Hong Kong SAR is a place of fascinating contrasts and experiences. It is considered to be one of the most modern Asian cities and amongst the world's busiest commercial, financial and manufacturing centres. It is also a gateway to China and boasts an extensive range of traditional culinary and cultural delights. It contains large areas of country parks that contribute to its unique character.

Population and Language

Hong Kong SAR has a population of almost 7 million, of which 95% are Chinese. The official languages are Cantonese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken local dialect and Putonghua is increasingly being used. Street signs, menus and tourist publications are bilingual.

Geography

Hong Kong SAR is a small territory of just 1,091 sq km, nestling on the southern coast of China. It is made up of Hong Kong Island (78 sq km), the Kowloon Peninsula (46 sq km) and the New Territories plus 260 outlying islands (967 sq km).

Climate

Hong Kong SAR has a subtropical climate. During November there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Short sleeves and light jackets are suitable at this time of the year but delegates may wish to bring a pullover (sweater) for use indoors when air-conditioning is operating.

Time Difference

Hong Kong SAR time is GMT plus 8 hours.

Food

Dining out is a gourmet's delight, an exciting adventure with a limitless choice of restaurants and dishes. There are more than 30,000 restaurants in Hong Kong SAR, providing visitors with an international eating experience. From the cuisine of regional China to spices of our Asian neighbours; from the classic dishes of continental Europe to the cuisine of North America. In Hong Kong SAR, seafood is a passion; only the best and the freshest is offered.

Shopping

Hong Kong SAR is the shopping window of the world. Its diversity will astonish the most seasoned shopper. It offers many choices - from fashion to furniture, antiques to jewellery and cameras to computers. The range of choice extends to the shopping environment. There are designer boutiques and street stalls, classic shopping malls and frenetic markets, modern art galleries and antique shops and most are open every day of the week. Nothing could be simpler than shopping in Hong Kong SAR.

Tipping

Most restaurants add 10% service charge automatically and waiters also expect to pick up loose change. Larger gratuities are expected when there is no service charge. Small tips are common for bellboys, doormen and cloak room attendants. Taxi drivers also expect to pick up small loose change up to, say, HK$5-$10.

Currency Exchange/Credit Cards

The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). It is pegged to the US$ at approximately HK$7.8 to US$1. Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be changed at banks, money-changers, hotels and major retail outlets. Banks usually offer the best exchange rate. The Hong Kong Dollar notes are available in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 denominations. Coins come in 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, $2, $5 and $10 denominations. All major credit cards are widely accepted. Check the cash prices which may be lower than the credit card price.

Office and Banking Hours

Most offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Major banks are open from 09:00 to 16:30 on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays.

Security

Delegates are advised to carry some identification with a photograph at all times. Care should be taken to avoid pickpockets in busy areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui and when riding the MTR or buses, but otherwise the Hong Kong SAR one of the safest cities in the world.

Electricity and Water

Local voltage is 220V at 50Hz. Adaptors can be easily bought, and most hotels have multi-voltage fitting for electric razors. All water direct from government main meets the World Health Organisation standards. Bottled water is widely available.

Public Transport

Hong Kong has some of the best public transport in the world. Hong Kong SAR is geographically compact with plentiful taxis day and night which are relatively inexpensive with meters clearly displayed. Excellent public transport in the form of buses, trams and the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is relatively cheap and frequent. The famous Star Ferry operates from Tsimshatsui to Central District and to Wanchai.

From Hong Kong SAR airport at Chek Lap Kok, you can reach the Central District by the Airport Express Line (AEL) in about 30 minutes. The air-conditioned airbus can also take you direct from the Airport terminal to convenient points including Tsimshatsui, Central and Wanchai, Causeway Bay, Taikoo Shing and Kowloon MTR Station, which are all close to most major hotels. The airbuses leave from the airport every 10 to 15 minutes. In-town airport check-in facilities are available at Hong Kong AEL Station and Kowloon AEL Station. Hotel shuttles run between major hotels and the Hong Kong and Kowloon MTR Stations. Please check with your hotel for more information.

Visa Information

Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong SAR for a short-term stay of 7days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest information. If you need a visa then you should apply well in advance of travel. For advice on individual cases, please address your enquiries to :

Any Chinese embassy or consulate

                             or

Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR
Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong SAR
Tel: (852) 2824 6111, Fax: (852) 2877 7711
Web site: www.info.gov.hk/immd/index.htm

For more information about visiting Hong Kong SAR, please also visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board website : http://www.DiscoverHongKong.com