Travelling Tips

Background:

Once a British colony, now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong enjoys autonomy in its affairs, including trade, business and the economy.

Population:

More than 7 million, 98% of whom are Chinese residents.

Official Languages:

Cantonese, English, Mandarin

Accommodation:

Hong Kong's over 100 world-class hotels with their 50,000 rooms are conveniently located for business people. You can reliably expect:

• quality service
• deluxe accommodation
• reasonable rates

Office Hours:

Offices are generally 9 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 9 am to 1 pm Saturdays. Government departments and most international firms are closed on 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.

Hong Kong has a highly developed transportation system, public transport including Mass Transit Railway (MTR), buses, railways and ferries handle over 10 million passenger trips each day with affordable fares. The Octopus card, a stored value smart card payment system, can be used to pay for fares on almost all railways, buses and ferries, and also for parking and purchases at convenience stores, supermarkets, and fastfood restaurants.

*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.

Click the following links to explore more about Hong Kong.

Visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board for more information.

Visit the official website of Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong

Visit the Brand Hong Kong for information.