Transportation To / From the Airport Hong Kong International Airport is served by a highly efficient and comprehensive transportation network. The Airport Express is a dedicated airport railway line providing fast and reliable service operating daily from 0550 to 0115 hours at 12-minute intervals. The journey to or from downtown Hong Kong takes approximately 24 minutes. Franchised buses also provide speedy transport to different parts of Hong Kong. Other modes of transportation includes taxis. Tour coaches and hotel limousines. For details, please visit http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html Transportation Metered taxis, frequent bus, MTR (underground train) service provides fast, clean, air-conditioned transport in Kowloon and on the Island. Combine all this with famous ferries, trams, trains and local transportation in Hong Kong is both safe, easy and inexpensive. Entry Visa For most nationalities, visitors not intending to work require only a valid passport for short visits and no tourist visa is required. You may also check with the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government as to the need for visas prior to entry into Hong Kong. Address Immigration Department 2/F Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel (852) 2824 6111 Fax (852) 2877 7711 Website http://www.immd.gov.hk/index.html ^_Top Time Hong Kong time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Climate Hong Kong enjoys a generally sub-tropical climate. Daytime temperature May varies between 25 oC and 30 oC. There may be occasional rain. For more information, please visit the Hong Kong Observatory's website at http://www.hko.gov.hk/contente.htm Language Chinese and English are the official language in Hong Kong. All road signs, menus and tourist publications are bilingual. Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect widely spoken here while Putonghua has become more popular here nowadays. Population The estimated population of Hong Kong is 7 million. Almost 98% is Chinese. Currency The currency unit is Hong Kong Dollars (HK$). It is pledged with to the US Dollars at a rate of HK$7.8 to US$1, with narrow fluctuation. Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques are easily exchanged in banks, hotels or money changes. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants throughout Hong Kong. Electricity 220 Volts, and the frequency is 50 cycles (Hz). Three-rectangular pin plugs are the norm. Mobile Phone GSM, PCS, CDMA, TDMA Safety and Security Hong Kong is generally considered a very safe city both during the day and at night . As everywhere, however, protect yourself from pickpockets and carry as little cash and valuables as possible. Use a hotel safe-deposit box to store valuables. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPC) has stations and reporting centres throughout the territory. ^_Top Identification Visitors are advised to carry some photo identification, such as a passport or driving license. Health Your temperature may be taken when you pass through immigration upon arrival. Vaccination certificates are usually not required. However, as in other cities, health regulations are liable to change at short notice and it is always advisable to check current health regulations with carriers when making reservations. Visitor in transit through HK should also check health regulations for subsequent destinations to ensure that all necessary valid certificates have been obtained. Tipping Most restaurants add a 10% service charge and also expect to keep the change. Where tipping is voluntary, 10% is fine. Taxi drivers, bellboys, restroom attendants and doormen are also often tipped if the service is good. If you are interested in knowing more about Hong Kong, please visit http://www.DiscoverHongKong.com Disclaimer: All information provided in this sections is considered to be accurate and correct at the date of print. We cannot be held responsible should the information change between the date of print and the date of your arrival in Hong Kong ^_Top