Business Tips

Status :
Once a British territory, now a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong enjoys autonomy in its affairs, including trade, business and the economy.

Population :
6.97 million, 98% of whom are Chinese residents. English is widely spoken.

Accommodation :
Hong Kong's 88 world-class hotels with their 34,000 rooms are conveniently located for business people. You can reliably expect:

• quality service
• deluxe accommodation
• the lowest rates in the decade

Office Hours :
Including Government offices, are generally 9 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 9 am to 1 pm Saturdays. Most international firms are closed Saturdays.

Banking Hours :
9 am - 4:30 pm Mondays to Fridays, 9 am -12 noon Saturdays.

Currency :
The freely convertible Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar (HK$7.80 to US$1); but check around for the best exchange deal.

Service Charge :
Restaurants and hotels 10%, Government hotel tax 3%.

Electricity :
220 V, 50Hz.

Communications:
Advanced international telecommunications are widely available. Local telephone calls are free from business and residential lines and very cheap from street-side and in-store call boxes.

Weights and Measures :
Hong Kong uses the metric system.

Transport :
The ultra-modern Hong Kong International Airport, which opened in July 1998, includes the US$1.3 billion passenger terminal building, the world's largest, with rapid transport to Hong Kong Station in Central at HK$100, 23-minute ride by the Airport Express train. Tickets for the Airport Express are on sale at the HKCEC's Information Counters.

Airport tax is HK$120.

*Complimentary Service for HKCEC Airport Express Passengers
The HKCEC Airport Express Passengers can now enjoy an added privilege --- a free airport express shuttle bus from HKCEC to the Hong Kong Station. The bus stop is located at the HKCEC's Harbour Road Entrance.

An efficient public transport road, rail and ferry network handles over 10 million passenger trips each day. Plenty of choices - very affordable fares.

Visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board for more information.

Visit the Brand Hong Kong for information.