Language: The official languages in
Hong Kong are English and Cantonese. The other main language is Mandarin.
Currency: The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD); HK$1 is divided into 100 cents. Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. Banks and moneychangers charge commission as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed. Some
HSBC 'Electronic Money' machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and
MasterCard holders.
Time: Local time is GMT
+8.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The
UK-style 3-pin plugs are standard.
Communications: The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. The outgoing code depends on what network is used: 001 for PCCW, 0080 for
Hutchinson and 009 for New World. City codes within Hong Kong are not required. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Mobile phones can also be rented on arrival at the international airport. Internet cafes are widely available, and access is free at many coffee shops, shopping malls, MRT stations and public libraries in town.
Duty Free: Travelers to Hong Kong over the age of 18 years do not have to pay duty on 1 liter of spirits or wine, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. A reasonable amount of items for personal use is also permitted. Prohibited items include narcotics, psychotropic drugs, firearms and ammunition; counterfeit items, endangered species (alive or stuffed), and copyright infringed products.
Tourist OfficeHong
Kong Tourist Office: +852 2807 6543 or www.discoverhongkong.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 999.
Embassies
Chinese Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 328 2500.
Chinese Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.
Chinese Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 789 3434.
Chinese Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 4780.
Chinese Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.
Chinese Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 1707.
Chinese Embassy,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 1382.
United States Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2523 9011.
British Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2901 3000.
Canadian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2810 4321.
Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2827 8881.
South African Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2577 3279.
Honorary
Irish Consulate, Hong Kong: +852 2527 4897.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2525 5044.
