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Location
Hong Kong's strategic location at the heart if the world's fastest growing economies along with its sophisticated infrastructure, easy accessibility, business-friendly environment, professional expertise and vibrant lifestyle converge to become what is recognized as Asia's premier destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.
Visa Regulations
Hong Kong has a liberal visa policy whereby visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods varying from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality.
For more information on visa requirements to Hong Kong, please refer to the website of Immigration Department HKSAR.
Language
Both Chinese and English are official languages in Hong Kong.
Time Difference
Hong Kong Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
Climate
Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with distinct seasons. June is hot and humid with an average temperature of 26-31C. However, the temperature can exceed 31C but high humidity levels can make it feel even hotter.
For more information on Hong Kong's climate, please refer to the website of the Hong Kong Observatory.
Currency and Exchange
The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the currency of Hong Kong.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at international airports, banks or currency exchange stores.
For approximate exchange rate, please refer to http://www.xe.com/currency/hkd-hong-kong-dollar?r=.
Taxes & Tipping
There is no sales tax in Hong Kong. The only tax you may be charged is 5% government tax on hotel rates. Most upscale hotels add this to a 10% service charge, making for a total surcharge of 15%.
Starting from April 1, 2015, all retail businesses in Hong Kong are required to charge a minimum levy of HKD 0.50 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers.
In general, tipping is at your discretion. While tipping is not mandatory in Hong Kong, a 10% service charge is usually billed in at restaurants.
Electricity
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts, but if not, you will need a transformer for any appliance. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. Please prepare the adaptor for your electrical equipment if necessary.
Smoking Regulations
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, karaoke, malls and bars in Hong Kong, and throughout the HKU Campus. The smoking ban also covers both indoor and outdoor areas of some premises such as public beaches and swimming pools. It also applies to public transport carriers and facilities. Furthermore, no person shall smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe in designated no smoking areas, or they shall be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
Emergency and Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999
For more information and other useful numbers, please refer to the website of Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Useful Links
Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Affairs Ministry in the HKSAR
