-minute intervals. Train tickets can be purchased at the Airport Express Customer Service Center located at the Arrivals Hall.  Taxi is recommended for direct transfer from the Hong Kong Station to Hotels in 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a free Airport Express shuttle bus serving between the Hong Kong Station and major hotels departs every 20 minutes.

Approximate cost:
Single Journey - HK$90 per adult ticket, HK$45 per child ticket
Round Trip (valid for one month) - HK$160 per adult ticket

Taxi
Urban taxis are red. The current rates are HK$22 on flag fall for the first two kilometers plus HK$1.6 every further 0.20 kilometer. Additional charges for luggage and tolls apply. Taxis only accept HK Dollars in cash.
Approximate time: 30 minutes
Approximate cost: HK$300-HK$350

Time zone
Hong Kong is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Language
Cantonese is spoken by over 88% of the people in Hong Kong.  However, English, as another official language in Hong Kong, is also widely used in the city, and most of the taxi drivers and salespersons are able to communicate in English.

Currency
The Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) is the official currency of Hong Kong.  Most foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at the airports, hotels, banks or exchange offices.  There are no restrictions on the type or amount of money that can be brought into or taken out of Hong Kong.

Banks and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)
The most commonly used international credit cards in Hong Kong are VISA, MasterCard and American Express.  Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday, closing on Sundays and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere and provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$).

Telecommunication
Most of the mobile telephone systems used around the globe operates in Hong Kong.  Local SIM card can be purchased at convenience stores.

Electricity
The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC/50 cycles.  The plug/socket system in Hong Kong is a 3-rectangular-pin type as is found in the United Kingdom.

Public Transport
Hong Kong is a compact city which is easy to travel around.  Different means of transport including Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Buses, minibus, taxi, tram and ferry are available for your easy mobilization.

Airport Express Travel Pass not only takes you to/from the airport; it also allows you to travel within the city by MTR for 3 consecutive days. For further information, please visit: http://www.mtr.com.hk

Dining
Famed with the name of ‘Food paradise’, there are more than 11,000 restaurants in the city. From local Chinese cuisine to British cuisine, from low priced stalls to Michelin-awarded restaurants, you can certainly find your favourite ones.