| Q: |
When
is the best time to see Hong Kong? |
| A: |
Hong Kong is an
all-year-round destination, although the most
popular time to visit is from the middle of
September to the end of February, when the
weather is cooler. At its coolest (mid-December
to February), the temperature averages
59°F/17°C; at its warmest (late May to
mid-September), it averages 82°F /23°C but may
reach 91°F/26°C. |
|
|
| Q: |
Do I need a
visa to visit Hong Kong? |
| A: |
Visitors from
most countries can enter Hong Kong without a
visa for periods of 7 days to 6 months,
depending on nationality. |
|
|
| Q: |
What
vaccinations should I have? |
| A: |
Normally, no
vaccinations are required by the Hong Kong
authorities. However, visitors should check with
their travel agent when making reservations, as
health regulations may change without
notice. |
|
|
| Q: |
Where is the
best area to stay? |
| A: |
Hong Kong is
compact, so visitors are never too far from
shopping and major sights. Also, Hong Kong has
an excellent transportation system so visitors
can easily reach other areas, no matter where
they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart
of the city, such as in Central, Wan Chai and
Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha
Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There is
also a growing number of resort-style hotels in
the New Territories which offer relaxing
alternatives. |
|
|
| Q: |
How much is the
airport tax on departure from Hong
Kong? |
| A: |
Along with most
Asian destinations, Hong Kong charges an airport
tax. Here, it is HK$80 (about US$10.26) for
travellers aged 12 years and older. |
|
|
| Q: |
Will I be
expected to pay tips? |
| A: |
Most
restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service
charge, but will expect to be given some loose
change. Restaurants that don't add a service
charge will expect a 10 per cent tip. However,
the tipping is left to your discretion.
Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi
drivers will happily accept loose
change. |
|
|
| Q: |
Will I be able
to use my electrical equipment in Hong
Kong? |
| A: |
Voltage in Hong
Kong is 220 volts, so a transformer will be
needed to operate 100-volt appliances. Most
major hotels provide hair dryers and other
amenities. |
|
|
| Q: |
What can one
expect to eat and drink in Hong
Kong? |
| A: |
To enjoy
Chinese dining at its best, visitors may want to
become acquainted with provincial Chinese
cuisines by reading up on them before arriving
in Hong Kong. Some of the dishes will be
familiar and some won't. When in doubt about
what to order, ask the waiter for
recommendations. In addition to Chinese
restaurants, there is a great variety of Asian
and Western dining available. Both Asian and
Western beverages are widely served; tap water
is purified. |
|
|
| Q: |
Is Hong Kong
safe for the visitor? |
| A: |
Yes, Hong Kong
is one of the safest cities in the world even at
night, when people may walk alone with
confidence. |
|
|
| Q: |
Is English
widely spoken? |
| A: |
Very widely
spoken. There will be no problems in
communicating with people in most hotels,
restaurants and even some taxis. |
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