Time: Local time is GMT +8.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are standard.

Language: Cantonese and Mandarin are the main dialects spoken in Hong Kong. English is widely used although no longer the medium of instruction in local schools.

Health: There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong. Food and water are safe, although visitors should consider only drinking bottled water for the first few days of their stay. Take precautions against mosquito bites, as there is a risk of dengue fever. Hong Kong's health facilities are first class, but expect payment in cash. Medical insurance is advised. Cases of bird flu have been reported and although the risk for travellers is low, all close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but 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: Hong Kong is a safe travel destination although caution should always be exercised when travelling to a city. Walkers in Hong Kong's Country Parks have recently been targeted by robbers; it is advisable to stay on marked trails and not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards.

Business: Business in Hong Kong is conducted efficiently and formally and punctuality is important. It is advised to allow for sufficient travel time before meetings considering the high traffic congestion. Suits and ties are the norm and it is customary to exchange business cards (printed in English on one side and Cantonese on the other) at the start of a meeting, along with a firm handshake. Business cards should be given and received using both hands, with the Cantonese side facing the recipient, and should be treated with respect. It is common to greet the more senior or elder person first. Introductions are usually made using first name and surname, and most Hong Kong Chinese go by their English name. Business entertainment is usually in the form of a lunch or dinner that is hosted by the Chinese partner. Food is also usually ordered and paid for by the host. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5pm or later (weekdays) and some business also open between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.

Communications: The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Mobile phones can 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: For travellers to Hong Kong who are non-residents, the following items may be brought in duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of wine or spirits; and other items for personal use. Prohibited items include narcotics, psychotropic drugs, firearms and ammunition; counterfeit items, endangered species, and copyright infringed products.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com

11/29/06 by visitEarth
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