Welcome to Hong Kong

Language

Cantonese, the official Chinese language in Hong Kong, is spoken by most of the population. English is also an official language and widely understood being spoken by more than one-third of the population.

Currency / Methods of Payment

Legal tender is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Coins issued by the government, are bronze-colored for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; silver-colored for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10. Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10.

Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, Million Card, and JCB credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and stores. Travelers should be prepared to pay in cash when shopping in smaller shops and local noodle shops and eateries.

Bank

Major banks are open from 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday. They close on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and their branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere and some HSBC "Electronic Money" machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and travelers' cheques at the Express Cash ATMs in town.

Exchanging Money

Since the mid-1980s, the value of the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged at HK$7.8 to the US dollar, and consequent rates of exchange to other currencies. However, the market rate exchange to the US dollar fluctuates marginally. Banks and money changers charge commission. Similarly, commissions are payable in hotels and major retail outlets which provide exchange facilities for their customers. As elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and travelers' cheques are marginally different and coins are not exchangeable.

The display of net rates of exchange by money changers is a legal obligation. Visitors are advised to check them - and also the amount of any additional commission payable for the exchange of travelers' cheques - before handing over the money for exchange. Receipt notes must be issued by law. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong.

It is advisable to exchange your money at the airport or bank. Hotels in general do not offer very good exchange rates.

Electricity

Hong Kong uses 220V electricity supply. The standard socket is a UK-style square 3-pin type. If you plan to bring your own electrical appliances then depending on which country you are coming from, you may also need to bring a voltage converter and/or plug adaptor.

Drinking Water

Although many hotels claim that their tap water is potable, it is highly recommended that you drink bottled water only. Many hotels provide bottled water in the guestrooms and bottled water is also widely available at local shops and convenience stores.

Safety

Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city day or night. Police officers patrol frequently and they are very helpful. To ensure that your stay is a pleasant one and hassle free, please pay attention to the following points:

• Keep your money, valuables and travel documents in a safe place, like the hotel room safe.
• Attend to your belongings especially when you are in a crowded place.
• Beware of people making dubious offers and those who may try to distract you and take away your belongings, and
• Be wary of people offering gambling or investment opportunities.

Office Hours

Normal office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm on weekdays, and 9:00am-1:00pm on Saturdays.

Mobile Phones

Using your mobile phone in Hong Kong is convenient as most of the telephone systems used around the globe – like GSM 900, PCS 1800, CDMA and WCDMA – operate in Hong Kong.

Mobile operators in Hong Kong also have roaming agreements with most overseas operators enabling visitors to use their own mobile phone when they come to Hong Kong. Before leaving home check with your network provider to make sure they have a roaming service to the various destinations you will be visiting and be sure to check pricing.

Internet

Most hotels have a hook up to the internet right in the rooms so you will be free to go online as long as you have your laptop computer. Make sure to find out if there is a cost involved before using the internet access. You don't want a huge surprise bill at the end of your stay that you weren't expecting so be sure to ask them first. Please make sure you know the costs before using it.

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