Hong Kong Basics
Hong Kong is essentially four sections, Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are part of the Chinese mainland to the north of Victoria Harbor. Hong Kong Island, where the main business hub exists, is situated on the southern side of the harbor facing Kowloon. The Outlying Islands consist of 234 islands.
Hong Kong enjoys a sub-tropical climate. Winters are cool and dry, summers are hot and humid (often extremely so). Winter lasts from January to March, the coldest month being February. Typhoons are possible during the autumn months. A warning system is in place and television and radio give plenty of warning about approaching typhoons or heavy rain.
Hong Kong Time
GMT +8
Voltage
220 volts, 50 Hertz. The UK standard 3 pin plug design is standard throughout Hong Kong, a legacy of British colonial rule.
International dialling code
+852
Mobile Phones
There are no area codes in Hong Kong. Cellular communications are widespread and coverage excellent. The supported systems are GSM 900, PCS 1800 and CDMA. Pre-paid SIM cards are widely available from convenience stores. Hong Kong mobile phone operators have roaming agreements with most overseas operators.
Internet
Internet cafes are plentiful and access is free at many coffee shops, public libraries etc.
Money
The unit of currency the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) divided into 100 cents. Banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are plentiful.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is often added to bills in Hong Kong. Waiters will expect some loose change, and if no service charge is included a 10% tip is expected. Taxis fares are rounded up to the nearest dollar, usually automatically by the driver.
Safety
Be in no doubt that Hong Kong is an extremely safe city. That said the usual precautions should be taken to protect you against pickpockets and similar crimes. Country parks are also occasionally targeted by robbers. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Driving in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, you should drive on the left. In urban areas, 50 kilometre per hours is the speed limit and 80 on main roads. You are required to wear seatbelts by law and that includes taxis, for both front seat passengers and those in the rear. A minimum of third party liability insurance is compulsory. A heavy fine will be imposed if you are caught using a cellphone withou a handsfree device.
Many people can drive for up to 12 months on their home issued licence and obtaining a Hong Kong driving licence is relatively straightforward. Details are available at the website of the Hong Kong Transport Department
Embassies and Consulates
We have a comprehensive list of Consulates in Hong Kong
Don't forget to bookmark so you can refer back to this useful resource at any time.
Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Hong Kong Forum